Operation: Accidental Friendship. Why Pole Dancing is great for new friends.
- Jul 28, 2025
- 2 min read
I came for the pole. The sweet tricks and the strength. It looked fun.
I did not expect the feelings (confidence explosion, anyone?)
Or the friendships.
But let’s rewind.
As a fully functioning adult™ I was under the impression that friendship was supposed to be harder now.
Where do people even meet each other these days?
You can’t exactly walk up to someone at the supermarket and say,“Hey, want to be emotionally vulnerable together?”
So unless you’re into networking events (I’m not) or making small talk at your local dog park (don’t have a dog), you’re kinda left with hobbies.
Which is why Pole Dancing caught my eye.
It’s more than just a class. It’s a shared experience.
And that’s magic.
You don’t need icebreakers when you’ve all just pretended to be cats in your warmup. #IfYouKnowYouKnow
The friendship part? It sneaks in.
You bond over bruises. Over wins. Over that one move you all swear is impossible (until it isn't).
It’s not forced. It’s not awkward. It just kinda… happens.
So when I joined Altitude, I expected some fitness and those sweet tricks. Possibly bruises.
What I got?
I was adopted.
There was no formal process. No secret handshake. Just people - different backgrounds, ages, vibes - all stepping into the same room for the same reason:
To try something weird and wonderful. Together.
And somehow, that’s all it took.
The thing is - pole people are different (in the best way possible).
They’re the “try it and see” types.
The “who cares what anyone thinks” crew.
The kind of people who will scream “YASSSS” when you manage a half-spin.
Instant connection. No small talk required.
And when everyone starts at once, like they do in Ignite?
It's that “wait, you too??” energy that connects you even faster.
You laugh together. Struggle together. Learn things about your own body you weren’t expecting - and suddenly, you’ve got real friendships forming faster than you can say “point your toes.”
Some people call it a hobby.
I’m starting to suspect it’s a cleverly disguised recruitment tool for finding your people.
So if you’ve been wondering:“How do adults make friends?”
I personally think the best way is to sign up for Ignite, the 8 week beginner pole dancing event. Come see where it takes you 😉
🕯️ Ignite begins September 1.
📅 Entries close August 28.
🫶 Side effects may include unexpected ride-or-dies.
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