Living as I do in the vast, pole dancing wasteland that is Vermont, it is with delirious joy and delight that I say to you that I am going to New York to see the USPDF!
I will be there for both the amateur and pro comps, and I would love to meet up with those of you that are going to be there.
Where shall we meet?
Friday or Saturday are options for me. I’m sure we’d all like to see all the events on Friday, so let’s be sure to work around that. And around the workshop times on Saturday, too, since I bet a lot of you are attending those.
Do you know the area and have some ideas?
If so, please leave them in the comments, or email/message me your suggestions.
Ideally, we’d find a coffee shop or something similar where we could all hang out a bit and chat. It needs to be close to the USPDF events so that we can all get back and forth quickly.
My pole buddies are what keep pole real for me. I have met almost none of you in person and the thought of getting to do so just about turns my head! It will be so fun!
So, send in your ideas and I’ll figure out the best option and post the final meeting time.
Pole Superstar is a pole dance competition to raise money for Single Parents in Need. Barbara Dial was the winner! Read on to get the scoop from Diane, creator of Pole Superstar.
The PoleSuperStar competition was held October 1, 2009, with people texting in their votes. How did the event go? Give us all the details!
The show exceeded my expectations! I was impressed with how creative the finalists got with their routines. I’m aware of how talented the girls are, and they really seemed to push their creative boundaries while showing the audience what they’re about. I was also overwhelmed with the audience turnout including a sold-out VIP section and capacity crowd, plus our webcast demographics show viewers in 22 countries! I was also very pleased that the show ran smoothly and all of our celebrity guests have expressed interest in participating again.
PoleSuperStar was a fundraiser for SPIN (Single Parents in Need). What was the amount raised and how will it be used? Will you be raising more money for this charity with future competitions?
We did reach our monetary goal for this event, and S.P.I.N. plans to donate $25,000 of the total proceeds to NYC’s Single Parent Resource Center to fund their programs, which include Youth Leadership, summer camp, and more. A lot of the children who visit the SPRC facilities do not have proper care at home, so I’m happy to help this organization specifically. S.P.I.N. will have more traditional fundraisers coming up, and we are planning another Pole Superstar competition as well.
How many pole dancers were competing and what were the final scores?
We had six finalists who competed at the show, and the winner was determined through audience & webcast viewer voting, via text message.
Finalists: Alethea Austin, Marlo, Becca Butcher, Sarah Cretul, Mina, Barbara Dial
Barbara Dial won the competition. What set her pole dance performance apart?
Well, ultimately it was the audience that chose her as the winner. In my opinion though, she mentioned in her video interview that she has a background in ballet and that was clear to me when I saw her performance. All of the finalists moved fluidly, and her fluid movement was very graceful and controlled like a ballerina. She also was the only competitor to dance barefoot and had extreme pointed toes at all times, which may have added to the ballet-like quality of her performance.
See Barbara Dial’s winning performance:
How can people find out about the next PoleSuperStar competition?
We have an opt-in newsletter that you can sign up for on our website www.polesuperstar.com. We also keep our Facebook, Twitter and Myspace up-to-date.
Favorite moment of the competition:
Too many to choose from! Each finalist had at least one show-stopping element in their performance, and those were my favorite moments.
Opening number by Diane Passage, Stephanie Vera, and Noelle Wood.
Three things that made the competition so much fun:
Again, too many to list, but my top three might be:
1) The finalists. Not only are they extremely talented, but they are all lovely & stunning women and great representatives of pole dancing.
2) Getting mainstream local & national recognition for pole dance, and having the finalists participate in the publicity. I had Becca, Mina and Sarah with me on the CW11 morning show, and they received a standing ovation from the newsroom & crew and had fans waiting outside the studio. Before the out-of-town finalists arrived, I had the NY girls do a photo shoot and interview with the NY Post and the story was picked up on Regis & Kelly, Fox News, Conan O’Brien, and more. I also enjoyed Becca’s reaction when I told her to watch TMZ and she got to witness the cast analyzing one of her moves! The media was impressed by the performances, and reported very positively on Pole Superstar and pole dancing in general. We had a lot of media covering the show – everywhere from bloggers such as the Huffington Post to newspapers to tv shows! Even HBO was there with a camera crew!
3) Crowd reaction. I am still receiving phone calls & emails from people who were in the audience that night and couldn’t believe what they saw. David Blaine & his fiance Alizee were in the audience with the world’s strongest man Dennis Rogers, and David mentioned to my husband that this type of pole dancing is another form of magic. I have also heard from a lot of women AND men that were inspired to take pole dance classes!
One thing you learned that surprised you:
That Bob Gruen was in the audience! He’s the photographer that took the famous picture of John Lennon in NYC. I didn’t get to meet him. Maybe next time!
Anything else you’d like to share:
As with all first time events, there are some things about the competition that we want to change for next year. I will post details on the Pole Superstar website in the next several months, but you can expect to see changes in how the winner is determined, as well as an increase in prizes. Please also check in with our website and social networks or sign up for our newsletter, as we have some exciting announcements coming up!
*** Looking for an old blog post? Or something on your favorite topic? Find old posts by category in the “Best of” links in the lower right sidebar. Or just type what you’re looking for in the Search, then scroll down until you find exactly what you want!
Tracey Simmonds Performing in Miss Pole Dance UK 2008
Kay Penney is the founder of Pole Passion, which puts on Miss Pole Dance UK and the World Pole Dance Championships.
Pole Passion runs several different pole dance competitions. How did it all begin, and which competitions are coming up?
Miss Pole Dance UK came from the ideas in 2004. I have a performance and acting background and was quite new to pole competitions then (as there were not many around ). I was let down by the organising company who ran the very first competition I entered – “Pole Idol” back in 2004 – bad management, bad communication, unprofessionally run! I felt I could do better. I only wanted to create an opportunity for ladies like me to shine on stage without the fear of being wrongly judged, never dreaming they would be so popular as they are today.
We just ran the first Mr. Pole Fitness UK competition on 4th October. Then we had the big one – Miss Pole Dance UK 2009 professional category on October 25. This has run since 2005 and is probably the largest and most established and prestigious pole competition in the UK.
Can you give us the details on how one becomes a contestant?
The competition is open to all, professional and amateurs. It was always my aim not to prevent anyone from entering who had the passion – and skill, of course. All ladies who reside in the UK, who are over the age of 18 on the day of the competition. A pre-audition selection process takes place in which all applicants must submit a 3-4 minute routine, either in person or via video clip, to the selection committee where the performances are assessed.
What are the judging criteria and who are the judges?
We have quite a complicated judging criteria with very strict rulings and procedures to create and maintain professionalism. I believe, by continually adapting as the industry has adapted, maintaining this process has been very influential in the success of the competitions. The judges are well-respected individuals within the fitness and pole dance domain. This year we are pushing the boundaries yet again by introducing one of the UK top osteopaths and chartered physiotherapists as our concentration is on health and safety on and around the pole from a musculoskeletal point of view. Apparently, we have created a bit of a stir within the osteopaths’ association.
How do people get tickets to watch the competitions?
A drive to do something different that would challenge me mentally and physically. And, at the time of beginning pole dance and fitness, as a fitness professional I was in a stage of my life where I needed an unconventional challenge, something that would help reinstate my self-esteem and boost my inner confidence, which incidentally I was lacking hugely. I was searching for a newfound fun, something I could do for myself. I had a desire to explore my sensuality, which I felt I had lost after the birth of my third child.
Favorite makeup tip:
Hummm … as a qualified beauty therapist, my favourite makeup tip has to be eyeliner and lip gloss. I tend not to leave the house without it. As a busy working mum, I unfortunately don’t have huge amounts of time to do the full makeup routine. I leave that for special occasions.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Ohhh, can I choose all three – I believe in multi tasking and promote that a modern women has the ability to wear several hats (or even shoes!!).
Favorite grip enhancer:
I must admit I haven’t had the opportunity to try them all, so if all the grip enhancers out there would like to send me a sample I would be willing to do an analysis on them all. However, the ones I have tried – Mighty Grip, Gorilla Gold, Sur Grip (no longer in production), Dry hands, Itac – I have them all in my instructor bag as there are pros and cons on them all (was that answer diplomatic enough?). It depends on my mood, the pole’s mood, and the weather, of course!!
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
It has to be my first ankle release – the first invert move I did, within four weeks of learning the pole (I was on an intensive crash course for a TV show at the time). The thrill of going upside down and not falling was amazing.
Pole dance pet peeves:
Nope, sorry, I don’t have any.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
For bruising it has to be good old arnica and a reassessment of pole technique. And for sore muscles – work harder. Oh sorry, I mean rest and relaxation and a wonderful deep tissue massage.
Who would you most like to have in the audience at your competitions?
For me, when I developed the competitions, it was always with women in mind for the audience (at the time of innovation I felt the men had their shows and events in the gentlemen’s clubs). Miss Pole Dance was always about women. For me, success was having 50/50 men and women in the audience. Miss Pole Dance now I feel has 80/20% women in the audience so I feel I have succeeded. It was never about volume, incidentally. That was just a bonus (900 – sell out, in the audience last year at Miss Pole Dance UK).
Who would you most like to have compete?
Competitors come from all backgrounds – for me, anyone who is so passionate about the art of pole they shine on stage. Obviously, acrobatics, ballet dancers and gymnasts inspire me the most due to their amazing flexibility, grace and poise, but honestly anyone has the capabilities to compete – variety and originality are the spice of competing.
Actually, one day I would love to think that my daughter will compete (she’s 15 and still very much influenced by her peers). She is quietly inspired by both Felix and Pantera.
Who is your hero or role model?
My mum (who died a year and a half ago through an awful illness of cancer of the liver). She has taught me so much in my life. Jacqueline Gold of Ann Summers who faced challenges as I did in the early days of promoting pole dance and fitness.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Empowerment, confidence, fitness & FUN! Fun in caps, as that is my main focus in life.
Favorite pizza toppings:
Prawns and fresh herbs.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Home made cupcakes AND ice cream.
Anything else you’d like to share:
I would like to thank everyone who supports me, especially my family and friends who sacrifice a lot for my full time passion, and to all those people who send me lovely wishes and to say I am so privileged to work in an industry with such lovely people.
Given all the pole dance competitions going on, I’ve been thinking a lot on how we rank pole dancing. At the amateur levels, it’s split in the usual manner: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
We value dance ability, but we also value gymnastic skill. So it makes sense to me that the people who excel at both would be the most advanced. Yet the result of this is a trend towards pole dance being pushed towards more and more aerial work.
And I have no quarrel with that.
Except …
The thing is, I’m wondering how that will continue to work as pole dance divides into different styles. It seems to me that pole dancing with an emphasis on dancing would look very different at the advanced level than pole dancing with an emphasis on aerial work.
Think about it: what about a superb performance that does spins and some inverts, but doesn’t really stay purely on the pole the way, say, Jenyne or Felix do? Could that performer never be considered “advanced?” Would they always be beaten by someone who dances beautifully but stays predominantly on the pole?
I really wonder about that, because that steers pole in a particular direction, while leaving other paths off to the side.
An idea
It’s not like I have this idea well thought out, but it seems to me that we might need different styles of pole dancing to have their own divisions at competitions, and have beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories within them.
I don’t know what the terms would be, so, for the sake of clarity, let me just divide things into pole dancing and pole acrobatics. Both would require stage presence and skill, but pole dancing would be more of a cabaret-style performance – lots of dancing, lots of theater. Pole acrobatics, on the other hand, would emphasize the dramatic moves and aerial skills.
To me, both approaches to pole have great artistic and creative potential, and I would like to recognize great pole dancers of both styles. Letting pole dancers compete within their chosen division could encourage creativity in a wider variety of directions, and allow more pole dancers to participate in the competitions.
What are your thoughts?
I’m still toying with this idea. Tell me, what do you think? Would it help to have different pole divisions? Is there a place for fantastic pole dancing that isn’t purely aerial? (And would that place necessarily need to be in a competition?) Or am I just missing some major point?
What made you decide to enter the Vertical Pole Challenge auditions?
I decided to enter the Vertical Pole Challenge because I felt that it would be a great competition to get my face out there.
What was the auditioning process like? What happened when you got there, how were you treated – give us the scoop!
The auditioning process was pretty easy to me. I sent in my 30-second video and then I received an email saying that they were going to put me on the auditioning list. When I got there, I just signed in at the door and they directed me to make up and music where all the girls were meeting. Everyone seemed so nice and helpful, I ended up making a few friends. We practiced on the poles, did our interviews and then the 14 of us ended up choosing numbers for our performance order – and I just so happened to pick the last number. Being on camera I guess was the nervous part – when it came time to perform.
How did you create the pole dance routine you used in the competition?
I created my pole dance routine by picking out my favorite moves, such as the shoulder mount, jade, and butterfly, then incorporating them into my freestyle. Believe it or not, I am not that very great at making a routine, lol.
What did you choose for costuming?
For costuming, I had to change up at the last minute, being that my actual costume was not finished. I just used a two-piece brown outfit with gold butterflies imprinted on it.
What did you think of the judges and the criteria they graded on?
I am not sure what the criteria was for the competition because I wasn’t given any criteria to go by – but I think the judges enjoyed my show.
Favorite makeup tip:
My favorite makeup tip would be less brings out more.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Barefoot!
Favorite grip enhancer:
My favorite grip enhancer I would have to say is Gorilla Gold. I recently tried it and I love it!
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
My pole dance move that made me the proudest that I have learned is Felix Cane’s Spatchcock. Now if I could just get her to show me how to get out of it smoothly, lol.
Pole dance pet peeves:
My pole dance peeves are dancers over-using gunky grip enhancers, and poor sportsmanship.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
My favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles would be to soak in epsom salt.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
I would most like my mom in the audience when I pole dance. Her support means a lot to me.
Who is your hero or role model?
My role model would have to be a toss up between Felix Cane and Jenyne Butterfly. They are both strong performers and so humble.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
My favorite words of encouragement would be “You cannot succeed without failure.”
Favorite pizza toppings:
My favorite pizza toppings are pepperoni and pineapple.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Ice cream, especially from Dippin’ Dots.
Anything else you’d like to share:
I would like to add that my goal in the pole dance world is to prove that vertical pole dance can also be viewed as an art.
Anna and Wendy of the US Pole Dance Federation tell us all the details – west coast competition on Saturday, October 24!
How did the US Pole Dance Federation competition get started?
The US Pole Dance Federation were founded by two passionate pole dancers who wanted to see pole dancing grow as a competitive spot. There was no set structure or standards in the industry to determine what makes the ultimate pole dancer. With lots of research, networking, and hard work, we started by creating the US Pole Dance Championships in March 2009, to begin to build up a pro division of elite athletes to compete in our competitions.
There are several regional competitions leading to the USPDF. Can you give us the details on how that works?
We have two regional competitions for 2009 to try and qualify to compete at Nationals next year in 2010. Next year we expect to have more regional competitions through the USA. At Nationals last year, we had only a novice category, since it was our first competition. In 2010, we will have a pro division and an amateur division. All Regional competitions will be pro qualifiers, for girls to try and get placed as one of the finalists to be eligible to compete in our pro category competitions.
Our first competition was in NYC in March 2009. That qualified our champion, Jenyne Butterfly, to compete in the World pole dance fitness competition in April 2009.
How would someone go about entering the USPDF Competition?
Lots of training, discipline, and hard work! Any woman over the age of 18 can submit a video to enter any of the regional competitions or National amateur competitions we have throughout the year.
How do people get tickets to watch the competitions?
You can always find a link to any of our competitions, to purchase tickets by going to USPDF.com.
How did you get into pole dancing?
Wendy worked in strip clubs in the early 90s, which was her first exposure to pole dancing. She continued after that by installing a pole in her home and continued to train and improve over the years. She then opened up her first pole dance studio in 2005, and has opened two others since then.
Anna found her love for pole dancing at a bachelorette party and continued to pursue pole dancing lessons at New York Pole Dancing. Once Wendy saw Anna and her natural raw talent with pole dancing, Wendy asked Anna to become an instructor. Anna has been working for NYPD for three years now as a rock star pole dance instructor.
Wendy of US Pole Dance Federation
Favorite makeup tip:
Wendy: Mac Gel eyeliner … it stays on forever!!!!! No smudging, no smearing!
Anna: I’m pretty boring. I rarely wear makeup.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Wendy: Oh my goodness, I wouldn’t be caught dead pole dancing without my “magic slippers” – 6″ heels! We believe wearing high heels is just another wonderful thing about pole dancing and just makes everything look that much better!
Anna: Yes, we’re a bit picky about the aesthetic of pole dance.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Wendy sells Mighty Grip at the studio.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Wendy: I am proud of all the moves I do. I feel even the tiniest little detail can be exciting to learn or perform. I guess my biggest accomplishment would be doing the Jamilla split into a cradle drop. That is fun!
Anna: I can’t pick one! I get super excited when I learn a new thing, which sometimes takes me months. But the first time I inverted from a climb was a pretty big moment for me. I got so excited I thought I was gonna fall down.
Pole dance pet peeves:
Wendy: Pelvic tucking, hyper-extending knees, rounding of the lower spine, girls who don’t put the heels on!
Anna: Agree. Dancers who don’t straighten legs and point their feet. And when dancers rush through tricks without fully following through.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Wendy: Bragging about them! They never seem to stay long enough! LOL
Anna: Is there such treatment? Who knew …
Who would you most like to have in the audience at the USPDF Competition? Who would you most like to have compete?
Wendy: I would love to see Lian Tal compete again. She is a great performer! But I would like to see several women grow into wanting to compete. I just was hoping Lian would this year again. We are thrilled to have the athletes compete in the competitions that we currently have/ had! They all have been wonderful to deal with and a joy to watch! We have already been very lucky to have the athletes that we have already had compete in our shows!
Anna: Yes, Lian is great. I think we are very lucky with our competitors so far. They’re all amazing! I know she doesn’t compete but I wouldn’t mind having Bobbi from Australia come and give a performance at one of our competitions one day.
Who is your hero or role model?
Wendy: Bobbi from Australia … as a business woman and pole dancer! She rocks!
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Anna: I tell my students for challenging moves they just have to try it over, and one day it will click. I think that goes for both beginners and advanced, since we all work to get better and there are times we get stuck. For those who are curious about taking a class I would just say go for it: dance and have fun!
Vertical Pole Challenge, a brand-new pole dance reality show is about to hit the airwaves. Perry, the show’s Executive Producer, is here to give you the scoop on everything from the judging criteria to who can be a contestant!
How did you come up with the idea for a reality show based on pole dancing? Are any of the show’s creators pole dancers?
A friend of mine was selling a limousine bus that has a pole in it. So I googled some information to see what this bus was worth and then I came across several websites that had professional pole dancers, such as Jenyne, Felix, and others. I was captivated by the beauty of the sport.
From what I know, it’s not really known as common place that pole dancing is as sensual, graceful as it is. Really, in the eyes of the public, it’s known as something from the exotic world. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there are two sides to this sport. That gave me an idea that we could show both sides.
No, none of the show’s creators are pole dancers. But, that’s not a problem because, when Robert Redford did The Natural, it wasn’t sanctioned by Major League Baseball, but the actor and executive producers spent time in baseball camps to understand the sport. Same thing with Cameron Diaz in Any Given Sunday, with Al Pacino. They spent time with the National Football League.
Give us the scoop! Who can compete in Vertical Pole Challenge? What are the criteria? What do the winners get?
Who can compete is very interesting because, if I was doing a show on tennis, I could say people that are ranked at a 6.0 or less can compete in this novice-style reality show. If I was doing a reality show on martial arts, I could say brown belts or less could compete but black belts could not compete.
What’s really hard, then, is that this sport is in its infantile stages, in my opinion. An example, a lot of the same moves have different names, based upon different studios and geographical areas. We’re really working that out as we go. There seem to be a small handful of top brass professionals and gurus and we want those dancers to be involved – as judges and also doing exhibitions. If you were paid in the sport, then you are professional, but a lot of people are student teachers, and are doing it part time and are not masters of the sport themselves. So we are really, truly working through that.
The intent of the show is to have two levels. The novice should compete for the prize money and the professionals will have their own challenge at the end.
Update: You do not have to be an American citizen to enter, and there are plans for an international version.
We have three judges from different categories. One judge is a celebrity, which makes it interesting for television. One will be from the studio arena, an owner/instructor. And one will be from the exotic dance world.
The novice competition is the actual show. There will be three winners per episode. At the end of twelve episodes, all of the three finalists from each will compete for the prize money. At the end of each episode, the prizes are $2500 for first place, $1500 for second place, and $1000 for third place. The beauty of it is that, in each episode, we’ll only have around 20-25 contestants – men and women pole dancers are welcome to participate – so the chances of winning are pretty good, percentage-wise.
We have twelve episodes, three winners per episode, so that’s 36 winners that will compete. They will stay in The Palms penthouse, a 10,000 square foot penthouse, so it will be a fun experience for the contestants – they’ll have poles, a bowling alley, a pool.
I understand one of the judges will be a celebrity. Will she (he?) also be a pole dancer?
Not always, no. The judging will be based on a criteria sheet. All the judges will be basing their decisions on a 10-category score system, which was created by the pole dancing industry. We selected input from several studios as to what they thought were the main categories that these contestants should be judged on.
The 10-categories are: strength, flexibility, horizontal maneuvers, smooth-flow transitions, foot positioning, originality, sensuality, stage performance, balance, and inversion maneuvers.
There are a lot of different varieties of pole dancing out there, from pure athleticism to sexy-as-hell. What styles are welcome to participate?
All are welcome. And, of course, they’re being judged on certain criteria. If the contestants wanted to try to base their dance on just 100% sex appeal, they’re not going to score well in the other categories. Same thing if they do just athletic moves – they aren’t going to score well in sensuality. We think it’s a pretty fair balance across the board.
Are there rules about costumes and footwear?
We know that if a person wanted to wear boots, then they have an advantage for a leg hold. But if they have short legs and they’re wearing boots, they could lose points in appearance. So we don’t have criteria for footwear – you can be wearing high heels or barefoot.
As far as their outfits, this is a television show, so tiny shorts are okay, bikini tops are okay, but, obviously, g-strings and pasties are not acceptable for TV. In fact, if a contestant has an outfit malfunction that results in exposing T&A, then they are automatically disqualified.
Will you be setting little traps or playing any games to heighten the drama?
No, we will not. We really want to demonstrate how beautiful this sport is, because we have teachers, we have attorneys, we have people from all walks of life. So, no, that is not the premise of the show.
On what channel can home viewers watch the show?
We will announce that no later than December. Right now, we are negotiating with approximately five networks and we are doing something a little different, because we are our own production company and we will retain control of the project. If we don’t, we really feel it will become about 180 degrees different from what I’m saying we want.
We want to have three episodes filmed and edited and ready for television first, and then we will make that final decision. All those networks are invited and it’s really our decision which network we decide upon.
We really feel it will be a mainstream show and have as much appeal to women as to men. So, we don’t want it to be on a 100% man-rated television network. We feel that this is a show that men and women will want to watch, even together. Pole dancing as an exercise is really mainstream, so we really think that we’re going to have as many women watching as we are men.
Anything else you’d like to share:
I have been, in some cases, the only male invited to watch classes, and, in a few cases, they actually have performed for me. I was amazed how comfortable the women were and, when I spoke to some of the students after class, some of their personalities were so different than while performing. I really do feel that this sport and exercise can help with self-confidence, which is power! Also, as we all get older, strength and flexibility are very important.
Visit Vertical Pole Challenge for information on being a contestant or a member of the audience. You can also find them on Facebook.
There’s a new pole dance competition in town! Pole Superstar is poling for a good cause – single parents – and they are accepting competitor submissions through August 7th. Read on for the scoop!
Tell us about the Pole Superstar Pole Dancing Competition!
The Pole Superstar pole dance competition will take place on October 1, 2009 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City. Five talented competitors will get to show off their creativity, athleticism, and amazing performance skills for a chance to win $10,000 in cash and more!
We are lining up a panel of celebrity judges including world-famous choreographer Cris Judd, and will announce another celebrity judge in the next few weeks. The judging panel will only select the finalists because the winner will be determined by audience text-message voting! In addition, we plan on packing the audience with NYC’s movers & shakers so our talented competitors can show New York what pole dancing is REALLY about!
Your competition is helping support the charity, S.P.I.N. (Single Parents in Need). What got you involved in the issue of single parenting, and what role do you play in the organization?
I was a single parent to my son for many years and struggled with making ends meet – paying bills, medical insurance, child care, and basic needs such as groceries, clothing for my son, and so on. I always held two jobs to cover our expenses, and sometimes as many as three jobs at a time, which left very little quality time for my son and me. I founded S.P.I.N. earlier this year and our mission is to provide support to single parent families so their lives can be just a bit easier.
What made you decide that pole dancing was the best way to draw attention to S.P.I.N.?
I constantly have pole dance on the brain, so when we were discussing our first fund-raiser, I thought what better way to kick off S.P.I.N. than with spins! … and some inversions, too!
How would someone go about entering the Pole Superstar Competition?
All of the information is on our website, PoleSuperstar.com. I encourage ladies of all levels – from beginner to advanced – to enter the competition because we are choosing finalists based on overall performance. The winner will ultimately be decided by our audience.
How did you get into pole dancing?
I had heard of the pole dance craze a few years ago, so a friend and I took an intro class together and from then on I was hooked. Literally… by my left leg.
Favorite makeup tip:
Use a trusted professional make-up artist!
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Barefoot.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Dry Hands.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Hands-free Helicopter.
Pole dance pet peeves:
The small percentage of people that belittle pole dancers. And falling is my other pet peeve … I try to avoid that.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Epsom salt bath, Traumeel, and stretching for sore muscles. Pointing out my bruises and bragging that I just learned an awesome trick is my favorite treatment for bruises.
Who would you most like to have in the audience at Pole Superstar?
True pole dance enthusiasts who will cheer on the finalists.
Who would you most like to have compete?
Taya from Rock of Love Bus … she tore it up on one episode!
Who is your hero or role model?
Twyla Tharp … I know her personally and I admire all her accomplishments and her discipline and commitment to dance. She was also a single mother!
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Challenge yourself!
Favorite pizza toppings:
Black olives and extra cheese, please!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Cupcakes … just the icing, though!
Anything else you’d like to share:
Pole dancing is one of my favorite things and I’m excited to mix it with my other passion – which is helping single parents. I hope we can raise a lot of money for S.P.I.N. on October 1st!
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!)
and promote that a modern women has the ability to wear several hats (or even shoes!!).
