Femme de Lys

Meet Femme de Lys – the creator of a fantastic, new pole dance community, The Beauty of Pole Dancing.

How did you first get into pole dancing?

Hmmm … I had always wanted to try it. My background is dance; I was a professional touring artist for years. I got really heavily into yoga, then started teaching, and used to love partner work, so the pole and aerial work seemed like a natural evolution for me. I love a challenge.

You have created a great new website for pole dancers – what prompted you to start it?

Well, I tried to get started with pole dancing a number of times, before I actually made the leap. I web-searched out the waazoo to try and find places to learn, but was very unsuccessful in my initial attempts. I, like many women I have spoken to, was concerned with the stigma attached to the practice and also wanted to ensure that I found a studio that I felt comfortable in. Thus the persistent search for more information. Then, on top of all that, I was a little shy about asking real live people for info. I needed a resource I could exploit in the privacy of my home. Once I actually found a studio and fell in love with the practice, I wanted to see and learn more. I was so hungry for knowledge, but it was so hard to come by. I created this site to provide a resource for the novice, the professional, and everyone in between. I had, and still have, so many questions. The goal was to create a non-intimidating place for women to find the answers.

Femme de Lys’ site features pole dancing in the news, a pole dancing events calendar, a pole video gallery, and a huge list of pole studios throughout the world.

TheBeautyofPoleDancing.com

What are you hoping for your site in the coming years?

I would love for the site to become a hub for aerial artists, burlesque dancers, and pole artists.

How do you take care of yourself, given all the pole dancing you do?

Bathtub Wednesdays. No, really. I teach and manage my own practice so epsom salts and warm water have become my friend over the years. I don’t really believe in crazy diets, although I would be lying if I said I had never fallen into the world of fads. I love food! Can’t imagine life without it. In short, if I could convince myself that I could still do everything I love to do at 300 lbs., I would be quite happy as a lovely, curvy woman. Sadly, I think that would put a very dangerous spin on inversions and create quite an expense with refurbishing my wardrobe, so I just try and maintain where I’m at. For the most part, I eat as healthfully as I can and lead an active lifestyle, on and off the pole. Outside of that … lots of stretching and strength work. Very important.

Favorite makeup tip:

If the barn needs painting … PAINT IT! Minister told me that once. If I feel like I need it, I wear it. My tip is to do what makes you feel the best about yourself. If that means “mascara-only minimalist,” then that is all you need. If it means false eyelashes and a touch of glitter, then be sure to trim the lashes to fit your eyes. I love make-up. You can use it to enhance, to hide, or just to make yourself feel like a girl. I guess if I had to give you an actual tip, it would be to use lots of sunblock and investigate spray tan over the fake and bake. Leather should be worn on the body, it should not be what the body is primarily composed of.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Anyone who knows me knows that barefoot or heels are the safest options for me. I am a clod. You put me in sneakers and I’m tripping every third step. Can’t figure out why. Love the gym, but I can be a hazard to those near me. But … I could run a marathon in heels.

Favorite grip enhancer:

I don’t use them all that much, to be honest. I have tried quite a few and am always experimenting. I think that they are very specific to a person and also to the climate you are working in. More humid climates tend to change the way some of them handle.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

You know, as crazy as it sounds, the first time I did a blind hand grab. It made me feel confident.

Pole dance pet peeves:

The “By-Hook-or-By-Crook” technique. Yeesh! It makes me so nervous when I see women hurl themselves up the pole or leg swing upside down. So much of the upper level stunt work, because that is what it is, requires upper body and core strength. Can anyone get themselves upside down on a pole? Probably so. Should they be upside down on a pole if they do not have the proper conditioning to hold themselves there safely? Probably not. Back in the day, I witnessed a woman pile drive straight down on her head. I cringe thinking about it. Fortunately, she tucked her head in and landed on her shoulder, but it was the most frightening thing I have ever seen. Now, I don’t want to scare anyone. Pole and aerial work are probably one of the safest things I have done. My simple belief is slither, crawl, walk, run. Or, in this case: Spin, Pole Hang, Climb, Invert, FLY! Don’t rush into anything you are not ready for, just because it looks cool.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

I don’t think I can recommend anything specifically. As far as sore muscles, my rule of thumb is as follows: For every hour that I spend training, I do half an hour of stretching. Half an hour of training, 15 minutes of stretching. You follow me. Then, of course, we go back to that arm bath.

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

My mother. Her support means the world to me.

Who is your hero or role model?

My mother, for her strength, beauty, grace, and passion.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

Anyone can do this; tall, short, curvy, or slim. Anyone!! Everyone takes from this something different, beautiful, and meaningful. My first private lesson ever, I was so excited to be getting one on one attention from my instructor. She asked me to dance for her so I started to dance. After about a minute, I was in a secretary sit on the pole sobbing. This art form brings things out of a woman she never knew she had inside. The pole is the partner who never answers back and who can be whatever you need it to be at any given moment. Best part is that it will always be there to support you. Everyone is a little apprehensive and nervous in the beginning. We all have to start somewhere.

Favorite pizza toppings:

Mushrooms.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Cupcakes, but I always scrape off most of the icing.

Anything else you’d like to share:

Don’t ever tell yourself you can’t do something, don’t ever put limitations on yourself, and be comfortable expressing yourself in any way you choose. Ladies, we are beautiful creatures who can wield a lot of power through our passions. Don’t be afraid to explore your passions and see where they take you.

If you want to know about all things pole, be sure to visit The Beauty of Pole Dancing. And, while you’re there, jump on the forum and say hi to everyone!

If you enjoyed this article, you should also check out this interview with Lola Cherry Cola of WikiPole.