“you can choose not to observe your wounds and cracks with any sort of regret, but instead decorate them with gold.”
Miss May 2017: Malvika
Occupation: Sourcing Engineer at Microsoft
Your motto or favorite quote: This quote by Victor Frankl from Man’s Search for Meaning: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? It’s been three wonderful years.
Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? I have been a dancer pretty much my whole life. I have trained in Indian classical, Bollywood, modern, hip-hop and belly dancing.
What made you decide to take pole dancing classes? I had lost a lot of weight by the end of 2013 but I didn’t feel very strong or healthy. I realized I wanted a work out that would nourish my body and soul because going to the gym and lifting weights was sucking all the life forces out of me. I didn’t want my health to be measured in pounds and how much fat I could see on my body. I wanted my fitness to become a part of my life that I enjoyed and it was more focused on the way I felt than the way I looked. Pole seemed like the perfect way to strengthen my muscles while doing my favorite thing in the whole world – dancing!
Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why? This is really hard but I will have to say inversions. There is just something so liberating about hanging upside down, making beautiful shapes, and engaging every part of your body with intention. Inversions classes have taught me the value of perseverance, patience, building the right foundation, and that strength without the right mental intention/readiness will only take you so far. It’s been a great source of confidence and mental and physical growth for me.
What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? If you watch closely, you can see everyone’s soul reflect in their dances. I have met some of my best friends at the studio. We felt close even before we hung out outside of the studio. I realized this is because you can learn a lot about someone in the way they move, and how their dance shows their feelings, their vulnerabilities, and their strengths. It is an honor to get to know someone so deeply. I cherish this so much and have started to want to know everyone in life that way…from the inside out!
Platforms or legwarmers? Both, but not together
What are you currently working on technically? In early February, I was working on handsprings and Janeiro. Now, after a hiatus, I am working on building back my core strength and flexibility. Sooo, a lot of shoulder mounts.
What are you working on artistically? Letting my body find its movement, slowly (since slowing down has always been really hard for me).
What is your favorite move? The Flying Angel in spins; Marley in inversions.
What is in your pole bag (ex: grip aid, journal, etc)? Grip aid, water, leg warmers, 3 different kinds of snacks and body spray.
Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to? Honestly, anything by The Weeknd or Rihanna always helps me find my mojo. “Skin” by Rihanna is probably my all time favorite!
We LOVE music at Divine. What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life, and why?
1. Scars to Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara: Recent events in my life have taught me that you can choose not to observe your wounds and cracks with any sort of regret, but instead decorate them with gold. Highlight that you are better than new and understand you’re more beautiful for having been broken.
2. Run the World (Girls) by Beyonce: Because women do…
3. Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira: Because my hips don’t 😉
Guilty pleasure: Food wise – cake. Music wise – anything sultry. Other – frequent massages.
Final Question:
Any inspirational advice you would like to share with new polers?
Ladies, Divine is a place where you can let it all go or let it all in. It is a place where you will mentally and physically achieve things you never thought were possible – things that will help you grow in so many ways. Just give yourself the freedom and permission to be present in class and feel the magic unfold before you!
