I was lucky enough to see Lauren Goldstein pole dance at the USPDF Championships. Believe me, if you have the chance to see her, DO IT!

How did you get started pole dancing?

I actually went to a bachelorette party at Xpose Fitness, (I think about four years ago or so.) I had just moved to Baltimore and only knew one of the girls at the party. Everyone was giggling and embarrassed, and I was in my own world – it was love at first spin, and I never looked back. I became a teacher about six months after I walked into that studio.

You have competed in numerous pole dance competitions. What’s that been like?

I definitely have a love-hate relationship with competitions. I love being on stage, I love performing, and for the most part, I love the training.

At the same time, I feel all this added stress for weeks before the competitions, and I’m not particularly competitive, nor am I a fan of being “judged.” I try to approach them as if they are shows, and that really helps. I love the challenge of picking the perfect music, of choreographing a piece for stage, and of pushing myself to master new tricks and moves. Each competition has forced me to top my personal best. I always have a color theme, and I have started designing and creating all of my own stage looks, which is a nice mental break from training.

It has also been amazing to share the stage with such fierce and confident women. They have opened me up to a new world.

See Lauren perform at Pole Superstar!

What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole dancing classes?

I think it is so important that students learn fundamentals right away. Proper grips, weight distribution, strength building. I also try to encourage my students to find their inner dancer, inner confidence, inner sexiness. I’ve always considered myself more of a dancer than an athlete, and I want my students to be dancers as well. It’s not necessarily important if they do the choreography correctly, I just want them to “make it look good.”

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

I’m a vegetarian, (16 years and counting,) and I’m huge believer in eating tons of carbs. I live on Vitamin Water, especially while I’m teaching. I don’t go to the gym, workout, or do anything but pole dance. I always try to keep it fun, and keep it dancey. Also, I love to get massages when I’m really sore.

Favorite makeup tip:

Purple eye shadow and fake lashes make everything better. A little glitter never hurt anyone, either.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Platform heels, always. I don’t even touch a pole without heels on!

Favorite grip enhancer:

I don’t use grip. I trained with it for nationals last years, and I felt like it was totally addictive, and not always helpful. It also made me paranoid about having slippery hands, so I gave it up all together. I like a pole cleaned with rubbing alcohol, that’s it.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

The handspring. I had seen a video on youtube of a stripper doing it when I started pole dancing. It was my first fitness goal.

Pole dance pet peeves:

Flexed feet! There is nothing worse than watching a chick bust out some hot move with flexed feet. Point your freaking toes, please!

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

Arnica and a heating pad, and quit whining! Pole dancing is not for the faint of heart. You either want to do it, or you don’t. Buck up, it may hurt a little.

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

I love to have my boyfriend, students, and friends where I can see them. The more familiar faces, the better. When I can make eye contact with people I know, I feel like I’m dancing just for them.

Who is your hero or role model?

I don’t have one particular hero or role model. I am inspired by all of the women who are helping this industry flourish.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

Get it, girl!

Favorite pizza toppings:

I’m for New York … I just want a plain slice. Pizza is a major part of my regular diet.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Cupcakes, preferably with pink frosting and sprinkles.

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

I like to rhinestone anything I can get my hands. Love going to Yankees games … because everyone looks good in pinstripes. Margaritas and Mexican food aren’t a bad way to go, either.

Anything else you’d like to share:

Keep pushin’! I think being on the forefront of this movement, we are all acheiving things we never thought possible.

Want to see more of Lauren’s pole dancing? Find her on Youtube.com/gypsysprinkle7 or take pole dancing classes with her at New York Pole Dancing.