Nikki of Descending Angels Pole Dance Studio

Meet Nikki, pole dance instructor and owner of Descending Angels. Her story will encourage anyone who feels too weak, too out of shape, too whatever to pole. Nikkii shows us what can be accomplished if you just set your heart on it!

How did you get started taking pole dancing lessons?

I first got really interested in pole dancing when I saw it featured on a talk show. I have scoliosis and have had a spinal fusion due to it, T4 – L2. I was very weak and felt very limited from my back condition. I thought I could try pole dancing as a fun exercise, but I also assumed that I would have to modify a lot of it. I bought a pole so it could spice up things at home, too. To my surprise, I don’t have to modify anything due to my back! It gave me so much strength and self-confidence, I just kept going with it!

How did you make the leap to opening your own studio and offering pole dancing classes? What was that like?

Well, quite honestly, I needed to bring in more money to make ends meet. I knew if I never got off my ass and made a true commitment to it, it would never get done. So, I immediately started telling people at my part-time job that I was giving pole lessons, and I purchased an X-Pole. At first, my idea was to travel to them. Luckily, though, I was able to install an additional pole in my home so my clients could come to me. That has worked great! Now, as my business has grown, I’m opening a small studio. So, I guess it’s not so much a leap, as it has been little skips.

What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole dancing classes?

First off, the main thing that is stressed is safety and correct posture and technique. I can’t repeat this enough. Throughout the whole class, from warm-up to cool down, I am repeating and reinforcing technique and posture. I want these ladies to succeed and feel good while pole dancing so that they can continue to do it for years to come. It is such a demanding sport, and it can be easy to injure your body when done incorrectly. I want to make sure this becomes second nature to them so that when they practice at home, they still hear my voice in their head. It works, too!

How do you take care of yourself, given all the pole dancing classes you teach?

Well, I don’t nearly get enough rest, but sometimes you just have to make time for it. I try to pick up healthy things at the store and skip the junk because I know I’ll eat it if I have it, especially if it’s quicker to fix. I still try to fit in practice time for myself 5-6 times a week for an hour or two, depending on my classes that week. I know it’s a necessity because if I don’t practice, my skills won’t grow. Plus, it’s such a great release for me. I really do miss Bessy Lou (yes, I name my poles) if I can’t get on her for a day or two.

Favorite makeup tip:

When I’m in a hurry, I just quickly brush on a mineral foundation. It’s quick and simple. Helps to even out skin tone and minimize a few imperfections in just a matter of seconds. A little mascara and lip gloss never hurts either.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

I’ve never had the desire to dance in sneakers. Those of you who do, good for you. I just hate wearing sneakers period. But as far as barefoot or heels go, both. Most of my classes are barefoot. I like how natural it is. Just you and the pole. Heels are great, too, though. I like to dance in them when I want to feel extra sexy.

Favorite grip enhancer:

Dry Hands, but only when really needed.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

The Iguana Lift. When I was first interested in pole dancing, this was a move that I always watched others perform with envy. From the beginning, I just assumed that my spinal fusion would keep me from being able to accomplish it. I just thought that there would be no way for me to bend down in front of a pole and place my hands on the floor (when I started I could only reach my knees) and then have the strength to lift my legs up over my head in that way. I was too terrified to even give it a real try. Well, in May, I found I was able to do it! I have to for my Advanced Vertical Dance Certification. That’s the only reason I even tried. Much to my surprise, I got it right away. Not gracefully, of course, just technically. It still needs practice to be pretty and graceful, but I’m getting there.

Pole dance pet peeves:

I can’t stand to hear negative, petty judgment. Whether it’s about strippers, men poling, someone’s YouTube videos, close-minded comments from those that don’t dance about those who do, a woman making negative comments about her own body – it’s just needless and petty. Let’s just appreciate ourselves and one another. There is so much that we can share.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

I’m proud of my bruises. I wear those babies with pride! As far as soreness, a good warm-up with some stretching.

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

Anyone that’s not afraid to share their enthusiasm with loud whistles, yells, claps, or ahhh’s. Nothing feels better than knowing that your audience is into, and appreciates, all of your hard work, no matter the size of the crowd.

Who is your hero or role model?

My grandpa. He always instilled a great work ethic in us kids. Pa worked since he was eight years old, and, because of that, only made it to the third grade. He taught me how to watch my money – if you can’t pay cash for it, you don’t need it; to be honest and trustworthy – your character is all you really have; and he always had a great sense of humor – don’t take yourself too seriously. He was always busy with something. He worked until he was 81. He found out he had prostate cancer that had also made its way into his bones, but he never gave up hope and never lost his sense of humor. He was always keeping an eye out for us kids, too, even in his last few weeks in the hospice house. Asking if we were doing ok, making sure everybody still had a good job, making sure everyone else was in good health, asking how their doctor visits went. I am so glad that I was able to tell him that I became a Certified Vertical Dance Instructor and that I was going to start building my own studio soon (he always loved building projects). He was happy for me and proud of me. I will always cherish the time I got to spend with him.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

Don’t judge yourself based on others. Everyone is different and learns at their own pace, with their own individuality. Keep at it, because the main component really is just practice.

Favorite pizza toppings:

Extra greasy cheese! Pizza just isn’t good unless it’s dripping that delicious grease.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Both! And lots of ‘em! I have no self-control when it comes to sweets.

Anything else you’d like to share:

Don’t set limits on yourself, be flexible. People are always changing. Situations are always changing. Set goals for yourself, but have the wisdom to know when to bend. Five years ago, I never would have thought that I would have the ability to pole dance, let alone to instruct, since I felt so weak and limited from my fusion. Now, I’m running my own business as a pole instructor. I no longer feel limited by my fusion, and rarely do I have back pain, which use to be a constant, every day occurrence for me. I have set goals for myself, but who knows what the next five years will bring.

Also, thanks to Jennifer for the opportunity to do this interview. I love reading her interviews and blogs. I know a lot of hard work goes into it. Keep it up, girl!

Click to learn more about pole dancing classes in North Carolina, with Nikki at Descending Angels. You can also find Nikki on her Myspace page.

Tags: Pole Dance, Pole Dancing

August 27, 2009 - Posted by PoleSkivvies 2 Comments
Filed under: Pole Dancing Instructors