Oh, how I’ve missed you all!!

It’s been just over a month since I took a step away from this blog. A lot has happened since then, but every day I am still getting emails from readers and they remind me how much I miss writing and posting here, and strengthen my resolve to come back.  So, here I am… : ) I won’t be posting every day, but I will definitely be posting at least once a week : )

I wanted to post this– a sort of housekeeping/update entry of sorts– before I get back to posting real material. Because there’s just so much that has gone on!

For starters, the Flight Club Showcase was OFF THE CHAIN. So much talent in one room! We’re still waiting for official video, I can’t wait to share it with you. And we’re planning another showcase for January!!

The thing that’s made me the busiest this summer–I’m sure most of you know, but I’ve been travelling all over the country to reach out and connect with students everywhere and teach some really fun workshops. Just recently, I was in California teaching at Poletential and I was invited to perform as well. I have been filming myself for a looong time as a learning tool and to track my own progress, and while a performance is never perfect, I was really happy with what I am seeing in myself in terms of growth and style over time. I never had any dance training at all, and was never athletic, so to see what changes have happened in my life as a result of pole is something that I never tire of sharing with people. It’s just such a fantastic way to impact your life for the better! And the artist who’s song I used for my piece, shared the performance with his fans…. I couldn’t believe it! It’s proof that we are changing the minds of the world one step at a time. My personal belief is that even if pole dance is sensual, even if it is provocative and edgy, it can still be beautiful, athletic, individual expression and you don’t necessarily have to change what you do or how you dance for people to see the skill, passion, and artistry in it. If you’d like to see a video of the piece, it’s on my Youtube channel here.

[Side note: I have workshops in Dallas TX, Ontario, and Memphis TN coming up in September, with more planned in the months to come! You can find out where I'll be and sign up for classes via this link here: Workshop schedule. I've tried to work with studios to keep prices really reasonable and create workshops based on the questions and requests that I've received through the blog, so if you're nearby I hope you'll try taking one! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!]

I’m so happy for all the growth and community that I’ve seen around me lately. I see so many people sharing thoughts and encouraging each other, starting their own personal pole blogs with inspiring tales of their own trials, tribulations, and learning. All the awesome new tricks and combos that people are inventing. I’ve seen Flight Clubs spring up in towns across the country. Friends that I respect immensely, who are part of creative projects that have international, and very wide-spread reach. Showcases and competitions that give dancers an opportunity to be proud of what they’ve learned and how far they have come. As I write this, hundreds are flying to Pole Art and the North American Pole Championship and I am excited for them and I can almost feeeeel the buzz in the air, the creativity and energy swirling! This is such a great time to be a pole dancer. Imagine, 10 years from now, when pole dancing becomes so popular that it is funny to think back on what we went through during this time. Can’t you feel the change growing?

And in my personal life, I’ve realized that sometimes all you need to do is ask the world for opportunities, space, or room to pursue your goals… and sometimes, if you have the right building blocks in place, entire doors can open for you. I went to the owner of my company and asked him for a four-day workweek, so I can pursue other things on the long weekend– dedicate more time to upcoming school classes, schedule longer trips for workshop travel, give more of my time and energy to the things that I am becoming more and more passionate about… and he said yes. All I needed to do was ask. It wasn’t a fight, a discussion, an argument, or wheedling– I literally asked, and he just said yes. I was in shock, and elated, and felt so much lighter and happier. And I STILL have health insurance! Phew : )

It’s not realistic to think that all the puzzle pieces of life will always fall into the right spots at the right times. Sometimes it feels like I’m struggling to fit something somewhere and I realize that it’s just not time yet, the circumstances aren’t quite right just yet. That maybe another piece will fit there better. But I have faith that one day I’ll step back and see this entire picture coming together.

I’m excited to share with you guys again, and to be posting here again. I’m ready to be back, I hope some of you are still out there reading!