Alena Downs of PoleJunkies

This is a special interview for me because seeing Alena Downs’ videos on Youtube was one of the main inspirations that got me into pole dancing.

If you don’t already know about PoleJunkies, you should – and the PoleJunkies forum!

How did you get started pole dancing?

I was an exotic feature entertainer, I retired to share my passion!

How did you make the leap to opening your own studio? What was that like?

I started doing private classes and live onlines, but with the increasing schedule, I needed group classes. The leap to my own studio was a challenge with the current stereotype that follows the pole industry. It was wonderful to introduce something to the public I so enjoy!

What is the first thing you teach new pole dance students?

How to stand up straight and be proud of yourself….and what you are about to learn!
Poise & positioning for body safety.

How do you take care of yourself, given all the classes you teach and all the performances you give?

I am probably the WORST person to ask this…..
But I do take daily vitamins, glucosamine for the joints….and ibuprofen for the pain!

What made you start the PoleJunkies forum?

With poledancing becoming more popular in North America daily, I wanted to create a warm, welcoming environment for ALL poledancers to come together as a community to promote pole dance in a positive manner. A place where polers…male, female, amateur, professional, exotic or fitness….could come to read, learn, inquire, boast, partake in events, find schools & competitions…anywhere in the world! Although PoleJunkies is Canadian based…I always wished for unity, and welcome everyone…globally!

Watch this video of Alena. It is the first one I found of her – and is still on of my absolute favorites!

Favorite makeup tip:

I love the smoky cat eyes…but with color. Enhance the defined lines with a line of color on top. Creates a wardrobe match effect!

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Barefoot on class poles!
Sneakers on outside poles!
Old School Stilettos on the club poles!
No platforms for this girl!

Favorite grip enhancer:

I do not use any….but do allow shave gel for students in class! You have to learn to adapt and increase grip strength, and grip aids hinder that.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

Jade…aka Inverted Splits

You should also check out this performance by Alena – just an amazing mix of pole athleticism and fantastic dancing!

Pole dance pet peeves:

I have two …

1. Body Rolls are not “crotch into pole” moves.
2. Doing a move once is not mastering it!

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

a glass of White Zinfindel. Seriously now … arnica gel, biofreeze, & ibuprofen.

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

My mom. She is a wonderful supporter of what I do … even though she has never seen me pole dance!

Who is your hero or role model?

My hero … one of my first private students…who I still see occasionally … Sheri. An incredible soul that taught me to NEVER give up something you love, and that ANYTHING is possible … if you set your mind to it! A stroke left her with no use of her fingers on her left hand. In two years, she had overcome her challenge and learned the basic single arm swings, transitions … as well as how to step up on the pole to sit! She challenged me to adapt my instruction to include physically challenged women!

Thanks, Sheri, for all your determination … it has totally fueled mine!

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

With baby steps anything is possible … including pole moves!

Favorite pizza toppings:

Beef & mushroom.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Ice Cream … Double Chocolate Chunk!

Anything else you’d like to share:

For Fitness or For Fun, Find the Junkie Inside!

If you live in Calgary or Edmonton, you can take classes in-person with Alena. You can call her here: 403-829-6844 in Calgary or 780-991-1466 in Edmonton.

But, even if you live elsewhere, you can STILL take classes – live, online – with Alena. Contact her to get the details – or go to PoleJunkies.com.

July 2, 2009 - Posted by PoleSkivvies 1 Comment
Filed under: Pole Dancing Instructors