Foxy Rei is a new pole dancer who is learning at an amazing pace – so fun to see!

Why did you decide to take pole dancing lessons?

Well, several months before I started, I had seen some videos on YouTube of TaraKarina pole dancing. I had thought it was cool but never paid any more mind to it. Then, more recently, I went to a bar with a few co-workers (first time I had gone out in ages), where they have a pole in the middle of the dance floor. My one co-worker and I got out there and danced on it to one song. I was just messing around, but it was really fun! I talked my husband into buying a pole within the next couple days, and I remembered TaraKarina’s videos. I looked them up again and found a link to Studio Veena in the info to her videos, and I joined. The atmosphere there is awesome and made me want to learn so much more!

How do you learn (pole dancing classes, DVD, Youtube …)?

YouTube and the videos on Studio Veena. Just watching the submitted videos from other members is a great help. I also submit my own videos of things I’m working on and get a lot of feedback.

What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?

Would like to do??? Other than spending time with my husband and daughter, I’m big into craft-type stuff: crocheting, cross-stitching, tatting, scrapbooking, and drawing. I also love music. But I find myself not having enough hours in the day between work and trying to (unsuccessfully) keep up on housework, so poling wins out when it comes to my free time.

What is your dream for yourself in pole dancing?

It’s sort of too early to tell, I’m still really a beginner! In general I would love to be able to share this with people other than just my husband, and change the general paradigm that goes along with pole dancing. I love to teach, so maybe someday I could look into teaching in a studio or even starting one on my own! But like I said, I still have yet to see what part this is going to play in my life. But I can’t wait to find out!

Favorite makeup tip:

I actually don’t wear makeup! I prefer the more natural look, so less is best in my opinion.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

For pole dancing I prefer barefoot, but I wear heels occassionally. Off the pole, definitely sneakers! I only wear the heels in public if I absolutely have to.

Favorite grip enhancer:

I’m still working on this one… I have cold, sweaty hands. I’ve found using wrist bands helps keep my hands warmer and stops some of the sweating, but normally I just wash my hands every once in a while when I’m practicing.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

This is a tough one; I’ve learned several moves in a short amount of time and I’m very proud of all of them! I’d probably have to say the Reverse Grab… I was so scared when I first started to do any one-handed spins, let alone one where you’re flying around the pole. I had seen several beginners put it in their “one week of poling” videos and it was very discouraging, but I finally got it and was able to give another girl some tips and she was able to get it, too!

A close second would have to be the Gemini-Scorpio Switch – I did it on the first try like a day or two after learning those two moves separately, and it had always been something that made my jaw drop when I saw it in videos.

Pole dance pet peeves:

My biggest personal let peeve is my sweaty hands!!! In videos I’ve seen of others, it would probably be keeping a good balance between doing tricks and transitions. It’s very difficult, I know, but most videos are very heavily all one or the other.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

For sore muscles: stretching and just working the soreness out – they only get more stiff and sore from not using them. For bruises – laughter! I thought it was hilarious how my legs looked like a leopard the day after practicing. I just smile and remember it’s because of working so hard at something I love doing – it’s something to be proud of!

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

In person, my husband has been my only audience. So, really anyone! I love sharing what I know and can do with others; I wouldn’t call it “showing off” necessarily, but it’s close… lol. I like to amuse people – that’s a better way of putting it!

Who is your hero or role model?

Veena is just awesome – she’s so graceful and intoxicating to watch. I wish I could move like her!

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

Just the general “That was great” or “That was really good!” are fine by me. I usually post my videos or show my husband a move thinking that it’s not that good and it’s a work in progress, but then get comments saying how great they thought it was and come to find out I really wasn’t as far off the mark as I thought I was.

Favorite pizza toppings:

Sausage and EXTRA cheese!!!

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Ice cream, I love the ones with the peanut butter cups in them.

Anything else you’d like to share:

At the time of this interview, I have been poling just shy of 3 months, however have gained a reputation on Studio Veena for being the beginner that is learning rather quickly. Another poler who started around the time I did unofficially nominated me for “beginner of the year!” I hope I don’t come across that I’m bragging, but I’ve never been athletic whatsoever – hardly any sports and no dance background at all – and pole dancing just seems to come so easily to me and it’s GREAT!!! It’s awesome that for the first time in my life I’ve found a physical activity I can enjoy and actually be good at. I’ve never been so confident in myself or felt this good. It’s amazing the kind of change pole dancing can have on your body, mind, and life in general.