When about eight years ago Kinga visited Radio Wataha in Mysen, she already knew how to attract attention with her dancing and athleticism. Today we return to the conversation with a Polish woman who has tied her life to Norway and pole dance. Behind her are appearances at the world championships, gold medals at the Norwegian Championships and an important life change — motherhood. Ahead of her is another goal: her own place to run classes.
However, in this story people who are just crossing the threshold of the studio occupy as much space as the sporting successes. Sometimes uncertain, embarrassed, wondering whether they will manage. Kinga wants to show them that you can start from the basics and take satisfaction from every small improvement.
She was looking for dance. She found a sport that stayed with her for years
Kinga has lived in Norway for about fifteen years. In Poland she danced from childhood and explored various styles. After moving she wanted to continue this passion, but it was difficult for her to find suitable dance classes for adults.
At the end of 2015 she came across a trial pole dance training. She did not yet know what to expect. She liked it already during the first classes and signed up for the course.
Everything moved quickly. After three or four months the instructor asked if she would like to compete in the Norwegian Championships. When she stepped onto the stage, she had only about ten months of training behind her. She placed fourth.
It was the beginning of a sporting journey that later brought her multiple victories at the Norwegian Championships. She competed both solo and in a duo; there were years in which she won gold in both categories. She also represented Norway twice at the world championships.
Today her students also achieve success
Motherhood brought a break in training lasting about one and a half years. Kinga speaks about that time warmly. Now, she says, she has not competed herself for about two years — she focuses on teaching classes and preparing her students.
Among the people training with her are Polish women who also achieve success. In the interview she mentions Dorota, a winner of the Norwegian Championships and a participant in the world championships, and Wiktoria, who this year took first place in her category at the Norwegian Championships.
However, not everyone has to think about medals. For many participants the most important thing is the hour devoted to themselves: leaving the house, meeting people and training that brings joy.
You don't have to be strong or flexible to start
Pole dance combines movement on a vertical pole with elements of dance and acrobatics. Training requires strength, mobility, coordination and technique. All of these skills are developed gradually.
Kinga also leads strengthening and stretching classes. She emphasizes that a beginner does not need to come in ready shape or be able to perform impressive figures.
The first training begins with getting to know the group. For about five to ten minutes participants introduce themselves, and the instructor asks about previous experience and any injuries. Then it's time for the warm-up and the first simple elements.
At the beginning everything takes place on the floor, next to the pole. It's a calm introduction that allows one to get used to the movement and to check the abilities of the group.
Classes are intended for adults. Both women and men may participate.
Instead of judging the body — joy in what it can do
Kinga notes that at the first classes some of the participants feel self-conscious. They wonder what they look like and whether someone will judge them. Over time attention shifts to other things: mastering the movement, executing a figure, dancing the routine together.
"With each class you can see how it changes, how the girls start to believe in themselves."
The theme of acceptance returns in her account. In the studio you do not have to have a perfect figure. What matters are the attempts, the learning and the satisfaction when something finally works.
Many of her students are women in their thirties. Training is an opportunity for them to do something for themselves and to meet new people. This is also how a community is built - through regular meetings and shared experiences.
Fredrikstad: where to find Kinga's classes?
Kinga runs her own business and rents a studio at Dance Loftet in Fredrikstad. Under her brand she runs classes on Tuesdays and Fridays. On Thursdays she also teaches as part of Dance Loftet's offering.
There are seven poles in the current studio. With a larger group the participants take turns using them. When the group numbers seven people, each can use their own pole for the entire training.
Information about the offer and registration can be found on the website Kind by Kinga. Before choosing classes it is worth checking the current schedule and the group appropriate to your level.
Next goal: her own studio and more opportunities
For two to three years Kinga has been looking for premises she could use for her own studio. Renting a room on specific days limits the number of classes and the possibilities for development.
Having her own place would allow her to expand the schedule and invite other instructors to collaborate. Planned offerings include dance classes, yoga and aerial disciplines using a hoop and silks.
Technical conditions are key. Kinga points out that the ideal ceiling height is about four meters, although she is also considering premises with a height of about three to three and a half meters. A space is needed that allows for safe distances between the poles and the possibility of proper equipment installation.
Do you know premises in the Sarpsborg or Fredrikstad area that could meet these needs? Contact Kinga through her website. Such information can help create a place where more people can develop their passion.
The first step doesn't have to lead to the podium
Kinga went to her first classes because she wanted to dance. She did not then plan to represent Norway at the world championships. Today her experience helps others start their own path - whether they dream of competitions or simply want to get moving after work.
If you've been thinking about pole dance for a long time, you can start by checking out a beginner group. The first training is about meeting people, warming up and simple moves. The rest comes step by step.
