Lately, I find I’m hearing a lot about the problems some pole dancers are having with other dancers stealing and copying their work.
Now, if you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, you know that I generally think it is impossible to copy another pole dancer. I strongly believe that, even if two dancers have the same moves and do the same choreography, each dancer will still have their own individual style. (See How to Avoid Being Copied and Pole Dance Attitude Adjustment.)
But now I’m wondering if I’ve missed something.
Where do we draw the line?
Every artistic community has concerns about stealing and copying. Like, where really is the line between homage and theft? What of all you learned from your teacher is acceptable to incorporate into your own approach to instruction? When does having a similar style cross over into copying?
It got me to thinking about a pledge pole dancers should take, one that underscores what we consider to be community-minded in pole dance.
We all have responsibility.
It’s not just advanced dancers and teachers and studio owners who have a responsibility here. Even newbies have a responsibility that needs to be owned up to – a responsibility to insist on good instruction and safe teaching.
I think it’s time pole dancers took this issue a step further – I think we need to state the expectations and boundaries of our art, which is why I ask you to take this pole dancing oath along with me:
Pole Dance Pledge for Students
I swear to …
Learn as much as possible about quality pole instruction before I find a teacher – and to hold my instructor to those standards. (Find out what those standards should be here, here, here, and here.)
Not go beyond my skill level and to follow my teacher’s instructions.
Acknowledge that pole dancing is complicated – far moreso than a newbie can learn in a year or two, barring an extensive background in gymnastics, aerial arts, ballet, or similar.
Present myself honestly, not claiming more skill or authority than I have earned.
Pole Dance Pledge for Instructors:
I swear to …
Get the very best training in anatomy, physical fitness, aerial movement, and pole dancing possible.
Create my own choreographies and teaching methods.
Get specific, stated permission and give due credit prior to borrowing dances or teaching methods.
Acknowledge my skill level and refer students when necessary to studios that can provide more advanced training.
Comment below to take the pledge!
Be sure to write in what you would add or change to the oaths. Feel free to share the pledge with your students, too – let’s all get a conversation going on originality in performance and safety in instruction!
(When you share the pledge, I’d be very happy if you credited PoleSkivvvies.com. )
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!
Today, though, we bring it all together. Today, you learn what really makes a dance sexy – and it’s not what you think.
It’s not a perfect body. It’s not a gorgeous face. It’s not perfect clothing or a gymnast’s flexibility.
Nope. None of that is what you need to make your dancing hot.
The Secret Ingredient
The one thing and one thing only that makes dancing sexy is you. Not just you being there, but you being fully present in your body, and delighting in the thrill of your own sexiness.
When you can put yourself into your dance – your heart, your soul, your passion – you will instantly make your dancing one hundred percent sexier.
Why does this work?
Most of what we are taught to think of as sexy, is really just an imitation of a woman being sexually aroused. So, if you are dancing in a way that actually connects you to your real feelings of sexual desire, you are automatically hotter than anything else out there – just by merit of the fact that you are being authentic.
Real desire, real arousal are sexier than any photoshopped thing out there.
So remember, ladies, you are the secret ingredient – and don’t ever let yourself forget it.
Own your sexiness
Sexual allure begins with enjoying your own beauty. So, before you dance, always take a moment to remind yourself of all the things that are sexy about you.
Maybe your smile would rival Marilyn Monroe’s. Maybe you have incredible ankles. Maybe you have voluptuous hips or a twinkle in your eye that makes men line up at your door.
Whatever you love about you, whatever your special someone loves about you, find it. Think about it. Delight in it.
Every woman is sexy and every woman has her own unique allure. The trick is to find that in yourself and let yourself believe it.
Give into your desire
Dancing is movement, it’s motion. So the next step is getting that mental awareness of your own sexiness to flow into your body.
Let yourself start to move within your feelings of sexiness.
Let your hips sway and rock, let your body move in a way that gives you pleasure. The more you enjoy the movement, the more enjoyable the movement will be to watch.
Remember when we talked about touching yourself when you dance? (Here’s that link again, if you need it.) Well, that’s really what we’re talking about here. Touching yourself is hot because it looks like you’re getting in the mood. So just imagine how much hotter it will be if you actually are getting in the mood.
So feel the pleasure of your body. Feel the deliciousness of your flesh. That’s the source of all sexuality – and that’s where you will find the heat for your sexiest, most tantalizing dance yet.
Valentine’s Day 911
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I know a lot of you are going to be planning a sexy dance for your own special someone.
For some of you, it’s going to be the first time you’ve ever planned something like this, and you are going to find you have some questions.
Like, you can only think of two sexy moves – how do you make them last throughout an entire song?
Or, you’re super shy – how do you make that work for you?
So, for all of you having last-minute freak-outs about your Valentine dance, here’s a special deal just for you:
20 minutes of emergency dance assistance – for only $12.
Really. Ask me every question on sexy dancing you can squeeze into 20 minutes.
Need help coming up with costume ideas? No problem.
Want tips on how to sexify your moves? Bring it on!
Whatever your question is, it’s just $12.
Sign up while you can – offer ends Friday, February 12, 2010. After all, I have my own Valentine’s dance to plan!
Click here to guarantee your slot!
And have a VERY happy, sexy, and wonderful Valentine’s Day!
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.
You’ve got some snazzy moves going, you’re getting a little confidence in your dancing, but you have no idea what you should be doing with your face. Sometimes, you’re thinking so hard you look like you’re scowling. Other times, your smile freezes on your face like an icicle.
What can you do to get prettier facial expressions?
So glad you asked! Here are some ideas:
Have a question you’d like answered on Ask Jennifer?
Fabulous! I post video tutorials every other Wednesday. If you want your question featured, email me and I’ll get it in the line-up!
Just two more weeks until Valentine’s Day, so I’m sticking with my series on making the world safe for sexy dancing.
This week, it’s all about the hair.
Hair has always been considered super sexy – just look at the Goddess of Love’s gorgeous hair in these masterpieces – Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and (my personal favorite; be sure to click to enlarge) Bouguereau’s The Birth of Venus.
Hair is the seductive accessory we always have with us – and who among us hasn’t used a well-timed hair flip to get some hottie’s attention?
Still, just because we know hair is sexy doesn’t mean we know how to make use of it when we’re dancing.
Use This Power Only for Good
A hair flip, like any sexy use of hair, casts a very potent spell. When used correctly, few things are as sensually inviting. On the other hand, there are few things as annoying as watching someone overuse the hair flip in an effort to capture her beau’s attention.
So, what exactly are the do’s and don’ts? After all, you want your hair to be enticing, not … I can’t resist the pun … flippant. (Forgive me!)
The Do’s of Hair Flipping
DO emphasize the sensuality of your hair. Play with your curls. Let your straight locks brush against your skin. The key here is to enjoy touching your hair – because that’s a lot like touching yourself, which works so well in sexy dancing.
DO lift your hair up and let it fall gently down again. Make it even sexier by gently moving your head back and forth as your hair tumbles down. This gives the impression of sensual reveling in the silky delights of your hair.
DO let your hair fall like a veil over your face and sexily flip it back. This maneuver is all about the tease. Do it while bending over, do it while sitting with your legs saucily crossed, do it whenever you want to add an extra dash of mystery to your dancing.
The Don’ts of Hair Flipping
DON’T confuse constant hair flipping with dancing. A little hair flipping goes a long way; don’t overdo it. Think of it as an accent step, rather than as a primary dance move.
DON’T shake your hair with the beat. You are not at a jam session (well, probably you aren’t). The idea is to show off the sensuality of your hair, not to demonstrate your ability to rock out with a righteous head bob.
DON’T spray your hair until it looks like a helmet. Nothing kills sensuality faster than plasticene hair. If your hair looks like it could survive a night in a wind tunnel, there’s no way to dance with it. Instead, go for a softer look emphasizing movement and texture.
Have short hair? Or just want more ideas?
You’re in luck! You’ll find lots of tips for sexy dancing with short hair (even things that will work with a crew cut) in Get Your Sexy On, a free guide to sexy dancing. Plus more ideas for long hair and all sorts of other tips to make your dancing smoking hot!
And, if you want a little more assistance than you can get in a PDF, set up a How to Strip class with me and we’ll get you all set up for Valentine’s Day!
A huge and resounding thank you to everyone who entered the coaching giveaway!
All January, as part of the launch of my new video tutorial feature, Ask Jennifer, I collected questions on stage presence.
The deal was, three people would win an hour-long private coaching session with me, and everyone’s questions would get answered in upcoming video tutorials and posts. So, without further ado …
The Lucky Winners Are …
Karen, who asked about dancing for an audience
Anna, who asked about facial expression, and
Felecia, who asked about floor work and expression
Stay tuned for upcoming video tutorials (every other Wednesday) – I’ll be covering all of the above and more!
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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Looking for an old blog post? Or something on your favorite topic? Find old posts by category in the “Best of” links in the lower right sidebar. Or just type what you’re looking for in the Search, then scroll down until you find exactly what you want!
Today, though, I thought we’d delve into the heart of all sexy dancing: the tease.
Mystery is Everything
Despite current trends towards mini skirts and micro-thongs, sexy isn’t really about putting it all out there. The fact remains that mystery is a lot more sexy – all those delights you want, but that are held just out of reach.
So, even if you’re doing a very private dance for a very special someone who is going to get a very, very happy treat at the end, you still need to maintain the suspense. You still need to sustain a level of reasonable doubt – that’s what keeps it interesting.
Which bring us to the how-to section of this post. What can you do to create that sizzle? What do you actually do to create that tease?
Teasing Glimpses
This is where you show a little skin, then hide a little skin.
Cleavage Flash. Try wearing an oversized sweater and pulling it low enough to give a hint of your cleavage. Also works great with a button-down shirt – just unbutton a little extra. Or a t-shirt – pull it up sexily and give him a little peek.
Glance O’Thigh. Hike your skirt up enough to show some thigh – then let it fall back into place. If your skirt has a slit, let it fall open over your leg and then saucily pull it up with your finger tip – but only for a second.
Bottoms Up. Turn your backside towards him and wiggle your skirt up high enough to show just a taste of your bottom. When he’s begging for more, put your goodies under wraps again.
Teasing Touch
This is where you get physical – but not as much as he’s hoping! These ideas work especially well in a lap dance, but can be adapted to other dancing, as well.
Hand Tease. Run your hands up his thighs – but stop an inch short of his crotch. Smirk as you pull your hands away.
Approach and Withdraw. Lean over him while doing the Cleavage Flash. Just as he’s thinking you’re about to make contact, pull away and cover up.
Kiss Off. Lean in as if you’re about to kiss his neck, but don’t make contact. Instead, let him feel the warmth of your breath for a second before you pull away.
Teasing Strip
This is where you take it all off, just slowly enough to keep him wondering if he’s going to see anything at all.
The Cover-Up. Just because you’ve taken something off doesn’t mean you have to toss it to the side right away. Dance with it pressed up against your curves and let him enjoy the shape of you first.
Tantalizer. When you remove a glove or a scarf or other accessory, take a moment to run it slowly over your body or lips before you fling it.
Full Monty. If you’ve ever seen the final dance in The Full Monty, then you know this move. It’s where you take off a final layer – like your bra or g-string – while simultaneously covering up with something else. In the movie, they took off their thongs at the exact moment they covered up with their hats. Perfect!
For more tips on sexy dancing, check out Get Your Sexy On, a free guide to sexy dancing.
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Looking for an old blog post? Or something on your favorite topic? Find old posts by category in the “Best of” links in the lower right sidebar. Or just type what you’re looking for in the Search, then scroll down until you find exactly what you want!
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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