I met Natalie here on the PoleSkivvies blog. She always spoke her views, knew what she was talking about, and was so fun I just had to ask her for an interview!

How did you get started pole dancing?

As a small child, I was more or less thrown out of the dance school my aunt ran for having two left feet. You have to be quite impressively bad for a teacher to kick out the boss’s niece. ~wry grin~ I was utterly convinced that I couldn’t dance, and in fact refused utterly until my second year at uni, where a very dear friend of mine got me very, very, very drunk and hauled me bodily onto the dance floor.

After that, I did start dancing a little, but wouldn’t have considered taking classes until my martial arts instructor told me dance lessons would be helpful, as we were working on getting me to keep my balance more on my toes than my heels. He wasn’t quite expecting me to take up pole, but, as he said afterwards, he really should have been! After my first lesson, I was hooked. And it has improved my martial arts, as well.

You seem to take particular delight in blowing people’s assumptions about pole dancers out of the water. Tell us about that!

I think I delight in blowing most people’s assumptions about anything out of the water. People are far too complicated to be described by a single attribute. I have two degrees in cognitive neuroscience, from some of the best universities in the world, I ride a motorcycle, I’m polyamorous, I pole dance and I’m a martial artist. In some ways, pole dancing is one of the more “normal” things about me. I won’t hide who I am, whether in my personal or professional life, and I’m happy to answer any questions anyone might have. If the answers they receive encourage them to think more carefully about their assumptions, I consider this a Good Thing.

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

Almost all of my moves come from classes. My instructors are a really fun group of people, and I love the supportive environment to learn in. I do watch a lot on Youtube, but mainly for ideas about tone and style, rather than specific moves.

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

Well, as I mentioned above, I love working on my martial arts and riding my motorbike (especially the way the weather’s been here lately!). I’m also looking at working as a snake charmer, taking belly dance lessons, growing a lot of my own fruit and veg, cooking, trying to get funding for a PhD, and spending a lot of time with my boyfriends and my girlfriend. Other than that, I read a lot and love being curled up on the sofa with the cats and a good book. And, yes, that does mean I don’t have a lot of free time. Ever!

What is your dream for yourself in pole dancing?

I would love to teach. My martial arts experience (and growing up surrounded by Olympic athletes, as my Dad was a coach) has left me with a good understanding of body mechanics, and I pay a lot of attention to footwork and the details of a movement. I’ve always loved teaching, and I can’t wait to develop my understanding to the point where I could pass on this skill.

My other main goal is to be able to do the splits one day. I have horrifically short hamstrings and hip flexors and possibly fused lower vertebrae, so it might never be possible, but I’m still going to keep trying.

Favorite makeup tip:

Get a MAC makeover. When I first started looking at performing, I booked a makeover with them and they were amazing. Not only did they make me look so wonderfully mysterious, they showed me how to replicate it. I don’t know about other firms, but they definitely have my loyalty.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Barefoot, all the way. I’ve never tried dancing in sneakers, but they’re not exactly sexy. Nor is falling on my face, which is why the heels are out for a while. I practice dancing in heels about once a week to try to improve, but for learning new moves and having confidence in my ability, I’d always rather be barefoot.

Favorite grip enhancer:

Never tried one. At the moment, I’m just working on trying to get stronger. I don’t know whether I’ll want to use one as the moves get more complicated, but, for now, I’m happy as I am.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

The Dangerous Brian. I’d looked at pictures of it online, and thought it looked terrifying. When we had the class to learn it, we were warned that it was really difficult and not to worry if it took a while. I was so close on my first try, and had it nailed by the second. I was over the moon!

Pole dance pet peeves:

People telling me it’s “just good exercise.” If it’s only exercise, why will people pay £10 to come watch a pole dance show? Would they pay that to watch a step aerobics class? Of course not. It’s a dance form, and it’s there to be performed. And yes, it’s a sexual dance.

But then, show me a dance that isn’t. What I love about pole dance is that it’s a powerful, dominant, active form of sexuality. In my opinion, the pole dance community needs to come out and say, “Yes, it’s sexual. It’s our sexuality, we own it, and we can use it however we choose. If you don’t like it, don’t watch.” But then, I also firmly believe that it’s possible to be highly sexual without being slutty, and indeed that there’s nothing wrong with being slutty from time to time.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

Luckily, I don’t bruise or damage very easily. Many years of doing silly things on motorbikes and sparring seem to have made me pretty much indestructible. I find a nice warm bath is the best cure-all, though I do take regular trips to my chiropractor to make sure I stay nicely in alignment.

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

My tkd instructor, Kev. I want him to see the chaos he’s caused! ~grin~ I would also love to have my girlfriend in the audience. She’s a belly dance teacher, and by far my most helpful critic.

Who is your hero or role model?

Prof Kia Nobre. One of the most amazing women I’ve ever known, and my neuroscience idol. With both her and Kev, I can’t help trying to impress them, and that makes me a better person.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

“Not bad. Not bad at all.” Coming from the right person, that can mean so much more than fullsome praise.

The other phrase I find myself remembering a lot when I practice pole dancing is how practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes permanent. Only perfect practice makes perfect!

Favorite pizza toppings:

Weirdly, I don’t like pizza. I’m not a fussy eater, except where it comes to pizza and chocolate, neither of which I like. (But I promise, I am female really!)

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Umm, ok. So, I’m not a fussy eater other than pizza, chocolate, and ice cream. And I’m not desperately fond of cupcakes. Sorbet? Can I have mango sorbet?

See why I wanted you to meet her? Hope you enjoyed meeting Natalie as much as I did!