A growing force in the world of European pole dance, Nele Sehrt teaches pole with a classical dance influence – and has started the Miss Aerial Pole World competition.

How did you get started pole dancing?

I started in 1998 but I had only done 4 or 5 tricks. Then I started in 2005 in a professional way to teach myself and started to give Polebatics lessons and then later also Polebatics certifications for static and spinning pole (www.polebatics.com). But the best training in pole dancing for myself I got at New York Pole Dancing (2008 + 2009) and at Bobbi’s Pole Studio Sydney (2009).

You have recently started the Miss Aerial Pole World competition. Tell us about it!

The Miss Aerial Pole for Germany, Switzerland, and Austria was great! We have 36 participants for 2010 – this was really awesome. Also the quality was very high. I´m so proud of all these performers! We divided it into amateur and professional categories. Everyone, including the amateurs, made a very good show! I really loved it and the audience was really impressed.

What is the attitude towards pole dancing in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria?

I started the first pole dancing classes in Germany in 2005. It took a long time for Austria – they needed a little more time to recognize this new kind of workout. But now in 2010, there are not so many differences between these countries. Germany is bigger – this is the reason why we have more studios here in Germany, instead of Switzerland or Austria. But they are growing very fast now. Now we have thirteen Polebatics schools in Germany, four in Switzerland, and two in Austria. The community gets bigger and bigger – every week!

Favorite makeup tip:

Blemish stick.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Barefoot or platform heels.

Favorite grip enhancer:

Itac 2, gloves, Dry Hands, Tite Grip, Resin.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

I had some knee surgeries and also some problems with my back. I am very flexible in my hip but I´m working hard on my back bend. This is the reason why I really love back bends, because for me it’s hard to do it.

Pole dance pet peeves:

I am a classical dance teacher. This is the reason why I’m loving the classical dance technique. I don’t like, for example, flexed feet or a pole performance without body tension. Also, I always try to avoid jumps.

Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

A hot shower and time.

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

Everyone who has respect for this workout – or who would like to get it.

See Nele on the pole in this video!

Who is your hero or role model?

Jenyne Butterfly.

What are your favorite words of encouragement?

I always try to consider the personality of my students. Some of them try it too hard and they need to relax to get it. Others need tougher words to get it. This is the reason why my words of encouragement always change.

Favorite pizza toppings:

Asparagus, broccoli, hollandaise sauce.

Cupcakes or ice cream?

Ice Cream!!

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

I really love to teach. This is my profession. Also sometimes performing but to teach and to see how it works, how the tricks get better and to know and to help where the faults are – this is my life. And at home:
(excessive) Eating & Chill Out.

Anything else you’d like to share:

The feeling to get a new trick is sometimes better than sex.

Learn more about taking classes with Nele at Polebatics and be sure to check out Miss Aerial Pole Worldl! To view more of Nele’s videos, friend her on Facebook.