Pole Dancing: Amy Leibbrandt finds healing and strength in the language of movement

In a world quick to judge and slow to understand, Amy Leibbrandt is rewriting the narrative, one spin at a time. After surviving a traumatic assault in 2016 and enduring a years-long legal battle, Amy found herself searching for a way to reconnect with her body and reclaim her sense of power. What began as a tentative step into a pole-dancing studio turned into a profound act of healing, strength, and self-expression.

In this candid conversation with GLAMOUR, Amy opens up about the transformative journey of pole-dancing, how it challenged societal judgments, helped her confront shame, and became a form of physical and emotional empowerment. Her story is one of resilience, bravery, and the liberating power of movement.

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GLAMOUR: What inspired you to start pole-dancing, and how has it affected your life and self-perception?

Amy Leibbrandt: In 2016, I was sexually assaulted — little did I know that it would be the beginning of an almost decade-long judicial process in the courts. Throughout the process of going to the police, testifying, maintaining my job to a high standard and trying to be the best single mom I could be, I was struggling to rebuild myself and take back power over my body. A friend of mine suggested we go to a pole class — the moment I stepped into the studio, I [felt stronger]. Something about the movements and the strength required to do pole-dancing resonated with me. I was hooked. Over the past six years, I’m grateful to have built a strong and healthy body, and I am in awe of how resilient I have become. Pole-dancing has not only changed me physically, but has completely transformed the way I see myself. Being able to lift your body up on a piece of metal is pretty amazing.

GLAMOUR: How do you respond to people who may still view pole-dancing as objectifying or degrading?

Amy Leibbrandt: It’s very natural for people to immediately think of stripping when you tell them you pole dance. Respectfully, the roots of modern pole-dancing come from strippers — we owe that community for its existence. I am not bothered by judgmental people — life is too short to worry about the opinions of others. I am very proud of what I’m able to achieve with my own strength. Being able to do tricks on the pole that an average person cannot do is empowering.

GLAMOUR: How has pole-dancing helped you confront and overcome shame about your body?

Amy Leibbrandt: When I started, I was a little nervous about wearing something as small as a bikini on the pole, so I wore shorts and a T-shirt. During one class, a woman who was curvy and vivacious pulled off her dress and did some incredible tricks on the pole. She was owning her body and her strength and, in that moment, I felt even more confident that it’s not about how you look or what you can do, it’s about how you feel. Pole-dancing has helped me feel confident in my body, as well as healthy and strong for the first time in my life.

GLAMOUR: What are the physical and emotional benefits you’ve experienced through pole-dancing?

Amy Leibbrandt: When I started pole-dancing, I hadn’t exercised for a long time. I could barely walk around the pole without feeling out of breath. But, week by week, I improved. I was able to climb the pole, invert and do other complex poses, building my strength and stamina to do an entire routine. The constant challenge of learning new tricks and the different transitions between moves has kept me engaged and motivated. The sense of accomplishment I feel after mastering a new skill is unparalleled. But most importantly, pole-dancing has been my therapeutic outlet, giving me the courage to face challenges — like competing on stage and, more significantly, testifying against the person who sexually assaulted me

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GLAMOUR: How do you think pole dancing can be a form of feminist expression and a way to reclaim female sexuality and autonomy?

Amy Leibbrandt: It allows us to take back ownership of our bodies and our sexuality which is ours and ours alone. We are in a society where sadly this is stolen from so many of us against our will - either through force, or people's judgmental opinions or negativity. The fact is, what we do with our bodies, whether we're pole dancers, tennis players, runners, gamers or even someone who just loves to bake - this is for us and only us. Pole has given me the perspective of self-ownership over these concepts and it has made me a better dancer, a better woman, a better leader and a much better mother. I am so grateful to this community for shaping me into the person I am today.

Article appeared on GLAMOUR Mind and Body May' 2025 issue