Jon Premosch / BuzzFeed

“I started pole dancing since October 2007. It’s one of the toughest things I’ve ever put my body through, which is why pole dancers are so damn strong. That first class really kicked my ass, but it was also some of the most fun I’ve had in my life.

Now I’m the one doing the ass-kicking. I remember teaching my first class, and hearing my name screamed from the ceiling because a student had made it all the way up their 13-foot pole. I was holding back tears because I couldn’t believe I’d helped someone do that. I want people to know that pole dancing is for everybody; I have taught people of every age, every gender, and sexual orientation, and I’m incredibly proud of that.

Being a plus-size athlete, for some people, is a complete oxymoron. They believe because I don’t have a traditionally ‘athletic’ body type, that it should diminish all of my achievements in the athletic community. I’ve been told to my face that I don’t deserve to be leading other people in fitness classes because I’m ugly, I’m fat, I’m stupid, I’m dark — all things that have no actual bearing on my skill as a teacher, so it turns out the joke’s on them. As for what I’m still working towards? Well, Beyoncé: My pole is ready, I can dance on beat, and I’ve got really sparkly booty shorts. Call me!”

On Roz: Bra by Artista Activewear on top (discount code ABARM10), bottoms by Rainbeau Curves, shoes by Nike