Shakti Spins Takes The Crown: My Bold Sensual Win At 50

Photo Credit Chandler Fritz

I’m still glowing, still buzzing, still letting the weekend wash over me like warm honey on skin.

There’s something sacred about stepping fully into a new version of yourself and being witnessed in it. If you’ve followed my journey, you know I turned 50 just months ago. You may have read how pole dancing found me during one of the most challenging seasons of my life. What began as a tender exploration of movement quickly became a profound path of reclamation. I rediscovered the way my body loves to move—sensual, powerful, unapologetically feminine. I moved through layers of shame, vulnerability, and old wounds, learning to own my unique flavor and express it without apology.

For over two and a half decades I have guided women in healing and embodiment. What I teach is not pole dancing itself. It is the deeper work: ancient and modern practices, rich themes, and embodied wisdom that help you reclaim your crown and throne. It is about stopping the pretending and stepping wholeheartedly into the radiant essence of who you are meant to be—right here, right now.

A week ago, my husband and I drove to St. Louis for my very first pole competition at Pole USA. The piece I performed was deeply personal, woven with the fierce, sensual, and loving energy of the Dark Feminine. I will share more about that in a future post.

Twenty-four amateur performers took the stage that night. I was honored to close the show as the final dancer. The anticipation of waiting all day, then sitting through four and a half hours of incredible performances, stirred every emotion. A couple of weeks before the event, I noticed myself getting tangled in my head because of the word “competition.” Then I remembered my local studio showcases. I gently rewired my mind: this was my showcase. I was there to share my soul art through the body, not to battle. That shift calmed my nervous system and allowed me to step onto the stage fully present.

The dance was not perfect. A few small flaws appeared that had never happened in rehearsal. Yet I stayed with it, breathed through it, and gave everything I had. In that moment, it felt like pure expression and love.

Afterward, all the performers gathered as the judges announced the winners in each category. I stood in quiet gratitude—for my husband’s unwavering support, for my teachers and friends, for my family, and especially for the beautiful group of women who are now Sovereign Pearl alumni. I danced for them, because this journey reflects every woman’s story of coming home to herself.

When they reached my category—the amateur sensual pole division, where the focus is on deep expression and at least one item of clothing is removed—my stage name was called: Shakti Spins.

To my surprise and deep gratitude, I received first place.

This recognition feels less like a personal victory and more like a tender mirror reflecting back the years of dedicated practice, inner healing, and devoted evolution I have poured into this path. It is the outer expression of so much unseen inner work—the reclamation, the daily devotion, the courage to keep showing up for myself and my body. When that kind of embodied dedication meets the stage, people can feel it. The energy translates.

I am savoring this moment not from ego, but from a place of quiet awe at how far this journey has taken me. At 50, stepping into this art form and offering it with my whole heart has been one of the most beautiful expressions of becoming I have experienced.

This experience reminded me of something important we all need to hear: We never know how things will unfold when we answer the call. Too often we hold back, limit ourselves, or judge our offering as not enough. Yet the world needs each of our unique medicines—exactly as we are. Your voice, your body’s wisdom, your particular flavor of radiance is required.

Now that I have tasted this stage, I hope to return next year in the semi-professional category, should they have me.

In the meantime, if you’d like to see me dance live, I will be performing in a show in Asheville on June 6th. Reach out and I’ll happily share the details.

Beyond the dance, if my story stirs something deep inside you—if you see a reflection of your own longing for reclamation, sensuality, and power, please know I created a space just for women like us.

Registration is now open for Sovereign Pearl: Reclaiming Feminine Radiance. This is a powerful online embodiment immersion that weaves together all the practices, teachings, philosophy, healing modalities, yoga, dance, sensual care, journaling, and deep feminine wisdom that have transformed my life. There is truly nothing quite like it. You receive lifetime access, and the dates are September 10 through November 10, 2026.

I am offering a special early Pearl rate, so this is your best time to join as you save $500 with code RADIANT500. If you feel the tug, if something in you is ready to stop pretending and fully claim your crown, reach out. I’m happy to hop on a discovery call to explore whether this container is the perfect fit for your next chapter.

About Sovereign Pearl: An Online Feminine Reclalamation

When the video of my dance becomes available, I would love to share it with you—just send me a message. You can also follow my private Instagram dance account @shaktispins for more behind-the-scenes glimpses (reach out and I’ll send the details).

Thank you for witnessing this milestone with me. Here’s to all of us birthing the next radiant version of ourselves—unapologetically, sensually, and fully alive.

With love and embodied joy,

Raphaela