Meet Claire Sterrett, who writes a great pole dance blog, The Pole Story!

How did you get started learning to pole dance?

I was working at a massage and wellness center as a massage therapist and a woman named Tara Moore from Simply Seductress came to do a 1 hour intro class. I was kind of curious and I think I was also required to go. She had us do this exercise where we lay on our mats with our eyes closed, moving and touching ourselves and dancing while she played music. She also asked us to talk a lot about what we were feeling in our bodies and really made us connect with the emotional part of our dancing. It was unlike any class I had ever taken before and I was instantly hooked! I was horrible at the pole. But for some reason I wanted to master the whole thing: the polework, the floorwork, the emotionality of the dance. I took classes with her for a year, until she moved away. Now I’m a student at S Factor.

You have a blog in which you frequently discuss issues of sexuality and pole dance. What role do you feel pole dancing plays for most of the women learning it?

I think there are two major roles pole dancing plays for the women learning it. One is that it is an excellent and fun way to get fit and strong. But aside from the fitness aspect, I think many women choose to learn pole dancing because it puts them in touch with their bodies and their sexuality. Sexuality is something that is primarily experienced in the body. Dance is an excellent vehicle for exploring sensations in the body. So in pole dancing classes, a space is being created for women to safely explore, nurture and display their sexual selves. And I think there are a lot of women out there who are pretty excited about that.

How do you view society’s reaction to pole?

Hmmm. That’s a big question! The mainstreaming of pole dancing is certainly bringing out deeply entrenched biases and prejudices that are embedded in the fabric of our society with regards to women and their sexuality. With pole becoming so “public,” people are being forced to confront their opinions and emotions about these topics. When someone says to a pole dancer, “Why would you want to pole dance? It’s (insert your favorite negative description of pole dancing here),” I think a lot of what is happening is not just miscommunication, but a clash between different belief systems that are centered around a very emotionally charged and traditionally taboo subject: sex.

I think our culture is so used to labeling women who choose to display, or play with, or openly take pleasure in their sexuality as “whores” that we don’t know what to do when someone who doesn’t fit that stereotype participates in that type of behavior. And that is a really wonderful thing. Because it has the potential to force people to revisit their biases or perceptions around what it means to display your sexuality as a woman and what “kinds” of women do that. That is one reason why I get so irritated when I see women who participate in any form of erotic dance judge or separate themselves from other women in that same arena.

It is my deep and heartfelt wish that, as pole dancers, we can shift the way society chooses to view women’s sexuality. It is my hope that a certain respect and admiration for the beautiful, erotic art form of pole dancing will grow and that rather than label a woman who dances seductively as a whore, she will be honored for choosing to share with the world the gift of her sexuality and her beauty. In order for that to happen, though, we have to support one another and understand that while there may be differences in our work, we share a common thread.

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

I’m kind of a nerd. I like to read a lot. And cook and bake. I absolutely love entertaining people at my home – making delicious food, filling the house with flowers – creating an environment where people can relax and experience the pleasure of beauty and good company. And of course, when I’m not pole dancing, I love to write about pole dancing on my blog, The Pole Story!

Favorite makeup tip:

Well this is more of a product than a tip, but I love Benetint cheek stain from Benefit for a little splash of color on my cheeks. It stays on no matter what and it looks so natural. And it smells like roses. AND you can use it on your lips, too. I think I’ve been using it for about ten years.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Barefoot!

Favorite grip enhancer:

Dry Hands. But I’m constantly wiping down the pole. I used to wear leather weightlifting gloves.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

The Hook! I just learned it and I thought it was going to be super hard, but I actually got it right away! And pulling up onto the pole afterwards makes me feel so sexy and strong. Purrrr.

Pole dance pet peeves:

The lack of floorwork being taught in many of the studios. It makes me want to cry. It’s such a beautiful part of the dance! What else? Strippers vs. Pole Dancers. Yes, what each of us does is a little different, but let’s stand together, please.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

Arnica for bruises. Hot pad with moisture for sore muscles along with Soma cream. Massage.

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

All my high school classmates! I went to an all-girls school. I would love to dance for them.

Who is your hero or role model?

My boyfriend is my hero. My role model? I don’t think I have just one. I admire Pema Chodron for her compassion and equanimity. I admire Mother Theresa for her selfless dedication to being of service to others. I admire George Sand for her fiery, opinionated passion and her willingness to push boundaries.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us.

Favorite pizza toppings:

I think, when it comes to pizza, pretty much anything goes. Except for anchovies or any kind of pepper.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Cupcakes. Frosting and fingers … yum.

Anything else you’d like to share:

Just that I’m very grateful for this interview and excited to see how pole dancing continues to develop!

If you like reading about pole dancing (and I’m guessing you do!), be sure to check out Claire’s pole dance blog, The Pole Story!