Meet Amanda Wing of PŌL in Culver City / Playa Vista

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Wing.

Amanda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
One day in acting class, my good friend eagerly asked if I would take a pole dancing class with her. I was interested, but if I’m being honest, I was also nervous. One of my biggest struggles as an actress was that I didn’t really feel “sexy” – that one quality every role seemed to demand. I was uncomfortable, almost embarrassed with this part of myself. So I pushed it down. Yet my friend persisted, and I gave in …

A few days later, I found myself in an introductory pole class. I looked around and was in awe of the freedom with which the women surrounding me moved their bodies. Then something extraordinary happened. I began to play. The feeling that just one sassy hair flip or spin around the pole gave me was invigorating. Like I was finally opening to a part of myself that had been hiding my entire life. I was in love.

Suddenly, I was fully living in my body. I was proud of what it could do and enamored with the new ways in which it moved. I finally learned being “sexy” meant finding my confidence. Pole taught me that being sensual, feminine, and unapologetic about it was not only ‘ok’, but powerful! I couldn’t wait to share this feeling with more women.

I gained years of experience teaching at top studios, performing professionally, and delicately crafting my own unique program. Due to my extensive studies in theater and psychology, I have been most passionate about the ways in which movement is a direct link to our emotions and can be a powerful tool of expression and actualization. Throughout my classes and workshops, my main drive has been empowering my students to discover and embrace their own unique inner fire.

Cut to almost ten years later and I now have my own studio! PŌL officially opened doors this past November at 11834 Teale Street Los Angeles 90034 and I couldn’t be more proud of the amazing community it’s already growing.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not in the least. Besides the many sleepless nights and unexpected curveballs that a new business (in Los Angeles of all places!) can come with, those insecurities and doubts started to creep in. Yet, ironically, one of the most important lessons I learned as a dancer is to embrace all emotions – even, and especially, the challenging ones. The very thing that pole taught me was the remedy for my fears and apprehensions toward putting myself out there and being vulnerable. Embrace it. Own it. This moment is yours.

PŌL – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
PŌL is a magical space. Any of our students will tell you when you walk through the door and up the private staircase to our little oasis, the outside world just melts away. Located in Culver City, it’s an airy dance studio equipped with six poles, high-quality sonos sound, gorgeous diffuse light, and soft buttery floors.

We are whole-heartedly dedicated to pole & movement so the entire schedule is designed to foster your unique journey in this art. We have intimate beginner series as well as impressive advanced classes and mixed level drop ins so there is something for polers at every level.

At PŌL, we approach your pole dance journey as an ongoing practice. “PŌL” is actually born out of an acronym for “practice of love”. With every breath, every movement, you are deepening your connection to your body and rewriting the stories you’ve been telling yourself…. our core PŌL practice classes incorporate elements of mindfulness & begin/end with light meditative breath focus. Our aim is to cultivate a strong sense of awareness in one’s own body. This not only opens the door for major personal transformation but also sets a powerful slate for physical skill progression.

Bottom line, we have an amazing community and a ton of fun! I’m humbled and so very proud that PŌL is already blossoming into the positive, supportive, and empowering space I’ve envisioned it to be. I can’t wait to share it with YOU.

PŌL welcomes dancers of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. Come in today and see what your body is capable of!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is getting to do what I love, in a place I love, with the most wonderful group of students I could have ever hoped for.

++COVID-19 UPDATE ++
Since being interviewed for this article, PŌL has transitioned to ONLINE CLASSES in order to protect our community and stand with coordinated efforts to flatten the curve of this current health crisis.

Live streaming PŌL classes are now accessible to anyone, anywhere! With sassy floor movement courses, sensual movement techniques, and a variety of amazing home workouts there’s something for everyone – many of which require no pole!

Newbie? Start with “Quarantine Kittens” to add a little spice into your stir crazy work from home routine and feel amazing in your body.

In times like these, it is imperative to maintain some sense of normalcy, connection, and routine to keep our bodies & minds healthy and happy. Dedicating yourself to an ongoing physical practice will help to keep your immune system functioning at top level and bring a fresh sense of calm to your body & mind.

Thank you to our PŌL community for the outpouring of support during this difficult time.

Pricing:

• INTRO to PŌL – $25
• ONLINE FLŌ – $10

Contact Info:

• Address: 11834 Teale Street
  Los Angeles, CA 90230
• Website: www.pol.dance
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @pol.dance
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pol-culver-city-2?osq=PŌL

Image Credit:
Knock Ho – Knocking Bird Creative; Jamie Lebowitz – The Inspired Capture

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