This interview was also published in Pole2Pole Magazine!

The fabulous Heidi – who has the best smirk on the planet! – gives us the scoop on pole dancing in Denmark.

Why did you decide to take pole dancing lessons?

Two years ago I was at a ballet and modern dance show. For some reason, a single act with pole dancing and French variety dancing was included in the line-up. The only thing I really remember from the show was my “wow” reaction to the pole dancing. At that time, I was in the middle of moving from one end of the country to the other end, changing jobs and finding a new place to live, so I didn’t have a lot of time and energy to do sports. So, around five months later, when everything was settled and I felt the need to start exercising again, I thought back on the pole dance show and thought “that would be fun to try.” Fortunately, the first pole dance studio in Denmark was getting ready to start teaching classes right around then, so I started my pole dancing in an 8-week beginner class there.

You live in Denmark.  What is the attitude towards pole dancing there?

Well, the attitude is mixed. Generally, it seems that most people think that it is pretty cool. There have been articles about pole dancing in every national newspaper, a fitness magazine, two or three fashion magazines and in a morning radio show. At this years “Woman’s International Day,” there was even a seminar about women’s empowerment that included pole dance.

My personal experiance is that people I tell that I pole dance just view it as another kind of sport. Most think it is nifty. The only person I have met that had a negative attitude is my boss. He at one point said that pole dancing is “morally degenerate.” Funny enough, I haven’t told him what I do in my spare time. I know that there is a Facebook group for “people who think that all pole dancers are whores,” and I have read a comment from two female professors in gender studies who think the pole dancing will lead young woman astray so they will end up as gogo-dancers and prostitutes. Well, I have personally never met anyone with their attitudes. I got more lewd suggestions to “do a little show” when I did bellydancing. Overall, my impression is that it is considered a little risque and provocative, but accepted as a very effective fitness/sport.

Is there a big pole dance community in Denmark?

I can only talk about the pole dancing done outside the so-called gentlemen’s clubs, and there the community is small. There are seven studios in Copenhagen that teach pole dancing. Most of these also teach some kind of erotic dancing without pole, like tease, strip, or burlesque-style dancing (without the actual removal of clothing). There has been talk about forming a pole dancing federation in Denmark, but so far it is only talk. I would guess that we are talking about 500-1000 woman max that have pole dancing as a regular hobby.

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

I started by taking classes. I still take classes, but now I also have a pole at home, so I use YouTube for inspiration for my “home work” practice. I have bought an instructional DVD with super advanced moves (JK Defies Gravity) and I’m looking forward to testing it when it arrives.

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

Reading books, mostly science fiction and fantasy, going to the theater, watching animé, trawling You Tube for new pole dance videos. I also sew and do anything creative that strikes my fancy.

What is your dream for yourself in pole dancing?

I would like to participate in the first Danish pole dancing championship, and get a decent ranking.

Favorite makeup tip:

95% of the time I use mascara only, so I guess my make up tip would have to be: why bother, use the time for something else.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Barefoot! Or maybe a pair of ballet shoes (not the type for toe-dancing; the ones that looks like them but without the plaster).

Favorite grip enhancer:

Something called “Fluid Chalk.” It is used by rock climbers. I get very sweaty hands and this stuff contains rosin so it gives me a firm grip even with sweaty hands. It is a bit hard to get off the pole afterwards, though. Or thin leather gloves – my hands are really sweaty. Or I really need a super good grip.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

That is impossible to say. I struggle with every new move and when I finally nail it I’m very proud of myself. Every time. If I have to pick some moment I think it was the first time I got myself to let go of the pole with both hands while hanging upside down. That was scary.

Pole dance pet peeves:

The stripper shoes (big, clunky, platform shoes). They are ugly and make everybody look slightly uncoordinated.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

Lots of protein (eating it, not rubbing it on), oil massages hot baths and rest.

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

Hmm, my husband I think.

Who is your hero or role model?

When it comes to pole dancing, then it is Lu Nagata from Art Flow in Tokyo. She moves with grace and power. I would love to learn how to move like her.

Otherwise, Richard P. Feynmann. He was brilliant and didn’t care all that much what other people thought of him.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

“Yeah, baby, yeah!”

Favorite pizza toppings:

I don’t eat pizza if I can avoid it.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Ice cream (with lemon or liquorice flavor, yummmhh).

Love learning about pole dancing from around the world? Then you’ll definitely want to meet Cindy, too, and learn about pole dancing in Germany!