“Don’t quit — you’ll come out the other side stronger and even learn to love what challenged you in the past.”
Miss July 2016: Julia
Occupation: Product Manager
Your motto or favorite quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because people who mind don’t matter, and people who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss
How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? I took 101 Mid Nov 2013 so a little over 2.5 years now.
Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? I have always been active, but I have never danced beyond my living room or a night out with friends.
What made you decide to take pole dancing classes? A friend of mine found a Groupon and had been thinking of taking 101. Climbing and flipping around a pole sounded like fun, so I joined her. We both fell in love after the first class.
Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why? I love being upside down. Inversions class feels like home. But I’m stretching myself to get in touch with dance this year. I just finished the Basic Boudoir Series after years of just inverting, and I’m really looking forward to continuing that journey.
What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? I don’t even know where to start with this question, everything! The women and teachers make every day brighter. Every student finds that thing she excels at. Whether it is tricks, spins, or dance, we all find something that makes us feel strong and empowered. And what’s really special is watching others dance. The person who is quiet for most of class can get on the dance floor, let everything go, and transform. Divine is truly a place where you can stop worrying about what people think of you or who you think you’re supposed to be.
Platforms or legwarmers? I’d have to say legwarmers in the studio, but at home I’ll pull out the heels.
What are you currently working on technically? Right now I’m working towards my Iron-X and Phoenix.
What are you working on artistically? I would love to embrace dance like I can at home. Getting out of my head while others are watching is still a challenge for me. It’s my 2016 goal to push myself in order to let go of that.
What is your favorite move? Either a layback (it’s simply beautiful) or a handspring (because of the power).
What is in your pole bag? Grip aid, food (when I remember), extra clothing, my Divine journal, and a wrist cover.
Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to? I can’t say I do. I just started boudoir, so I feel like I’m just learning what music my body likes to move to, which I’m kind of loving at the moment. Thank you to all the teachers and their Spotify playlists – we appreciate it more than you know!
We LOVE music at Divine. What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life?
1. What I Got by Sublime
2. Fragile by Tech N9ne
3. Instant Pleasure by Rufus Wainwrite
Guilty pleasure: Nutella calzone pizza
Any inspirational advice you would like to share with new polers? Find what you love about pole, but also push yourself to explore the hard stuff. Dance has not come easy to me, but the women at Divine have always been there to help me through it. Every day it gets a little easier. There are hundreds of women in our community who have pushed through the frustration of learning a move that doesn’t come naturally at first and can relate. Don’t quit–you’ll come out the other side stronger and even learn to love what challenged you in the past.
