Nia Laleva

Question:

Nia, tell us how you first discovered pole dance. What were your impressions after your first training session? What made you continue training?

Answer:

My first memory is of a video that appeared on Facebook while a friend of mine and I were thinking about what kind of sport to start. We both liked the idea of pole dance, so we searched for a studio in Sofia and signed up for a class. Vera was waiting for us in the studio.

The biggest surprise for me during the first training session was that the pole spins! I had no idea about that, but the moment I felt the spinning, I fell in love with pole dance. I’ve heard people call it “love at first spin.”

I’ve tried going to the gym and I’ve also trained a bit in table tennis, but no sport has managed to keep my attention for long—except for pole dance and aerial acrobatics.

Question:

What are the first reactions when you tell someone you’ve been practicing pole dance for five years?

Answer:

Most often people ask me: “Can you do the splits? Can you?”
Yes, I can.

I couldn’t when I first started training. I was more than a handspan away from the floor. It took me about a year and a half, but I realized that splits don’t hurt if you breathe deeply and think about nice things.

Question:

How has pole dance changed you, both internally and externally?

Answer:

I would say my body has changed in a positive way—my whole body has become more toned: my arms, back, core, and thighs. My legs became straighter and look longer. I can stand with a straight back without any effort.

Thanks to pole dance and stretching, I also learned more about yoga and meditation, which help me recover and take care of my body. I believe I’ve built a meaningful connection with my body. I even like every single bruise.

Question:

Grace or strength?

Answer:

Both! There is nothing more beautiful than grace in powerful movements. Still, if I had to choose just one, I would choose grace and lightness.