Pole Fitness Dancer

Dear Uncle Gary,

I teach English at our community college, and once a month our department holds a meeting where we share updates, lesson ideas, student wins, and classroom challenges. It’s about 17 of us, including our department chair, Marisol, and the rest of the faculty.

There’s a tradition at these meetings where we also share a few personal photos, something from our lives outside of school. Most people show vacation pics, family moments, hiking trails, or quirky hobbies. It’s a nice way to connect, and I genuinely enjoy seeing what everyone’s up to.

Here’s my dilemma: the hobby I spend most of my time on is one I’m proud of, but I’m not sure how it would land in a semi-casual work setting. I’ve been training in pole dancing for the past couple of years. It’s physically demanding, creatively fulfilling, and honestly, it’s the best workout I’ve ever found. I’ve even started performing in amateur showcases. It’s not risqué or provocative in the way people sometimes assume—it’s athletic, artistic, and empowering.

But I’m a male teacher, and I know that comes with certain optics. I’m not sure how my colleagues or Marisol would react to photos of me mid-invert or doing a shoulder mount. Some would probably find it fascinating or even inspiring, but others might feel uncomfortable or just not know what to make of it.

So here’s my question: is it appropriate to include this hobby in a work presentation that’s meant to be personal but still professional? Or should I stick to something safer, like a picture of my dog or a weekend hike?

Signed, Pole Fitness Dancer

Dear Pole Fitness Dancer,

Well, aren’t you just the Cirque du Soleil of tenure track. I love it. You’re out here defying gravity while the rest of us are just trying to defy the urge to grade papers in bed.

Now let’s talk shop. You’re asking whether it’s appropriate to share photos of your pole dancing hobby in a work meeting. And I say: it depends. Not on the pole, although I do hope it’s securely fastened, but on the context, the tone, and the delivery.

You’re not talking about anything salacious. You’re talking about strength, artistry, and discipline. You’re talking about a sport that demands core control, spatial awareness, and a willingness to hang upside down like a chandelier with abs. That’s not scandalous, that’s impressive.

But here’s the rub (and no, not that kind): some folks still hear “pole dancing” and picture a smoky club and a soundtrack by Def Leppard. You know it, I know it, and Marisol probably knows it too. So if you do decide to share, frame it. Give it context. Lead with the athleticism, the creativity, the personal growth. Maybe skip the thigh-highs and go with a photo that highlights the movement, not the mystique.

And if you’re still unsure? Test the waters. Mention it casually in conversation with a colleague you trust. Gauge the reaction. You don’t have to go full shoulder mount in the slideshow, maybe just a glimpse of the studio, the rig, the training. Let them see the dedication before the dazzle.

Because here’s the truth, authenticity builds trust. And when you show up as your full self, graceful, grounded, and maybe a little upside-down, you give others permission to do the same.

So whether it’s your dog, your hike, or your gravity-defying hobby, share what makes you proud. Just make sure the pole isn’t the only thing with a strong foundation.

Yours in strength and sass, Uncle Gary