There are lots of ways to understand what “efficiency” means in a movement context. Efficiency…
Make a Decision! Guide to choosing pole events for even the most indecisive Libra
It often feels like there are never enough pole events and opportunities available, and when they do arise, they seem to cluster together. For example, May brings a wave of major gatherings: PoleCon, the return of Pole Expo in Las Vegas, Pole Theater competition, PSO Central and Triangle, and many more. With so many options, the question arises—how can anyone afford to attend them all?
For most, it simply isn’t possible to do everything. There are practical limitations—money, paid time off, family obligations, physical fatigue—that make attending every event unrealistic. No matter how hard many try, we can’t be everywhere at once.
This leads to an important question: how do we make choices without feeling left out or regretful? As the saying goes, “No” is a complete sentence. Saying no is a powerful way to protect your peace, but deciding what to decline can be challenging.
1. Get the Down Low on the Bottom Line
Begin by examining all the events you’re interested in and evaluating the costs associated with each one. Consider registration fees, travel expenses, preparation and training costs, costumes, and other related expenditures. For instance for me, attending PoleCon would require budgeting for a hotel room, round-trip train tickets, workshop fees, meals and drinks, showcase costumes, and a day pass. Apply the same approach to Pole Theater and Pole Expo if you qualify for those as well.
Often, simply comparing the total costs of each event can clarify your decision. You may decide that one expensive event is a priority, which means others must be cut, or perhaps you find that two less expensive events are more valuable than one costly gathering. Let the numbers guide you—they keep decision-making honest and data-driven.
2. What Brings You Joy
Above all, if any activity involving a pole doesn’t spark joy, don’t do it. This isn’t about avoiding moves that hurt, like Superman; it’s about ensuring classes feel uplifting and fun, performances excite you, and unpaid opportunities are genuinely enjoyable. This is a golden rule to live by.
Reflect on which events truly energize you and which you attend simply out of habit. Is it a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from a favorite pole star? Is the event held somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit, offering the potential to turn it into a vacation? Did you secure a spot in a showcase or competition that’s hard to get into, and are unsure if the opportunity will come again?
Sometimes, breaking from your usual yearly routine is rewarding. For example, skipping PSO Atlantic for the first time in five years to try new adventures instead. There’s comfort in knowing you can always register next year, or for any of the many PSO competitions throughout the year.
3. Growth or Habit?
This consideration is especially helpful when choosing workshops at conventions or classes at your local studio. When selecting workshops for PoleCon last year, my natural inclination was toward bendy, spinny moves—my strengths. However, realizing the rare chance to train with instructors from across the country, each with unique specialties, prompted me to step outside my comfort zone.
Would making the most of the event mean sticking with familiar skills or trying new things and strengthening areas typically avoided? For me, that meant tackling floorwork and confronting a fear of handstands. I chose low-flow workshops and a handstand intensive, which led to fun, confidence-building, meeting new people, and experiencing fresh teaching styles. Keep this in mind when deciding on workshops or limited class series.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing among the many pole events and opportunities means reflecting honestly and prioritizing thoughtfully. By assessing costs, identifying what truly brings joy, and distinguishing between growth and habit, you can make choices that protect your peace and enhance your experience. Saying “no” isn’t just practical—it’s empowering, allowing you to invest your energy, resources, and enthusiasm where they matter most.
Casey Danzig is a full time body piercer in NYC and has been competing in pole competitions for 3 years.Writing has always been a passion for them since childhood and like pole, is an art form they use to express themselves.Like most single humans, she has her standard government issued cat who she’s fondly named Ringo.
Latest posts by Casey Danzig (see all)
- Make a Decision! Guide to choosing pole events for even the most indecisive Libra - April 10, 2026
- Why I Stopped Competing - February 13, 2026
- Nasty Woman: How Sex Work Gave me Freedom and Supported my Pole Dreams - December 26, 2025
Related Posts
