Mel Dishes on Her First Pole Dance Competition

If you’ve ever wondered about entering a pole dance competition, you’ll want to read this. Mel just competed in her first pole competition – and WON third!! Way to go, Mel!

How did you get started taking pole dancing lessons?

It was just about a year ago. I was six months shy of 40 and a younger friend of mine really wanted to try this Pole Dancing thing. She was a dancer and kind of sexy, and I thought “What the hell, it’ll be a fun night out!” So away we went to Studio Soiree in Sugarhouse, UT. At that very first class, I discovered that I liked moving my body in really sexy ways. I liked that I was sweating from walking around the pole so much, and I liked that I learned how to frisk the pole and could take that little exercise home and show my man! It just took off from there.

How did you decide to enter your first pole dance competition?

Actually, the decision was not a tough one. I have done theater most of my life, and I cannot EVER pass up a chance to have an audience. When the Miss Pole Dance Utah Competition was announced I signed myself up right away – that was the easiest part of the whole experience.

How did you create the pole dance routine you used in the competition?

Ah, see this was the hardest part! I had no idea how to create a routine. Luckily, I have the most awesome supportive Pole Buddies at Studio Soiree – all the ladies help each other out. So, I wrote down all the tricks I knew I could pull off well. I then needed to find music that would work for me. That was tough. It had to be under three minutes, and it had to be a song I could listen to continuously for a month!

I ended up making a playlist with all the songs I liked that fit the time criteria. Soon, two favorites popped up and I chose “I Want You” by Rachel Yamagata. It had a little bit of humor in it, it was slow but not boring, and I really liked the song. After that, it was a matter of building the routine. Honestly, as the competition got closer, I had some serious feelings of insecurity – a relatively new feeling for me! I started to doubt that I could pull it off. After all, I’m 40, I have never worked out before, I’m not that flexible, and, worst of all, I flunked out of ballet when I was in elementary school. Having to do this routine really brought up old body issues for me – all arms and legs that don’t quite know what to do with themselves. Grrrr. I got some fantastic advice from Lorinda – one of the owners of our studio. She said, “Mel, you need to just do what you do best. Have fun, and get a character, and rock it.”

Something about getting a character resonated in me. I ended up having a dream. In it, I was performing the routine. I was in black and white – like an old silent film. I woke up knowing exactly what I was going to do. At the competition, I was in my black PoleSkivvies, a black and white polka dot bikini, and a black tutu and performed my ass off! I had fun and just showed everyone how much I enjoy playing on the pole!

What happens at a pole dance competition? Tell us all about it!

Oh my gosh! So much fun! There were about 23 hot ladies who were competing, plus several performers as well. We all gathered back stage and fought over the mirrors, chatted, and tried to look confident. We had to sign posters with our pictures on them – that was really fun – made me feel like a star! Then we had a photo shoot. We all got ten minutes on the pole and we got to see a glimpse of everyone’s routines. That was TOTALLY intimidating. These women were AMAZING! Then, the audience starts filing in. The noise of the crowd gets really loud because everyone is so excited. It’s electric! It fills you up! Then, the lights dim and you know its time to begin. The first competitor takes the stage and it is on!

I was a bit surprised, but I was so calm. I was just so excited and happy to be a part of the very first competition in Utah. I competed in the Intermediate category and was about the fourth one in our division to compete. I walked onto the stage, took my place, and waited for my music. When it started, I completely disappeared and the Silent Movie character took over. I hit my tricks, pointed my toes, and could not wipe the smile off my face! People were yelling and cheering, but I didn’t even hear them, I was in the ZONE ….

When it was all over, after all the competitors were through, I was BLOWN away by the talent I had just gotten to witness. The strength was awesome and beautiful!

At the awards ceremony, they announced the 3rd place winner – it was ME!!! I was so surprised! I actually said “Are You Fuc*ing KIDDING me??????” But, I have the coolest trophy to prove it. The rest of the night was a huge party with my favorite women!

I highly recommend everyone to do a competition at least once. It is a truly amazing experience!

Favorite makeup tip:

I SUCK with makeup, but I never go out without mascara and lip gloss. OH! Also, wash your face every night!

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

95% of the time I am barefoot. I didn’t start wearing heels until I made it to Level 3, but I sure do enjoy it! When I am not on the pole, barefoot – preferably with one or two toes stuck in the sand, and a rum and coke in my hand.

Favorite grip enhancer:

Well, I started to use Dry Grip when I started taking Advanced Core Pole. We do a lot of crazy holds in that class and since we are all sweaty, a little grip enhancer is necessary. However, we had Pantera visit our studio and she reprimanded me for using a grip enhancer while conditioning. Since I *Heart* Pantera, I will obey ….

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

I think learning and perfecting the Jasmine was a very proud moment of mine. I love that hold! Lately, I am perfecting my Electric Leg Switch and was stoked when I did it a few times in a row the other day.

Pole dance pet peeves:

Well, I actually LOVE the bruises (is that weird?) – I show them off regularly! I think ruined pedicures and hitting a pole plateau are my two biggest complaints. The toe thing I got covered with Gel Toes – amazing, sparkly, not quite acrylics for toes. They stand up to the beating we give them. As for plateauing? You know, you keep trying to do a trick and it is just not working out. And you feel like you have hit the wall with it? I keep telling myself it is in my head. I don’t know – any tips???

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

Easy – four ibuprofen and a relaxing dip in the hot tub.

Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?

The more the better! I do have to say, knowing that my husband and daughters were in the audience at the competition really upped my game.

Who is your hero or role model?

Jeez, everyone! Since beginning pole at Studio Soiree, I have met so many fascinating and interesting people. They are like onions. You meet them and think “Oh, they are nice”, then you get to know them and hear about their lives and what they have overcome or what they are going through, and you think “Holy Crap, I had no idea this person was so interesting!” Onion people – LOVE THEM! Ok, and, not to name drop or anything, but after spending a couple hours with Pantera, I want to be her!!!!

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

“Do it again!” I am a total glutton for punishment and if I am challenged I will totally go for it. So, when one of my trainers says, “Nope, not right, do it again!” I jump at it! Also – “Holy crap, Mel! That was awesome!” works for me too!

Favorite pizza toppings:

Sausage, Pepperoni, Mushrooms … or The White Garlic Pizza – heaven!

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Both please! With extra frosting.

Anything else you’d like to share:

I have never been good at anything remotely fitness oriented in my life. I was always the last picked for teams (being the girl with glasses and braces and at least a foot taller than all your classmates does that for ya!). Finding a supportive studio and women who are all rooting for you was a huge change for me. This pole fitness thing really changed my mental outlook – I walk differently, I talk about myself differently, and I really have found my center. I have finally let my sexy side out to play and I am loving it. (Yes, pole fitness is sexy – get over it!)

Mel is one of my favorite people! If you’re lucky enough to be in the area, she teaches pole dancing classes in Utah at Studio Soiree. And, yes, she’s wearing PoleSkivvies pole dance shorts in those lovely photos!

Tags: Pole Dance Competition, Pole Dancers, Pole Dancing

June 18, 2009 - Posted by PoleSkivvies 4 Comments
Filed under: Pole Dance Competitions