Inside the venue, four portable poles stood ready as attendees gathered. Our host, Bren Bigelow, greeted the crowd with infectious energy.
Before class began, Bigelow jumped on the pole to show us how it’s done. I watched, mesmerized, as they spun and climbed effortlessly, their graceful strength made all the more striking in 7-inch pleasers.
During the beginner hour, we were all split into groups and taught a few basic moves, like the Fireman Spin and the Princess. I ultimately left the class with some light bruises (a.k.a. “pole kisses”) and a newfound appreciation for exotic dancers. Though I came nowhere close to replicating Bigelow’s moves, I was struck by how welcoming and supportive everyone was. That, Bigelow tells me, is no accident.
“The pole studio I started at was really mean girl energy. Not very queer-positive. So I started something that could be,” they share.
Bigelow’s journey with pole began in 2019 when they won a raffle prize for six free pole classes. COVID-19 delayed their first session by a year, but once they finally got to try it, they were hooked.
Last year, Bigelow brought a portable pole to Cheeseman Park and launched Pole in the Park, an outdoor event that took place during the warmer months. They started the event to make pole more accessible, especially for queer folks who hadn’t always felt welcome in traditional studio spaces. That series has now evolved into Pole in the Pearl, a larger indoor version with sliding-scale admission ($15–$45) to keep it affordable while compensating the pole instructors.
“I just felt so empowered by pole dancing that I wanted to share it with more people,” Bigelow remarks. “When I first started, I identified as a cis woman, but through my pole journey, I was able to come out as a trans-identifying person. Pole dancing has been deeply healing and important to me.”
“I just felt so empowered by pole dancing that I wanted to share it with more people,” Bigelow says.
Pole in the Pearl
“I was like, no, you’re here. You have to do one move. Now she’s hooked, taking more classes than I do, and telling other newbies, ‘Just do it,’” they say.
Inclusivity is at the heart of Bigelow’s mission. “I really pride myself on making pole dancing accessible not only for all genders, but all body types,” they state. “A lot of bigger-bodied people feel intimidated to try something like this, but what I’ve learned is that most people can pole dance, even people with disabilities. It’s just about figuring out how to make it work for you.”
The empowerment that pole offers, Bigelow believes, comes from giving yourself permission to move your body in ways that society often discourages.
“Pole does stem from strip culture, which is a very sexual place, and because of its taboo nature within our society, I think the empowerment comes from using and manipulating your body in a way that you don't really get permission to do on a day-to-day basis,” they explain. “I feel like that liberation of giving yourself permission to move in ways that you wouldn’t normally kind of opens your mind.”
For Bigelow, acknowledging the art form’s lineage in strip club culture and sex work is paramount.
“There are people who do pole strictly for fitness, and that’s fine,” they say. “But we have to honor where it comes from — black and brown strippers, trans folks, queer people, sex workers. If you’re going to engage in this art form, you should know where it comes from and not shame it.”
Beyond pole dancing, Bigelow is a professional astrologer and co-founder of Sticky Moon Polewear, a brand designed with queer and plus-size individuals in mind. They also host other events like Denver Astrology Meetup, Queer Ecstatic Dance, personal readings (they offered me one during our interview, 10/10 would recommend), and more. To see all their upcoming events, check out their Linktree and follow them on Instagram @brenbigs.
For anyone curious but hesitant about trying pole dancing, Bigelow offers these words of encouragement: “Just do it once. If you hate it, fine, but at least you won’t have FOMO. And if one studio doesn’t feel like home, try another. Pole dancing is empowering. Claim that confidence because you deserve it.”
If you can’t make it to Pole in the Pearl, Bigelow recommends the beginner-friendly Selenite Studio or Hard Candy
for more experienced dancers – and both studios, they note, have none of that “mean girl energy.”
Pole in the Pearl runs every third Saturday of the month from noon to 3 p.m. through August (and possibly beyond, depending on demand), and tickets can be purchased via Ticket Tailor. Those interested in becoming a Pole in the Pearl ambassador, instructor or contributing a pole for class should reach out to Bigelow through their Linktree or Instagram.
