Who Is Susan Peach?

(And What's She Doing On That Dance Pole?!)

Hello and thanks for stopping by! My name is Susan Peach (yes, that's my real name!), proud creator and owner of YourPolePal.com

Since you've ended up here, you might be wondering who I am, why I started this website, and most importantly, how I can help you as you embark on (or continue) your pole dancing adventure.

Or maybe you're just curious about the whole pole dance fitness thing?

Well, I was more than a little curious too, when a fellow fitness instructor suggested I should start teaching pole dancing classes wa-a-ay back in 2005...

"You know, those sexy strip classes they have in California. You'd be great at that!"

Actually, at first I was mortified!

After all, I was a respectable 40-something year old woman with a degree in Women's Studies, and 2 teenage sons whom I'd worked hard to raise with a healthy respect for girls and women.

What could I possibly know - or even want to know - about strip fitness, exotic dance moves, or (gasp!) pole dancing?

And even if I did know anything, how could I reconcile teaching this type of class with my feminist values, morals and ethics?

After all, wasn't the pole a symbol of women's objectification by men?

In fact, when my then 19 year old son later discovered that I was teaching myself some pole dancing moves his first reaction was, "You're going to teach what? What on earth are you doing mom? Don't you think that's oppressive and degrading to women?!"

Fortunately, after 4 years in the Women's Studies department at the University of Victoria, I had developed the habit of examining my assumptions and beliefs.

So when I realized what a strong reaction I was having, I decided I definitely needed to do some research.

As I studied what little information there was at the time, I became more and more curious about this new concept in fitness that my colleague seemed to think I would be such a natural at.

I soon came to see that pole dancing and the other forms of "sexy fitness" that were just starting to emerge had nothing to do with oppression at all.

Instead, they were really all about reclaiming what makes us uniquely feminine, learning to make friends with our bodies again, and feeling empowered from the inside out.

That's when I ordered my first dance pole and, while waiting for it to arrive, headed out to the local elementary school to teach myself some tricks on the tether ball equipment. (At night of course, so no one would see me making a fool of myself!)

Needless to say, I'm happy to report that I long ago got off my feminist high horse about the "perils of the pole."

In fact, I now have an entirely different perspective on this art form, and a whole new appreciation for this emerging form of fitness.

After teaching classes for several years (and loving every minute of it!) I decided to create a website to share my experience, knowledge & resources with you, and to help you find whatever information you need that's related to pole dancing for fun and fitness.

Now, many years later (where DOES the time go???) I've retired from teaching dance and fitness. As a result, I'm able to devote much more time to maintaining this website and keeping up with all the new information in the world of pole, so you don't have to.

While my body may be a bit older and not so inclined to fly around a dance pole, I'm still a fan of staying fit, having fun, and feeling good. This website allows ME to stay connected to a sport I once loved, while helping YOU with all your pole dancing related questions and needs. It's a true win-win!

I hope you'll enjoy browsing the various sections of this site. You'll find answers to lots of questions about various aspects of pole dancing, information on where to find the best pole dancing gear, and even a worldwide pole dancing directory to help you find a pole dance studio near you.

My goal is to help you get the most out of your pole dancing adventure, so if there's some information you need, or a piece of gear you can't find, or just a burning question you'd like to ask, feel free to contact me and I'll do my best to help.

Thanks for visiting, and stay safe up there!

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Your Pole Pal loves to have fun, but she also has to earn a living, right? That's why you'll see ads on this site. She may also earn commissions on some of the products you'll see here, but there's never any cost to you since the advertisers pay for these.

The income generated through these means helps ensure Your Pole Pal can devote the time to providing you with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll find on this website.

Want to learn more? Your Pole Pal invites to you read her full advertising disclosure. You know...in case you haven't read enough legalese lately.