From Shy Teenager to Confident Performer
It was two in the morning when Leonie stumbled upon a message from her sports teacher Simona. Just a simple link to a trial class at Gravity Arts – and a spontaneous thought: “That could be fun to try.” What she didn’t know at the time: this spontaneous decision would change her life.
Because even though Leonie had never found a sport that truly suited her, with pole dance, it was love at first sight. “After that very first class, I knew: I want to keep doing this.”
From Zero Strength to 100 Percent Motivation
Those first classes were anything but easy. No upper body strength, sweaty hands – even basic climbing seemed impossible.
“I could barely hold myself up for two seconds. But something inside me didn’t want to give up.”
Instead, Leonie made a decision: she would strengthen her body – and in doing so, herself. She started going to the gym, moved more, changed her habits. The path was far from easy, but progress came quickly: with patience, training – and lots of magnesium – she eventually managed her first successful climb.
The First Stage – and the Big Moment
In 2023, Leonie took the next step: her first competition. But instead of excitement, fear kicked in. Those sweaty hands again. Three minutes on stage – an eternity when your body doesn’t cooperate. “I was panicking, but I didn’t want to let it stop me.”
And she didn’t let it stop her. Despite all the doubts, Leonie danced her choreography through to the end – without a single misstep. “I’ve never felt as strong as I did in that moment.”
Transformation – Inside and Out
Today, two years later, the insecure teenager has become a strong, grounded young woman. Someone who knows – and loves – her body. Someone who trusts herself, steps onto the stage, and enjoys every second. “Back then, I didn’t even dare to look in the mirror. Now I dance proudly in front of it and love what I see.”
For Leonie, pole dance is much more than just a sport. It’s a safe space. A place to disconnect, to feel, to recharge.
“Whenever I’m not feeling well, I take a pole class and reconnect with myself.”
No More Fear of Sweaty Hands
And those sweaty hands? They’re still there – but they’re no longer an obstacle. At the 2024 competition, Leonie was able to enjoy every second on stage. And sometimes, she even chooses to dance without grip – just her, her body, and the pole. “Climbing slowly, with control and elegance, has become one of my favorite parts of a routine.”
A Huge Thank You
Today, Leonie looks back with deep gratitude: for the sport, for the Gravity Arts community, for all the instructors, and for the countless moments where she was able to grow beyond herself. “It sounds cheesy, but I honestly don’t know who I’d be today without the influence of pole dance.”
