The Hardest Part Is Saying Yes: Getting Started With Pole Dance and Aerial Arts

The most common reason prospective students don’t start their pole dance or aerial arts journey is because they’re afraid it will be “too hard.” 

There’s often this perceived level of intimidation that prevents people from exploring a new passion. A fear of “not having what it takes,” or a fear of what other people are going to think. So when someone asks us if what we do is hard, our #1 answer is always this: the hardest part is saying yes and walking through the door. 

Of course, learning a new skill, joining a new community, and putting yourself out there can be scary at first! You’re not just saying yes to a single class—you’re saying yes to an ongoing investment and commitment in yourself. And that takes a lot of guts! 

But what’s even scarier than all of that is staying home and always wondering, “what if?” 

Anything that’s worth it takes hard work and dedication, and the aerial arts are no exception. There’s no doubt that every aerial apparatus presents a unique set of challenges that requires discipline, practice, and a desire for mastery. 

But once you complete your first series, you’ll know if the energy and excitement is there…and you’ll know if it’s right for you. 

You don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be willing to learn.

If you’ve been thinking about getting started but are still on the fence, here are a few things that happen in your first pole dance, lyra, or aerial fabrics introduction series (and you’d be missing out on them if you don’t give it a shot): 

1. You meet people in the same boat as you.
   Everyone in your intro series is also just getting started! You’re never alone in your aerial journey, and that sense of camaraderie and solidarity makes coming to class every week even more rewarding, because you’re all learning and growing together. Even on tougher days, that encouragement is all you need to push through.
   
   

2. You get inspired.
   The aerial arts community creates a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that encourages you to be yourself. Not only will you learn from your instructor, a highly skilled aerialist, but you’ll see others working on their artistry and get inspired to find your own movement and style.
   
   

3. You’re cheered on every step of the way.
   It doesn’t matter if you’ve been doing it for weeks or for years. Whether it’s your instructor or your classmate, everyone wants to see you succeed, and every foundational milestone is celebrated. You only get to do your first climb once, after all!
   
   

4. You leave with a sense of accomplishment.
   Everyone is a beginner at some point. But you said yes and completed your first intro series, and now your skills can only build from here.
   
   

5. You discover surprising things your body can do!
   It’s easy to think “there’s no way I can do that,” when someone is showing you a new trick or movement for the first time. But with the help of a highly-trained instructor and an understanding of the anatomy of your apparatus, you’ll be surprised at the incredible things your body (yes, YOUR body!) is capable of doing when you trust it. 

Remember—it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. You won’t perfect every new skill, trick, or movement immediately. Each series will offer you challenges to overcome. And many of them take weeks, months, and even years to master. But if you don’t take that first step through the door, you’ll never be able to start! 

So the hardest part? Saying yes. 

The rest will come naturally (with dedication and practice, of course).

If you’re interested in starting your own journey in the aerial arts, check out our programs in Youth Aerial, Adult Pole Dance, and Adult Aerial!