Asia is one of Aradia Fitness’ newer instructors! We are so happy to have her on board. We’ve asked her a few questions about her pole journey! Enjoy!
When did you start pole dancing?
A: I started pole dancing almost 2 years ago, in August 2015.
Why did you decide to start taking pole dancing classes with us?
A: I decided to start pole dancing because of a fortune teller. I had gone to the fringe festival with my family, and I had been feeling very low and run down. I felt as though I had lost my spark. I decided to get a card reading done, on the off chance that some stranger may have a brilliant insight on what I should do with my life. I was so upset when this woman told me that I needed to start pole dance! I paid a stranger $45 just for that?! Needless to say, I signed up shortly after (just on the off chance that this stranger was right), and I was hooked!
Once you started pole dancing, what kept your interest to continue?
A: The community of people played a large part in what kept me and still keeps me interested. I had finally found a group of like-minded people where I can be myself…. without censorship! I always look forward to going to classes, whether I am the teacher or the student because I know that I will find joy and support there. Pole also keeps me interested because there is ALWAYS a challenge. No matter how much I have learned, there is always something new to work on.
What do you do outside of instructing pole classes? Hobbies/Interests/Work?
A: Outside of pole, I am pursuing my Masters in Psychology. During the day, I stay at home with my two little girls, ages 5.5 and 3. I love paining and knitting. I play the piano and am currently learning to play the violin alongside my daughter.
What is your faveourite pole move?
A: Currently my faveourite pole move is the allegra. It took me a really long time to get that move, and everytime I get into it I get a rush! Makes me feel like I can do anything!
Do you follow any pole stars or inspirations? If so, who inspires you the most in your 
pole journey, and why?
A: I think I follow all the pole stars that are on social media! I love watching their videos and getting new ideas! However, the people who have inspired me the most are the instructors and students at Aradia. The instructors amaze me with their strength and commitment to the pole community. My first pole teacher has been my main inspiration. She has supported me through my pole journey from day one. She inspires me with her strength, creativity, and passion. The students at Aradia never fail to inspire me with their drive and determination. I watch them support one another in each and every class.
What are your must haves for pole?:
A: My absolute must haves for pole are booty shorts, grip, knee pads, and a good bra that keeps the girls in when I invert 🙂
What are your faveourite things about being an instructor?:
A: I have so many faveourite things about being an instructor! One of my faveourite things is that I am in a position to be a determining factor in helping others increase their self-esteem and self-efficacy. I love it when women really start to embrace themselves and their bodies for what they can do, and stop obsessing over how they look. I love it when a student “knows” they can’t do something, but with some conditioning and practice, they surprise themselves with being able to do it! That translates in to real life! All of a sudden, many things that were once impossible become possible. I also love it when a student inverts for the first time: for many, this is a very magical moment, and I love being a part of it! Pole can really push you out of your comfort zone, and while that can be daunting, it’s also where change happens.
If you could be a teacher to yourself as a new student, what do you wish you could have told yourself as a brand new Pole 101 student?
A: My instructors told me exactly what I needed to hear as a Pole 101 student. When I had a bad pole day, I was told to give up the phrase “I can’t,” and replace it with “not now” or “It will come.” That really helped me a lot! My instructor also always reminded me that pole is not a race. My pole timeline is my own, and it will be different from everyone else’s timeline. Don’t rush. Enjoy the process. Relish in the challenge, and it will come 🙂
Author(s)
[author_box layout=”centered” show_title=”false”]
Related Posts
Acknowledgement to Exotic Dancers; those who came before us
Did you know that pole dancing has a long history intimately entwined with BIPOC sex workers, strippers, and exotic dancers? Without the experiences and hard work of BIPOC sex workers,…