You may know her as Faerie9, but what you may not know is that Jenni Frost is now specializing in accounting for pole dancers! (Sorry, US readers, she’s in the UK!)
A pole dancing ACCOUNTANT??
Yes, I’m an accountant. No, this isn’t a confession! Because I love pole, and the pole community so much, I’ve launched Pole Dancing Accountant here in the UK. It’s an extension of my regular accountancy business, tailor-made for pole performers and instructors who maybe want an accountant who knows what they do and is genuinely interested in their business. No having to explain to a grey-suited man that it’s not about stripping, or that it is. It’s just a genuine service for pole dancers by a pole dancer. Watch this space.
Why did you decide to take to pole dancing lessons?
I saw a friend’s photos on Facebook. Something inside me just said, “I want to do that.” Out of character for me, I just did it. I googled for a school local to me and just booked a block of lessons. That was it, I was hooked. I bought my own X-pole after three months.
How do you learn (pole dancing classes, DVD, Youtube …)?
I have classes locally with Lisa at Pole-da-cise, which is where I began learning two years ago. I also do PoleJunkies online classes and workshops when I can, which are great, and attend workshops (booked on a Pantera one this year – SO excited!), and pole jams. I also used to do a lot of YouTubing to supplement my lessons, but I’ve got so much to practice now that I don’t use it as much for learning moves, but I still get help with technique from forums.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
I live in rural Wiltshire and love walking my two dogs in the beautiful countryside. I also keep chickens – really lovely creatures! I like reading, watching Star Trek and CSI, and spending time with my boyfriend, who is moving in with me soon – can’t wait!
What is your dream for yourself in pole dancing?
I want to perform more! I entered the Pole Divas competition last year, got to the amateur final, and had an amazing time doing it. I also performed with my wonderful friend, Rosetta, in our school’s cabaret and utterly loved it. I want to be able to look back and be proud of my achievements.
Also, not strictly pole, but related, I want to be able to do the splits. It’s a recurring dream I’ve had since childhood so that’s an actual dream.
Oh, and an Aysha. Please? I can do a split grip one, but the forearm and elbow grip ones still elude me ….
Favourite makeup tip:
Remember you look beautiful without it!
The best tip I was given was for doing “big” eye make-up: if when you’re putting it on it looks wrong, add more. I don’t know why, but it works. Don’t be half-hearted about it!
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
I mostly pole barefoot, though I love dancing in platforms, too. I do have my old ballet shoes from when I was a kid (I stopped at age 14 so the last few pairs still fit!) and I love dancing in them; they make me feel more graceful.
Favourite grip enhancer:
Vodka!! A clean, warm pole is normally grippy enough on its own. I haven’t yet found a grip enhancer yet that I really like when I need a bit of help. I’ve tried Mighty Grip once and really liked it, so I plan on buying some to try.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Cross knee release was my first self-taught achievement and I was delighted (it’s on YouTube somewhere). Shouldermount was a very big one, and the cartwheel mount straight edge was another biggie. Mostly I shriek very excitedly when I get a move I’ve been trying for awhile, which causes me to forget holding the move I’m in and I have to get down again without hurting myself! If “how much I do this” is the measure of how proud I am … then shoulder mount and cartwheel mount are the main ones. You’ll probably hear me from wherever you are in the world when I get that Aysha!
Pole dance pet peeves:
Men who make assorted “dance around my pole” jokes. Come on, we’ve heard them all before and they aren’t funny.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
A long soak in a hot bath. Mmm …
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
My boyfriend. He’s been to pretty much every pole event I’ve had since we got together (and even before that) and it makes all the difference. He’s so supportive and takes great photos too.
Who is your hero or role model?
Difficult one. I don’t really have “heroes” as such. Pole-wise, there are so many ladies who are so very inspiring, it’s hard to single any one of them out, from the major competition winners to some of the You Tubers who have amazing stories and achievements. If I had to name one, from back when I was on You Tube a lot, it would be Starrgrrrl. She’s got a very beautiful, fluid style.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
I love all positive feedback, it spurs me on and helps me to push myself when I’m feeling down or negative about things.
Favorite pizza toppings:
It has to be any kind of veggie supreme: loads of mushrooms, red onion, peppers, goats cheese … I’m not vegetarian but love veggie food.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Cupcakes! No, ice cream. Erm … both? Ok, ice cream: preferably Ben & Jerry’s or some kind of mint choc chip fudge sauce combo. Mmm …
I met Louise at the 2010 Pole Convention during my talk on stage fright. If you were in the audience, I bet you remember her, too, because, when I was asking the crowd to share their own tips for dealing with performance jitters, Louise came up with the best idea I’d ever heard of: scream.
Yep, she recommends screaming and letting the anxiety roll through you before you go on stage. I loved it so much, I brought her to the podium and we got everyone in the crowd to stand up and give it a try. Here’s your chance to get to know this awesome pole dancer!
How did you get started learning to pole dance?
I always wanted to learn how to pole dance when I was in my 20′s, but pole dancing was limited to the strip clubs back then. A couple years ago, I passed by a little gym that had a sign for pole dancing classes. I was so excited. I called them up the next day and showed up to my first class that week.
How do you learn (pole dancing classes, DVD, Youtube …)?
I took classes at a gym that had one pole in it. I got hooked in about a month and bought my own pole. I went to the gym for about a year until it closed. Since then, myself and a few pole friends started gathering at my house once a week to try whatever new freaky thing one of us saw on youtube.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
Pole dancing is what I do in my spare time, but, if I’m not doing that, I’m usually hanging out with my dog.
What is your dream for yourself in pole dancing?
I want to pole dance on a volcano. I know that sounds really weird, but I’m a geologist. I did my Ph.D. on volcanoes in Central America and it would be so cool to combine two of my favorite things.
Favorite makeup tip:
Sadly I’m not a very good girly girl. I don’t like makeup because it takes too much effort and doesn’t go well with working out. That being said, you can never go wrong with tons of dark eyeliner and lipstick.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Always, always, always platform heels. To me, it’s not pole dancing if you aren’t wearing some sexy hooker heels.
Favorite grip enhancer:
I really like spinning and most of the grips make that hard. I only use grip enhancers if trying something new. When I dance, I just rub my hands on my boobs or butt, in a very sexy way, of course, to dry them off.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Every time I learn a new move, that becomes my new proudest, but I would have to say just inverting. It took me close to a year to finally invert and now I spend most of my time upside down on the pole.
Pole dance pet peeves:
I hate shoeless pole dancing. Just practicing or dinking around barefoot is fine, but I hate looking on the bottom of someone’s dirty foot during a performance.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
I have so many bruises, it’s too much trouble to hide them. Besides, they are my pole dancing battle scars and I show them off with pride.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
I would like every one of my ex’s in the audience, so they can eat their hearts out.
Who is your hero or role model?
I think I’ve outgrown the hero/role model stage of my life. I don’t want to be anyone else. I just want to be the best I can be. I can’t really do anymore than that.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
If pole doesn’t hurt, you’re not trying hard enough.
Favorite pizza toppings:
Garlic and onions!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
My favorite is just straight chocolate. Cupcakes and ice cream have too much healthy stuff in them – eggs, milk … I just want my chocolate undiluted.
Anything else you’d like to share:
Pole Dancing Rocks!!!
You can find more of Louise and her pole dancing on Youtube!
A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from this fun woman named Nina. Nina, it turns out, runs Living the Dream, with her friend Cindi, and together they make fabulous t-shirts with funny (and all-too-real!) mommy scenarios on them.
The thing is, they also do an online radio show and podcast just for moms. Well, they got the idea of doing a show on moms who pole dance and they wanted to know if I’d like to participate.
Umm … YES!
So I did, along with three fabulous other pole dancers.
My first radio experience EVER
Nina and Cindi were a little giggly about the whole stripper/pole thing, but still really cool – they just wanted to learn about it and see what pole was all about.
Bizarrely, as much as I love to talk, I have never been on radio before. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but modern technology makes it as easy as can be. Nina just emailed me the time of the show and made sure she had my phone number. Then, at the appointed time, I got a phone call from her producer giving me the heads up about the show – how much time I’d have and what would happen when they cut to a commercial. Then I was put on hold, listening to mellow but (thankfully!) non-annoying muzak, and passed a minute or so until Nina and Cindi picked up.
I wasn’t able to listen to the beginning of the show before they called, so I totally missed the bit about Nina’s sister having just had her first baby (congratulations!), but I didn’t find that out until afterwards when I played the podcast. So, from my end, it just began with their questions.
Note to self: Stop talking over people interviewing you on the radio.
Which is to say I talk way too much and could truly consider listening a bit more. (This is not news to anyone who knows me.) But, in the end, it came together well enough (at least, I hope that’s what Nina and Cindi think, too!).
The show
They asked how I’d gotten into pole dancing and, specifically, how I came up with the idea of PoleSkivvies (you know you’ve been dying to find out).
I explained about the online pole dancing community, and about removable poles, and my love of X-Poles. Oh, and the PoleSkivviespole clothing!
After my spot, three other pole dancers were interviewed – Faye, whom I know from Facebook, Nikki Craven, whom I had the fun of interviewing awhile back, and another cool pole dancer I don’t know named Mary.
What was great was hearing everybody’s story about how they got into pole and where their love of pole has taken them.
Listen to the podcast here and let Nina and Cindi know a lot of moms love to pole dance!
I met Natalie here on the PoleSkivvies blog. She always spoke her views, knew what she was talking about, and was so fun I just had to ask her for an interview!
How did you get started pole dancing?
As a small child, I was more or less thrown out of the dance school my aunt ran for having two left feet. You have to be quite impressively bad for a teacher to kick out the boss’s niece. ~wry grin~ I was utterly convinced that I couldn’t dance, and in fact refused utterly until my second year at uni, where a very dear friend of mine got me very, very, very drunk and hauled me bodily onto the dance floor.
After that, I did start dancing a little, but wouldn’t have considered taking classes until my martial arts instructor told me dance lessons would be helpful, as we were working on getting me to keep my balance more on my toes than my heels. He wasn’t quite expecting me to take up pole, but, as he said afterwards, he really should have been! After my first lesson, I was hooked. And it has improved my martial arts, as well.
You seem to take particular delight in blowing people’s assumptions about pole dancers out of the water. Tell us about that!
I think I delight in blowing most people’s assumptions about anything out of the water. People are far too complicated to be described by a single attribute. I have two degrees in cognitive neuroscience, from some of the best universities in the world, I ride a motorcycle, I’m polyamorous, I pole dance and I’m a martial artist. In some ways, pole dancing is one of the more “normal” things about me. I won’t hide who I am, whether in my personal or professional life, and I’m happy to answer any questions anyone might have. If the answers they receive encourage them to think more carefully about their assumptions, I consider this a Good Thing.
How do you learn (pole dancing classes, DVD, Youtube …)?
Almost all of my moves come from classes. My instructors are a really fun group of people, and I love the supportive environment to learn in. I do watch a lot on Youtube, but mainly for ideas about tone and style, rather than specific moves.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
Well, as I mentioned above, I love working on my martial arts and riding my motorbike (especially the way the weather’s been here lately!). I’m also looking at working as a snake charmer, taking belly dance lessons, growing a lot of my own fruit and veg, cooking, trying to get funding for a PhD, and spending a lot of time with my boyfriends and my girlfriend. Other than that, I read a lot and love being curled up on the sofa with the cats and a good book. And, yes, that does mean I don’t have a lot of free time. Ever!
What is your dream for yourself in pole dancing?
I would love to teach. My martial arts experience (and growing up surrounded by Olympic athletes, as my Dad was a coach) has left me with a good understanding of body mechanics, and I pay a lot of attention to footwork and the details of a movement. I’ve always loved teaching, and I can’t wait to develop my understanding to the point where I could pass on this skill.
My other main goal is to be able to do the splits one day. I have horrifically short hamstrings and hip flexors and possibly fused lower vertebrae, so it might never be possible, but I’m still going to keep trying.
Favorite makeup tip:
Get a MAC makeover. When I first started looking at performing, I booked a makeover with them and they were amazing. Not only did they make me look so wonderfully mysterious, they showed me how to replicate it. I don’t know about other firms, but they definitely have my loyalty.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Barefoot, all the way. I’ve never tried dancing in sneakers, but they’re not exactly sexy. Nor is falling on my face, which is why the heels are out for a while. I practice dancing in heels about once a week to try to improve, but for learning new moves and having confidence in my ability, I’d always rather be barefoot.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Never tried one. At the moment, I’m just working on trying to get stronger. I don’t know whether I’ll want to use one as the moves get more complicated, but, for now, I’m happy as I am.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
The Dangerous Brian. I’d looked at pictures of it online, and thought it looked terrifying. When we had the class to learn it, we were warned that it was really difficult and not to worry if it took a while. I was so close on my first try, and had it nailed by the second. I was over the moon!
Pole dance pet peeves:
People telling me it’s “just good exercise.” If it’s only exercise, why will people pay £10 to come watch a pole dance show? Would they pay that to watch a step aerobics class? Of course not. It’s a dance form, and it’s there to be performed. And yes, it’s a sexual dance.
But then, show me a dance that isn’t. What I love about pole dance is that it’s a powerful, dominant, active form of sexuality. In my opinion, the pole dance community needs to come out and say, “Yes, it’s sexual. It’s our sexuality, we own it, and we can use it however we choose. If you don’t like it, don’t watch.” But then, I also firmly believe that it’s possible to be highly sexual without being slutty, and indeed that there’s nothing wrong with being slutty from time to time.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Luckily, I don’t bruise or damage very easily. Many years of doing silly things on motorbikes and sparring seem to have made me pretty much indestructible. I find a nice warm bath is the best cure-all, though I do take regular trips to my chiropractor to make sure I stay nicely in alignment.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
My tkd instructor, Kev. I want him to see the chaos he’s caused! ~grin~ I would also love to have my girlfriend in the audience. She’s a belly dance teacher, and by far my most helpful critic.
Who is your hero or role model?
Prof Kia Nobre. One of the most amazing women I’ve ever known, and my neuroscience idol. With both her and Kev, I can’t help trying to impress them, and that makes me a better person.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
“Not bad. Not bad at all.” Coming from the right person, that can mean so much more than fullsome praise.
The other phrase I find myself remembering a lot when I practice pole dancing is how practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect!
Favorite pizza toppings:
Weirdly, I don’t like pizza. I’m not a fussy eater, except where it comes to pizza and chocolate, neither of which I like. (But I promise, I am female really!)
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Umm, ok. So, I’m not a fussy eater other than pizza, chocolate, and ice cream. And I’m not desperately fond of cupcakes. Sorbet? Can I have mango sorbet?
See why I wanted you to meet her? Hope you enjoyed meeting Natalie as much as I did!
Molly is a young woman from Norway who rocks the pole – and blows preconceptions about pole dancing right out of the water!
What made you take up pole dancing?
My first meeting with the style of pole dance I love (the non-slutty style) was a video on YouTube. As I watched it, I instantly fell in love with the style of dance, and worked hard to come in contact with lots of pole dancers around the world. They all said pole dance was a great way to exercise strength, stamina and flexibility, and that it was very fun. I have always been drawn towards strange things (weird topics, special music …) and pole dance was my passion even before I managed to convince my parents to let me buy a pole.
What have people’s responses been?
People’s responses have been surprisingly positive! I was prepared to fight for my style of dance, but I never had to. It took me almost six months to convince my parents to let me buy a pole, but after I got it they have been supportive, and if I need pole clothing, pole shoes or such, I know I can ask them. When I got the pole installed in my room, I was very insecure on whether I should tell my friends about it or not. I was, of course, very afraid that they would think I was a stripper, but no one’s thoughts have been going in that direction! I’ve had classmates over, and they’ve been going crazy on the pole – they love spin mode! My little brother, age 12, also loves jumping onto the pole and spinning around – he says it’s like a roller coaster. Letting people try has also made them realize how strong you have to be to climb, do inversions and such.
Was it hard finding an instructor, or are you self-taught?
I’m mostly self-taught, but I do have some great friends I can ask for help if I need an explanation on how to do a move. I really hope to attend some lessons in the future though – maybe one day I can travel around the world and learn from the great pole legends? That would be a dream come true to me!
What would you say to other young people who want to learn how to pole?
If you have a burning desire for something, no matter what it is, put up your shield and march right through! As long as you’re not being selfish and not hurting anyone, you shouldn’t let anyone stop you from doing what you want.
What would you say to adults who think it’s wrong for a young woman to pole?
I would tell them to think about why pole dance is taboo in their eyes. Is it the moves, is it the clothing, is it the pole itself …? I believe that it’s not about WHAT you do, but HOW you do it. A half naked woman doing ”sexy” (sex-associating) moves IS slutty, I totally agree! But sweaty people in shorts and T-shirts, with legs covered with bruises and bellies covered with burn marks … that’s certainly not slutty – it’s not sexy at all.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
When I’m not on the pole … Jeez, what do I do? I must admit I spend a lot of time on the computer. I’m an active online chatter, I love writing e-mails, I have a page at Facebook I must check on every now and then (Note: deleted since publication) … It’s pretty consuming! I’ve been doing horse riding since I was three, and still to this day a smile will flash across my face when I gallop through the forest. I also know to appreciate a good book.
What is your dream for yourself in pole dancing?
I’m not much into having expectations and making goals for oneself – it just leads to disappointment. I’ll probably never be able to pole for a living, but it would be fun if I could work part time as an instructor – I would love to let girls of all ages experience what I have experienced through pole – finding your confidence and learning to love your body. I also hope I can ”abuse” the innocence that comes with being a child to bring pole dance another step away from the bad reputation it has.
Favorite grip enhancer:
I didn’t have the chance to try any grip enhancers yet, but I hope to do so in the soon future – sweaty hands is a problem to me.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
I haven’t learned that many moves yet, but the Extended Butterfly was big for me, because I worked so hard to figure out HOW to do it. It’s also a very beautiful move, and you can do it with pants on so it’s great for street pole.
Pole dance pet peeves:
I don’t think I have any. Yet.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
I’m very proud when I get bruises from pole dance! In my opinion, the bruises and soreness are part of the dancing – if you are to enjoy the sensation of flying pole dance brings, you simply have to live with the back parts of it. However, I do like to lay on the warm bathroom floor, it’s a nice way to let your muscles relax and heal.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
My audience must be people who appreciate the ART FORM pole dance is. I don’t want the audience to be men looking to be turned on (if men are turned on by me, there’s something wrong with them – I’m a minor!). Fellow pole dancers are a great audience, they know how difficult every move is and will admire a dancer who make the most difficult and painful moves look easy.
Who is your hero or role model?
For as long as I can remember (which is way back), Lara Croft of the Tomb Raider games has been a role model to me. She’s so fit and beautiful, she’s not scared of anything – she kicks people’s you-know-what!
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
All nice comments encourage me. What keeps me going is the feeling of being loved, admired, and appreciated.
Favorite pizza toppings:
Juicy pieces of meat and lots of cheese!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Cupcakes or ice cream? That’s like asking a mother to favorite her children! I love sweets and if I could I would start every day with waffles and a large milkshake.
Anything else you’d like to share:
You only got one life, spend it on things you enjoy!
Lots of love and encouragement to Molly – she’s the future of pole!
