Meet Claire Sterrett, who writes a great pole dance blog, The Pole Story!
How did you get started learning to pole dance?
I was working at a massage and wellness center as a massage therapist and a woman named Tara Moore from Simply Seductress came to do a 1 hour intro class. I was kind of curious and I think I was also required to go. She had us do this exercise where we lay on our mats with our eyes closed, moving and touching ourselves and dancing while she played music. She also asked us to talk a lot about what we were feeling in our bodies and really made us connect with the emotional part of our dancing. It was unlike any class I had ever taken before and I was instantly hooked! I was horrible at the pole. But for some reason I wanted to master the whole thing: the polework, the floorwork, the emotionality of the dance. I took classes with her for a year, until she moved away. Now I’m a student at S Factor.
You have a blog in which you frequently discuss issues of sexuality and pole dance. What role do you feel pole dancing plays for most of the women learning it?
I think there are two major roles pole dancing plays for the women learning it. One is that it is an excellent and fun way to get fit and strong. But aside from the fitness aspect, I think many women choose to learn pole dancing because it puts them in touch with their bodies and their sexuality. Sexuality is something that is primarily experienced in the body. Dance is an excellent vehicle for exploring sensations in the body. So in pole dancing classes, a space is being created for women to safely explore, nurture and display their sexual selves. And I think there are a lot of women out there who are pretty excited about that.
How do you view society’s reaction to pole?
Hmmm. That’s a big question! The mainstreaming of pole dancing is certainly bringing out deeply entrenched biases and prejudices that are embedded in the fabric of our society with regards to women and their sexuality. With pole becoming so “public,” people are being forced to confront their opinions and emotions about these topics. When someone says to a pole dancer, “Why would you want to pole dance? It’s (insert your favorite negative description of pole dancing here),” I think a lot of what is happening is not just miscommunication, but a clash between different belief systems that are centered around a very emotionally charged and traditionally taboo subject: sex.
I think our culture is so used to labeling women who choose to display, or play with, or openly take pleasure in their sexuality as “whores” that we don’t know what to do when someone who doesn’t fit that stereotype participates in that type of behavior. And that is a really wonderful thing. Because it has the potential to force people to revisit their biases or perceptions around what it means to display your sexuality as a woman and what “kinds” of women do that. That is one reason why I get so irritated when I see women who participate in any form of erotic dance judge or separate themselves from other women in that same arena.
It is my deep and heartfelt wish that, as pole dancers, we can shift the way society chooses to view women’s sexuality. It is my hope that a certain respect and admiration for the beautiful, erotic art form of pole dancing will grow and that rather than label a woman who dances seductively as a whore, she will be honored for choosing to share with the world the gift of her sexuality and her beauty. In order for that to happen, though, we have to support one another and understand that while there may be differences in our work, we share a common thread.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
I’m kind of a nerd. I like to read a lot. And cook and bake. I absolutely love entertaining people at my home – making delicious food, filling the house with flowers – creating an environment where people can relax and experience the pleasure of beauty and good company. And of course, when I’m not pole dancing, I love to write about pole dancing on my blog, The Pole Story!
Favorite makeup tip:
Well this is more of a product than a tip, but I love Benetint cheek stain from Benefit for a little splash of color on my cheeks. It stays on no matter what and it looks so natural. And it smells like roses. AND you can use it on your lips, too. I think I’ve been using it for about ten years.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Barefoot!
Favorite grip enhancer:
Dry Hands. But I’m constantly wiping down the pole. I used to wear leather weightlifting gloves.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
The Hook! I just learned it and I thought it was going to be super hard, but I actually got it right away! And pulling up onto the pole afterwards makes me feel so sexy and strong. Purrrr.
Pole dance pet peeves:
The lack of floorwork being taught in many of the studios. It makes me want to cry. It’s such a beautiful part of the dance! What else? Strippers vs. Pole Dancers. Yes, what each of us does is a little different, but let’s stand together, please.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Arnica for bruises. Hot pad with moisture for sore muscles along with Soma cream. Massage.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
All my high school classmates! I went to an all-girls school. I would love to dance for them.
Who is your hero or role model?
My boyfriend is my hero. My role model? I don’t think I have just one. I admire Pema Chodron for her compassion and equanimity. I admire Mother Theresa for her selfless dedication to being of service to others. I admire George Sand for her fiery, opinionated passion and her willingness to push boundaries.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us.
Favorite pizza toppings:
I think, when it comes to pizza, pretty much anything goes. Except for anchovies or any kind of pepper.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Cupcakes. Frosting and fingers … yum.
Anything else you’d like to share:
Just that I’m very grateful for this interview and excited to see how pole dancing continues to develop!
If you like reading about pole dancing (and I’m guessing you do!), be sure to check out Claire’s pole dance blog, The Pole Story!
Ever want to meet a scuba-diving, shark-swimming, Discovery-channel starring, USPDF-competing, former Olympic gymnast pole dancer? You’re in luck – meet Caterina Gennaro of Poleates!
What got you into pole dancing and what led you to open your own studio?
I took a class in LA. I loved it so much but couldn’t find the time to get to LA as much as I wanted, so I opened up my own studio and taught myself! I had twins that were only 10 months old, so getting to LA for a two-hour class was a whole-day affair, plus I was still breastfeeding.
As a former member of the U.S. Junior Olympic Gymnastics Team, what are your thoughts on the movement to get pole dancing into the Olympics?
I think the sport of pole dancing is extremely underrated. I ttakes all the effort, focus, dedication, and training as gymnastics, if not more. The other similarity gymnastics and pole dancing share is the precision of the movement! It’s all technique and learning that technique.
As a former member of the U.S. Junior Olympic Gymnastics Team, what are your thoughts on the movement to get pole dancing into the Olympics?
To elaborate, when you’re at that level of a sport, you live it; it’s your life. Everything you do and everything you are is that sport .I was the extreme, being relocated away from my family to train with the Olympic team in Connecticut at that time – at 11, 12 years old. We had chaperones watching over us. We had tutors in the gym. We were told what to eat, and worked out ten hours a day. Everything was about winning and advancing, keeping up with the Russians and being always on it, even when you’re hurt and you train and/or compete through the pain, you’re bred to be this person.
Pole dancing, I feel, has a lot of similarities. It has the same focus. You also have all the elements they look for in gymnastics and more! The strength, the flexibility, agility, difficulty, and the dance, which is the hardest for me in this sport of pole dancing and I had the same problem in gymnastics – I don’t let go and let the audience in! I have to learn to perform more and smile and have more fun with it. Gymnastics was more about the performance of being perfect and sticking every move. So you were so focused on that and not so much to let go and be a crowd pleaser. Also, dieting before a pole competition is essential. I love the look of an athletic body, strong, yet feminine, plus we are wearing next to nothing so you don’t need extra stuff hangin’ out.
In addition to owning your own pole dance studio, you also are a world-class underwater photographer. How do you manage to do both?
I work 26 hours a day, every day – single mom, twins, studio and preparing for my next TV show. It’s crazy, lots of coffee! And stay focused and I love what I do – it helps.
What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole dancing classes?
Try and be comfortable with themselves. There is no right and wrong. You go at your own pace. It’s an endless journey.
You have competed in numerous pole dancing championships. How do you prepare for them?
I pray to god to give me all the strength I can conjure up and start cardio, working with other instructors. It’s hard because I need to be pushsed and there are very few people that can do that.
What would you say to a new pole dancer interested in doing her first competition?
Observe, listen, and strength-train. Plus start letting your body move to how you feel comfortable. Develop your own style.
Favorite makeup tip:
Fake Mac Daddy eyelashes.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Barefoot and heels, just point your toes! Always! I always dance in Uggs, but I point my feet, even if you can’t tell.
Favorite grip enhancer:
I am fanatically addicted to Dry Hands all over my body.
See Caterina on the pole!
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Many, but the pull up to twisted grip (damn that Sara) was by far the most challenging. Oh, yea, and smile while you’re doing it!
Pole dance pet peeves:
Flexed feet and moving too fast.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Wine; if I could take a bath in it, I would. No, seriously, Arnica works great, and Traumeel.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
Well, I’ve had my mom, dad, brothers, sister, cousins, uncles and aunts, ex-husband, kids, even my dog!
I’ve had all the best pole dancers out there watching, so I guess who I would have wanted the most to see me dance is the person that never expects anything – that would probably be my grandma. She seems to always think I’m great. No matter what I ever did, plus she woudl have gotten a kick out of it ….
Who is your hero or role model?
There are so many people out there, for different reasons. I love to watch Felix; she motivates me. Jenyne Butterfly inspires me. But my real role models are my instructors who believe in me so much. And my 5-year-old daughter who always comes up with new moves for me.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Keep it real, feel it, love it, and live it!
Favorite pizza toppings:
When I’m not training, everything! When I am training, just the sauce, please, with little cheese.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Cupcakes with ice cream and mash it all together!
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
Well, I’m either pole dancing, diving, or watching Transformers or Tinker Bell for the hundredth time, so my favorite thing to do is absolutely nothing ….
Anything else you’d like to share:
I’d like to share that women, no matter what age or shape they are in, can pole dance! We are not all out to be the Jenynes and Felixes. We are doing this sport because it gets you in kick-ass shape and it’s liberating. It’s addicting!
You can learn to pole with Caterina at Poleates – and be sure to cheer her on in the 2010 USPDF Amateur Competition! Caterina is also an amazing underwater photographer and adventurer – catch the details of her latest dives at CaterinaGennaro.com and on her upcoming series on ABC, “The Wildlife.”
You are very involved in the push to get pole dancing in the Olympics. What got you interested in that and what benefits do you hope being in the Olympics will bring to pole dancing?
I am often asked if pole dance/pole dance fitness is an ART or a SPORT. The answer is BOTH! A sport is defined as an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, and art is defined as the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.
Anyone following our industry, which has exploding numbers of international competitions and showcases, and who has dared to attempt to maneuver on a pole KNOWS the significant athleticism, strength and control required by pole athletes to make their maneuvers appear graceful, seamless and aesthetic. The very nature of this solid vertical apparatus begs for artful body contortions and poses, and adding in music provides a most unique expressive art form. Pole work, without hesitation, is an auspicious display and intertwining of both art and sport.
With that said, we designed our Facebook Petition To Get Pole Dancing in 2012 Olympics to build on work started by our friends in the UK to achieve even greater grassroots support for getting pole dancing/pole fitness recognized as a legitimate athletic sport by the mainstream. The yellow brick road to the Olympics is a very long and winding road for a new sport. Realistically, the soonest pole sports could get into the Olympic summer games is the 2020 Olympics.
The shortest a sport has ever taken to achieve recognition has been six years, and that was more an exception to the rule than the standard. However, mainstream acceptance, working concurrently with developing competitive formats, establishing industry standards (a key charter for the Pole Fitness Association) and establishing a separate international entity to be committed to this drive (we have also established the International Pole Sports Federation) are the key building blocks. We currently have the leading global drive with over 146,000 members!
Once we achieve 250,000 supporters, we will have MAJOR international media attention for our art and sport! So, please post, re-post, and re-post the link again on your website, on your facebook, on twitter and more. The power of social media is IMMENSE and we need to leverage it to reach the mainstream and continue to change perceptions of what our art and sport form is and isn¹t.
Some people fear that getting in the Olympics will require changes that could negatively impact the dance aspects and sexiness of pole dancing. How do you respond to that?
There are so many forms of this amazing art and sport, an entire continuum from more barefoot, explosive, strict gymnastics style looking forms, to sexy, stiletto-wearing, saucy shimmying, and slinky acrobatic forms. Most of us practice both styles, depending on the whens, wheres and whats we are practicing. Both ends of the continuum require control and athleticism, and both require style – they are just delivered differently. And, there are a multitude of forms in-between. Any sport that goes into the Olympics will need to be acceptable by mainstream standards; that’s a fact. But, as we have seen, this art and sport form is beautiful in nearly any manner that it is packaged, from straight and clean to curvy and saucy.
You are co-chair of the Pole Fitness Association. Tell us about it!
The Pole Fitness Association was born to unite and standardize our industry. We have professional management with a clear mission and charter.
Our mission is to represent and lead the pole fitness community worldwide by defining and promoting standards for training, safety, equipment, terminology, and technical specifications to unite and empower pole fitness studio owners, professionals, and enthusiasts everywhere in celebrating the sport of pole fitness as a rigorous, tasteful, and athletic art.
Underlying the mission are four supporting vision statements that define how the Pole Fitness Association will deliver value to the industry:
Be the recognized authority and trusted advisor on pole fitness to studios, professionals, enthusiasts, media, and others globally.
Be a catalyst for the development of all industry-related standards, including terminology, training, certification requirements, progression of training, etc.
Signify to the pole fitness community everywhere that a studio with our certified affiliation means you are qualified to deliver sound value to your customers in all areas of pole fitness, including safety, training, ethics, facilities/equipment specifications, business management.
Galvanize pole fitness studios, professionals, and enthusiasts worldwide to market, network, educate, train safely, and learn from one another to nurture the profession and promote our athletic art.
Membership is inexpensive, the organization is INTERNATIONAL, we are professionally managed, our membership consists of leading pole professionals and enthusiasts worldwide, and we are working on important elements to standardize our industry (terminology, standards defining movements, and more).
Favorite makeup tip:
Eyebrows neatly groomed and filled in, white highlight on the inner eyes and just under the brown, and shiny lip gloss.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Depends on my mood … barefoot, when I want to feel organic and sensual, and heels when I want to be va-va-va-voom and sexy.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Dry Hands.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Twisted Grip Handspring before I turned 40.
Pole dance pet peeves:
Not pointing toes, not working with the music, and anything that is not supportive of others.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Little hands (daughters 6 and 9) rubbing mommy’s back.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
My students, instructors, mom and daughters…and, of course, boyfriend.
Who is your hero or role model?
So many .. .my oldest student (age 74), my heaviest student, my student who has lived as a stroke survivor since age 19, and always my newest student – I ran my first marathon with a man who was running his 100th race, and he said it was harder to be there for the first time than for the 100th, .and that has always stuck with me. This is an intimidating sport to first start and that’s why it is increasingly important that we continue to build a supportive, friendly community.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Pole dancing is for EVERYONE. Regardless of age, shape or size. There are hundreds of movements and the key is picking the right moves for you to keep you challenged, engaged, and injury free.
Favorite pizza toppings:
The Worx!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Creamy, nutty, chocolatey ice cream … Ben and Jerry’s New York Superfudge Chunk, to be exact!
What do you do when you’re not on the pole?
Play business owner and mom to full tilt! And always laughing!
Anything else you’d like to share:
This sport is a marathon, not a race. Yes, train hard, but take care of your body, be safe, and enjoy this as a lifetime sport.
Photo by AMC photography - http://www.aaroncota.com
Get ready to meet Amber Richard, 2009 USPDF West Coast Champion!
How did you get started taking pole dancing lessons?
I stumbled upon pole dancing completely by accident in March of 2008. I was a dance major in college and, one day, I was randomly looking up dance videos on youtube when Felix Cane’s Miss Pole Dance Australia 2006 video popped up. I clicked on it out of pure curiosity! I have never been to a strip club and had never seen pole dancing before so I didn’t have any preconceptions going in.
What I saw was a work of art, a gorgeous acrobatic dance, and I thought, “Wow! I want to try THAT!”
I immediately looked up a studio in my area and was hooked after my first lesson at OC Pole Fitness. I graduated from UCI and moved back home shortly thereafter and found my current studio, Poletential. I learned the basics from the instructors at both studios but am self-taught in all of the advanced moves.
I am a total YouTube fanatic and spend hours looking at videos and dissecting the movements so I can try them myself!
How did you make the leap to teaching at a studio and offering pole dancing classes? What was that like?
As a dancer, I am very used to breaking movement down into simple steps and figuring out the mechanics of a move. This enabled me to take to pole quite naturally and I was asked about the possibility of training to be an instructor after my second class! I had already been teaching other dance types for years (ballet, jazz, modern, etc.) so teaching was a natural progression for me.
What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole?
The first thing I teach students is how to engage their shoulder and back muscles to keep their shoulders down. Proper body mechanics are an absolute must; I don’t want anyone getting injured!
Photo by Al Satterwhite.
How do you take care of yourself, given all the pole you do?
I always take the time to do a full warm-up and I stretch after class. I try not to pole two days in a row in order to give my muscles and joints time to recover. I love taking a hot bath after a tough workout; it does wonders! Ice is your friend, if you have any kind of inflammation. I also do rotator cuff strengthening exercises daily.
See this great video of Amber on the pole!
If you’ve never seen Amber pole before, you’re in for a treat – click here to see! And, yes, those are PoleSkivvies she’s wearing – in a lovely azure blue. (Thank you, Amber!)
Favorite makeup tip:
All you need is mascara, eyeliner, and blush to look fabulous! Blush is underrated, but it really brightens up your face and adds definition.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Barefoot when I want to dance freely and try new moves, heels when I want to feel sexy!
Favorite grip enhancer:
I don’t use grip aids, just rubbing alcohol. I do have a sample of Butterfly Balm that is amazing though!
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
That’s a tough one! I struggled with the cartwheel mount for ages, so I think that one wins. I was also really proud when I got my first shoulder mount because I was overcoming a mental block. The jade split was another I fought with for a while!
Photo by AMC photography - http://www.aaroncota.com
Pole dance pet peeves:
Unsafe or inadequate spotting technique. If someone asks you to spot them, take your shoes off and support them at the hip level where most of the weight is concentrated!
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
A hot bath with some Epsom salts is really wonderful for sore muscles. I don’t have any treatments for bruises though; I just wear them with pride until my skin toughens up!
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
Jenyne Butterfly, because she always has great constructive criticism! All other pole enthusiasts are welcome, too!
Who is your hero or role model?
In the pole dance world, I would have to say that Felix Cane and Jenyne Butterfly are my idols, though there are many other dancers I also admire. My parents are wonderful role models in “real life.”
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
I always tell my students: you can do the [insert pole move here], you just haven’t done it YET! It’s only a matter of time before you conquer it!
Favorite pizza toppings:
Everything! Pepperoni, cheese, and roasted vegetables, yum!
Photo by Sam Lovelace.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Kara’s cupcakes in San Francisco, hands down!
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
I like to read. I spend way too much time at my computer researching pole-related information. I like to cuddle with my cats and spend time with my family. I’m a total nerd and spend a lot of time studying, too! I look forward to starting graduate school and becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy. My plan is to develop an injury prevention program designed specifically for pole dancers. (Wa-hoo, Amber!!)
Anything else you’d like to share:
There are so many people who have helped me on this journey. I want to thank my family and friends for being so supportive of me. I want to thank the Poletential team for believing in me and helping me in every way, especially Ellen for all the feedback she gave me prior to the USPDF competition.
I want to thank Karol Helms for commenting on every video I ever posted and giving me feedback to help me improve. I want to thank the Studio Veena team and community for all their encouragement and support. I want to thank Jenyne Butterfly for inspiring me to be the best I can be.
I am happy to have met so many positive people who are willing to help each other achieve their goals and I look forward to more collaboration with many talented individuals in this growing industry. We are all unique, with our own personal strengths, and I respect every dancer out there! I hope to see many of you in New York City on March 19th, 2010 for the U.S. Pole Dance Federation National Championship, it’s going to be an amazing show!
If you want to take classes from Amber, sign up at Poletential! And be sure to check out her latest vids on Youtube!
Every pole dancer meets up with people who don’t understand what it is we do, but few of us have had to fight for our rights as hard as Stephanie has. Read her story below – and admire the strength it took to persevere in getting her studio opened.
You went head to head with your town when they didn’t want you opening up a pole fitness studio. What happened?
I own and operate Pittsburgh-based Oh My You’re Gorgeous, a company specifically designed with women’s health, beauty, and fun in mind. I also lead classes with names like “Lap Dancing”, “Stiletto Strut”, and “Pole Teaser.” Nothing scandalous or X-rated here – just some naughtiness thrown in to give women self-esteem and a whole lot of fun while they exercise.
Well, a few months ago, I had to sue the local township just to keep my studio open. Shortly after filing for the final occupancy permit, I was advised by the code enforcement officer that my studio would not be allowed to operate at the new site.
The officer felt that the business colors of pink and black, specifically the company’s logo of a stiletto, and my website that features me exercising on a pole were too provocative and suggestive of adult entertainment rather than a fitness studio.
They wanted the business closed instantly. I was stopped from operating any classes at the studio, which I had legally leased, and was forced to borrow studio space at other dance facilities nearby.
After countless hearings with the township board without resolution, I turned to the local ACLU for help.
Before the hearings, I had already spent $10,000 in studio renovations and was losing business income every day that the studio could not operate, not to mention the 10,000 plus dollars I had spent with attorneys.
With the ACLU’s help, I took the township to federal court for lost business, attorneys’ fees, and for breaching my First Amendment rights to free speech.
I provided evidence that other pole dancing for fitness businesses exist all over the U.S., and, more relevantly, throughout the nearby Pittsburgh area.
Furthermore, I supplied numerous statements from customers ranging in age from 20 to 80 years old, all of whom testified that they worked with me for fitness and fun, not as a part of an adult establishment.
Many months later, after a long, drawn-out process, the township and I came to a settlement in the amount of $75,000. I was then granted my occupancy permit. Immediately, however, I was forced, as part of the settlement, to agree to a number of special rules in order to open my business. These stipulations that I was forced to agree to are specifically aimed at me and my business. Other businesses in the community do not have to abide by these rules.
So, although I have won my case, it was not without many extra rules, which I must abide by or take a significant monetary loss. The monies I was awarded did not cover the expenses and loss of business, not to mention the tax liability, I have incurred.
The win for me was that I was able to finally open my own studio, offer my classes, and be able to offer women the experience of a great work out while building self confidence and self esteem at my facilities.
How did you keep yourself together while dealing with all that?
Practicing having patience! I took a lot of deep breaths, prayed, and kept myself busy pushing through each day, one day at a time. I also had a tremendous amount of support from my family, friends, and clients.
You are now teaching classes – has the community started to accept them?
The community has always accepted the classes I offered. I had been offering the classes in the neighboring township for two years prior to trying to open this property. As of today, I am accepted in the community and have not had any problems where I am at.
What would you recommend to other pole dancers who encounter this problem?
Do NOT quit! Do NOT give up!
How did you first get into pole dancing?
I was overweight and looking for a challenging work out that would keep my interest. With one spin I was hooked!!
Favorite makeup tip:
Eyebrows frame your face – make sure they are well-groomed with a nice arch, and pencil them in. (Maybe even get them tattooed on.)
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Platform heels EVERY DAY!
Favorite grip enhancer:
Dry Hands.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Windshield Wiper.
Pole dance pet peeves:
Taking classes from people who have no experience and no certifications. In my area, girls tend to take classes without asking the instructor where they learned or what qualifies them to be able to teach pole dancing. A class at another studio may be $5 or $10 cheaper, but the issue is whether the instructors are experienced enough to really teach pole. Girls can become seriously injured if techniques are taught incorrectly.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Arnica and a great massage!
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
My mom and dad.
Who is your hero or role model?
My grandmother.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
YES – you CAN do it!
Favorite pizza toppings:
Extra cheese and hot banana peppers.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Ice cream.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
Since I have a full-time day job, as well as run my studios and teach seven days a week, when I am not pole dancing I am snuggling with my kitties and my boyfriend, or sleeping.
If you want to study pole with Stephanie – or if you just want to write her an encouraging word for fighting for our dance style! – you can find her on Facebook and MySpace, or at her website, OhMyYoureGorgeous.com.
I’ve always danced and done gymnastics, so I had that background as a base. I learned in a club through observation of other dancers, got very good through hours of practice on my own, and people asked me to start teaching them. When I started pole dancing there were no formal classes available! I was one of the first people to teach pole dancing and exotic dance/burlesque in London.
How did you make the leap to opening your own studio and offering pole classes? What was that like?
I worked for two other people, one for a short time and one at a dance studio for a couple of years, before I actually set up my own business. This gave me a lot of time to think about how I would like my own business to be run and to perfect my own style of teaching. What was that like? A lot more admin!!!
What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole dancing?
Proper warmup is essential. Walking around the pole, movement, and general presence. Little things like the way a dancer carries herself can make the difference between a simple trick looking great, and a complicated trick looking bad because the form is incorrect. I do teach people spins from their first lesson, I just stress the importance of finishing a move, not dropping your energy between tricks, etc.
How do you take care of yourself, given all you teach?
Stretching, massage, rest and even physio if necessary.
Favorite makeup tip:
I love makeup for the stage as it can transform appearance dramatically and help someone create a character in performance. In class, who cares if a student wears makeup or not? It’s a personal choice.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Yes, at different times, to all of the above! But not all at once!
Favorite grip enhancer:
Liquid chalk – on the hands, not on the poles!
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Probably transitions such as swallow to twisted grip Ayesha to twisted grip straight edge plus various knee holds and handsprings on static pole, and lots of different stuff on spinning, which, after 11 years pole dancing, is still relatively new to me.
Pole dance pet peeves:
Bitchy pole dancers! A little common courtesy goes a long way. People who are dishonest in their business dealings, and make false claims about who they are and what they offer. Also, people who apply grip stuff to poles instead of hands and leave the studio a mess.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Lots and lots of stretching, some arnica, and rest. Heat is often good as well. Ibuprofen is good for occasional muscular soreness.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
Anyone who enjoys what I do and is supportive of me doing it.
Who is your hero or role model?
I don’t think there is any one particular person, as people I admire tend to come from many different fields, pole and non-pole. Anyone who is talented at what they do, has a sense of ethics in their work, and brings joy and inspiration to others.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
“Good!” I think people really respond well if they are encouraged in a class. Positive encouragement goes a long way, and is a good “cushion” against which people can be corrected if they need to modify what they are doing.
Favorite pizza toppings:
Don’t be silly! It’s impossible to pole and eat pizza at the same time without making a mess!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
See above.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
Think about pole dancing, dream about pole dancing, etc., etc. Seriously, “normal” stuff like meeting friends, seeing films etc. I’m also an avid reader on a wide variety of subjects and am interested in psychology, astrology, energy healing, and a host of other stuff. Also, travel is great — one of the weirdest and most magical places I’ve been so far is Iceland (the country, not the frozen food shop!) and certain spots in the UK are not far behind.
Anything else you’d like to share:
My first career was as a music journalist in New York, and music remains a very important part of pole dancing for me — I think dancing to music you like is so important and can actually inspire people to improve their dancing, as they can “feel” the music.
I’ve been pole dancing for 11 years and teaching since the end of 2002. Pole dancing is my second career. A Miss Pole Dance UK finalist in 2005, I was pole dancing instructor and assistant choreographer for the feature film “Closer”, as well as choreographer on a couple of indie films. I’ve appeared as a pole dance expert and teacher on BBC1’s “Holiday –You Call The Shots” and on Living TV’s “Living With Kimberly Stewart.” Teaching and choreography credits include the Royal Shakespeare Company, Playboy TV, the Pleasance Theatre, and T-Mobile. I have pole danced at various club nights, shows and events around London including Electrowerkz, Madame Jojo’s, The Purple Turtle, The Cobden Club, and the Coronet Theatre.I currently run my own pole dance school, Rock ‘n’ Roll Pole, in London. I am a founding member of the Equity Pole Dancers’ Working Party (Equity is the performers’ union, kind of an amalgamation of SAG, AFTRA, and Equity US – in the UK).
I just got back from teaching pole and burlesque in Denmark, which I loved. I’ve done the same in Amsterdam as well, and would love to teach more abroad, as well as arrange teaching exchanges with non-UK based teachers.
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The 2009 USPDF East Coast Champ, herself – the fabulous Karol Helms of PolePraxis!
You just won the USPDF East Coast Pole Dance Competition. How did you prepare for the competition?
First, I started by picking some music that I felt like I could stand listening to over and over again for the length of time I trained.
After the music was picked, I listened to it numerous times trying to decide what moves I wanted to perform in what parts of the song. Then it was just a matter of choreographing every single move to fit into the song and figure out which transitions and fillers to use to get me to the next move I had in mind. I trained for about three weeks straight, about three hours a day. I have to tell you, I was really glad when the competition was over and I could give my body about a week to rest!!
What was it like to get up there and compete against so many talented pole dancers?
Oh man, there were so many great dancers that I was up against. I tried not to compare myself to them since we all naturally had different styles and body types. Needless to say, I was still nervous going up against so many talented dancers, but, I just went out on the stage, and gave my best.
What was the first thing you did to celebrate your win?
Well, I screamed when they called my name for first place … lol. But I definitely had a couple of celebratory drinks bought for me at the afterparty!
How did you get started pole dancing?
When I was 19, I started working at a local gentlemen’s club. There was one girl there who did pole tricks and danced really well, so that was my first exposure to pole dancing.
I IMMEDIATELY wanted to learn how to do pole tricks, as well. I would go to the club super early everyday and practice for about 3-4 hours while no one was there and come up with things on my own. At the time, there were no pole dancing lessons or DVDs out to learn from, so a lot of my first moves were things I came up with either by accident or sheer luck!
I found Fawnia in 2002 and bought her Pole Moves DVD and quickly learned everything on it. For a while, I was getting bored doing the only moves I knew over and over again. Then, in 2006, I found some pole dancing videos on YouTube. Some of the first videos I came across were of Alena Downs and TaraKarina. I felt like a whole new world of pole dancing had been opened up to me. It wasn’t long before I purchased an Xpole and started really perfecting my technique and mastering new moves.
Favorite makeup tip:
For a quick daytime look, use your sheer coverage powder, a hint of shimmery white in the inner corners of your eyes, and finish with some mascara. Quick and easy!
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Oh, definitely heels. I hate the way dancing barefoot or in sneakers looks.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Well, I tend to have overly sweaty hands. My favorite, hands down, is Tite Grip which is an antiperspirant for your hands. And it smells good, too.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
The Cartwheel Mount Handspring was my first major move. It took me a year of trying on and off to finally nail it!!
Pole dance pet peeves:
A few of my pet peeves are flexed feet, not extending moves all the way, and excessive hair flipping.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Epsom salts baths, massages, and chiropractic care!!
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
Anyone and everyone. Friends, fellow polers, family, and I especially like the audience members who have never seen pole dancing performed – they tend to give the most astonished reactions!
Who is your hero or role model?
My pole role model is Jenyne Butterfly. She has really taken her affinity for pole dancing and branched into other areas of aerial arts. I hope to do the same. (If only I lived in Vegas! lol)
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
You can accomplish anything that you put your mind to. This applies to so many aspects of life, as well as pole dancing.
Favorite pizza toppings:
Plain Jane here … pepperoni. Sometimes onions, if I’m feeling daring!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Definitely ice cream. Chunky Monkey, to be exact.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
I like to read, play video games, and chat with other polers. Yes, I’m a geek.
Anything else you’d like to share:
I love the fact that pole dancing has become such a craze. Just four years ago, if you had mentioned to someone that you were taking pole dancing lessons, they would immediately associate that with “training to be a stripper” and leave you defending your choice – usually to no avail.
Nowadays, when you mention to someone that you pole dance for fitness or sport, 7 times out of 10, they’ve seen an amazing Felix Cane video online, or have a friend who has tried it and raved about it. I think a lot of people have misconceptions about why pole dancing is becoming such a big avenue for fitness. People who haven’t personally seen it or tried it firsthand really don’t understand the allure until they do. It is such a great thing that pole dancing has become as popular as it has so far, there are so many more minds out there to change and open, but so many women (and men) have already found empowerment, community, and fitness through pole dancing!
I have lots of travel plans for the new year and will be traveling the U.S. teaching workshops. If you are a studio owner who is interested in having me visit your studio, please let me know! If you are a fan and want to keep up with everything I’m doing visit my website, www.polepraxis.com, and stay informed!
If you want to take a workshop from Karol, you can reach her at Myspace.com/polepraxis or find her on Facebook. Be sure to check our her website, too – PolePraxis!
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Like many things in one’s life can get started, I got started in pole dancing because of Oprah! Six years ago, I saw Sheila Kelley, of the S Factor, featured on Oprah and was immediately captivated with pole dancing. I immediately ordered a video, book, and a pole and starting teaching myself.
Shortly thereafter, I realized the change that I was experiencing – I was more confident, I walked with a sway in my step, and, physically, I was becoming stronger and more toned.
How did you make the leap to opening your own studio and offering pole dancing classes? What was that like?
I realized that there would be other women who wanted to experience all of the benefits I was. So I turned my passion into a business. For the first four years, I only offered home pole dancing parties and, in the spring of 2009, due to an overwhelming demand from clients, I implemented a formal pole fitness program.
What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole dancing?
There are so many things that I tell students when they are first starting: like most things, you won’t perfect it the first time you do it; there is no right or wrong way to pole dance … merely more attractive ways (and that is what we teach – the more attractive ways); and to have FUN! Above all else, I love seeing big smiles on the faces of my students.
The first thing I teach students is hip circles. I want women to become more comfortable with and more familiar with their own bodies and how it can move.
How do you take care of yourself, given all the pole dancing classes you teach?
Fortunately I have a great team of women who teach classes with me so that not just one person is taxing their body continually. And to ensure we are all taking care of ourselves, we cross-train by doing weight-training, aerobic, Zumba, yoga, and getting plenty of rest.
Favorite makeup tip:
Lipstick makes everything better.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Black boots with a nice big chunky heel.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Not usually required but, when needed, Mighty Grip.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
The first time I ever inverted I was so proud of myself I almost dropped to the ground. Looking back, it is such a simple move, but with that move I realized that if I train hard enough, I can do whatever I set my mind to.
Pole dance pet peeves:
People that pass judgment without even trying it. Contempt prior to investigation.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
A nice, long hot shower.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
My husband, who is my best friend, biggest fan, and consummate supporter.
Who is your hero or role model?
I have been training with Fawnia Mondey for years. As a pole dancer, she inspires me to reach new heights and not to be afraid.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
You’re hot!
Favorite pizza toppings:
I’m a vegetarian, so I appreciate almost anything veggie on my pizza. Every Friday we make homemade pizza (including the crust) and you can usually find four kinds of peppers, mushrooms, red onion, spinach, feta, and cheese.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Ice cream topped with a cut-up chocolate chip cookie, chocolate chips and chocolate sauce (my Sunday treat).
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
I have two amazing children (girl 9; boy 7) who are actively involved in different sports and programs. So, when I’m not teaching or running the business, I can be found driving them somewhere or playing a good game of Wii bowling with the whole family.
Anything else you’d like to share:
As a true “extraordinary everyday woman” who has no prior dance experience, the pole has provided me with an outlet to feel sexy, empowered, and to expand my physical fitness. It is a pleasure and a joy to watch other “extraordinary everyday women” experience this same awakening.
From pin-up modeling to pole dancing, Ariel is taking New York City by storm!
I understand your background is in modeling and pole dancing in NYC. What has that experience been like?
Pin-up modeling is fun and helps to pay the bills, and pole dancing is my passion. I was born and raised in New York City, so instead of seeing it as a large, daunting metropolis, I see it as my quaint, little home. Everybody does a little bit of everything in NYC. A lot of my pin-up model friends are also amazing photographers and journalists, and some of my pole dancing friends are lawyers and engineers.
How did you decide to take up pole dancing?
About two years ago, I was booked to go-go dance this show at a venue with these huge poles. I thought I would make a lot more tips if I learned just one or two things to do on those poles, so I started taking classes at Crunch gym about a month before the show. Pretty soon, I was hooked. I kept taking classes and noticed that I was getting stronger, more flexible, and more in tune with my body. Pole dancing has changed my life, it has given me mental and physical strength, introduced me to magnificent people, allowed to me express myself, and restored flexibility that was compromised from back surgery. I recently started teaching pole in order to share its benefits with others.
You are one of the Pole Riders pole dancers. How’d you land that gig? What’s it like poling down the streets of New York?
My friend PlayJoy was one of the first PoleRiders. After hearing about all of her amazing rides, I contacted Andrew Katzander, the genius behind PoleRiders, and arranged to take a spin. My first pole ride was last November; it was freezing, yet exhilarating. I love creating a spectacle in the streets of NYC, I love how everyone whips out their camera phones and asks, “What is THAT?!” when we peddle by.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
Hip-hopping, go-go dancing, rock climbing, biking, yoga, lots and lots of stretching. I like to be moving all the time.
Favorite makeup tip:
Apply mascara with a mini-fan brush instead of a mascara wand.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Pole dancing in heels – I like to clap them together to make certain tricks more dynamic.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Dry-Hands.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Right now, it’s the twisted grip handspring, but I get excited when I learn anything new.
Pole dance pet peeves:
Cattiness and cliques among dancers. Let’s support the crap out of everyone we dance with, no matter where they are in their pole journey!
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Figuring out what animal my bruise looks like.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
Dita Von Teese!
Who is your hero or role model?
All of my friends and fellow dancers are superheros. They look damn fine in a cape, too.
I admit I’m a little crushed out on PoleRiders – it just seems like the coolest way to travel I’ve seen yet. If you want to know more about them, read these other interviews about PoleRiders.
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I have always loved to dance; it is a sensual mind and body experience for me. Pole dancing seems like a natural fit. I learned about 10 years ago from an exotic dancer.
How did you make the leap to opening your own studio and offering pole dancing classes? What was that like?
Well, I can’t take credit for the idea. My business partner and friend suggested it. She knew that I was a pole dancer and was sure that there were other women who would love to take classes from me. We did a lot of research. Thankfully, there was a studio in Michigan, where I am originally from, who mentored us into running a successful pole dancing studio. We avoided a lot of pitfalls with their help. It can be tough running a business, but rewarding and fun at the same time.
What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole?
The very first thing I teach is stretching. It is an absolute MUST! Pole dancing seems like all fun, but after all the fun, if you haven’t stretched properly, you may not be able to move a muscle the next day.
How do you take care of yourself, given all the pole dancing classes you teach?
Pilates, walking, and warm baths.
Favorite makeup tip:
Less is more. If you are making your eyes dramatic, make your lips subtle; strong lip color, make your eyes more subtle.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Barefoot.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Mighty Grip, although nothing beats hard work.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
I am always proud to get a tough move. But I think I would have to say The Gemini – it was my inspiration for a long time and it is beautiful.
Pole dance pet peeves:
People not being able to see past the association of pole dancing and stripping.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
A warm salt bath … and it is so relaxing.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
My husband. He loves to watch me dance.
Who is your hero or role model?
Felix Cane. She is mesmerizing to watch.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
You can do it, you just have to believe.
Favorite pizza toppings:
Pineapple and pepperoni.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Ice cream.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
Spend time with my family, read, or shop!
Anything else you’d like to share:
I think every woman should take at least one pole dance class. I love when my students are doing things they never thought they would or could do. And pole dancing for your mate does amazing things for your relationship!
If you’re in Arizona, sign up for classes with Nikki at The Coquette Studio. But if you can’t get to Arizona, you’re still in luck – Nikki is one of the coolest pole dancing tweeps around. Get to know her at twitter.com/nikkibfabulous – and you’ll love her as much as I do!
