The final stretch of the last semester has commenced.
With the Refreshers’ Fair having been and gone, it is time for the final decisions of what societies you’d like to join.
Over my three years at Cardiff, I have tried and tested many societies from Swimming, and Waterpolo to Broadway Dance and Ice Skating.
Everyone says you make your best friends from sports societies and I have to say that is absolutely true.
It was in Aerial Fitness that I developed a genuine sense of belonging.
What started as a sport became the place I found belonging
From meeting the committee at the Freshers’ Fair in my second year, I made the decision that I had to ‘give it a go’ so I found some friends to come with me and I absolutely fell in love.
From building strength to learning new routines, it never fails to make friends and family to go ‘wow you must be really strong to be able to do that’.
I doubt my mum will ever grow tired of finding the fresh bruises to poke and prod.
Of course, it took her a while to overcome the thought of ‘her daughter, the pole dancer’, but now she shows off all my new accomplishments on Facebook on the regular as parents do.
I grew up doing ballet, karate, swimming, and violin so it was quite a surprise when I suddenly announced that Pole Fitness was my next choice.
University life can be so hectic.
Between lectures, assignments and trying to keep some form of a social life, Aerial gave me a chance to keep fit and build muscle without the horror of trying to combat weights in PureGym.
I started as a total beginner, with no strength behind me just showing up on Wednesdays to have a go at a spin or a climb.
Now I’ve competed as a beginner and grown to into a strong intermediate, whilst making new friends along the way.
Just last week, my friends and I had the joy of watching our old videos as beginners, chuckling at our lack of pointed toes or uncoordination.
Although we also felt proud of ourselves, at those smiles from when we managed to complete a beginners move for the first time and it helped us realise how far we have come from being silly little freshers.
While we are all contemplating what we are doing at 10pm on a Monday evening, having our thighs shredded from holding on for dear life – there is such a joy and community when someone can complete a move for the first time after trying and trying to create a new combo.
I hope to be able to compete this year at either Varsity and help us win once again, or within Welsh Capital Pole Competition which is hosted by Cardiff for all the surrounding universities.
With the cheering and support that comes with competing and performing, I have never felt afraid of the stage although around 10 minutes beforehand you may hear me saying ‘why have I signed up for this’.
After that adrenaline has kicked in though, you will see the biggest smile on your face at the success and bravery of performing. What started as a sport became the place I found belonging and I simply have to recommend a society to everyone to find their people.