Angela owns Pole Power Studio in Maryland.

How did you get started pole dancing?

I am a wife, RN, and mom of two, and after having my kids I felt like I needed something to get me out of ‘mom mode’ and needed something for me. Oprah had pole dancing on one day, and I was so intrigued. I googled and there was nothing in my area, so I went wild and ordered a pole and a dvd….how hard could it be? I worked out a lot and besides, my husband was going to think it was fantastic, right?! Turns out it was harder that I thought and an incredible mind and body workout. I was instantly addicted to the physical and mental power I got from the pole. I am a bit of a perfectionist and had to be able to do all the moves and do them well, and so began my addiction. I probably own every pole DVD out there and consider myself a self-taught pole dancer. Since having the studio though, I have become Pole Dance Instructor Certified.

How did you make the leap to opening your own studio? What was that like?

After becoming addicted to pole, I teamed up with a home pole dance party business, and began teaching home parties for ladies night out events. The women loved it, and I loved watching them find their “inner diva.” They wanted more and so did I. I wasn’t sure how it was all going to work out, but what the hell…you have to go for it. I rented a small studio close to home and opened in December of 2007 with three poles and 12 ladies in a class sharing the poles. Of course they all loved it, but they complained they wanted their own pole! So, I gave it to them. That spring, I remodeled and added 9 more poles. Marketing was important to me, and I made sure that the focus was on the women, their mind and body health, and the beauty and strength it takes to pole dance. All though you can’t escape the sensual side of pole dance, and honestly, finding your sexy side is one of the best things, I made sure myself and the studio represented pole fitness properly—as an acceptable form of dance and fitness, and I stayed away from the “stripper” image.  Although, people will still say “Oh, you are the pole dancer….” LOL

What is the first thing you teach new pole dance students?

That no matter what age, size, or fitness level, everyone has an inner diva! We work on basics – sexy walk, posture, hip circles, and trusting our “dance partner” – the pole. I have them watch themselves in the mirror, which is very hard for women to do in the beginning, but after a few classes, they can’t take their eyes off themselves. They are amazed at what they can do and how good they look doing it, and I know they love it!!! The fireman spin is our first real spin and they all love it – this is when they really fall in love with pole dancing, feel hot! And complain of having sore arms.  :)

How do you take care of yourself, given all the classes you teach?

Sometimes, I wonder!! Between running my business, teaching all the classes, taking care of my 3 and 5 yr old, mom and wife duties….ahhhgg…the list is so long!! I have a wonderful supportive husband, though, who helps a lot with all of it. I eat heathy and take my vitamins, but I do drink a lot of coffee! I wish I had more sleep.  :)  I love what I do and find it very rewarding.

Favorite makeup tip:

Concealer on the eyelids … brightens eyes and keeps your eye makeup on all day!

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Platform heels, of course!

Favorite grip enhancer:

Dry Hands.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

Everyone has different names for everything … um … the “Superman” took me awhile to get past the pole burn, but I love to show off my strength, so any of the inverted extensions of the pole or cartwheeling into inverted poses.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

Ah yes, you just can’t get away from them … as soon as they go away, you learn a new move. I love a hot bath, though!

Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?

I get nervous in front of everyone, but it only fuels my energy and I perform better. It’s awesome when you finish and know you did well. I like when my husband is there because he is always amazed at what I can do.

Who is your hero or role model?

I never really know what to say when people ask me this … I must not have one. I have a lot of personal rules and values and goals, and I just try to stick to those.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

Pole dancing is an individual journey. There is no right or wrong way, we all have our own style, sexyness, comfort level, and fitness level, but eventually we will all find our “inner diva” and it is very powerful. Also, if Kevin James from “King of Queens” can do it, anyone can do it!

Favorite pizza toppings:

Pepperoni and green peppers.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Definitely ice cream, and it has to be Breyer’s chocolate … I usually eat a bowl a day. It’s what keeps me sane!

Anything else you’d like to share:

I am proud to be a part of the pole fitness industry and to be the one that brought it to my home town. Women are getting fit, having lots of fun, meeting other women, and feeling fabulous! It is challenging and rewarding, and takes a lot of beauty and strength to make the moves look effortless. It has amazing effects on the mind and body and women love it and need it. Women of today are so busy, but when they take time for themselves it has wonderful benefits for everyone. When the women are happy, the world is a much better place!

Get the scoop on pole dance classes with Angela at Pole Power in Maryland.