From the 28th of January to the 1st of February 2024, members of University of Plymouth Pole Dancing Club took a trip to Amsterdam, Netherlands, to give members the opportunity to travel together, bond as a team, and learn some new skills.
Student group members were given a free schedule and the option of attending Silk, Hoop and Spinny Pole classes in a local studio: Pole Dance Factory.
Staying in the heart of Amsterdam, the group were able to visit an array of museums, including the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, the Upside Down Museum, and Rijksmuseum. Members also spent their days in cafés, restaurants, and boutiques, enjoying the local delicacy. Some members also decided to travel outside of the City, visiting Zaanse Schans – a famous and scenic heritage farm full of windmills.
With some activities attended by all and at other times the group splitting off to see different areas of the City they were keen to explore and experience; all members made the most out of their time away.
Quotes from trip members:
“I’m so happy with how perfectly the trip turned out. The girls loved having not just Pole, but also Aerial classes to fill their time. It was the first time for many of them, and a hilarious and humbling experience. I was really sad to leave, having made some new friends and loving the city. I’m really considering moving there haha.” -- Elizabeth Harrison, President.
"Amsterdam with the UPPDC was truely a once in a life time experience. I’ve had the best time exploring the city, on tours and learning new skills with Amsterdam pole factory was incredible. Thank you to everyone involved in planning tour!" -- Kelsie Wherry
“The Amsterdam trip was so much fun! I loved my first aerial hoop and silk lessons, and learn some new tricks to add to my reservoir from the spin class. It was really nice seeing new and returning members form new friendships on this trip, and it was great to spend time as a club outside our usual training sessions and socials." -- Charlotte Weeks, Secretary.
"I had the best time in Amsterdam. Trying aerial silks and hoop for the first time was so much fun and I did not stop laughing the entire trip. I made so many new friends and I would love to go back and do it all again. Memories for life!! Thanks UPPDC committee for being the most wholesome group and always hyping everyone up." -- Ellie O’Brien
“Amsterdam was an incredible opportunity to practice new and existing skills, and get closer with our new and long standing members. I didn’t want to leave!” -- Emma Hornsby
“Amsterdam was such a good trip, I had the best time! Learning new skills such as aerial hoop and silks was so fun, as well as improving my pole skills! Meeting new people on the trip was so lovely.” -- Hannah Wilkins
"The Pole Dance Society has opened doors for me this year, providing new friends and opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have. Amsterdam was one of those opportunities; I got to tick off a bucket list holiday combined with learning from incredible instructors at the Pole Dance Factory in Amsterdam who are at the top of their game which made it an incredible experience. The group of girls is varied so there are always people up for exploring wherever you want to go so you never miss out! I had a lovely time and made some once-in-a-lifetime memories." -- Aderyn Phillips
“It was amazing to have the opportunity to join in the UPPDC’s Tour this year in Amsterdam the city’s vibrant atmosphere rich history and picturesque canals left me in chanted throughout our trip. The studio that they pick for us to visit and take classes from was exquisite with high ceilinged poles as well as a fully equipped aerial hoop and silk studio. Basking in Amsterdam is unique culture has sure kicked my year off to an amazing start, thank you UPPDC." -- Hannah McCabe
“Amsterdam with the UPPDC was one of the best things I’ve done since being at uni, I started UPPDC in September and have meet some of the nicest girls. Learning new skills with Amsterdam pole factory was incredible and definitely something I want to continue with now we are back in Plymouth. A massive thank you to everyone involved in planning tour and to all the girls in making it the best experience!” -- Sophie Sweetman-Phillips
Find out more about UPPDC
Find out more and purchase a membership for the Pole Dance Society here.
Follow them on Instagram.
Email: uppdc@outlook.com