My name is Diane and I have been a student at Pole by Patricia for 6 months; I go to class five to six days a week. The instructors are amazing because they are very patient and break down every move. The students are supportive of one another and make everyone (especially newcomers) feel comfortable. It’s not just dancing: it’s a great workout that builds confidence and strength.
POLE BY PATRICIA Student of the Month
My name is Shannon and I have been a student at Pole by Patricia for a little over a year now. I am 31 years old, I have a full time job in a Human Resource Department, I am a full time student at University of Phoenix and a full time wife and mother. Patricia and her wonderful instructors have given so much back to me that I thought I lost after I had my daughter two years ago. Not only did I lose the baby weight that I struggled to shed, but I found a sense of confidence and strength I never had before. Everyone there, instructors and students, are like family to me and I don't know what I would do without them.
November 2010 - HEATHER SING
My name is Diana and I have only been dancing at Pole by Patricia for a month now. I love the studio, and everyone has been very welcoming. I am a Registered Nurse, 27 years old, and a part time student. In March 2009, I had Gastric bypass surgery, and have lost 120 lbs since (yay me). I feel that pole dancing is a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time. Although it is challenging, seeing the other students do all the fancy tricks motivates me to try harder and get stronger. I can’t wait to be poling like a pro!
My name is Danica and I have been a student at Pole by Patricia's for a couple of months. I am 30 years old and have always tried to find a way to stay active, but lately have been very bored at the gym. I joined a bunch of girls for a pole dancing party, and became hooked. Pole dancing is a total body workout, and the best part is I look forward to it, as opposed to getting on a treadmill. Classes are so much fun, and at the end you can feel the work you put into it! The teachers and students are all so encouraging, helpful and motivating! I am so thankful that I found Pole by Patricia, and a new way to exercise that is fun, sexy and rewarding!
When I turned 30 I weighed 268 lbs carrying all the evidence of a life lived without balance. And reflecting on it now it was all the things that just sneak up on you -- stress, working 12 hour days 6 days a week, eating the wrong foods, fa...mily concerns, not exercising, Work, Work, and more Work basically and generically up-happy. Until one day you are like wholly crap "I am miserable" and life should not be that way or what I allowed myself to become. So I worked to change it one day at a time one step at a time. I will never forget the first day I went to my aerobics classes and looking at myself in the mirror feeling so disgusting think "how in the hell did I allow myself to feel like this". Is it ever o.k. for anyone of their journey of life to allow themselves to feel so uncomfortable in their skin? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!! It has been three years and I look at old pictures and I don't even recognize myself, not just in my looks but in my purpose.
After letting go of so much weight I wanted to get to a place where I empowered myself that I feel strong in the kind of woman I see myself being: confident, self assured, inspired by myself, and feeling great in my body. Now don't get me wrong pole dancing as turned into one of the best and unexpectedly hardest muscle toning workouts I have ever done. But for me the purpose of this experience has been self discovery and growth, letting going of my shyness, getting to know me in a whole new way. And honestly, redefining yourself in such a different way is not easy. I remember my first Friday night beginners class I was like "what am I doing here? I cant do this! I look ridiculous!". But I have to give Patricia all the credit here, if it was not for her I do not think I would have lasted as long as I have. It is because of her absolutely genuine unconditional open armed acceptance that while going outside of my comfort zone; she has created a safe environment me to stick with it. Everybody always talks about the great workout this is and it is....but it also so much more. So I have to say, "Thank you Patricia!", for helping to change my life, helping me to become better, helping me grow.
