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To read this week’s column where I make an attempt at pole dancing go here. To visit The Goddess Academy site go here. To see brilliant photos taken by Cottonsox Photography go here. (Obviously I am in none of these pictures–I was the one tangled in tears on the floor.)

That ought to keep you busy for at least an hour. Enjoy!

My personal life makes my head hurt. Lately, I am left feeling stuck and unappreciated. I needed something to boost my self-confidence. Which, thanks to a crappy couple of weeks, is now in the crapper. Without it, I don’t foresee finding a healthy relationship.

My mission to achieve stronger self-confidence led me to The Goddess Academy where founder Nicole promises to help women achieve self-esteem through tapping into their inner goddess. Bingo. It sounded like just what I needed to get out of my pity party slump.

I perused the website trying to find where I should start. The Academy offers a variety of workshops and classes to choose from. After reading each class description I opted for the pole dancing series. It sounded fun and if nothing else an excellent workout. I thought it best to leave the ‘Making Love to Your Man’ series until I actually had a man. All the classes sounded intriguing and once the pole series is over I’ll definitely move onto the next– if I can still walk.

I talked a friend into taking the class with me. Nicole was nice enough to invite us to watch a special advanced class with a special guest: Jenyne, an award winning pole dancer from Las Vegas. She was an amazing performer, and by watching her I saw the beauty involved in pole dancing. It’s not just about dancing in a seedy strip club; it’s an art form that requires an amazing amount of endurance and muscle strength.

Watching Jenyne and Nicole dance left me absolutely terrified. I’m a klutz and have never been athletic. I couldn’t help but think that I got myself in way over my head. It was going to be a challenge to stay on the pole and off the floor.

I ignored my growing insecurities and attended the class as scheduled. Nicole was an incredibly patient teacher. I wasn’t the most graceful class member and she made me feel comfortable enough to keep going.

After an hour of dancing, I was spent. Every muscle in my body ached. My friend was equally as sore. As promised, it was a fantastic workout. The next morning I woke up and found myself still unbelievably sore and bruised everywhere: my ankles, my knees and even my arms. Nicole mentioned that I should expect small bruising, but being slightly anemic my bruises were nowhere near small. The bruises did, however, make for entertaining conversation with my family.

Days later I was still feeling the effects of my “workout.” Even putting deodorant on in the morning was painful. I consulted with my friend and we decided holding your entire body weight on a pole is bound to leave some muscle aches and we shouldn’t let that stop us from returning.

So we went back the following Saturday. The second class wasn’t as wearisome as the first and I found myself getting the hang of it. I definitely enjoyed myself more and will continue the classes. I don’t see myself making a career change but I absolutely believe it can boost self-esteem– after the bruising fades, of course.