It’s been a hot minute since I’ve wrote a workshop review (it may have even been from pre-pandemic times), however Sinful Series was so fucking good, I have been left with no option but to break my silence and write a gushing great anecdote all about it.
For those of you who are unaware, Sinful Series is the brainchild of UK pole OG Holly Baker . As Holly perfectly describes;
“Sinful is a delectable selection of carefully curated artists offering indulgent workshops across the country. Workshops are provided by experienced instructors with years in the industry and each workshop designed to one of the seven deadly sins. Attendees are encouraged to include and explore their own authentic movement throughout. Located throughout UK with residents in London, Liverpool and Bristol.”
Now, it’s quite apt that I attended workshops focused on the seven deadly sins that afternoon, as I felt like some sort of slimy, grotesque entity that dwelled within the bleak depths of hell itself. In the week leading up to Sinful, I had developed a rotten cold which took me out, couple that with undertaking a massive DIY project and my house being upside down, I was feeling disorganised, rancid and about as sexy as a rained on dog turd. However after partaking in a virtual Squid Game to acquire tickets to Sinful, there was no way on this earth I was missing out. Naturally, I spent the week loading up on Lemsips and Vicks and fought off enough of the plague to travel up to London with my bud Emma for the afternoon to partake in the workshops.
Christ on a bike I am SO glad I made it as Sinful was an absolute bloody delight. The day was split into two sessions (afternoon and evening) with two workshops in each. Emma and I attended the afternoon session which contained Natalya Nightshade ‘s Provocateur workshop (based on Pride) and Dirty Base with Lauren Elise (based on Envy).
First off, an instant win is that both workshops were a perfect level for all attendees and contained innovative moves and transitions that I’ll definitely be taking away and adding to my own dancing (giving full credit of course!). I’ve been in a weird funk in my pole journey so far this year, and leaving an afternoon of workshops feeling like I had accomplished something was the cracking pick me up I needed.
Dirty Base had ample progressions and regressions, so you could take it easier and perfect the simpler moves if you wished or crank it up a notch. Naturally in my fragile state, I was living my best life and going for the simpler options to really hone the combos. Having been a fangirl of Lauren for donkeys years, I was dead chuffed that I managed to execute her twizzley, basework style and not end up in a confused, tangled heap. Fuck it, maybe Lauren will make a basework girlie out of me yet!
Natalya’s workshop was completely out of my comfort zone but holy shit it was sensational. I am ashamed to admit that I had never attended a striptease workshop before, and after attending Natalya’s I know how much of a grave error that was. Starting off with a gorgeous, mindful warm up which focused on soft movement activation and awareness, Provocateur taught us how to strip in the most slow and seductive way possible. I’ve always been one for documenting my pole journey online, but this workshop felt so intimate and personal that I decided to keep the video just for me.
As someone who’s riddled with squirrel energy, a big challenge for me was just how sensual and slow the workshop was. Learning to mindfully take my time with everything is a quest I have been dabbling in for years now, and what finer addition to said quest than within my movement? Especially with Stripper Style quickly becoming my favourite genre of pole dancing.
Another added bonus to both workshops was their steady and gentle warm ups. In the sorry state I was in, I was in no mood for death by warm up, and was low key scared of encountering one that would finish me off at some point during the day. Thankfully, no such fright occurred.
Furthermore, I can’t blog about the day without giving a massive shout out to The Warehouse Dance studios and their immaculate vibes as always. Not only is the studio a treat for the eyes, but all the staff and students were super friendly and supportive throughout, which was lush for Emma and I considering that we weren’t studio regulars. Extra special shout out to Saffron and Carrie if you’re reading this for being our pole neighbours and making us feel super welcome.
Overall Sinful series does exactly what it says on the tin. The afternoon made me forget all the DIY chaos at home and feeling like a plague ridden toad. Despite not being able to find my sexiest attire to wear (thanks to said DIY chaos) I felt confident, sexy and proud of myself during and after the workshops. I will categorically be stalking Sinful’s Insta for updates and future events and encourage you to do so too.
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