Staceyann Robinson: Pole Dancer
Meet Staceyann, who some of you may know as Telford51 from Youtube. I’m especially delighted with this interview since she has introduced me to some new pole forums! Read on for the scoop!
Why did you decide to take pole dancing lessons?
Well, I was online one day and came across a small advert about pole fitness. I was like, hmmm, what’s that? So I went on to Youtube and checked it out, and omg was I shocked! Yes, I couldn’t believe it – it is amazing! My jaw was on the floor as to how people could swing around and hang upside down – I was having dreams about pole dancing and so I bought my own pole. My first pole was a My Sexy Little Pole. Now I’ve upgraded to the X-Pole and it’s fantastic.
How do you learn (pole dancing classes, DVD, Youtube …)?
I started just by watching videos on Youtube. Then I came across pole forums, such as PoleJunkies, Body and Pole, Vertical Dance, and Ipole.tv. There were all different levels of pole dancers on there who posted pics and vids and helped each other out, really useful stuff there. Then, about three months into pole dancing, I bought the Vertical Dance Intermediate to Advanced DVD and in the DVD there were only two tricks I couldn’t do! Also, when I bought my first pole by My Sexy Little Pole, it did come with a DVD, but it was real cheesy, not really that helpful.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
I like to go swimming, do work out DVDs sometimes, read, walk, cook, listen to music, and watch TV.
What is your dream for yourself in pole dancing?
Well, one day I would like to teach and also compete in pole competitions.
Just a little note: StaceyAnn is now in Pole2Pole Magazine, doing the Moves of the Month pages. Pretty impressive – I have no doubt she’ll be teaching and competing in no time!
Favorite makeup tip:
Not to wear foundation as it’s bad for your skin.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Barefoot and platform heels. I’ve never worn sneakers before on the pole. I feel more sexy in heels, but it’s also very good to practice barefoot before going into wearing platforms.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Scorpio, air shoulder mount, handspring, jade, holly drop, superman drop into gemini, split grip aysha, pole split, pretzel.
Pole dance pet peeves:
??????
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Best thing I ever used, which is really fast and effective, is witch hazel. It’s fantastic – it takes the bruise and any swelling from the bruise down so fast it’s hard to believe that there was one there in the first place. Absolutely amazing stuff; I would definitely recommend it.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
Friends, family, my partner, and people that have never pole danced before to get them interested. It’s great to have people to be there for you when performing.
Who is your hero or role model?
My role models in pole dancing are Kelly Kayne, Felix, and Pantera.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Fantastic, polished, graceful.
Favorite pizza toppings:
None – I hate pizza. I’m a very fussy eater.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Cupcakes, for sure. Yum yum! They are my downfall – not that I overeat on them.
Anything else you’d like to share:
I have been pole dancing for just over a year and a half. I did have to have a break for four months due to a non-pole-related injury. I had my finger snapped three times and had to have an operation and have it straightened. I had ripped all my tendons and muscles so it took a while with physiotherapy to work on them, but pole kept me going. I just kept watching videos on Youtube to keep me inspired. I missed it so much. I was so scared I would have to start all over again, but I was lucky as, after a month of being back on the pole, I had almost got my strength back.
I have got my family into it. My mum Helen; my three brothers, Martyn, Rikki, and Harry (my brothers are 12 and 13 and 19 and my mum is 42). My mum bought an X-Pole and loves it! My brothers play on the pole more than they do their Nintendo wii, so she deffo got her money’s worth.
Also, I have got lots more people interested in the pole, as some people have never heard of pole fitness and are always gob-smacked at how hard it is, as it looks easier than it is. Also, I have toned up from doing the pole dancing – it’s such a great work out.
Want to see StaceyAnn on the pole, check out her Youtube channel: telford51.
And, if you liked this post, you should also check out this interview with pole dancer, Foxy Rei.
To the previous poster:
Does your wife have a pole at home? If yes, she can start with some basic beginner moves to build up strength. Tell her to look up the following spins on youtube or pole sites:
- front hook
- fireman
- lollipop
She can also work on upper body strength by facing the pole, holding on with both hands (high up), then jumping on the pole (to sitting position, or gripping with knees, up to her) and holding it for as long as she can. When she can do this with ease, she can train by doing the same move, but gripping only with hands (not helping with the legs) – but make sure her elbows are bent. As in, she’s not just hanging limply from the pole with straight arms.
If you don’t have a pole at home, she can build up upper body strength with dumbells (free weights) by doing bicep curls, tricep extensions, chest press, shoulder press etc.
If she doesn’t have access to dumbells for weight training then she can do lady push-ups (knees on the ground), or pushups against a chair/stool – tell her to aim for two sets of 5 at first, making sure she keeps proper form – and to increase number of reps as she improves (making sure she tires her muscles out every workout session – and leaves 1 day at least of rest in between).
Glad to hear you recovered from your injury.
My wife tells me her upper body and arm strength isn’t enough to do any tricks on the pole. Any suggestions for us? Thanks