[kathleensteele]

I completely understand where you’re coming from. Having most of your routine nailed down but suddenly feeling resistant to practice is more common than it seems. Often it isn’t about the pole work itself but the mental pressure of being watched, especially in a group setting. The irony is that performing on stage feels easier because it’s your moment, whereas group practice can feel like silent judgement even if no one is actually thinking that way.

One thing that helped me in a similar situation was to treat practice as part of the performance challenge. Instead of focusing on whether I “fit in,” I reframed it as resilience training, every awkward feeling became part of building mental strength for the competition. It also helps to remember that everyone in the room has their own insecurities. Some mask it with chatter, others keep quiet. Both approaches are valid.

If the shyness is becoming overwhelming, outside support can make a difference. Communities such as: https://www.theannsavvagroup.com/ focus on confidence-building and encouragement, which can ease the mental block. You’ve clearly put in the work, and three weeks is plenty of time to finish strong. Trust your preparation, you’re more ready than you think.