Molly is a young woman from Norway who rocks the pole – and blows preconceptions about pole dancing right out of the water!

What made you take up pole dancing?

My first meeting with the style of pole dance I love (the non-slutty style) was a video on YouTube. As I watched it, I instantly fell in love with the style of dance, and worked hard to come in contact with lots of pole dancers around the world. They all said pole dance was a great way to exercise strength, stamina and flexibility, and that it was very fun. I have always been drawn towards strange things (weird topics, special music …) and pole dance was my passion even before I managed to convince my parents to let me buy a pole.

What have people’s responses been?

People’s responses have been surprisingly positive! I was prepared to fight for my style of dance, but I never had to. It took me almost six months to convince my parents to let me buy a pole, but after I got it they have been supportive, and if I need pole clothing, pole shoes or such, I know I can ask them. When I got the pole installed in my room, I was very insecure on whether I should tell my friends about it or not. I was, of course, very afraid that they would think I was a stripper, but no one’s thoughts have been going in that direction! I’ve had classmates over, and they’ve been going crazy on the pole – they love spin mode! My little brother, age 12, also loves jumping onto the pole and spinning around – he says it’s like a roller coaster. Letting people try has also made them realize how strong you have to be to climb, do inversions and such.

Was it hard finding an instructor, or are you self-taught?

I’m mostly self-taught, but I do have some great friends I can ask for help if I need an explanation on how to do a move. I really hope to attend some lessons in the future though – maybe one day I can travel around the world and learn from the great pole legends? That would be a dream come true to me!

What would you say to other young people who want to learn how to pole?

If you have a burning desire for something, no matter what it is, put up your shield and march right through! As long as you’re not being selfish and not hurting anyone, you shouldn’t let anyone stop you from doing what you want.

What would you say to adults who think it’s wrong for a young woman to pole?

I would tell them to think about why pole dance is taboo in their eyes. Is it the moves, is it the clothing, is it the pole itself …? I believe that it’s not about WHAT you do, but HOW you do it. A half naked woman doing ”sexy” (sex-associating) moves IS slutty, I totally agree! But sweaty people in shorts and T-shirts, with legs covered with bruises and bellies covered with burn marks … that’s certainly not slutty – it’s not sexy at all.

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

When I’m not on the pole … Jeez, what do I do? I must admit I spend a lot of time on the computer. I’m an active online chatter, I love writing e-mails, I have a page at Facebook I must check on every now and then (Note: deleted since publication) … It’s pretty consuming! I’ve been doing horse riding since I was three, and still to this day a smile will flash across my face when I gallop through the forest. I also know to appreciate a good book.

What is your dream for yourself in pole dancing?

I’m not much into having expectations and making goals for oneself – it just leads to disappointment. I’ll probably never be able to pole for a living, but it would be fun if I could work part time as an instructor – I would love to let girls of all ages experience what I have experienced through pole – finding your confidence and learning to love your body. I also hope I can ”abuse” the innocence that comes with being a child to bring pole dance another step away from the bad reputation it has.

Favorite grip enhancer:

I didn’t have the chance to try any grip enhancers yet, but I hope to do so in the soon future – sweaty hands is a problem to me.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

I haven’t learned that many moves yet, but the Extended Butterfly was big for me, because I worked so hard to figure out HOW to do it. It’s also a very beautiful move, and you can do it with pants on so it’s great for street pole.

Pole dance pet peeves:

I don’t think I have any. Yet.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

I’m very proud when I get bruises from pole dance! In my opinion, the bruises and soreness are part of the dancing – if you are to enjoy the sensation of flying pole dance brings, you simply have to live with the back parts of it. However, I do like to lay on the warm bathroom floor, it’s a nice way to let your muscles relax and heal.

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

My audience must be people who appreciate the ART FORM pole dance is. I don’t want the audience to be men looking to be turned on (if men are turned on by me, there’s something wrong with them – I’m a minor!). Fellow pole dancers are a great audience, they know how difficult every move is and will admire a dancer who make the most difficult and painful moves look easy.

Who is your hero or role model?

For as long as I can remember (which is way back), Lara Croft of the Tomb Raider games has been a role model to me. She’s so fit and beautiful, she’s not scared of anything – she kicks people’s you-know-what!

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

All nice comments encourage me. What keeps me going is the feeling of being loved, admired, and appreciated.

Favorite pizza toppings:

Juicy pieces of meat and lots of cheese!

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Cupcakes or ice cream? That’s like asking a mother to favorite her children! I love sweets and if I could I would start every day with waffles and a large milkshake.

Anything else you’d like to share:

You only got one life, spend it on things you enjoy!

Lots of love and encouragement to Molly – she’s the future of pole!