This archive report was first published on 11 December 2019.
Pole Dancing: Beyond the Misconceptions ¶
Published on December 11, 2019
Marjolein Blokland is a personal trainer like no other. She specializes in two unique activities: Muay Thai and pole dancing. In this exclusive interview, she shares her story of how she uses both activities to help her clients lose weight and stay fit.
Marjolein Blokland's journey with Muay Thai began in 2005, when she was just 14 years old. She started training as a form of exercise to lose weight, but quickly fell in love with the art of Muay Thai. 'I started training in 2005 when I was 14, doing it as a form of exercise to lose weight. I quickly fell in love and wanted to know the art of it. So, I started to take it more seriously and put in more time and effort to learn all that I could about it.'
Muay Thai, also known as the art of eight limbs, is a form of kickboxing that originated in Thailand. Blokland describes it as a holistic activity that utilizes the whole body and turns it into a weapon. 'It utilises the whole body and turns it into a weapon. It can be used to possibly fatally injure someone else in a fight, but at the same time, when taught by the right coaches, it teaches someone discipline and control. In realising the potential damage one can do to someone else, one is more likely to refrain from doing so.'
Blokland notes that Muay Thai has been in Kenya for many years, with the Colosseum Gym in Adams Arcade being the first gym to start teaching the sport. 'The Colosseum Gym in Adams Arcade, which is owned by Andries Leenheer, was the first gym to start teaching Muay Thai. It gives fighters an opportunity to fight, and potential clients a place to train.'
However, it was not until ten years after discovering Muay Thai that Blokland discovered pole dancing. She started teaching herself pole dancing tricks, inversions, and spins using YouTube videos. 'I started teaching myself pole dancing tricks, inversions and spins using YouTube videos. My background as a personal trainer really came in handy.'
Despite the growing popularity of Muay Thai, Blokland notes that there is still a general lack of understanding about pole dancing, and as a consequence, a lot of misconceptions out there. 'Pole dancing is still seen as a sexual dance by many. They believe it should not be taught. This is mostly by people who are narrow-minded, and don’t do their homework before placing judgement.'
Blokland is on a mission to change the narrative around pole dancing, and to educate people about the various styles of pole dance. 'There are many styles of pole dance, because it’s just that, a form of dance utilising a pole. It is a form of dance that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. From exotic pole dance, to what I teach, which is more fitness oriented to full-on acrobatics on the pole.'
When asked about her training schedule, Blokland reveals that she trains in the gym (weight lifting) at least three times a week, and pole dancing and Muay Thai twice a week. 'I train in the gym (weight lifting), at least three times a week, and pole dancing and Muay Thai twice a week. This schedule isn’t fixed because at times I get a lot of bookings from clients and sometimes have to sacrifice my own time.'
Blokland has benefited greatly from both activities beyond just being fit. 'Muay Thai has given me a lot of confidence in terms of what I can physically do and the potential damage I can deal to someone else. Over the years, my punches and kicks have become harder, faster and stronger.'
Despite the challenges that come with both activities, Blokland is committed to her craft. 'Firstly, there is the issue of injuries. Recovery takes time and patience. Secondly, one needs to stay focused and committed because training can become routine and boring at time.'
For now, Blokland is enjoying teaching and improving on her own skills. 'For now, I am enjoying teaching and improving on my own skills. Maybe one day I will step into the ring or take part in a pole dance competition.'
