The art of pole dancing has to be the most underrated form of artistry. Pole dancers seamlessly culminate contradicting concepts like femininity and muscular strength with such grace. The added element of body positivity promotes wellness and healing so it's time we give these artists their flowers now.
With a myriad of mental and physical benefits, pole dancing serves as a conduit to finding your sexuality, individuality and strength. As a Black woman, I am mystified by the beauty of Black women and their bodies. To use your vessel to give birth, protect the culture and effortlessly contort your entire being is just...magic.
Black Twitter has gone up about the superpowers we were supposed to get on December 21st but the truth is we have always had superpowers and these accounts are the proof. To give you some inspiration, we have rounded up some pole dancing accounts that need a follow ASAP.
Zippora, @zipporaflexpolefit
The Baltimore native is a technical designer by trade but learned the power of the pivot when she attended her first pole class in 2010. There was something about how the woman delicately moved around the pole and around the floor that made Zippora re-evaluate her career path. Now, she's having full circle moments daily as she serves as major body and strength inspo for other women. This goddess has been a body double on shows like P-Valley and The Quad so you best believe she deserves a follow.
Simone, @smariasylvester
We stan mother, educator, and pole enthusiast, Simone, because she deserves it. She uses the pole as therapy. On an Instagram post, she shared, "My identity evolves. I give myself permission to explore. My purpose becomes revealed to me through this exploration." We are enamored by the way she balances the duality of being a mom while not losing herself in being deliberate about her other loves.
Sammy Picone, @sammypicone
You might know Sammy as Flame Bae. But what you really need to know is that Sammy's love affair with pole dancing came shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. Little did she know, her affinity for inverts would thrust her into her purpose. Sammy had dreams of going to medical school, but like many of us, she let self-doubt take control. Now, her resume includes accomplishments like "featured in Vogue Italia" and "toured with Summer Walker". Up next, she'll be your favorite acupuncturist slash pole dancer when she opens up her studio and practice soon.
AnnaKia, @itsbaelienbish
The day I saw AnnaKia gliding around the pole to Giveon's "Still Your Best" in cheetah print pants and killer heels, I hit the follow button like my life depended on it. The seductress is no stranger to large audiences and bright lights because she's been featured on stages with celebrities from Summer Walker to Young Dolph. It's really the way she owns every space she walks into for us.
Ney, @neyon_tree
Neyon inspires all of us to be comfortable in our own skin by simply slowing down and being present. Her ballet and contemporary dance background make for the most beautiful show when defying gravity. Ney quit her nine-to-five after wanting more — wanting to find a way to move that felt good to her and good for her body. Because the universe was conspiring per usual, she landed an opportunity of a lifetime when she got the call to be in Solange's "Almed" video. Visiting her account brings us joy because she is all the things: dancer, black femme, artist, and sex worker.
Ro'Yale, @daqueenofcurves
With over 60 million views on multiple social media platforms, Ro'Yale is the plus size pole fit instructor we all need. Da Queen of Curves became the first curvy instructor at the world-renowned Vertical Joe's when the studio became intentional about representation of all body types. From that moment, "Vertically Voluptuous" became the class for plus size women who used the studio as a playground. In an interview with Curvicality, Ro'Yale said:
"Feeling sexy as a plus-size woman is not to compare yourself to anyone else … and also not to give a damn what anyone else thinks. You got that! You've got to love yourself, no matter what size you are."
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Featured Image @neyon_tree
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
WNBA star Angel Reese stuns on and off the court, and now she’s spilling her beauty and skincare secrets with us. The 22-year-old gave some insight into her beauty and skincare routine while speaking to Vogue, including her game day routine.
“My grandma used to always put mascara on my eyes when I was younger, and I used to go on the basketball court; that’s how I got the name 'Bayou Barbie' ‘cause I always had my nails, lashes, hair done,” she explains.
Below, Angel shares the skincare products that make her skin glow and her go-to makeup looks.
Check out her routines below.
Skincare
Vogue/YouTube
Angel starts with La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. “I love skincare. Makes me feel good, makes me feel cleanse, especially after a long day because I’m always on the go,” she says. “I play sports, so my face is always drenched with sweat, and I always gotta keep it clean.”
Vogue/YouTube
Angel uses two moisturizers. She uses Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30 first and follows it up with Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream with Aloe.
"You have to use the thinnest layer and then the thickest layer," she says. "I learned these tips because one time I posted a skincare routine and they were like, you need to run that back. And they taught me you need to do thin then thick and then I could see the complete difference with my skin."
Vogue/YouTube
She keeps Laniege Lip Balm with her at all times, including during games.
Vogue/YouTube
One-Size Setting Spray is her go-to for keeping her makeup fresh on the court. “I usually spray my beauty blender with my setting spray,” she says. “People usually wet the beauty blender under the water, but why not set it with this.”
Vogue/YouTube
She rounds out her beauty routine with mascara, brows, and her lip combo using Rare Beauty Kind Words Lip Liner and Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Gloss. But before closing, she made sure to give flowers to the WNBA stars before her who were also known for getting glammed on and off the court.
“I gotta give kudos to the girls who were wearing makeup before. Lisa Leslie, Skylar Diggins, Candace Parker. Everybody already had their edges and their lashes, lipstick on," she says. "Tina Thompson; she used to wear a full red lip on her lips during the game, but that’s something I could probably never do.”
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Feature image by Vogue/YouTube