Naracoorte’s new pole dancing studio to open soon
Naracoorte’s Stacey Windsor is on a mission to change mindsets on pole dancing and promote the popular artform in town.
Also known as Dee-Dee, Stacey is opening a new pole dancing studio in Naracoorte, giving the young and the old the opportunity to learn and to love pole dancing.
She wants to remove the stigmas associated with pole dancing, the most argued being that it is an artform “strictly for the male gaze”.
The [Naracoorte Community] News recently caught up with Stacey and spoke to her about why a pole dancing studio in Naracoorte.
This is her story . . .
The [Naracoorte Community] News: Please give a bit of background about who Stacey is?
Stacey: I grew up in Naracoorte, attending my mother Debbie Davis’s School of Dance from the age of three. I left Naracoorte to pursue my dream of being a long-haul flight attendant. Even after achieving this dream, I still had a dance-shaped hole in my heart. That’s when I found pole dancing, soon becoming addicted. I was then approached by the owner of one of Melbourne’s longest-running premier pole franchises to apply to become an instructor. I continued to teach for seven years until returning to Naracoorte for the birth of my second child.
The [Naracoorte Community] News: What inspired you to consider opening a pole dancing studio in Naracoorte?
Stacey: For the second time in my life, there is a dance-shaped hole. I love showing women what they are capable of and discovering a side to themselves that perhaps has slipped away or that they have yet to discover. Embraced by the most supportive and diverse community, sisterhood is what drives me. And for someone who doesn’t fit into the “gym/treadmill mindset”, the option to mix fitness and strengthening with dance and sensuality really inspires me. I also draw a lot of inspiration from my mother, who, for the past 40 years, has continued to bring the arts to the regional community and make them accessible to all. She has been an incredible supporter of my pole career, attending many performances, and I’m so excited to announce I will be sharing the studio space with her. I’m so excited for Debbie to have her own dedicated space since the early 2000’s. She is truly an asset to the community.
The [Naracoorte Community] News: What will be the highlight of the studio?
Stacey: We are an intimate studio with only six students to a class. We will have a variety of classes to cater to every student’s goal in our beautifully calmingly lit studio. Wildflowers is a safe and empowering space for women to express themselves through dance and pole fitness. We will also provide one-off workshops, private classes, and group functions for your next hen’s night, birthday, work party, or simply a good time. We will feature five 45mm stainless steel and one 40mm brass X-Poles, the industry’s leading high-quality pole brand.
The [Naracoorte Community] News: What age groups would you be targeting?
Stacey: Everyone, from 18-years-old to the young at heart. There is no such thing as the right or wrong age to start pole dancing.
The [Naracoorte Community] News: What are the benefits of learning pole dancing?
Stacey: It is a complete body workout, combining strengthening, flexibility, and muscle-toning exercises. The dance aspect lets women express themselves and release stress and tension, leaving their worries at the door in a moving mediation, creating lots of happy hormones. Increased self-confidence is by far my favourite benefit, watching the transformation of a student from their first class to their first performance, photoshoot, or competition, or simply doing things they never thought achievable. Pole also requires a lot of concentration when performing aerial moves, which is incredible for those craving focus and challenges.
The [Naracoorte Community] News: Since getting the word out, how has the feedback been from the community?
Stacey: The feedback has been overwhelmingly warm, with the odd few cheeky remarks, which I embrace. Everyone seems really curious to see what it’s all about. I even had a grandmother enquire about purchasing classes for the 18-year-old granddaughter, which I thought was the most beautiful gesture.
The [Naracoorte Community] News: What are some of the common stigmas associated with pole dancing, and how do you plan to change them?
Stacey: Firstly, pole dancing is not a feminist act. Incorrect. To have the strength, vulnerability, and confidence to pole dance in a world that continues to shrink, discount, and minimise women, pole dancing is an act of feminism. And the most argued about is that pole dancing is strictly for sex workers and the male gaze. I will never shy away from pole dancing’s origins, and I hope to honour and respect them. But as the world diversifies, so does the pole. Pole is as varied as all dance genres, including classical, lyrical, comedic, acro, duos, and troupes. There is no wrong or right way to pole, that’s what I love about it, two students can have the same love for pole, yet it presents in a way unique to them and their passions.
The [Naracoorte Community] News: As you embark on this journey, what’s your message to the community?
Stacey: That there is no right or wrong way to pole and that there is no perfect pole body. Pole is for everybody, regardless of size, shape, age, and ability. It’s the most welcoming, supportive, and fun community. There is a class type to suit everyone’s “pole goals”. The only thing you’ll regret is not starting earlier.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.