Lola Cherry Cola, Creator of Wikipole.

You recently created a pole dance wiki. How did you come up with that idea?

Well, initially I had the idea to create a moves catalogue, as the ones I’d seen didn’t seem to be in a searchable order or take into account the alternative names that moves seem to acquire.

I wanted it to be in a format that other pole dancers could edit and to which they could add information themselves. Hence the idea of a wiki came up. A lot of credit must go to my web designer friend who had the site all done far quicker than expected. Then I began the long task of transferring information over from Word to the wiki. During this process, I began to see that the wiki had so much more potential than I was using it for, so the site grew. I’ve had so much great feedback about the site; it’s amazing to see polers from all over finding it useful.

How can we pole dancers use the site?

Polers or pole dance fans can register (free) for an account on WikiPole, and then, when they are logged in, all changes they make can be attributed to their username. Users are encouraged to contribute to articles, add links, current events, etc. There is also a WikiPole forum, where there are several tutorials on how to edit the wiki and people can get help from articles. If you are at all interested in the wiki, the forum is a great place to learn more.

Even if you aren’t interested in editing the site, it has some fabulous resources such as reviews on pole dance dvds, articles about famous pole dancers, reviews on grip aids, a newbie’s guide to pole dancing, and so much more.

We are starting work on a spins catalogue currently, so that should be all sorted soon, and a dance moves catalogue is in the pipeline, too.

[Jennifer's note: Wikipole's Ten Commandments of Pole Dancing is a must-read!]

What got you interested in pole dance?

I used to be a gymnast back in the day. I trained until I was 18, when I sadly had to quit due to injury. I kept up gymnastics coaching, though, which was nice and kept me active until I left my first degree at Uni. Over that year, I became a little podgy and wondered what I could do to keep fit. Over this time I was also going out to a bar in Liverpool that had poles, Popworld. I found myself searching YouTube for videos so I could have some fun spins to try whenever I was next in there. After that, I was a little more serious about learning to pole dance and started looking for lessons.

How do you learn (class, DVD, Youtube …)?

I do a mixture now. I do go to classes (although it has been a bit sporadic recently, due to lack of time with exams coming up). I also have a nice dvd collection and you can always find something new on YouTube, whether it be a new combination or a new move.

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

I don’t know about like, but I went back to Uni so a lot of time is taken up by Uni work and getting involved in student associations. I also love to read. I’m currently re-reading Lord of the Rings. I also like skiing, ice skating, and I’m trying to re-learn how to rollerblade without killing myself. I also have a blog out there which I’m not going to plug, mainly because I’m a bit naff at updating it.

What is your dream for yourself in pole dancing?

It would be nice to be able to freestyle, as I always end up doing the same things over and over. In the future, I’d like to be able to teach, as I miss coaching and feel I’d be able to bring my skills as a coach to teaching pole dance.

Favorite makeup tip:

Erm, I don’t actually wear a great deal of make-up. Taking it all off before bed is a must, though.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

I’m a barefoot gal; sneakers tend to hinder me. But there are times when I whack on my lovely Pleaser boots – they’re a lifesaver when I need more grip.

Favorite grip enhancer:

Dry Hands. It’s fabulous stuff.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

Oooh, that’s a hard one. I suppose I should say my own move, the Lola Mount. I’m proud of that one.

Pole dance pet peeves:

Erm, I don’t know if I have any.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

Radox bath salts are a miracle in a box. Bruises, I just leave them be; they’re my trophies.

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

Um, I’m a little shy of performing, but if it was just a bit of a showing off moves session, then probably my Mum. If I get photos in class, I come home and show her, and she usually says something like, “What on earth are you holding on with?”

Who is your hero or role model?

Felix. She’s an amazing performer and I’d just love to have even a fraction of her grace and flexibility.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

I find that “Go on, go on, do it!” really does actually help once you’re close to a move.

Favorite pizza toppings:

Pepperoni.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

I’m in a cupcake mood today, particularly if buttercream is involved.

Anything else you’d like to share:

Well, thank you for giving me the chance to do this interview. I’d also like to say the pole dancing community is so welcoming and filled with such fantastic ladies and gentlemen. I’m glad so many people have taken the time to email me about WikiPole or have gotten involved in some way, and I hope that others will follow suit.

Final plug for the forum – check out the Wikipole forum and get involved!

Lola has done an amazing job with Wikipole and the forum – can’t wait to see you there!