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In countries like the U.K., China, Russia and Australia, pole dancing is the norm; but in the U.S., it is often looked down upon and mainly associated with strippers rather than with physically fit and athletic people.

While pole dancing’s historical origins in the U.S. may come from stripping, it is not the sole purpose for people to pursue this type of physical activity.

It is simply a fitness option and, for many, it is a passion. This is especially true for Alexa Scott, senior and co-founder of Pole Fit, who prefers to spend her time upside down, aesthetically twirling in the air where she is at peace, rather than tied down by gravity.

From gymnastics to pole, Scott discovered her passion through boredom when her only option after school while waiting for her parents to get off work was to take a class at a dance studio.

“It can really be challenging for even beginning people,” Scott said, “because it’s a lot of strength, a lot of flexibility and a lot of confidence to start. But that’s why you go, you go to get those things.”

Scott is now certified to teach pole and taught her first few demonstration sessions in fall 2016. The turn-out for participants far exceeded her expectations, inspiring her to make it an official class to go along with the already established club.

While Scott pursues her dreams and shares it with others, she is simultaneously challenging stereotypes and misconceptions of pole.

“If you have never tried a class, I don’t think you should have a say what people do with their bodies,” Scott said. “If you’ve never tried it, you don’t know how hard it is.”

It can be discouraging for beginners to see an experienced pole dancer gracefully in action before attempting it themselves, although those abilities came after years of practice. Just taking the class is a step toward building more self-confidence, Scott said.

“I love seeing people feeling those emotions when they finally nail a move, because it’s really difficult,” Scott said.

The class will focus not only on the technical skills needed for this type of dance, but participants will also work on building the strength that will make executing the moves easier by doing certain workouts designed for the pole. One example is “pole-squats.”

Kate Blevins, junior and general studies major, is a certified Zumba instructor teaching at WSU and was introduced to pole about three months ago.

After a few private lessons with Scott, she became hooked and remembered why she fell in love with dance to begin with. She hopes one day to become certified to teach pole.

“It was out of my comfort zone, and I was looking for something new in my life,” Blevins said. “I decided to try it, and I’m really happy I did. Her lessons made me realize that it’s okay to do something for yourself.”

Blevins began noticing results from participating in regular pole practice. She felt and looked much stronger.

“It makes me feel really confident, and it got me back in touch with myself,” Blevins said. “It’s like an escape for me between my busy work and school schedule.”

It can be boring to go to the gym, continuously doing the same thing, and not all fitness classes are exciting for everyone in the way pole is, she said.

“(Scott) is just a great woman in general, she’s so fun-loving and caring,” Blevins said. “It really shows that she loves what she does, and that helps me stay motivated to keep going.”

Scott created this class starting with nothing, but it immediately became a hit and the class filled up within days.

Through registration fees, her private lessons and occasionally renting out poles, Scott is collecting the funds to purchase more of the pricey, but safe and reliable, poles.

Considering pole is popular around the globe, there are multiple competitions for it. One annual competition on the west side includes various categories, such as artistic, athletic, entertainment and many others that Scott hopes to pursue one day.

She wants to inspire her class and club members by taking them to see a competition. This is just one of the many goals she has set for herself and for the future of Pole Fit at WSU.

“It’s an important thing for us to expand our horizons on what the fitness world has to offer, and I think WSU is doing a really good job of being able reach out to more students,” Blevins said. “We should get as many fitness formats as we can. There’s something out there for everyone.”