As a queer immigrant immersed in the vibrant community of Provincetown, I’ve been captivated by the kaleidoscope of local performers and queer identities, particularly the pole dancing community. My personal journey with this form of expression began unexpectedly during my college years, when a professional pole dancer was hired to teach female dancers for a musical production. Despite my eagerness to join, I was denied participation, leaving me perplexed. It wasn’t until years later that I was introduced to an “Intro to Pole” class by my partner’s flamboyant Texan friend, marking the beginning of this odyssey of reflexive documentary filmmaking.

That class was my last, but it led to a deep friendship and artistic mentorship. Through my filmic relationship with the central subject of my documentary, Casey, I explore themes of addiction, recovery, self-discovery, and performance. 

Pole dancing is a powerful metaphor for resilience, symbolizing the ability to defy gravity in the face of adversity. As an impact producer, I strive to cultivate spaces of inclusion and belonging, where queer identities are not only celebrated but also actively embraced. Through this project, I support the queer community’s challenging of gender stereotypes, in an effort to create a sense of empowerment and agency.

• 2024 MFA Thesis