The history of Miss Pole starts in early 2005. Allow me to set the scene... I'm late for work because I can't fit into my pants. I can't fit into my pants because I have two small children. Those two small children are hungry and need to eat breakfast. They can't eat breakfast because I can't find my homework. I can't find my homework because I didn't actually do it. My life is out of control and a little root-cause analysis tells me that it's those damn pants. Corrective action is obviously the next logical step. I get to work and immediately Google 'fun exercise'. The search results would forever change my life. No, I'm not being dramatic... okay, maybe a little dramatic.

The results pointed me to a small local gym offering pole classes one night a week. I was apprehensive. I was nervous. I was embarrassed. And to top it off I was going to be late. A few weeks of class go by and things start to change. It's not my body yet because the pants still don't fit. But my walk is different. My interactions are different. The way I put away groceries is different. Then it hits me - I feel STRONG and CONFIDENT and SEXY! Are these feelings a direct result of pole dancing? At this point, I'm getting my MBA and I know there are far too many variables to make a conclusion.

For my Thesis, I decide to do a multiple regression to determine which variable, using Maslow's hierarchy of needs and pole dancing, was the best predictor of MY emotional happiness and security. You know what I found out? NOTHING! I didn't know exactly what it was about pole dancing that made me feel strong or confident or sexy. I didn't know why it helped me develop strong and supportive bonds with other women. I just knew that every woman should have an opportunity to experience what I felt.

With my lifelong savings of $1912.18, I opened Miss Pole.

My objective then was the same as it is today. I am committed to inspiring ALL women to feel confident, sexy and strong! The difference now is that I don't need multiple regression to tell me what makes women accept and appreciate their bodies. I get to see these transformations every single day!

With fantastic instructors and supportive students, Miss Pole is the safe and encouraging environment that turns exercise into a calorie burning blast. Miss Pole programs are taught by instructors dedicated to upholding the highest industry standards for fitness and safety training. Classes present an accessible workout for women of all shapes and sizes, while ensuring personalized instructor attention due to the classes’ small size.   -Patricia Hockin