Meet Robyn Warrener, 64, the mum who loves to channel her ‘inner goddess’ by pole-dancing with her son, Mark McLauchlan, 38.

Mark, who also happens to be psychic, used to work as an acrobat with Cirque De Soleil until an injury ended his career.

Pole-dancing has given Mark a way to use his skills and enjoy his passion for movement, while Robyn loves the hobby keeps her moving.

Now, despite living 1,000 miles apart in Australia – Robyn in Brisbane, and Mark, 38, in Melbourne – they train together using video calling apps.

Robyn says: ‘Not many mothers do this with their sons. We would love to one day take our act to the next level.

‘I have thought about going on Australia’s Got Talent as the mum and son pole-dancing duo.

‘I started pole-dancing later in life, in my 50s, so I also want to show people that it’s never too late to try something new.

‘People can never believe I’m the age I am, but I’m stronger than ever and can keep up with the youngsters in my classes. I never want to be still for too long. You’ve got to keep moving.’

Robyn got into pole-dancing first, then introduced Mark to the exercise when he returned to Brisbane in 2013, following sustaining a nerve injury in his right leg.

Mark, who works as a spiritual healer, a psychic, and a gymnastics instructor, fell in love with the sport – and is so glad he gets to share it with his mum.

‘I love telling people that Mum and I pole-dance together,’ says Mark.

‘Luckily, we’ve never had any negativity. People think it’s really cool, and they cannot believe she’s my mum when I show them her picture and tell them how old she is.

‘My world came crashing down after my injury. I came back to Australia after travelling the world and mum encouraged me to come along with her to a class.

‘She thought it would be a good way for me to play, dance and do something for my mental energy.

‘So, she dragged me along with her. I had no idea then that I’d continue it, but I found a real joy in pole-dancing.’

Thanks to attending classes for 11 years, Robyn has nailed some pretty tricky pole-dancing moves. And luckily, Mark’s extensive experience in gymnastics meant he could quickly step up to being her partner.

In time, they became skilled enough to compete as a duo and individually.

The coronavirus pandemic has meant that competitions and gyms have shut down, but the pair are continuing to train three times a week on poles they have installed in their homes.

‘We share ideas and training methods and keep one another motivated,’ said Robyn. ‘Mark has a lifetime of acrobatic experience and so really helps me with my form.

‘Being in different cities, we use video calling a lot, like Facebook Messenger or Instagram – especially at the moment.’

By sharing their story, Mark and Robyn hope to dispel myths that pole-dancing is the reserve of exotic club dancers and to encourage anybody curious to shake off their inhibitions and give it a go.

‘At my age, I don’t think anybody is looking at me as a club dancer, but I hope people out there who have been toying with giving pole a go will decide now to try it for themselves,’ says the mum.

‘In a class, you won’t be asked to do anything you aren’t comfortable with, and before long, you will be too focused on mastering moves to notice your nerves.

‘It’s the only sport I’ve ever found that never gets boring.

‘You get strong and stay strong – all while having fun. What could be better than that?’

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Share your views in the comments section below.

Source: Read Full Article