Shanyn Thompson, owner of PoleFIT studio in Ontario.

 

How did you get started pole dancing?

I had always been physically active but was becoming bored with doing the same workouts all the time. Shortly after having my second child, I discovered pole dancing on Oprah, of course, and decided to buy a pole since there was nowhere in my area that offered any classes. I bought Sheila Kelley’s ‘S’ Factor book so that I could teach myself how to move more like a woman and less like a tomboy. I moved on to a selection of DVDs from there. It was a bit daunting at first and at times I thought that maybe I was too old to be starting something so challenging, since everyone else that I had seen doing it looked so young and seemed to be so good. I stuck to it, though, and became addicted to the feeling of achievement, and within a year I started hosting pole parties and teaching private lessons.

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

Just over a year ago, two years after I had started pole dancing, I decided to start teaching group lessons, due to the many requests I had recieved. I taught at various gyms and studio locations before opening my own private studio equipped with six poles.

It was very intimidating at first and I wasn’t sure that I had the confidence or knowledge to succeed in the fitness industry. But, I’ve been in business for a year and it’s only getting better.

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

I teach them how to strengthen their muscles and condition their bodies, with and without the use of a pole, so that they will become strong enough to perform some of the more advanced moves in time. Not every student will purchase a pole to use at home, so it’s important to supply a list of exercises that they can do between classes to keep their bodies conditioned and continue to gain strength. One of the first moves that I teach is the Dip to Pirouette.

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

I don’t sit still for very long. I recently joined an aerial arts circus so that I can continue to grow as an individual and have started to perform and teach Chinese pole. When I’m not on the pole, I like to play on the aerial silks, trapeze, and the trampoline.

Favorite makeup tip:

Always wear mascara. It’s a great way to open up your eyes without a lot of fuss.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Barefoot when I’m training and heels everywhere inbetween. I never used to wear heels but, given this new confidence and the fact that I’m only 5′, heels have become a great tool for me.

Favorite grip enhancer:

Rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the poles and hairspray or Dry Hands.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

Reverse Grab to Twisted Grip Handspring.
See Shanyn of PoleFIT do her favorite pole move in this video:

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

A hot bath after every training session.

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

Anybody who says that it’s easy to be a pole dancer or that we’re all strippers. I’d love to be the one to change the way that these individuals think; it’s a great feeling to open closed minds.

Who is your hero or role model?

Pantera has probably been my biggest inspiration in the world of pole dance, but there are so many great dancers out there and I’d have to say that they’re all my heros for not being afraid to try something new and for being strong. It takes a lot of courage to stand up and do something that so many people may disagree with or don’t understand and it takes determination to learn the art of pole dance.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

That we only live once and there’s no time like the present to try something new.

Favorite pizza toppings:

I can’t eat pizza anymore, but it used to be pineapple. I have some nasty food allergies.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

I can’t eat ice cream, either, so cupcakes. Chocolate cupcakes with whipped cream icing.

Anything else you’d like to share:

Don’t ever let anyone else decide your fate for you. There are so many critics along the way telling you that you can’t do it or you won’t make it, but it’s better to have tried and failed then to have sat back and always wished that you would’ve went for it.
If you’d like to take class with Shanyn, contact her at PoleFIT .

Please leave a comment on this post and say “hi” to Shanyn!
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