This interview was also published in Pole2Pole Magazine!

I met Trixie at the DC Pole Convention, where I was lucky enough to have the booth next to her. I absolutely LOVED the service she’s come up with to help pole dancers find instructors by location. There are so many random listings of pole studios in the forums, but none has brought together such a smooth, efficient approach as Pole Nation. Get the scoop here!

Tell us about Pole Nation!

In a nutshell, Pole Nation is a pole dance studio/instructor locating service. It is ideally a resource for students to use to find instruction near them. It’s also a resource for instructors to network together.

What made you decide to start Pole Nation? What has that process been like?

I teach pole in Las Vegas, and I see bachelorette parties year-round. Many ladies would come to me after their party and tell me they enjoyed the class so much that they were interested in taking more classes when they got home. I had a small referral base of instructors I knew, and was always happy to send those students their way. Problem was, there were many times when I didn’t know anybody where they were from, so I had nowhere to send them. My husband knew of my frustration. It was with his urging to have a database of information, that Pole Nation came about. I believe that if someone has the desire to learn, they should have the opportunity as well. It’s been a proverbial labor of love. I reached out to those I knew who were unselfish with information on other studios. It was hours of scouring the internet. It’s been a huge monetary investment designing the website itself. The whole site is hand-coded. I had no idea what that meant until we were interviewing potential web designers! I’ve tried to get a loan from my bank to now start doing promotion and advertising, but they said no. They don’t understand what this site means to the pole dance community, and their reluctance to help out has really put a strain on the purse strings! So now it’s getting the word out to the pole community, as well as the potential students that we are up and running!

Who can be listed on Pole Nation?

Any studio who offers pole dancing, as well as any individual who teaches pole dancing, regardless of any affiliation with a studio. We want to include those instructors who may just teach parties as well.

You teach in Las Vegas – what’s the pole dance scene like there?

It’s really encouraging to see that many of the shows out here are putting pole into their acts. I see girls who are professional dancers, and they come to me to study pole, in hopes that it will give them an edge in auditions. And it always does! Even local bars and nightclubs are having poles installed and having pole dancers in lieu of go-go dancers. I find that a step in the right direction in acceptance of our art.

Favorite makeup tip:

Big lashes! I had lash extensions once and LOVED them!

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Platform heels! They make your leg look so long!

Favorite grip enhancer:

Only when you’re learning the crazy stuff! I’m a huge proponent of building grip strength. If truly necessary, I prefer Dry Hands.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

The Fireman spin! It was my first “trick,” and once those feet get off the air, it’s a whole new world!

Pole dance pet peeves:

Not pointing toes!

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

A good massage. I have a therapist I’m so happy with, but nobody beats my hubby.

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

My hubby, as he is my biggest supporter. I’m also honored to have those in an audience who appreciate the artistic aspect of the dance, and who admire the strength and endurance it takes to perform.

Who is your hero or role model?

My dad. He doesn’t pole dance, but he has always set a good example for me of taking care of oneself, and taking care of family. My love of public speaking came from him, and in that I was never afraid to be in front of an audience.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

“Yes you can!”

Favorite pizza toppings:

White pizza with feta and fresh garlic.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Coffee ice cream.

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

I’m an avid reader, preferring mystery and suspense. I also love spending time with my house pigs: Lulu, Pepper, and Patches.

Meet Pepper!

And Patches!

Can’t forget Lulu!

Anything else you’d like to share:

Believe in yourself. Yes you can!

See why I loved this woman so much? A pig-loving, unity-working, coffee-ice-cream-eating pole dancer is a wonderful thing! Get your listing on Pole Nation now – and let pole dancers know how to find you!