An interesting tweet
My cool tweep, Angee514, emailed me a few weeks back with thoughts on how we pole dancers decorate our dance rooms. She writes:
My pole is in my basement and it gets really chilly in the fall & winter months. I have to turn on the space heater 10 minutes before going down to the basement to practice. I did put some pictures up that feature all styles of dance and some fake plants to make it look nice and my focus wheel of weekly dance moves to work on. I’m curious to learn how the other dancers decorate their dance spaces.
I thought this was a really cool thing. I mean, we are all so different, how do we all decorate our spaces?
My dance room
A few years ago, I finished my basement and made that into my pole room. It has lovely blue carpet (my feet don’t do well with hardwood), two big mirrors I’ve found at the local recycling center, and – until recently – a stainless steel Lil Mynx pole, right in the center of the room. I also used to have a big folding table piled with music, a stereo (yes, it is so archaic, I know), workout notes, alcohol spray, paper towels, and belly dance costumes.
But, ever since moving in with the man, I’ve had to alter my workout space a bit. It’s still the same room – the mirrors and pole are in the same place – but now there’s a lot of other stuff down there, too. Like a full guest bedroom with bookshelves and a TV. And my man’s beloved treadmill. Plus my office. And inventory.
Happily, we did a good job arranging things so that I still have plenty of dance space, and we painted it a lovely blue, so it’s much warmer and more pleasant.
Oddly, though, I’ve never much thought of how I decorate the space for the ambiance of my dancing. I mean, I’ve thought of it in terms of arranging things so I have room to pole or space for floorwork, or the mirrors in the right place. But I never thought of the importance of a beautiful space in which to pole.
Which is why I love that Angee514 put up pictures of dancing and a couple of pseudo-plants to brighten that creative spark.
The next phase
While I await my lovely new X-Pole, I am now trying to figure out – again – how I want to lay out the space. I had been planning to move the slippery steel pole upstairs, and leave the titanium gold downstairs, to put the most grip where I do the bulk of my workouts. But when we were marking out the studs on the ceiling, I started thinking how cool it would be to have TWO poles downstairs. Then I could do those fun double-pole dances!
Of course, then I’d have to move the treadmill and a mirror. And maybe the inventory (yes, my inventory is all stacked here, next to my computer. Thank god shorts and tanks don’t take up much space!). But, despite the hassle, that’s what I’m leaning towards. I think it will wind up being the most fun!
The main thing, though, is how to set it up so I can get a decent visual for videos. I am the first to admit I suck at videography, but I do know enough to try for a background that isn’t busy. Not that I can always provide that, with everything in my pole room now, but I figure it’s good to have goals. 
What’s your dance space like?
So, my fabulous pole dancing buddies, what’s up with your dance room?
- Do you decorate it to make it feel more inspirational?
- Do you have to move a lot of things around to find sufficient space?
- Do you have a pole set up at all times?
- Do you prefer certain colors when you’re working out?
- Do you do anything special when you’re shooting a video?
Can’t wait to hear what you all do – I’m hoping it’ll give me some inspiration!
22nd February, 2010 - Posted by PoleSkivvies - 15 Comments
Filed under: Pole Dance Art
It was a piece of sheer luck to discover Katie Mercer’s stick-figure pole dancers! Find them at www.workthatpole.com
You draw totally cool stick figure pole dancing art. How did that idea come to you?
Welllllll, funny story actually that mainly starts by me telling you that I can’t draw! I started sketching as a hobby and late one night (when I couldn’t sleep) found that I had drawn a pole dancer that was not only funny but also recognizable as a pole dancer and just ran with it. Twenty-five poses later, and a lot of friends’ laughs and encouragement, led me to start a line of products that featured these drawings.
Give us the scoop on Work That Pole!
Work that pole … is a line of products that feature surprisingly seductive stick figures in different pole dancing poses. There are t-shirts, bags, pins, postcards, stickers, hats, and shot glasses.
You’re not a pole dancer yourself, but I bet you’ve learned a lot about the pole dance community through your art. What has struck you the most about all the pole dancers you meet?
I worked as a vendor at the USPDF East Coast competition and immediately I was struck with how STRONG y’all are! The competition was amazing and the amount of athletism that goes into your dancing is amazing!
What are your goals for yourself as an artist?
All things considered and, as mentioned before, that I am not really that artistically inclined, I would say just to continue to have fun with sketching and promoting work that pole…
Who is your hero or role model?
My papa.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Never give up.
Favorite pizza toppings:
Ricotta cheese and ground beef
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Cupcakes.
What do you like to do when you’re not drawing pole dancers?
Work in the yard, go fishing, and drive around town.
Anything else you’d like to share:
It’s been great to be interviewed. Check us out at www.workthatpole.com!
To get Katie’s awesome pole dance designs on a t-shirt or dance bag (or a bunch of other things!), visit her site and send her an email.
***
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26th November, 2009 - Posted by PoleSkivvies - 1 Comment
Filed under: Pole Dance Art
My new favorite photo
Remember a few weeks ago when I posted the interview with Lindsey, who took such great pole dance photos?
Well, she sent me this photo, taken from THAT workshop – the one where I went all stupid and happy to see Pantera perform.
And she and Pantera both said I could share it with you.
How could I resist?
I love it! It exactly captures how I felt in that moment – totally psyched from seeing Pantera pole, and all excited for the weekend of classes.
Plus, we are so cute. I mean, who could resist us? Standing there, comparing our adorable shortness. (Yes, really, that’s what we’re doing. We rock the pint size thing.)
So that’s why today’s post is a little different.
Well, okay. There’s one more reason.
I’m a little fried.
Not that I’m blowing you off. Or whining (well, I am, but I’m trying to rein that in). I’ve just been busy, trying to make the site more useful. And fun.
Which brings me to the news …
I’ve just written two – count them, TWO – new workbooks. Yes, WORKBOOKS. All about pole dancing. Well, about specific pole dance issues.
Such as, putting some sparkle in your pole dancing. Or, as I like to call it, the Zombie Quick Fix.
And how to deal with nerves about performing. That’s the So Long, Stage Fright! Workbook.
Even better …
I’m putting together a free e-class, called Stage Presence for Pole Dancers.
Actually, I had wanted it to be up and running by now, but I occasionally hit these little technical difficulties. Like the ones where you want to send out lessons, and the thing won’t do it.
Sigh.
But as soon as I fix that, it will be up and ready to go. Then you can get all kinds of information – with lots more detail than a blog post – FREE.
Pretty snazzy stuff.
Which is why today’s post is a bit more of a hodge-podge. But if I can’t tell you what’s new, whoever can I tell?
(And I really wanted to tell someone.)
26th October, 2009 - Posted by PoleSkivvies - 1 Comment
Filed under: Pole Dance Art
Does pole make you feel sexy? Sensual? Utterly glamorous? Let Lindsey of Little Fang Photography capture that passion with her stunning photos.
How did you get started specializing in pole dance and burlesque photography?
After graduating from Kent State University with a BFA I moved to New Hampshire with my loving husband Adam. As an artist, I found myself searching for the artistic avenue I wanted to channel. I began as a student at Bliss Healing Arts Center and I was introduced to an amazing new form of self expression and sensuality. As I learned the fundamentals of both exotic dance and pole, I found myself looking deeper past my physical self, into the inward parts of myself that I had neglected or forgotten. I began realizing that exotic dance in all its many forms is an outlet for female discovery, awareness, and expression. I wanted to gain the privilege as an artist to freeze those personal encounters for each gorgeous woman for a moment to be remembered in their lifetime. It began with my shooting pole portraits for Leela (a gifted and wonderful teacher, friend, and source of encouragement). After the use of my work on the Pole Bliss website, the demand for my pole portraits, boudoir, and burlesque photography became apparent. I began focusing my artistic passion on bringing out the inner Venus of each individual female form I captured with my camera lens, and, with that, Little Fang Photography was born.
What do you recommend pole dancers do to help you take the best photo possible?
The best recommendation I can give is to relax and be yourself! The female form is beautiful and the best way to bring out a woman’s unique beauty is to get her comfortable being herself. Laughter is a constant during my shoots and typically brings out some of the best and most unexpected shots.
What backgrounds do you prefer to use?
My style as a photographer is considered photojournalistic realism, so natural lighting is my preference. In terms of studio work, I am blessed to have the opportunity to shoot in the amazing studios of Bliss Healing Arts Center. The mill buildings provide incomparable natural lighting.
What are the main differences you notice between photographing pole dance, burlesque, and boudoir poses?
I have found that it is not as much the dance form that creates the difference, but instead the individual who lends their own character and uniqueness to each image. Each woman brings a new flavor, style, and might to each shoot, and I am nothing more than a conscious witness capturing her awakening with my camera.
Favorite makeup tip:
Be true to yourself, and build on your personal beauty. I feel that every woman has a rareness that is enchanting, and there is no need to try to be different than who you are. However, that being said, a photo shoot is a great time to live out a fantasy, feel like a movie star for a day. If you love red lipstick and don’t feel comfortable wearing it to work, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a try. If you like to be more natural then come as you are! True beauty shines from within, and it’s my job to capture that.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
For me, barefoot. That is who I was, am, and will always be.
Favorite grip enhancer:
I just discovered Mighty Grip and I love it! That and washing my hands really well with Dawn dish soap before any pole dancing activities.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
I love that I have begun mastering tricks like Superman and Princess, but, in truth, nothing was a greater accomplishment than my discovery of my sexy walk. I never felt as sensual, beautiful, and balanced as I did the first day I learned that I could move in a way that I had thought would be foreign to me forever.
Pole dance pet peeves:
Improper instruction, and the rapid growth of bad technique and form. Pole dance is a graceful balance between strength, exotic movement, and technical form; without one of those important components, the spell is broken and dancers suffer for a lifetime.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
A hot bath in lavender infused Epsom salts, Tramumeel internally, Arnicare Gel externally, and my handsome husband giving me a foot rub!
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
When I perform, I do not have just one person in mind. For me, it is about opening myself to the audience and performing for everyone; choosing to share a piece of myself with the world, being open and proud of the woman that I am becoming.
Who is your hero or role model?
I have many heros and role models, and they range from William Shakespeare, Wyatt Earp, my family, my friends, my dance teachers (Kat and Leela – they rock), God, Frida Kahlo, Audrey Hepburn, and even myself.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
I have three:
“Feet, why do I need them if I have wings to fly?” -Frida Kahlo
“Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” -William Shakespeare
“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.” –Audrey Hepburn
Favorite pizza toppings:
Roma tomatoes, olive oil, fresh mozzarella cheese, garlic, and tons of fresh cut basil!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Ice cream … I love ice cream, especially a chocolate, red-dipped cone from Dairy Queen!
What do you like to do when you aren’t taking pictures or playing on the pole?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, going to the movies, out to dinner; his company is without measure, I treasure every single moment with him. That and, of course, snuggling with my Boston Terrier, Sadie.
Anything else you’d like to share:
I am blessed to have the opportunity to have worked, and to continue to work, with so many amazing people through both Little Fang Photography and Bliss Healing Arts Center. I hope that both my photography and exotic dance help to contribute to the continued blossoming of women all over the New England area.
Stop by Lindsey’s site to arrange your personal photo shoot. She is also starting a media company soon, so stay tuned for Little Fang Media.
15th October, 2009 - Posted by PoleSkivvies - 3 Comments
Filed under: Pole Dance Art
Just when I thought pole dancing had gotten as cutting edge as it could be, I discovered Andrew Katzander of PoleRiders. Pole doesn’t get any better than this.
PoleRiders is about the coolest thing ever. What got you started with it?
I was riding along the west side bike path along the river past the Hustler Club. I looked up and the Idea hit me. It was a 1+1=5 moment. I told a couple of cycling friends who are also industrial designers and we knew it had to be done. We picked the 2008 NYC Halloween Parade to launch the first PoleRider.
PoleRiders’ mission is to promote bicycle safety and “bring pole dancing to the streets where dancing belongs.” What do you do to help get the word out about your work?
We are sponsored by Bern helmets and try to make safe cycling part of our message. Just doing what we do is our own best promotion.
What response do you get when people see you bicycling and pole dancing down the streets?
Their jaws drop and they say “WTF,” then they start frantically fumbling for their cameras. Sometimes they run over waving money.
How do you find your amazing pole dancers – and how do they hang on while you pedal through traffic?
I found my first dancers on Craigs. Since then it has been word of mouth. As far as how do they hang on, I have no idea – especially when they are upside down hanging from one ankle.
Bike riding and pole dancing pet peeves:
Lewd comments and people who try to jump on are really annoying.
Who would you most like to have in the street when you ride by?
Good question. My first thought is Queen Elizabeth.
Who is your hero or role model?
I admire those whose ideas and actions have changed the world in a positive way in science, art, politics, etc.
After seeing this post, Andrew wrote me and said, “My biggest hero and influence, now that I have had time to think about it, is Buckminster Fuller.”
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Go for it.
Favorite pizza toppings:
Sausage, mushrooms, and garlic.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
To eat or sit on?
If you’ve been lucky enough to see PoleRiders pedal by, share your story with us in the comments! And if you’re enough of a pole addict to dream of pole dancing your way across Manhattan, be sure to check out these articles, too.
10th September, 2009 - Posted by PoleSkivvies - 1 Comment
Filed under: Pole Dance Art
Meet Brian, who creates beautiful portraits of pole dancers.
How did you get started specializing in painting portraits of pole dancers?
When my daughter Elaine started teaching pole dancing, I was attracted by the ballet-like motion and powerful physique on the pole and wanted to capture this on canvas. I painted some of Elaine’s photos and it took off from there.
What is your process for creating a pole dance portrait? Do pole dancers send you photos to work from?
Yes, the client emails or posts their photo to me. I then send back some samples of how their picture will look painted in my style.
Once they confirm which image they want, I draw it up onto canvas and start the painting process.
What can a pole dancer do to help get the most beautiful portrait possible?
The biggest and highest definition photo available to work from, the better the final result. Also worth remembering that I can only paint what I see. Some pics come in with parts of the body out of shot so it is important to make sure everything that is needed is in the original photo.
Adjustments are not a problem, however. During the subject’s drawing up process, I can slim down or increase body parts and lose unwanted backgrounds, etc. All a part of the service.
What are the main differences you notice between drawing pole dancers and drawing other types of performers?
As a figure artist, I find pole dancers very easy to paint as, like ballet dancers, there is plenty of muscle tone and form to work with. However, some of the poses are challenging, which make pole dancers interesting.
Describe your favorite pole dance portrait. What makes it special to you?
My favourite portrait to date is where my client had a shoot with the great pole photographer, Millie Robson, then sent one of the photos to me to paint. The pose was excellent, with wonderful shadows that turned out brilliant.
Who is your hero or role model?
If we are talking art, I studied Renoir right down to the brush strokes to work out how he created his masterpieces. To this day, I still believe my “light and shade” art success was down to those early learnings.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Quite simply, “never give up.” If something doesn’t work out, start again, and keep starting again until you get it right!
Favorite pizza toppings:
Spicy.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Ice cream, every time.
You can visit Brian here to get a portrait of you pole dancing. Brian also does portraits off the pole and some sexier paintings, for when you want to release your inner vamp.
14th May, 2009 - Posted by PoleSkivvies - No Comments
Filed under: Pole Dance Art
How did you get started specializing in pole dance photography?
When I finished my photography degree, I wanted to combine a job made up of the things I love, and pole dancing was the perfect subject to start photographing. Especially as so many women do it now and they are are not doing it to work as pole dancers; they are doing it for themselves, so a photo shoot is the perfect way to show off what you can do. Being a pole dancer myself, I can help and guide the ladies throughout the shoot.
What do you recommend pole dancers do to help you take the best photo possible?
Point your toes!!!!!!! I can never say it enough.
What backgrounds do you prefer to use?
Black. Then the colored lights only get picked up on the body.
What are the main differences you notice between photographing pole dancers, burlesque performers, and other genres?
I suppose the main difference is anyone who does any sort of performance professionally is always a lot more confident in front of the camera. Anyone who is new to it is a bit stiff to begin with, but that’s where I come in to give you a glass of wine and tell you you look great!
Favorite makeup tip:
Dried up mascara wand to fix and shape eyebrows.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Trainers without a doubt! I have 34 pairs.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Never tried any. I want to, though. I once tried using hairspray – not good.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Probably doing a Straight Edge because I managed to do it before any of my mates! Sorry, girls!
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Tiger Balm for sore muscles. Concealer for bruises!
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
People that appreciate and enjoy what you are doing. It’s nice to have a positive, responsive audience.
Who is your hero or role model?
Hero … Michael Jackson! I’m a massive fan!
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Practice makes perfect.
Favorite pizza toppings:
Spinach, feta, and black olives. I love pizza!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Urm, I really had to think about this … cupcakes.
Anything else you’d like to share:
Thanks for the interview!
Set up your pole dance photo shoot by contacting Millie Robson at millierobson.com.
18th April, 2009 - Posted by PoleSkivvies - 1 Comment
Filed under: Pole Dance Art
