There’s a new pole dance competition in town! Pole Superstar is poling for a good cause – single parents – and they are accepting competitor submissions through August 7th. Read on for the scoop!

Tell us about the Pole Superstar Pole Dancing Competition!

The Pole Superstar pole dance competition will take place on October 1, 2009 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City. Five talented competitors will get to show off their creativity, athleticism, and amazing performance skills for a chance to win $10,000 in cash and more!

We are lining up a panel of celebrity judges including world-famous choreographer Cris Judd, and will announce another celebrity judge in the next few weeks. The judging panel will only select the finalists because the winner will be determined by audience text-message voting! In addition, we plan on packing the audience with NYC’s movers & shakers so our talented competitors can show New York what pole dancing is REALLY about!

Your competition is helping support the charity, S.P.I.N. (Single Parents in Need). What got you involved in the issue of single parenting, and what role do you play in the organization?

I was a single parent to my son for many years and struggled with making ends meet – paying bills, medical insurance, child care, and basic needs such as groceries, clothing for my son, and so on. I always held two jobs to cover our expenses, and sometimes as many as three jobs at a time, which left very little quality time for my son and me. I founded S.P.I.N. earlier this year and our mission is to provide support to single parent families so their lives can be just a bit easier.

What made you decide that pole dancing was the best way to draw attention to S.P.I.N.?

I constantly have pole dance on the brain, so when we were discussing our first fund-raiser, I thought what better way to kick off S.P.I.N. than with spins! … and some inversions, too!

How would someone go about entering the Pole Superstar Competition?

All of the information is on our website, PoleSuperstar.com. I encourage ladies of all levels – from beginner to advanced – to enter the competition because we are choosing finalists based on overall performance. The winner will ultimately be decided by our audience.

How did you get into pole dancing?

I had heard of the pole dance craze a few years ago, so a friend and I took an intro class together and from then on I was hooked. Literally… by my left leg.

Favorite makeup tip:

Use a trusted professional make-up artist!

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Barefoot.

Favorite grip enhancer:

Dry Hands.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

Hands-free Helicopter.

Pole dance pet peeves:

The small percentage of people that belittle pole dancers. And falling is my other pet peeve … I try to avoid that.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

Epsom salt bath, Traumeel, and stretching for sore muscles. Pointing out my bruises and bragging that I just learned an awesome trick is my favorite treatment for bruises.

Who would you most like to have in the audience at Pole Superstar?

True pole dance enthusiasts who will cheer on the finalists.

Who would you most like to have compete?

Taya from Rock of Love Bus … she tore it up on one episode!

Who is your hero or role model?

Twyla Tharp … I know her personally and I admire all her accomplishments and her discipline and commitment to dance. She was also a single mother!

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

Challenge yourself!

Favorite pizza toppings:

Black olives and extra cheese, please!

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Cupcakes … just the icing, though!

Anything else you’d like to share:

Pole dancing is one of my favorite things and I’m excited to mix it with my other passion – which is helping single parents. I hope we can raise a lot of money for S.P.I.N. on October 1st!

Help single parents while indulging your voracious need for pole – sign up to compete at Pole Superstar! You can also get tickets and more details by emailing Pole Superstar.

While you’re at it, check out Mel’s experiences at her first pole dance competition – it will definitely get you in the mood to compete at Pole Superstar!