Pole Prowess: Empowerment Through Sensual Movement

“Tell me your name, pronouns, and anything that’s going on with your body today.” The instructor begins, tacking on a question of the day.

This practice and sameness at the start of each class grounds me, bringing me into my body and preparing my mind to solely focus on sweat, bruises, and cheering on the successes of me and my classmates as we learn together. Studio K in Bremerton, a pole dancing studio, opened in May of 2023. 

Studio K started when co-founders Kim and Ryleigh found there was no outlet for pole dance in the local area. They deeply missed the unique sense of camaraderie, badass-ery, and instruction offered in the setting. Together they decided to open Studio K Pole to create a welcoming space for pole dancers to start or continue their journey (description provided by Ryleigh).

As a student for the past few months, I can say that they succeeded. I’ve tried pole classes on various occasions and it never stuck. The distance was too far, the studio inconveniently located, the hours too early. But my local studio was brought to my attention by a fellow student during a haircut, and so began my journey. 

Studio K caters to all levels of pole pupils, including my own fumbling around while I built confidence and coordination. The student showcase held this past October was a premium example of this: 12 acts, varying levels, student and instructor performances. It displayed the athleticism and musicality of the performers. It gave me a glimpse—a hope—of what I could become.

While trying to pinpoint the names of moves and cheering on classmates, I was enraptured by the fact that these were not only performers, but people in my community. This was my community. As a serial hobbyist and serious homebody, finding something that gets me out of the house, moving my body, and leaving happier than when I came in, is a freaking miracle. 

Studio K entrance / The Evergreen Echo

With the performers ranging in experience levels of over a decade to just a few months, it was clear that they all had a reason for taking the stage (or pole). The room was filled with expressions of humor, enthusiastic first-time-ever performing, the desire to reconnect with their body or long time beloved hobby, letting go, having a good time, and expressing a growth journey. It was clear the mission was a success. Empowering, welcoming, badass camaraderie. Check, check, and check!

The performances opened with the instructors performing to a “Paint It, Black” cover. They led the way by showing off some of their best tricks, spotlighting their individual styles, and what they contributed to the classes they taught.

The second act was a choreographed piece put together to the song “I Put a Spell On You” by Austin Giorgio, the performer casting a spell with the clack of heels. We also enjoyed another choreographed piece for the song "Make Me Feel" by Elvis Drew, by an instructor in training. With an emphasis on flow and connection to the music, I’ve since taken some of her classes and the lessons geared towards transitional movements really highlight the equal importance of the moves in between big tricks. 

Some of the performers highlighted the versatility of pole, like how it could be humorous and influenced by other forms of media such as movies or shows. This was most evident when “Nasty” by Tinashe started playing, and dressed as Lord Farquad, one performer reveled in the combination of heels, striptease, and the artful use of props. 

Another performer showed off their moves in their first ever performance to "Poison", from the animated series Hazbin Hotel; played with heels, makeup, and confidence, it was hard to believe that this was their first time. Marcy Burnout, the current reigning Mx. Gothic Seattle, closed us out with a piece about letting go of their worries and having a good time. Quite a few of the performers exhibited this mindset, including a performer who expressed a growing confidence in all of her no-rhythm movement (this was negated) and made us smile to “Careless Whisper” by George Michael and Wham! She crawled out of the performance and into our hearts.

In a more interactive piece, reminding us of the seductive nature of pole, the Empress of Darkness tempted us to the dark side to the tune of “Devil Woman" by Cliff Richard. In orange lighting, baffling (to me) tricks, inversions, and musicality, she beckoned us to her dark side. Later, in a sultry siren’s first ever dance performance to the song “Rusalka, Rusalka” by her favorite band, The Decemberists, beckoning hands lured us from the dark side and into the water. Both performers connected with the audience as much as they did the poles and the music that inspired their pieces.

Also inspired by the themes of their song choices, a few of the acts showcased the soft and lyrical side of pole. Slow and controlled in dreamy blue light was a whimsical dance proving that floorwork was also important. Another performance, to “Heartbeat” by Isabel LaRosa, celebrated the strength, decadence, and playfulness the dancer had rediscovered within herself. The strength was evident as purple and red lighting highlighted the control in movement. Similarly, floating from pole to pole in a jaw dropping display to “Blossom” by Kerli, the following performer expressed her growing journey and finding herself. She was flexible, with impressive musicality, and [checks notes] fucking awesome. 

In between performances, the poles were cleaned and the best song of all played: skin sliding along metal. A sound that would make a regular person wince, but for me, the bruises (or “pole kisses”) were well worth it. I was inspired, in awe, and yes, empowered. If people just like me could do this, then maybe so could I, next year (or maybe the year after). 

Additionally, as we’re taught in the Intro the Pole class, we have strippers to thank for the amazing sport. Strippers came up with the moves, and we honor them by embracing our bodies, sensuality, and the pole. I’m already looking forward to my next class, even though my body is sore as I type.