Body Talk fitness review: Pole dancing gave me the confidence to trust my body again

If you’d told me five years ago that I’d be starting 2026 in a pole dance class, I would have laughed straight in your face – there was absolutely no way.

Back then, I was far more reserved; the kind of person who stayed firmly inside her comfort zone. So when I found out I’d be reviewing Noir’s beginner pole dance class, my first response was a very on-brand Gen Z spiral: dramatic, unaccomplishing, and ultimately unhelpful.

Could I even get on the pole? Would I look ridiculous? What if I fell off and sprained an ankle before the first spin? After about 15 minutes of overthinking, I reached a reasonable conclusion: Nothing terrible would happen if I tried.

I’ll embarrassingly admit, as a child who could never hang from the monkey bars or climb a playground pole, I was beyond nervous. But avoidance has its limits, and before I knew it, I was stepping into Noir’s brand-new pole studio in the CBD.

Pole dancing combines dance and acrobatics around a vertical pole. It has been growing in popularity locally, not only for its fitness benefits but also as a form of self-expression. Amateur and professional competitions are held worldwide as the sport has also evolved into different styles, such as pole art and pole theatre.

From what I’ve read online – and from my own experience – pole dancing requires significant muscle endurance, strength, flexibility, and core stability. To all the clueless beginners like me out there: be prepared to be sore for days after.

My experience at Noir Collective

Located along Robinson Road, Noir Collective’s pole studio is minutes away from Tanjong Pagar MRT.

Stepping in felt like crossing into a different world. The space is thoughtfully designed – elegant without being stark, warm without trying too hard. Soft lighting and clean lines create a calm, welcoming atmosphere, making the rows of gleaming poles feel far less intimidating than expected.

When I met my instructor, Von, she was instantly friendly and encouraging – not to mention incredibly fit and confident. Despite my complete lack of pole dancing experience, she immediately put me at ease, sharing how she picked up the sport. Her openness made the space feel less intimidating and far more welcoming.

I’d like to think all the late-night stalking and research I did on beginner pole tips would have prepared me, but none of it made the pole feel any more familiar once I stood in front of it. The cold steel beneath my grip was a stark contrast to my overheated palms, slick with sweat as I held on for dear life.

When Von told me she would be teaching me four moves and a full choreography that day, I realised I had no choice but to get on the pole with whatever resolve I had left in me. Watching her move with such ease and grace was instantly motivating – not just because I wanted to reach her level, but also because I very much wanted to look good on camera and in photos.

The first trick she taught me was the Fireman Spin, a beginner move most pole dancers learn early on. Right off the bat, I struggled to stay on the pole. My legs kept sliding off, and I found myself frantically reapplying liquid chalk, smearing it everywhere in the hope of getting a better grip.

The moves demanded far more arm strength and leg grip than I’d expected, and it was hard to truly become one with the pole while carrying the fear that I simply couldn’t pull off any trick. My legs had to stay constantly engaged, and for some reason, the idea of floating even slightly off the ground terrified me.

I realised that what I really needed was a determined mindset. Arm and leg grip may be the technical priorities, but finding a sense of calm and peace with the pole mattered just as much.

Once I was willing to work with it rather than fight it, everything shifted. What once felt intimidating slowly became familiar as I experimented with different techniques.

My favorite move was the Pole Sit, mostly because it was the easiest for me to pull off. As for the Fireman Spin… well, I definitely looked like a fireman!

Despite my goofy struggles, Von helped tremendously by adjusting my posture, which made a world of difference in my ability to execute the move. With hands-on corrections and simple cues – like leaning forward – the techniques suddenly felt far more manageable.

Von then taught me a short choreography, and I’d like to believe I had everything down – except, perhaps, the actual pole moves. With a slight background in dance, this quickly became the most enjoyable part of the session. The choreography was captivating and slow, thoughtfully designed to showcase the moves I’d just learned.

What to expect as a newbie

By the end of class, my arms and legs were sore, sticky with liquid chalk and grip lotion – but it was worth it for the sheer fun and insight I gained. Pole dancing is nowhere near as easy as the professionals make it look, yet with Von’s guidance and the calm ambience of Noir’s studio, the experience became genuinely memorable.

Would this be my last time pole dancing? Actually, no. The class only deepened my curiosity and excitement to learn more. It was eye-opening in ways I didn’t expect, hinting at a possible new passion and opening doors I didn’t even know existed.

Pole dancing really is for everyone. Once you take that first brave step into the studio, the rest follows. To the child in me who couldn’t even hang from the monkey bars: look how far you’ve come. If you’re itching to try something new, consider pole dancing a fun side quest. It had never crossed my mind before – and now, I’m not so sure I’m done.

Noir Collective offers a variety of pole classes, including trial sessions, technique-based classes, and conditioning, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced dancers.

Noir Collective is located at 144 Robinson Road, #16-02 Robinson Square, Singapore 068908. You can visit their website here to view their class schedule and offerings.