This month saw the union of Valentine’s Day with the beginning of the year of the tiger and I decided to harness this energy to explore my sexy side!Whilst on the women’s retreat last year, which interestingly coincided with the previous lunar transition, I discovered that you can be spiritual and sexy! Over the last year I have been exploring my femininity in many different ways.
One of the most fulfilling ways I have been experimenting is with pole dancing. I took up pole dancing just over a year ago and the main reason I did it was because it was the sort of thing I would never normally do! I was terrified but also secretly curious. It took me to my edge.
Freedom in reverse plank!
I used to love dancing in nightclubs wearing next to nothing when I was 19 years old but with the passage of time and the reality of having to get up to go to work, my ‘mojo’ slowly evaporated over the years. Where did it go? Did I simply ‘grow-up’ or is that part of me still there?
Nervously strapping on my high heels and dancing around the pole in a pair of short shorts has actually been a huge awakening for me. My self-esteem and my confidence have improved and I continue to explore this part of me.
The studio recently offered a chance for students to have a photo shoot. I hesitated. Is my stomach too big? Will my cellulite show? Am I too pale? What will my husband think? The next thing I knew I was booking my slot. My husband and I will soon be celebrating 11 years together so I thought it would be a fun gift for him!
I selected a couple of outfits and decided to do some sporty shots and some sexy shots. We opted for the sporty look to begin with so that I could get used to being in front of the camera. The photographer, Jason, was a true gentleman and understood my body hang-ups! My friend and pole goddess Rebecca assisted with the shoot and helped me with my sexy pout. I am naturally very smiley so it was hard for me not to give big cheesy grins to the camera!
A big smile after the pouting has finished!
Now that I have had a taste of life in front of the lens, I would definitely do it again! My husband loved the photos and he is my biggest fan! I did not originally intend to share the pictures but by popular demand I have decided to post them. Rather worryingly, a lot of people have asked if it is actually me in my profile picture! I can confirm that it is definitely me – I just decided to peel off some of those layers. As one of my friends said, “Joanna – I didn’t know you had LEGS!!”
My legs emerging from the shadows…
If you feel inspired to have a go then please visit www.poleparadisestudio.com.
For information on future women’s retreats please visit www.TheWayoftheHappyWoman.com.
