Today, we get to meet LuAyne Brown, who found me on Youtube and emailed me about her quest to let curvy girls know that they can rock the pole, no matter their size!

How did you get interested in your specialty, pole dancing for full-figured women?

My whole life Ive always been the bigger one out of the group of girls. So I always knew I was “different.” Ive also been a dancer as long as I can remember, along with cheerleading and gymnastics. When I started pole dancing, I just did what I do best – being myself. Once I competed in the first Ms. Xpose Fitness and posted my routine, I felt like I had to show the world that curvy girls have it going on as well. As soon as the videos posted, I got hits non-stop. Some good, some bad, but that comes with the territory. It’s like I opened up an untapped market for pole dancers.

Are there any special concerns for larger women who pole (protecting shoulders, building strength, etc.)?

Personally, I have to work harder to get certain moves. Yes, I’m flexible for the size that I am, but it takes work. I try to think outside of the pole dance box to work out. I didn’t have the arm strength like the other women in the studio, so I started working on my upper body at home. My trick? Every morning while waiting for the water to heat up, I did push ups against my tub. I’m at an angle, so it provides a degree of difficulty. I’m always putting an extra effort into it to maximize my work out.

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

I started my pole journey over three years ago. They were building an Xpose Fitness right around the corner from where I live. Since graduating high school and having my first child, I could never find a place where I wouldn’t feel left out dancing. I didn’t want to be in a beginner class full of kids. I checked out the Xpose website and liked what I saw. I came in for the intro class and fell in love with it. I never felt out of place being in there. I also like to create moves on my own as well; it’s the dancer in me.

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

I am a mom of two children – McKenzie and Riggins. I am doing things with them often. I also like spending time with my husband as well. I am a typical girl – I love shopping, shoes, accessories, clothes. I love spending time with my friends – hanging out at home, going to dinner, bars, strip clubs (lots of good memories there).

What is your dream for yourself in pole dancing?

For me, I want give hope for curvier girls that we are beautiful and can still compete with all the other girls. You don’t have to be a size 2 to shake it, it’s all in the confidence you carry. I would love to be one of the big names in pole dancing. The studio I go to, I’m already a mini celeb. Girls will stare at me in class, then talk to me after class. They mention how I look familiar, then realize they saw me on youtube. I’ve become a big inspiration to women everywhere.

Favorite makeup tip:

Oh goodness, I could write a book on makeup tips. Being a Mary Kay consultant, I’ve learned lots of tricks of the trade. When I perform, I always opt for darker colors for eyes, and lots of it. I want people in the back to be able to see me. In between performances, I will touch up with powder – it helps pick up some of the sweat off my face.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

I’ve done two out of the three. I love wearing my heels – I just don’t feel right performing without them. I’m 5’4″ so putting on something with a high heel makes me feel super tall. I also just feel like I could take on the world in them. I opt for a thicker heel. I’m afraid, being the size that I am, that I’d break the heel and my ankle. I only go barefoot when going inverted, somehow the shoes make it a hindrance – so, if anyone can give me some pointers, that would be awesome! I also like to wear ballet pointe shoes. I stole the idea from a stripper I saw performing in a club. I was just in awe and it was so different.

Favorite grip enhancer:

I normally use corn huskers lotion. I use very little for my hands. I’ve used Dry Hands and LOVED how my hands were dry for a long time. I sweat a lot and quickly; it does make it harder to get some of the tricks down, but you just work around your hindrances.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

Going inverted! That took me months to learn – I tried as often as I could. One night I tried it on my left side, closed my eyes and prayed for a Hail Mary. Next thing you know I’m hanging upside down on the pole. I screamed in excitement so loudly that the floor/chair room at Xpose heard me. Now after taking a long hiatus (I had a baby back in Feb), I’m learning it all over again. Who knew pole dancing isn’t like riding a bike?

Pole dance pet peeves:

Non-pointed toes! Dancing for so long, my toes naturally point. You can do a pretty move but when you don’t point your toes, it’s all over for me. I like when girls perform to a song more than doing trick after trick. To me, I like to put on a show while dancing. The pole tricks are like the icing on the cake in a performance

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

I don’t do anything for my bruises. I’m one of those sick freaks who show off their bruises. I see them as marks of my accomplishments poling. As for sore muscles, as soon as I get home I take a hot shower that really helps. I get my husband to rub my sore muscles when they are really bad. I also continue stretching when I can.

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

Anyone who is willing to watch me perform. I know there are people out there who are curious about me pole dancing; I welcome them with open arms into the world of pole dancing. I’ve been performing my whole life, I like putting on a show. My kids don’t know, but they are both very young so they don’t have a full grasp on it. The only person I’d be nervous having watch me is my Dad. My Dad just found out a month ago that I pole dance. Honestly, I was a bit embarrassed. Good thing is he hasn’t figured out Youtube yet.

Who is your hero or role model?

In the pole dancing world, I have a few. My first one is an instructor (Jessalynn) who believed in me since the first day I stepped into her class. Jessalynn is a total inspiration, she showed me how to really get creative with my dancing. I totally fed off her energy. When I competed in Ms. Xpose Fitness, I heard her behind me while performing, giving me words of encouragement. That meant the world to me. Another one is KT Coates. The first video of hers I watched was her performing to Swan Lake. I was in awe; it showed me how to mix my love of pole dancing and ballet. Felix is amazing as well. I saw her clip from The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. My jaw was on the floor the entire time. While I was pregnant with my son, I watched many videos just to keep me motivated for when I could pole again. I was dying to get back to the pole every time I saw one.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

I’m a very energetic person. If you see me in pole class, I’m always cheering on someone, or excited to learn something new. Three words have stuck by me for years. I stole it from Tim Gunn from Project Runway – “Make it Work”. Any time I get stuck choreographing a routine or I’m getting frustrated, I go back to those words. I also remind myself I will get it down, it may take me longer, but I’d rather keep trying than give up.

Favorite pizza toppings:

All types of veggies. I’m always game for a green peppers and onion pizza.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

I love both, especially when mixed together. I love all types of sweets.

Anything else you’d like to share:

Pole dancing has really brought back the real me. When you become a mom for the first time, you put all your time and effort into being a parent. You tend to lose yourself while taking care of your child. One day I woke up and realized I needed to do hobbies for me and me only. Pole dancing brought back my love of dance and the way it makes me feel. After a good class, I feel like I could walk the Victoria’s Secret runway show!

If you’d like to see more of LuAyne’s pole dancing, visit her at youtube/minicoopergrl. And if LuAyne has inspired you or your friends to take up pole dancing, be sure to read How to Find a Good Pole Dance Instructor.