Three years ago, I worked as a dance teacher at a high school. For my students’ graduation party, I wore a two-piece outfit and a colleague made a remark about my tight-fitting pants, saying that they really accentuated my derrière – and perhaps even resembled those of a stripper! Someone else continued the joke saying that I’d probably convince our principal to have stripper poles installed in the classroom and teach the kids how to work the pole like so-called exotic dancers. Everybody laughed and the party continued – but it was also the first time I thought of pole dancing as something I might do myself.
Well, at home, I searched the internet to find dance classes in Denmark but found nothing but people likewise looking for regular lessons or workshops. I gave up and eventually forgot about it until a year later when I (or, in fact, my boyfriend – I really owe him thanks for this) accidentally stumbled across a fitness magazine featuring an article on this apparently brand new form of exercise. It turned out that the first pole dance studio in Denmark had opened four months earlier and, even better, it was situated five minutes by bike from where I lived at that time. I arranged to try it out and I’ve been there – the very same studio – ever since.
How did you make the leap to teaching pole dancing classes? What was that like?
My first year of pole dance was also my first year after graduating from Dance Studies at the university and my introduction to full time employment. In this year, I had desk jobs while still teaching – but the teaching had mainly been theoretical classes and I missed the immediate response and joy that is usually involved in teaching practical dance. I simply asked the studio’s “pole mama” (i.e. the boss and owner), if she would consider hiring me, if she at some point needed to expand her staff. And she did. It was a little like being adopted into the family I’d spent so much time with over the past year. I still really like the atmosphere there, people are kind and open to each other, and you will meet and make friends with people you’d otherwise never have met.
You live in Denmark. What is the attitude towards pole dancing there?
When I started, people would generally link pole dancing to stripping and sometimes people would look at me with either interest or slight disrespect, and ask me if I worked at one of those “exclusive gentlemen clubs.”
Now, two years after, new studios have opened and more fitness clubs offer pole dancing and everybody seems to have seen it on TV, tried it for a bachelor/ette party or for a longer period, or knows someone who has. However, on occasion I still meet people (especially if they’re coming from outside of Copenhagen) who ask if “normal” people that don’t aspire to become professional nightclub dancers can take these classes too. People who have tried it or know of it seem to agree that there’s more to it than hip rolls and a head toss performed for the pleasure of a man – that it is, or can be, aerial acrobatics and a pretty hard-core work-out, aesthetic dance art, or women celebrating their bodies and sensuality for their own enjoyment.
Are there pole dancing recitals, conventions, or competitions in Denmark?
The very short answer is: No. It’s still a very young sport with relatively few participants. However, we will (hopefully) have our first national competition – Miss Pole Dance Denmark following international rules – December 12, 2010, which I’m looking very much forward to.
What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole dancing classes?
One of the very basic things – I think – is trust and confidence. I tell my students that they need to “trust” the pole (that it won’t fall on them) and – even more importantly – that they really need to have confidence in themselves and find their inner child and let it fool around on the playground! Technically, we start with a walk around the pole and then move on to spins like Fireman. I usually try to encourage them by saying that practice gives you the strength (and, perhaps, grace) to make it look elegant and strong – and eventually it will be perfect(-ish).
How do you take care of yourself, given all the pole dancing classes you teach?
I try to listen to my body and give it time to relax in between classes. But I don’t always succeed and, every now and again, I go to see my acupuncturist who will make my buttocks look like giant pin cushions – luckily it works! I get enough sleep, try to eat healthy, and that’s kind of it.
Favorite makeup tip:
Don’t rub your eyes while wearing mascara! Really, with my (lack of) expertise, that’s the only advice I can give, beside the even more obvious: Ask a professional!
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Definitely barefoot. I feel so much more secure when I can actually touch the surface (the floor or the pole) with my skin – and I like (and like to show off) my high arched “ballerina” feet, hehe.
Favorite grip enhancer:
“Tite Grip” is really good when learning new tricks where the handgrip is important and you don’t want your all-of-a-sudden sweaty hands to get in the way! Otherwise I try to see if I can make my body and hands stick naturally. (In the summer heat, it is really a problem!)
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
I was so proud and completely amazed when I did my first push-up on straight legs. I simply hadn’t thought it possible since I’ve always had thin, spaghetti-like arms – and there I was, all of a sudden doing ten in a row just because I had taken pole classes for maybe half a year and my teacher insisted I try. Regarding moves on the pole, I seem to derive the most satisfaction from mastering the moves I’ve struggled to learn. Lately, I’ve overcome my fear of doing the hand spring (visualization is really the way to go!) and succeeded – but I was also quite happy when I figured out the trick to do the straddle without “pushing off” from the floor and the Superman without being in complete and utter pain.
Pole dance pet peeves:
I can’t help it – I’ll say “Point your toes!” whenever I see flexed feet in the dance studio. But it’s an automatic reflex action, I don’t even think about it. What does indeed get on my nerves is when a student doesn’t seem to understand the “seriousness” and the necessity of taking care of herself and others while in the class; screaming like your life depended on it when there is no danger and it’s just for “fun,” or contorting or throwing yourself out in positions when there is no body control really should be avoided!
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Bruises seem to be unavoidable when learning new tricks, so I wear them with as much pride as possible. (Admittedly, it does annoy me a bit being at the doctor’s, looking like I’ve been beaten up by my boyfriend.) A massage eases tense muscles and I’m lucky to have a boyfriend who has the skills and the mindset to loosen up my tensions – all I have to do is ask.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
I’m not much of a performer! This might seem weird coming from a teacher who – let’s face it – has to “perform” in front of a lot of people all the time. But the role is different. As a dancer (not teacher) there’s a good chance I will transform into a pedantic perfectionist that I don’t like to be. I’ve come to realize though, that I’m my own biggest critic … so I’m working on it!
Who is your hero or role model?
I especially admire two of my pole teachers who each have qualities I strive to acquire or improve in myself. Ewa Otulak for her strength, flexibility, and superior technical skills that makes her dancing simply look elegant and Stine Kronborg, for her energy and showy stage appeal, which makes her a charismatic, eye-catching performer. Surely I also watch youtube and the incredible performances by some amazing pole dancers (like Jenyne Butterfly and JK), but my heroes are my real life “pole sisters.”
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
I think it’s important to stress that everybody learns things in a different tempo. Strength and flexibility usually don’t come overnight and you should focus on your own weekly achievements. When a student says, “I can’t do it,” I try to insist that, “Yes you can – you just haven’t learnt how to do it YET”.
Favorite pizza toppings:
I rarely eat pizza simply because I don’t like it! But if I “have to” – or it’s my annual test to see if I’ve come to like it – I have the best experiences with pineapple and fresh lettuce (or fresh basil).
Cupcakes or ice cream?
My preference would depend on available flavor, my mood, and the context (with whom, where, and when I’d eat it). My real addiction is chocolate, which I’d always choose over both cupcakes and ice cream!
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
I like listening to an audio book – nothing as good as a story of rape and murder and the catching of criminals to make you relax, right? (Audio books also make less interesting inside activities like cleaning and doing laundry a little more acceptable!)
These days I’m also taking my second correspondence course in labanotation, which is a system of recording any type of dance or movement on paper – kind of like the way notes are used to “write” music. It’s perhaps a bit nerdy interest, but I’m as much an academic as I am a dancer. Watching “Project Runway” (and even sometimes sewing myself) is also a favorite activity of mine.
Mie is also sweet enough to point out that she is wearing PoleSkivvies Tail Spin Shorts in all these photos – thank you, Mie!
KT Coates of Vertical Dance has been an inspiration to pole dancers around the world. Her dedication to pole, her forums, and her endless support have opened the world of pole to thousands. Now she’s working with the International Pole Sport Federation to bring pole to the Olympics.
How did you get started pole dancing?
I was a podium dancer in Ibiza for a long time and met a girl there who asked me if I could pole dance. I said no but that I would give anything a go and haven’t looked back since.
I had found my vocation in life and it was the best and most rewarding thing I have ever done (apart from having my baby). I found that I was actually good at some thing and that I could inspire people to get fit who would normally shy away from exercise. Not only that, I have made life long friends through pole dancing and I am eternally grateful of that, and pole dancing has taught me so many valuable lessons from a business and personal perspective.
You have been instrumental in getting pole dancing as fitness accepted in the UK. How has the perception of pole grown since you first started?
It has changed so much since I started, I just went to the post office and the woman behind the counter asked if I did private lessons. That would never have happened before. When I started out, it was seen as something girls only did in strip bars. When I went around the gyms in my area, they just laughed at me and said it wouldn’t be suitable for their customers. People were rude and even nasty to me; fast forward a few years and they are calling me back and asking for classes. I love how people’s perceptions have changed and I am so glad I persisted and never let people bother me.
You are Executive Vice-President of the International Pole Sports Federation, which is working to get pole dancing into the Olympics. Tell us about that.
When I first started teaching, I was scared that pole dancing would be a fad; six years on, I am now worried that it may be a trend and come and go with popularity and fashion and that is the last thing I want. I love pole dancing, fitness, gymnastics and so on and I want it to be around for everyone to enjoy, and I think the only way we can guarantee that is by putting pole into the biggest competition in the world. We can only do this if we create a completely new form of pole gymnastics to fall into line with what is acceptable for every one, no matter what age, sex or race. I know this has ruffled some feathers in the pole world, but I cannot see why. I never once said that all other styles of pole need to fall in line with us; we are here to create something that has never been done before, giving people another style option.
The International Pole Sport Federation was created specifically to work towards gaining entry to the Olympic Games. After a great deal of interest generated by the online petition and Facebook, PoleSport.org was created, using the Olympic Charter as a foundation for the federation. It is dedicated to uniting pole sport athletes of the world and their countries, creating a new, technically advanced form of athletic sport using a vertical apparatus, making it accessible to all ages, races, and genders.
The Federation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to developing education, judging criteria, and standards in Pole Sports. The IPSF is a collection of national federations working together to agree on how the federation should be run and is not any one person, giving everyone the opportunity to have their say on how things should progress.
The International Pole Sport Federation was created by Tim Trautman of Studio Soiree in March 2010. He did a huge amount of work with the constitution, committees, and website and contacted me with what he had done. I was incredibly impressed with what he had shown me in such a short space of time. He asked me to become the vice president and I was delighted to work with someone who was prepared to put in their time and effort for free.
The IPSF is in its early stages and we have just opened applications for chairs and committee member positions within the federation, so we are looking for people with experience to work together in creating something new and very exciting. But please remember that those who apply need to be prepared to work for free as the organisation is non-profit.
We are now looking for the following:
Secretary General
Eight Committee Chairs and three committee members for each committee – Technical, safety, accreditation, medical, ethics, marketing, athletics, finance and events
Six Regional Vice-President Chairs
Treasurer
Two elite athletes – Champions that represent the athletic experience
Those that can offer even the minimal amount of support but not commit to a position are also welcome. If you wish to have your say, you need to be part of the organisation. Help us create a new athletic sport and be part of pole sport history! Please go to PoleSports.org and apply for a position.
What is the relationship of IPSF to Pole Fitness Association and other pro-Olympic pole organizations?
We want to work closely with everyone, so we are in contact with all of the organisations that support and would like to get involved in what we do. The PFA is helping out like many others. We would like everyone to have their say in how the IPSF works, so, to everyone reading this, please go to the website and apply for a position on the committee.
How do you take care of yourself, given all the pole dancing classes you teach?
I exercise a lot! I am addicted to it; that is my relaxation I love it. I eat very healthily during the week and eat more or less what I like at the weekend. There really isn’t much time for me with Vertical Dance, Pole Unity, and the IPSF and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Red Bull – the drink; pour it on your hand, then dab dry.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
I think it would be the handspring. At the time, there was no YouTube or anyone to show you it, so it was such a great moment. I ran around the room doing it on all of the poles, I was so happy!
Pole dance pet peeves:
Flexibility, in that I don’t have any and, although I am right-handed, I pole mostly left and it can be a nightmare when learning new moves as I never know which hand to use.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
I have never used anything for the bruising as it never bothered me, and the only way to get rid of sore muscles is to stretch them.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
Can I say no one?, as I dance the best when no one is looking. If I can’t, then I would like to fast forward 10 years and have my daughter Blossom there.
Who is your hero or role model?
In pole dancing, it is definitely Mary Ellyn Weissman. She is an inspiration on the pole, but a fantastic ambassador off of it. She has taught me too many things about myself to bore you with and I believe I am a better person because of her … I know you want to puke, but if you know me, you know I only give credit where credit is due! LOL
Off the pole, I would say … and don’t frigging laugh … Madonna. She is a strong, powerful woman, who does exactly what she wants when she wants. Not only a singer and dancer, but a fantastic businesswoman, she pushes the boundaries and moves with the times and every pole dancer out there must respect what she has achieved with her body at the age of 50!
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
I give you the paper and paint and it’s up to you to create something wonderful!
Favorite pizza toppings:
Tabasco, hot beef, spicy sausage, and sweet corn.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Cupcakes.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
Since having my baby, it’s very difficult to juggle everything. So, when I am not teaching, I am doing paperwork, and when I am not doing paper work, I am playing with Blossom. At the moment, my down time consists of baby swimming, baby gym, and baby music lessons. LOL … however, I do love to rock climb and, of course, exercise. I am entering another body building comp this year, so that should be fun.
My very first pole dance DVD was by Fawnia. I had just gotten my pole installed and had no idea what to do. What I remember is Fawnia’s smiling encouragement and her ability to make me feel like, no problem, with a little work, I’d get there! So it was a huge thrill to meet her in person at the DC Pole Convention. She was gracious enough to do this interview – and I think you’ll find, as I did, that she is just as sweet as she seems – and even more amazing!
How did you get started pole dancing?
I began pole dancing in 1994 when I started working as an exotic dancer. I start teaching when I learned my first move (which I called the Fireman Spin). There were no other schools, so I created one.
You were one of the very first people to bring pole dancing into the mainstream. How did you get on that path, and how has it changed for you since then?
Being the first pole teacher as a whole (to exotic dancers and everyday women) has been amazing because I have met so many amazing people from around the world. I am so grateful to have my health and now, 16 years later I am still going strong and still learning! I am thankful for being alive and having been given the gift of learning the art of pole dancing.
In addition to pole, you are an international champion in body building and figure competitions. Tell us about that!
When I lost 30 pounds from pole dancing, people started saying that I should compete in physique shows. I began lifting weights and, in 1999, competed in my first show. Previous to fitness, I competed as an exotic dancer and swimsuit model. Below is my contest history:
Fawnia’s Competitive History
2nd Place 2009 Fitness America – Figure Short
2nd Place 2009 Canadian Fitness and Figure Nationals – Figure Medium
3rd Place 2008 Canadian Fitness and Figure Nationals – Figure Medium
1st Place 2007 Canadian Fitness and Figure Nationals – Figure Medium
1st Place 2006 Best Legs Las Vegas, Rainbow Bar & Grill
5th Place 2006 Emerald Cup Figure 5’3”- 5’4”
1st Place 2005 BC Championships – Figure Short
2005 NPC Pittsburgh Amateur & Pro Show – up to 5’4”
3rd Place 2005 Emerald Cup Figure 5’3” – 5’4”
9th place 2004 Canadian Nationals – Figure Medium
5th place 2003 Sophie’s Swimwear Pageant
2nd place 2003 BC Championships Figure – Figure Short
1st place 1999 Muscle & Fitness Mania Women’s Lightweight Bodybuilding
1st place Miss Nude Internet 1999
3rd Miss Hawaiian Topic – British Columbia, Canada 97and 99
1st Miss Nude B.C. 95/96 (Dancing)
1st Miss Nude Western Canada 95/96 (Dancing)
1st North American Exotic Dance Champion (Dancing)
1st Canada’s Rookie of the Year 95/96 (Dancing)
1st Canada’s Western Champion 95/96 (Dancing)
1st Canada’s Edmonton Champion 95/96 (Dancing)
1st Miss Nude Amateur World 95/96 (Dancing)
4th place 1994 BC Championships Freestyle Wrestling
I plan on competing again, but, for now, would like to start a family. I will keep you posted, PoleSkivvies!
How do you take care of yourself, given all you do?
My most important tips which I follow:
1. Drink lots of water
2. Eat foods in their most natural state possible and make sure I have a protein, carb, and fat in each meal.
3. Sleep eight hours each night.
Also, before I get too run down I take time for me and enjoy a pedicure or a massage.
Favorite makeup tip:
Moisturize morning and night and use mascara. Two important items to looking fresh and awake. To save time, people with a fair complexion may want to dye their lashes dark. Also make sure your eye brows are groomed with at least a clear brow gel or clear mascara. Eye brows do frame the face, so make sure they are shaped nicely.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
When I teach, I prefer to wear sparkly running shoes and, if I forget my shoes, I’ll wear black socks.
For performing, you may see me in heels, but never platforms. Believe it or not, but platforms are a shoe that I am not used to wearing!
From my days as a dancer, I wore 4 – 6” heels, but with no platform in the front. I love the look of leg warmers and will be sporting those this fall in the studio (for the classes where my legs on the pole are not required).
For everyone else in my classes, anything goes! I want people to wear what makes them happy.
Favorite grip enhancer:
I love Mighty Grip, Firm Grip spray, Dry Hands, and itak2. These are the products currently in the studio, and, yes, we have Mighty Grip gloves, in black, pink and hot pink. The gloves have been a life saver for many of my students.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Well, my handstands just came naturally to me, once I lost 30 pounds. So I am proud to have lost the weight and have kept it off through pole dancing. Reverse super girl, side climbs, and knee holds are ones I am very proud of, and took many tries to finally get. I am working on a few moves right now for upcoming performances; yes, I still perform and I am always learning. This is what makes pole dancing so interesting and fun!
Pole dance pet peeves:
From a teacher stand point, unless given permission, I find it very distracting when students who are at an advanced level come to a beginner class and start inverting.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
To prevent bruising, I eat a lot of spinach and I am a firm believer there is some sort of correlation with the vitamin K in spinach and bruise prevention. Needless to say, I rarely ever bruise, even when learning a new move. When I am sore, I will take two Advil, have a massage, and at least two days off from teaching, and sleep as much as I can.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
Madonna! She has been my inspiration since I was just eight years old and I love what she has done for inspiring women. She has been an amazing role model for me and I hope she and I will meet face to face so I can teach her “The Madonna,” which she already does in her music videos, without a pole.
Who is your hero or role model?
My mother is my hero, because she had so many obstacles stacked against her growing up. At the age of six weeks old she had meningitis, which left her with blindness in her left eye, a deformed left hand, and her body stopped growing on her left side when she was 16. Also, at 16, she started experiencing seizures, which she takes medication for several times a day. On the bright side, I have seen her dancing and my mother can dance! She has great rhythm and has been a supporter in my career from day one.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
I love this quote and have it on a plaque above my bedroom door. “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
Favorite pizza toppings:
I love vegetarian, thin crust pizza.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Ice cream with chunks of cookie dough inside. I love Dairy Queen Blizzards and enjoy one or two a year, such as after a fitness contest. We do have great cupcakes in Vegas, though. Visit Cupcakery, OMG!
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
I love weight training, which I do maybe only once a month. I used to live in the gym but now have little time or energy for conventional weight training. I also enjoy watching movies, writing, and napping.
Anything else you’d like to share:
Also, I want to thank all women and men who enjoy pole dancing and those that support them. I fell in love with the pole 16 years ago and still remember my first time on stage and my first successful fireman spin. It brings tears of happiness to my eyes to see how far we have come. Pole dancers worldwide are uniting to bring pole dancing to the Olympics at PoleSports.org and, thanks to the Pole Fitness Association, the pole dancing community is coming together and legitimizing pole dancing as a form of fitness and expression. Also, check out Vertical Pole Challenge, America’s hottest reality show, and enter in this amazing contest, to be aired on national television, and win $25,000! Thank you, PoleSkivvies, for this interview. Big Hugs!
If you are lucky enough to be in Las Vegas or any place Fawnia is giving a workshop, jump at the chance to take it! Find her online at PoleFitnessStudio.com and PoleDancingLasVegas.net.
Takeila first did an interview with me last year when she was participating in the Vertical Pole Challenge. This time, we get to learn how Takeila got started in pole and how she approaches teaching!
How did you get started pole dancing?
I started getting into pole dancing when I saw pole dancers on youtube like Felix Cane, Torwa Joe, and Jenyne Butterfly. I was amazed watching different dance styles and I wanted to have a little bit of everyone – but mainly my own style.
How did you make the leap to teaching and competing?
I saw that Jenyne competed in the USPDF 09 Championship and I wanted to compete. I had to jump on the pole dancing band wagon and compete in the regionals. Those who are in the industry can tell I wasn’t in the pole dance world until after I placed 3rd in east coast regionals because I just came out of nowhere, so I didn’t know what was next. I knew that I wanted to teach my style so that I can share my passion with everyone. I started teaching privates, then to studio groups. I will be honest, I kind of jumped in head first, not realizing everything you had to learn about pole dancing. But I am learning and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s my love.
What do you strive for in your personal pole dancing style?
I strive for originality and grace. I just like to show strength with elegance.
What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole dancing classes?
Lose the fear!
How do you take care of yourself, given all the pole dancing classes you teach?
Really hot showers, then stretch – that’s about it.
See Takeila’s performance at the 2010 DC Pole Convention!
Favorite music to pole dance to:
Neo-Soul.
Weirdest place you’ve ever poled:
On a wooden railroad sign in a business park area – they are really good for shoulder mounts, lol.
Pre-performance rituals:
Counting. I know, I am weird.
Strangest pole dancing question/comment you’ve ever received:
“Pole dancing isn’t a sport.”
Anything else you’d like to share:
Just to let everyone know, I still jump around when I learn new moves!
Meet Chelcie Harrison of Studio X in North Carolina – you may already know her from the forums as Castleoutsider!
How did you get started pole dancing?
I had seen a pole in Spencers. Since then, I had this mind set I wanted to learn. Me being naive, I bought the stupid thing only to realize when I got home it was just a prop and that I couldn’t even LEAN on the thing. After that endevour, I met my now-husband and moved far away from my home in Kennewick, Washington to Omaha, Nebraska. There, I met the people my hubs worked with and made a friend. I don’t even remember HOW we found it but we found Adena’s studio – yogadena.com and we set off on our pole journey! Well, my husband is military so we had to move. As soon as we got to our new place I was on the hunt for a new place. Lucky enough for me, Heather had JUST opened and I got her card. All by myself I started with her and I’ve been with her since. <3
Note from Jennifer: Adena was actually the very first pole dancer I ever met! If you’re lucky enough to be in Omaha, be sure to look her up!
What’s it been like to go from being a student to teaching pole dancing classes?
Being with Heather for two years, it’s odd because even though the studio isn’t my baby, it feels like it. I feel the same ups and downs as she does, and I try and help as much as I can, anything that will make it easier on her.
What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole dancing classes?
Well, to quote Adena, “Don’t be desperate for the pole.” You run at it, you jump at it, that sort, you will hurt yourself.
How do you take care of yourself, given all the pole dancing classes you teach?
World of Warcraft. Ha! I’m not a girlie girl, and WoW is my “me” time really. After all my work with the website and making things for people is done, I like to run me some instances and troll trade chat ^^
Favorite makeup tip:
Well, I’m not really familiar with make up … but I love me some sparkles!!
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
When I first started, I was barefoot. I had bought some killer like 7-inchers that I had only worn once because I nearly killed myself with them. Heather took me to Myrtle Beach and I found my first pair of training wheels!! They’re clear and silver, but the heel comes down in a dome shape to help me keep my balance. I’m also like 5’8″ so, yea, I don’t normally wear heels. But, man, once I learned how to do the little glide, I was mezmerized and I thought it was the hottest thing ever!! It just takes time. When you’re ready to make that transition, you will.
Favorite grip enhancer:
We usually use 90% rubbing alcohol on our poles (50% makes them all gross and slimey). Sometimes I use Mighty Grip and we just found some Firm Grip (I think it’s called); it’s like a spray. I had gotten to spend time with Karol and Alethea at Pole Show LA and they had it for this little photo shoot they were doing, and Karol was saying how holding those poses for so long, she had lost some skin. Well, I got to experience that first hand the other day when I left some of my thigh on the pole with that stuff. So I’d recommend, if you try it, just use it there, where you need to stick. It doesn’t work so well on hands, but you put it on your thighs and maybe your lead climbing foot, you’re good to go!
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
I don’t remember my first, but I remember my most recent. (How sad, right.) My Felix climb. When I got it, U was ecstatic – I was like, woo look at me GO!!!!
Girls inverting before they can even spin right. Irks me to no end. I watch their videos and I’m like … really, you can’t even do the pinwheel right, but you’ll force yourself to go upside down? As well as climbing monkey footed – it looks SO bad! And, I mean, you put heels on and try to climb that way and let me know how it goes. And, speaking of heels, even if you’re wearing heels POINT YOUR TOES!!
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
I don’t really have a treatment – lol! I show my pole scars with pride and I’m too tall for the bathtub … lol!
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
I still have yet to dance for my husband. I had the chance to take Karol’s workshop in LA. Let’s just say Alethea isn’t one I want in the audience. I was soo frustrated with myself because I had lost so much strength from not being in the studio and the poles had no grip, I lost it and started crying. I can dance for our students, no problem, but, yea … I can’t dance for my husband or Alethea!!
Who is your hero or role model?
Rawr?! That is going to be a very long list. Starting though with, of course, Heather. I wish I could just flow like she does. I love watching her dance! And learning to be that sexy. Also she has the uncanny ability to dance to anything! Me … I take five years to choose a song for myself or anyone else. Alethea is my female crush. I love her to pieces! I love watching her perform, to be an innovator, to push herself to that next level that she knows she’s capable of reaching. It’s just really awesome to watch her grow and progress. It’s been a really fun ride.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Hwighting! s(^.~)V korean saying, fighting … do your best!! I’m a nerd ….
Favorite pizza toppings:
Pineapple and extra cheese. DEEP DISH!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Can I have both please? If I had to choose, cupcakes – as long as it was REAL frosting.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
I do web graphics and some web design. So, I do my work and then I troll facebook/youtube and play WoW.
Anything else you’d like to share:
If you start poling, please remember that everyone’s body is different. They all move differently, they all learn differently. No one is the same. Some will pick things up easier than others. Please do not get discouraged and quit. You WILL get it! It’s what you put into it. If this is something you want, NO HALF ASSING!
In North Carolina and want to take classes with Chelcie? Great – look her up at Studio X!
Really, with my (lack of) expertise, that’s the only advice I can give, beside the even more obvious: Ask a professional! 
Regarding moves on the pole, I seem to derive the most satisfaction from mastering the moves I’ve struggled to learn. Lately, I’ve overcome my fear of doing the hand spring (visualization is really the way to go!) and succeeded – but I was also quite happy when I figured out the trick to do the straddle without “pushing off” from the floor and the Superman without being in complete and utter pain.
