movement philosophy
What’s the point?
What is dance but another form of communication? Each movement is but a word in a language that is unspoken.
If you’re here, it’s because you have something to say. because otherwise, what’s the point? You can get a sweat by doing cross-fit or taking a spin class.
So, I believe the first step is discerning: What do you want to say?
Whatever it is…my philosophy is that the baseline purpose of pole dance is to speak through movement. Then — let it be honest, dynamic, sensual, authentic, and in alignment with the way you feel.
As an instructor, I’m just tryna get you to do you. I’m here to be a guide in discerning what you want and how you want it. Whenever I teach a sequence, I’m offering you choices, words that you can string together to create a story, or not use at all if you feel they aren’t in alignment with what you want to express.
To me, there’s nothing that feels quite as satisfying as letting music move your body and releasing expectations. There’s so much more to pole dance than a pretty combo or choreography. I believe there are life lessons about work, play, sensuality, release, integrity, and authenticity. It’s my goal to share and provide access to that to those who want it.
On a more secular note:
When I first started pole-dancing, I quickly learned that there wasn’t much space, acknowledgement, or appreciation for bodies like mine in the pole community. I quickly discovered that visible and primary authorities of the pole community were typically thin, yt woman who were looking for something that was a bit less erotic, wholistic, and sensual than I desired. I know it can be difficult to find instructors that are knowledgeable of the ways in which larger bodies move. To be honest, all bodies are different, and we may need to make adjustments to execute pole tricks in ways that aren’t always in conformity with PSO-approved techniques. As a result, part of my mission is to create and facilitate spaces where people can exist as they are, get what they need, and grow.
Ultimately….
I’m not gonna lie, there’s an athletic component to all of this, but that can be as much or as little apart of your journey as you want it to be (within safety parameters).
I value the history of pole dance, and I’m appreciative of those who have worked hard and dealt with a lot of shit to ensure that we have a space to be ourselves, explore, and embrace sexuality and sensuality; those who have explored technique and built a foundation for exploring this type of art. And hell yes, that includes and prioritizes strippers and sex workers.
Please contact me for additional sliding scale rates available to strippers, swerkers and bipoc dancers.
more about autumn
Autumn began pole dancing in November 2019. They instantly fell in love with the challenge, variety of movement opportunities, and the possibility for artistic expression. They are not classically trained in dance but has spent their time as a disciple of the genre eager to learn more about it. Stylistically, her dancing favors edge work, but she also loves the freedom of dancing in plain old socks. Primary instructors, formative influences, inspiration, and guides include Carmine BlackDance, the Polecologist PHD, as well as Jazzy K pole and Elizabeth B Fit.
Autumn has performed at various shows and bars in the bay area such as Hella Juicy, The Oasis, Jolenes, WeareSouLovely, Oakland and San Francisco pride, Black Lesbian Linkup, Good Vibez, Bad Bitch Burlesque, and Queer Fem Parties. She also teaches at multiple bay area pole studios such as Atomic Allure, Berkeley Pole and Dance, Oakland Pole and Dance, and Lighthouse studios.