I started pole dancing in January of this year, and it’s been a massive part of my growth over the past few months. It was always something I’d wanted to try and one day I just thought why not. It was scary at first but sometimes the best things come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Pole is one of the most freeing things I've ever done there is no feeling quite like it.

Caitlin first fireman spin

I was born with mild cerebral palsy (CP) in my right leg which means it has limited movement and I struggle with my balance. Growing up I was always known for my ‘tricky leg’. However I’ve always been determined to push myself to gain strength because I didn’t want it to stop me from doing anything that I knew, if I worked hard I'd be capable of. Sometimes it shocks me that a girl who was petrified of the monkey bars at school, is now going to pole. At times I have slipped into that mindset of not feeling like I’m not able of doing something I haven’t even tried due to my leg. But weekly I’m constantly surprising myself with what I can achieve and if I mess a spin up I get up and give it another go and remind myself it's all about progress not perfection.

If I was to tell myself a year ago I’d be pole dancing I wouldn't have believed it.

I was happy being small and playing safe. My perceptions were holding me back. I spent too much time being the person others wanted me to be and not enough time investing in the woman I wanted to become. When I walk into a class I’m expected to be no one but my most authentic self. I know now that I deserve to be seen and do the things that add joy into my life without letting what I couldn’t do in the past stop me from discovering what I can achieve in the future.

Going to the pole classes has also helped me deal with my anxiety.

I get so focused that any other stress or worry gets put to one side for an hour, I come home feeling empowered. Floating Fitness is a safe space for me to embody the strongest version of myself without being judged and has connected me to both my mind and body. When I’m learning a new pose or spin sometimes I think to myself “there is no way I’m going to be able to do that” but I ignore that self doubt, or as I often say I feel the fear and do it anyway.

Our body’s were made to move and in my opinion pole is one of the most beautiful and liberating ways to do so.

I've seen massive improvement in my stability, strength and confidence within myself. Although both my CP and anxiety are part of me they do not define me, pole dancing is now part of who I am and this is only just the beginning of my journey. Over the past 6 months with the support and guidance of Veronika, I’ve begun to think less frequently about my leg and more about continuing to push the boundaries of what I thought my body was capable of. The only way is up from here, quite literally.

Crucifix on pole - requires lots of strength in legs, hips

Overall I’ve learnt so much more poses and spins, I now work with my CP not against it and I’ve gained a lot of respect for my body. A few months ago I hated celebrating my wins, but now I’m able to say openly, I am proud of myself and the woman I have become.