2026 PSO Triangle Pole Championships

“Do you want to see it?” my coach, Rhea, said with a smile as soon as I answered her Facetime. She wouldn’t have called if it wasn’t good news. I replied yes and she walked over to show me the results for my event.

I competed twice in 2025 through the Pole Sport Organization in the Championship category with less than stellar results. Excelling in the most technically judged category would soothe my ego. What does it matter if I can’t place in the pickiest portion? The disappointment held a bitter sting with a performance song that means a lot to me. Training from March to November exhausted me, it was hard to imagine getting back on stage in May of 2026.

Per usual though, a song was demanding my attention. It popped up during morning runs and numerous viewings of Proximity Media’s Sinners (2025). I tossed out grand plans to compete in two categories, Championship and Entertainment. Find out which one’s for me, I placed first in Entertainment Level 3 in 2024. “Magic What We Do” for one category and “Pale, Pale Moon” for the other.

I put off registering for PSO Triangle, unsure if I could compete at all. I was mentally exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed, and then unemployed. Doesn’t sound like the environment for a competition season. Maybe I could come up with something. Combos taught by different instructors at Spin City Dance Studio worked well together. I gave my hodge-podge idea a try during Pole Hire at Akila Pole Studio. By the hour’s end, I had a good start on a spin pass.

Competing in two categories was another scheme set up by my ego. The right choice for me was to return to Entertainment with “Magic What We Do”. I asked Rhea when we should start training and her reply was “Yesterday.” The following week we set off on another creative competitive journey. 

Rhea had no notes for my spin pass and helped tweak the end and dismount. I left the static pass to her; I don’t anything about that lifestyle. My brain’s inability to move one of my hands led to a more unexpected dynamic entry. I did manage to contribute that I wanted an Ayesha on static and that I like the Extended Butterly. Basework was all Rhea, she added texture to my opening floorwork, and I looked to Alvin Ailey’s Revelations (1960) for the between pole transition, specifically “Processional/Honor, Honor” and “Wade in the Water”. 

The end sequence went from abstract thought to accurately combat staged by my volunteer vampire, Cámíłá Cien Fuegos. After I made a Discord plea for anyone who wanted the role, giving a convincing Remmick was a plus, she offered to join the piece before class one day. I shrieked my acceptance in the lobby, a major storytelling piece secured. We choreographed, rehearsed, and solidified the ending in an hour. A major pre-vacation win.

If you’re new to my pole competition tales, my mind and I tussle over each one. This time I recalled my 2024 mantra of having fun. Performing to a song from my favorite scene of my second favorite film of all time. A scene filled with joy and artistry from the past, present, and future. I cast myself as a spirit of joy, drawn in by music and the protection of it. The entire point was having a good time while sharing my art.

To have a good time, the mind and body need to be in sync. When my mind is nervous, I speed up my body. The song starts and I rush to ensure I keep up. Instead, it ensures that I become a jumbled mess. My morning meditation focus switched to competition. I listened to “Magic What We Do” three times. Once to breathe through it, I hold my breath when I’m concentrating on a task. A second time to visualize my performance, from my perspective or the audience’s. A third and final time to let the song sink into my bones, my body needed to be at ease on the opening notes.

On competition day, I had the best handle on my mindset to date. I sat in the back of the theater reading Kennedy Ryan’s Before I Let Go and watching other competitors until it was time to get dressed and warm up. The competition was moving faster than expected and that tapped into my anxiety. I split my warmup between the dressing room and backstage. Luckily, the stage itself was blocked from my view by a rocket ship prop. I helped place my hand painted Club Juke sign and guitar on stage and waited to hear “Our next competitor is Jade Jaguar.”

I remembered Sky Luna’s plea for me to make eye contact; I did look out at the audience. Who I was looking at, no clue, I don’t wear contacts when I perform. I survived my hand getting stuck under my knee on spin, climbing back up to redo my Apprentice on static, and accidentally grazing Cámíłá’s face with the inflatable guitar as the Joyful Spirit knocked Remmick out. High points, I held both of my Ayeshas. 

About an hour later, Cámíłá, Yasha and her husband who came to support and check out the competition vibe, and I sat at Di Fara’s bar ready to enjoy pizza and garlic knots. That’s when Rhea’s name popped up on my phone. “Do you want to see it?”, it must be good so yes. Relief washed over me as I found my name in the third-place spot for Entertainment Level 4 Junior/Senior. Turns out that 2024 wasn’t a fluke. I can tell a story on stage.

“It’s magic what we do. It’s sacred and it’s big” – Delta Slim (Delroy Lindo). Creating is sacred to me, art is sacred to me, pole is sacred to me. I am endlessly grateful to Rhea for being an amazing coach and understanding how to handle me when I’m frustrated with myself. Cámíłá, for being an enthusiastic addition and lending her knowledge and calm spirit. Yasha, for coming to watch and support, I was surprised and delighted. Also, to everyone who wished me well, asked how it went, or said anything kind to me regarding my performance the day of or after. 

Pole is my happy and safe place. It’s where I get to expand my creative expression. The arena where I recall my power and energy from people I’ve exiled. It’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. I’ve made lifelong friends through pole. I’ll take time to rest and be a student again, but I’ll be back on stage in due time.