This year’s Croatia Pole Camp was truly something special. Not only did we celebrate its 10th anniversary, but we also felt a mix of emotions knowing it was the last one. As the news spread, the community gathered tighter than ever. Familiar faces filled the room—many of them women who have attended year after year, forming a tradition that felt like a summer reunion.
The workshops were incredible, the energy unforgettable, and the atmosphere exactly what Croatia Pole Camp has always been known for—warm, supportive, and full of passion for pole. But what made this final edition even more personal for me was the presentation I gave about friendships in the pole community.
One of those friendships, the one that inspired my talk, began at the second Croatia Pole Camp. That’s where I met Nikolina. From the moment I saw her, I had this strange sense that I had met her before—you know that feeling, right? Of course, we had never actually met, but something clicked instantly.
Since then, we’ve become great friends. Our first trip together was to the USA for Pole Expo in Las Vegas—an adventure that still makes us laugh. On the way back, we missed our plane... and didn’t even realize it until later because—plot twist—it was scheduled one day earlier. Instead of arguing or stressing, we just bought a new ticket and moved on. No drama, no blame—just calm teamwork. And that’s when you know you’ve met your kind of person.
From that moment on, we created a tradition: every year, we take one trip together. Not always pole-related, but always filled with good energy, support, and fun. Over time, we’ve become such close friends that people constantly ask if we’re sisters. So we started calling each other "sister"—a title neither of us has in real life but both of us cherish deeply.
And the beautiful part? This isn’t a rare story in the pole community. I see friendships like ours forming everywhere—women supporting women, lifting each other up (sometimes literally!), creating bonds that last far beyond the studio.
In the end, this is the true wealth that pole dancing gives us. Yes, it’s strength. Yes, it’s confidence. Yes, it’s a form of art and athleticism. But the friendships—the deep, inspiring, and sometimes unexpected connections—are the treasure we take with us long after the music stops.
Here’s to Croatia Pole Camp, to a decade of memories, and to the friendships that will last a lifetime. 💛✨
