They Say it’s Like Riding a Bike…

Let me let you in on a secret. Right now, I’m typing with my right hand, and rubbing my knees with ointment with the left. I already know I’m in for a treat tomorrow. Tonight was my first night back on the pole. It’s been over twelve years. I wish I never stopped…. And No. I don’t mean in an actual club twerkin’ for dollars, but the workout is really intense and my body looked so good back then. Especially my upper body! I really miss my toned arms.

I woke up this morning a lil bit anxious for the class. If you don’t know by now, I get in my head quite a bit. My break from dancing has been so lengthy, that I couldn't figure out if I still had it or not. Would I be too damn good that everybody would be staring and critiquing me? Would my knees buckle under the pressure? I’ve fallen off the pole a couple times before…take my word, it’s not a good look. After about thirty minutes of rambling to myself, I got the bright idea to make my day a full Throwback Sunday! I invited a good friend of mine to Hot Wings Cafe. Have you ever been to that spot? It was a fan favorite of mine back in 2003. We used to dog those wings out! Just thinking about how those extra hot wings used to taste had my mouth watering. But then I had to pause. All these restaurants have changed so much since corona hit. The good chefs have definitely jumped ship. Most of my favorite eateries have changed their menus for the worst. It’s really disheartening not being able to look forward to a good meal. Eventually, I jumped in car and prepared myself for the mediocre spread. Let me be the first to tell you, the wings are still bomb at Hot Wings Cafe on Melrose. Now I can’t say the same about the curly fries. They were a bit cold and soggy. And potatoes are my all time favorite vegetable so that should tell you something. The football games were good, the conversation between me and my homeboy was great, and my wings had me licking every last one of my fingers. It was the perfect day. Up until we headed back to Inglewood.

My mind started racing again. But my thoughts grew deeper this time around. What do I wear? Do I need to saturate myself with fragrance like I used to do when I worked at the club? Am I gonna be gassy because I licked up all that bleu cheese? I stood around panicking longer than I should have. My in house paranoia caused me to be thirty-two minutes late. I was hoping the class was operating on CP time…nope. I had to run to the dressing room to strip down and catch up on the routine. I tip-toed to the back and kept my eyes glued on the instructor in hopes that no one would look at me. I was barefoot in a black bandeau bathing suit top and some black biker shorts that are a size too small. My outfit showed just enough and I was happy with that. My bight idea to keep my eyes on the instructor helped me to memorize the choreography and also let me know that I still had the moves! I never got the opportunity to watch myself. The clubs I’ve worked in weren’t heavily mirrored and the hustler in me wouldn’t allow much focus on myself. I had to read the room to find my next victim. I was finally able to see and accept the sexiness I naturally exude. Growing up an ugly duckling turned me into the humorous girl; I was well into my fun personality by the time my looks took over. Hearing, “Leeah, you’re so smart,” or even “You’re so hilarious!” means way more to me than “You’re so good looking.” Lasting qualities is key in my eyes. But let’s be completely honest. Having a pretty face has done more good for me than not. Though I consider myself an unconventional beauty with more attributes than just the outer exterior. But a change happened in that mirror. I made a mental note to switch my approach when people compliment me on the way that they see me. I don’t have to shoot off my great traits to every Tom, Dick, and Harry. If they get the pleasure of getting to know me any further, they’ll figure all the extras out for themselves.

But all that inward freedom did not translate outwardly. Another fact that the mirror showed was how stiff I’ve become. Have I gotten too serious in my regular life or am I somewhat nervous? Maybe it’s both. I feel so far removed from the stripper in me that some of the fun that I once had has been removed as well. Maybe age is the underlying factor, but I definitely want to keep my youthfulness about me. Some big changes need to be made. Once the Jameson got into my system, things eased up a lot. I wasn't concerned with the stares from the other women and I felt my shoulders drop a few inches. Now that’s not to say that I was back in my 2005 mode, but my fluidity was showing up for me, finally.

The instructor yelled out over the music, “Now everybody go get your phones. I want you to have a keepsake from this party.” My stiffness seeped back in. I’m from an era when it was frowned upon to record dancers. And besides, I wouldn’t want my sexy video to wind up in the wrong hands. Running for the mayor of Inglewood is still a desire of mine. I wouldn’t want that video to pop up as a smear campaign against me! I took another long sip of my Jameson shot. Fuck It. I’m fully clothed and it’s just a little shimmy shake to some Janet Jackson…I reached in my purse for my phone. Then finished off my cup of courage juice.

I shocked myself because I was never one of those slow and sexy dancers. They were always so boring to me. I liked to sweat and gyrate all over the stage in my heyday. But let me tell you! I can’t get enough of my sensual video. I was temped to show it off, but I know better. The Align Studios owner said she’s thinking about having a Vouyer Night some time soon, so I might be daring enough to invite a few friends. But don’t hold me to it. I’m definitely going back once I figure out their schedule for beginners. Okay maybe not a beginner’s class, intermediate is probably more my speed. I think this is the perfect workout for someone like me…minus the alcohol…

So you know I always want an update, so be sure to tell me what you think about pole dancing as a workout and also how you feel about being a fly on the wall in a pole class. Contact me at jualeeworld@yahoo.com so I can keep you posted on the new tricks I’ve learned.