Pole Dancing: When My Student’s Success Hit Me Harder Than My Own

I’ve been pole dancing for less than two years, and I’m already coaching (yep, I’m a licensed coach now). My student, who started practicing with me back in March, just nailed her first straddle inversion. If you’ve ever tried pole, you know that moment is a HUGE milestone. Honestly, I was so emotional when she got it — maybe even more emotional than her. It caught me off guard and hit me harder than I expected.

By the way, check out more about my pole dance journey here:

When Your Soul Longs for White Birches — Find Yourself Among the Poles

But here’s the thing — it wasn’t just about pride. It went way deeper than that. I wasn’t just happy for her, I was genuinely overwhelmed, like my heart was ready to burst. I remember my own first inversion so vividly. I was obsessed with getting it (hello, hyperfocus), and the feeling when I finally nailed it is still fresh in my mind. I thought that was as intense as it could get.

But watching her achieve that same milestone? It brought all those feelings back tenfold. I was feeling her joy and I knew exactly what that moment meant to her because I’d been there. The look on her face, the excitement, the disbelief — I felt all of that and more. But now, as a coach, I also knew what was coming next: the hard work, the dedication, the countless times she’ll have to repeat that move until it becomes second nature.

That’s what made it hit so differently. As a student, you only see the now — that one move you’ve been working toward for months. As a coach, you see the whole journey. You know this is just the beginning. You feel the weight of their success, but also the road ahead. And maybe that’s why it felt so much more emotional for me this time. It wasn’t just her victory — it was the start of something bigger for both of us.

Her success reminded me why I coach. It’s not just about helping someone nail a trick or hit a milestone. It’s about witnessing their journey, feeling their triumphs as deeply as they do, and knowing how much further they can go. And let me tell you, I felt her moment even more intensely because I’ve been on that path myself. I know the patience, the consistency, and the hard work it takes to keep progressing.

At the end of the day, coaching is about more than teaching moves. It’s about being there for the highs and the lows, for the wins and the struggles. It’s about feeling the joy of each milestone and understanding that every single one is just a step in the bigger picture. That’s why I felt it so deeply — because I know what’s ahead for her, and I’m beyond excited to be a part of it.

So yeah, maybe I was more emotional than her — but that’s the beauty of coaching. It’s not just my students’ experience, it’s mine too.

Pats,
Anya on the Pole🫰🏽

You made it this far? I have a feeling you’ll like what’s next. 👇🏽

From Fear to Freedom: My Ayesha Moment and What It Taught Me About Life

Muah! 😘