Defying Gravity
and the Stigma of Aging.
This story was originally published in 2016.
Mary Serritella, the mother of three, embarked on her award-winning career in competitive pole dancing just five years ago at the age of 57.
Written by Julia Jayne | Republished August 2023
Mary Serritella
With no prior dance experience and lacking any athletic ambitions throughout her adulthood, she defied expectations. Initially, her sons were mortified by what they jokingly called her "journey to the dark side," and her sister persistently reminded her that she was too old for such adventures, expressing concerns about the risk of falling and breaking a hip. However, Mary didn’t care. In fact, not only did she avoid hip injuries, but her bone density also increased, leaving her healthier and stronger than she had ever been in her life.
Pole dancing, formerly associated with dimly lit and risqué clubs, has undergone a remarkable transformation. It has successfully shaken off its earlier stigma, allowing highly skilled athletes to now shine on the global stage, although these athletes are typically in their 20s and 30s, not in their 50s and up.
Mary, when invited by a friend to join a local gym's pole-dancing class, didn't need any convincing to try this new kind of sport. Little did she know that in a few short years, she'd become a master of her craft, even competing and triumphing on international stages.
"I love being a woman, and the older I get, the more I cherish it. I've never bought into the idea that something has to give as you age," Mary says, with a playful sparkle in her eyes. "Every age has its own challenges, its own unique beauty, and grace. What matters is what you make of it, and, most importantly, how you feel about yourself.”
Mary Serritella
Mary's journey began when her youngest was on the verge of graduating college in December 2010. For the first time in years, she had the time and financial means to pursue a hobby just for herself.
Pottery class? Nah, that wasn't intriguing enough for this adventurer. Instead, she found herself captivated by the world of pole dancing. Being one of the "older" participants in the class only ignited her passion further.
Approaching her first class with an open mind and boundless curiosity, Mary wasn't focused on what she couldn't do. Instead, she was excited about uncovering what she was capable of doing. Her mantra was simple but profound – this was her personal journey, a chance to enhance her flexibility, coordination, and strength while basking in the sweet melody of good music and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.
Though she had never really worked out, Mary always made time for at least 30 minutes of daily stretching. She knew she was flexible. However, she didn't realize to what degree. It turned out that Mary was more flexible than a contortionist trying to escape a straightjacket! The real challenge, especially in the beginning, was building the necessary strength to pull herself up the pole and hold the poses.
Armed with a suitcase full of ambition and unwavering determination, she approached her training like a true champion. It's no exaggeration; she's now a world champion. To reach this level, she's been dedicating herself to training six days a week, spending 90-120 minutes each time.
Pole dancing is not for the faint of heart; it comes with its fair share of bruises and sore muscles. Yet, for Mary, these are all part of her sacred source of soreness and joy.
When Mary isn't training or competing, she generously shares her wisdom by teaching highly sought-after pole-specific split workshops around the globe. She's also frequently seen at pole competitions, this time in the role of a judge.
This bubbly, outgoing blonde, always with a friendly smile, is living proof that age is but a number, and that growing older doesn't require sacrificing your dreams.
Mary doesn't shy away from acknowledging her age. "I'm aware that I'm getting older, but there's a lot you can do about it, with mindset being the most crucial aspect," she asserts. Mary's hope is for more people, especially women, to realize that negative thoughts age them prematurely. "As women age, they often tuck away their sensuality and vitality. They might think, 'It's not important anymore,' 'It's not possible anymore,' or 'I don't care anymore.' They stow it away, and that's when aging starts to take hold. Remember, you have a choice. People can achieve more than they think, as long as they take it step by step. My first year wasn't filled with this insane schedule; I built up to it.”
Regardless of your age, Mary's story serves as a reminder to embrace your passions, shatter stereotypes, and redefine the notion of growing older.
Pole dancing might not be everyone's cup of tea, but the message is clear: seize your passions, break free from societal expectations, and challenge any preconceived notions about aging.
Mary Serritella stands as living proof that it's never too late to turn your dreams into reality, and a dash of sass can help you defy gravity in the most extraordinary ways.
Find your source of soreness and happiness, no matter your age, and continue to dance through life with style, strength, and that unmistakable twinkle in your eye!
