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Leaning into lockdown extension

The announcement came on Wednesday afternoon; lockdown until 3rd May. And after that? We will find out next Wednesday.

I'm a bit late in offering online classes. I think that there was more enthusiasm to follow these in the initial weeks of lockdown, when everything was feeling a bit more novel and everyone was figuring out how they wanted to live their confinement experience. Now, 5 weeks in, a routine has set in, with less spontaneity and increasing disappointment. Unfortunately, I took a few weeks to catch up, being ill at the start, and so here I am with my ideas and enthusiasm!

I hesitated before planning these classes. Maybe we would have our normal classes again in a couple of weeks anyway. Was the hassle worth it? What if people didn't sign up? How would I take that? With all these big names and top-level pole dancers offering online classes, what can I offer of interest? Weighing up the options, I felt it was worth a try. My philosophy is to try to see an opportunity for new experiences when faced with a difficult situation.

What is different about these classes? I have worked on creating choreography and combos that are not technically or dangerously difficult, but that are interesting and fun. The aim is to reach a variety of levels, offering something that is accessible and not too complicated to teach by instruction alone. Experimenting and building these sequences has pushed me to work on the dance aspect of pole choreography, enriching my own practice. I believe that this is a real opportunity to revisit the often neglected, but nonetheless beautiful, basics!

Once I had planned and prepared the classes, I needed students! Promoting the classes was a bit of trial and error :-). I'm trying to learn how to use social media for promotion, but it doesn't come naturally. It took me a few days to realise that I could set up events on Facebook that could be shared :-). I'm all open to tips and ideas!

So why take a class with me? I'm not the best pole dancer. I'm not a top level pole dancer. Some of my students have almost my level. I don't pretend to be anything that I'm not. I'm still learning and I know my strengths and my weaknesses. But, I am a very positive person and I genuinely want to help my students. I have a good eye for spotting what's not right and correcting technique. I have discovered a real passion and enthusiasm to promote this sport and be a part of the community. I am committed to developing my teaching skills and knowledge and have been taking various courses to help with this.

Starting today, I have a class planned every day this week. It's the most I can manage, considering the preparation and also the fact that I am giving these classes from home. I am motivated and ready for the challenge. And eternally grateful to the lovely students who have put their trust in me and signed up!

Here's the start of my class choreography of this morning <3

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