The moves are basic, but they still require strength and control.
I pop my booty as I transition to an upright position and maybe it’s my imagination, but I feel Brady’s eyes on me as I dance.
Nerves prickle my skin as I execute a reverse sunwheel, and I nearly lose my grip on the pole.
Get it together, Piper.
It’s ridiculous to feel self-conscious when I do these moves on Fangirl all the time, but tell that to my stupid brain.
It’s not the same.
It really isn’t. Camming is a job, and though I’ve got an audience, I’m detached from the viewers. There’s a certain level of separation, even when I’m giving the illusion there isn’t.
But here and now? There’s no divide.
Brady Vaughn is right next to me in the flesh. The big, sexy, bearded flesh.
And the guy is struggling.
His first attempt to circle the pole is a complete disaster. He barely moves and I cringe when he nearly face-plants on the hardwood floor.
He’s gripping the pole too tightly, not giving himself the freedom to move fluidly. It’s a common mistake for beginners, one I learned to avoid after weeks of aching fingers.
“This is harder than it looks,” he grumbles, cheeks flushing.
I press my lips together, hiding a smile as I continue to mirror Mai’s moves, which get progressively more challenging.
As I fly around the pole, I catch glimpses of Brady and it’s a good thing I’m paying attention because when he attempts to whip his leg out for a pirouette, he nearly kicks me in the ribs.
I release my grip on the pole and just manage to dodge his incoming foot.
Our poles are six feet apart, but his arms and legs are crazy long.
“I’m so sorry.” He releases his pole and rakes his fingers through his hair, flustered. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I give him a once-over, which I immediately regret because his thin athletic shorts leave little to the imagination.Who needs gray sweatpants season when you’ve got this view?“Just try not to fully extend next time.”
“No full extension. Got it.” He grins, revealing a dimple in his right cheek, and my traitorous little heart flutters. “How long have you been dancing?”
“A few years.”
Two, to be exact.
“Well, you’re incredible.” His eyes widen, and when he speaks, I swear there’s actual awe in his voice. “I’ve never seen anyone move like that before.”
Pride fills my chest and though I know he’s probably just flattering me, it’s nice to have my hard work recognized by someone other than my instructor. You have to be strong to pole dance, and mastering the long lines that make the moves look graceful requires dedication and endless repetition.
“Let’s try that one more time!” Mai calls, making a beeline for Brady.
I force myself to turn my back on him and Jenna’s eyes are nearly bugging out of her head as she mouths, “What the hell?”
What the hell indeed.
I shrug and throw myself back into the warmup routine. Beside me, Mai walks Brady through the steps, one by one. By the time the second track on the playlist ends, he can successfully complete a wraparound. It’s clumsy and awkward, but he doesn’t kick anyone, so I guess it’s progress.
Mai tells Brady to continue working on the basic warmup moves and returns to the front of the studio, where she demonstrates a twisted grip Ayesha with a dismount kick. We’ve been training the move for weeks, and because I have a pole in my bedroom at home, I’ve nearly mastered it. Inverted moves are among my favorites, but they require tremendous flexibility and, of course, strength.
I position my right foot at the base of the pole and slip into a side straddle, extending my left foot toward the ceiling and hooking my heel around the upper part of the pole. It took me ages to get to a full split, and I have to stretch several times a week to maintain it, but it’s worth the effort because it opens up so many additional tricks and gives them a more graceful appearance.
