"The energy that is fostered in this studio by everyone that walks through the door is so full of genuine love, support, and appreciation for each woman and her body. It is truly beautiful to see and experience."
Miss November 2018: Rigney
Occupation: Graduate student in molecular biology
Your motto or favorite quote: Some days I am more wolf than woman and I am still learning how to stop apologizing for my wild. –Nikita Gill
How long have you been pole dancing at Divine? 3 years!
Did you have any previous dance or fitness training before starting pole? I was an apprentice with an aerial silks company or about a year in college, and we performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. It was very challenging but so beautiful, and so much fun!
What made you decide to take pole dancing classes? I missed how stimulating and beautiful aerial silks made me feel, and I had serendipitously met Jenna Z IRL and she introduced me to Divine. I really owe my dive into pole dancing to her <3
Favorite class? (spins, inversions, or boudoir), and why? I’m currently in love with inversions, as it requires me to be present and to concentrate (so I don’t fall off the pole!). What I love about all classes at Divine is when you’re inside the studio, everything outside those four walls disappears for a little while.
What is it that you LOVE about pole dancing at Divine? What I love most about Divine is YOU! The energy that is fostered in this studio by everyone that walks through the door is so full of genuine love, support, and appreciation for each woman and her body. It is truly beautiful to see and experience.
Platforms or legwarmers? Definitely legwarmers
What are you currently working on technically? I am working on getting flatline to feel better in my body, but as with previous nemesis moves- this too shall pass.
What are you working on artistically? Artistically, I am working on exploring different shapes and levels, and slowing down movements. I see slow movements on other women and it is so gorgeous… the anticipation!!
What is your favorite move? I love caterpillar and butterfly
What is in your pole bag (ex: grip aid, journal, etc)? Very minimal- dry hands grip aid, legwarmers, cozy leggings, and a water bottle (that I constantly lose)
Do you have a favorite song to pole dance to? It’s so hard to pick one! I’ve been very into creepy music lately, so anything by Chase Holfelder or anything on Christina’s Earth Magic playlist;)
We LOVE music at Divine. What 3 songs would be featured on the soundtrack to YOUR life, and why?
-“Do you wanna build a snowman” from Frozen-My sister and I call each other Elsa and Anna and we basically are them
-“Defying Gravity” from Wicked- all the chills even for the 100th time playing this song!
-“One Time” from Marian Hill- they’re the first artists I remember dancing to at Divine, and they are great live!
Guilty pleasure: Goldfish crackers- I’ve been known to finish off the Costco-sized box in a week…!
Final Question: Any inspirational advice you would like to share with new polers? Don’t measure your pole journey (or anything, really) to anyone else. You are a magical unicorn warrior queen. Give yourself space and love to make your own way, wherever that may take you. Trust in yourself. Let go of your expectations, and watch yourself grow both physically (hello, shoulders!) and emotionally. And most importantly, do what makes YOUR body feel amazing!
