Moses Carroll of the Southern Regional
Pole Dancing Competitions
Meet Moses Carroll, leading the way with the Southern Regional Pole Dancing Competitions! Photo credit: Studio Primetime Photography & Video.
How did the Southern Regional Pole Dancing Competitions get started?
I have organized health fairs, fitness seminars, and conducted marketing for fitness clubs for fifteen years. When I was introduced to pole fitness and the excitement that comes from doing and/or watching it, I wanted to expand not just the popularity of pole fitness but the brand building of studios and competitors, as well as encourage people to increase their physical activity. Unfortunately, the south has some of the unhealthiest states in our country, but if we can motivate people to attend a competition that is in their state, we can also educate them on other activities they can do.
What are the criteria for winning?
In order for a competitor to win, they must be fundamentally sound in pole fitness. Grips, techniques, transitions and execution are what the judges are seeking when they are watching the contestant perform in our non-music compulsory round. And, like a pageant, the judges want to see your personality and confidence off the pole. Once someone wins a title, they become a spokesperson not just for pole fitness, but for the promotion of physical activity.
Who are the judges?
Our judging panel is made up of three sections:
Compulsory Round 1 – Three pole professionals who have national, international, and/or more than five years of experience in teaching pole fitness for competition or performance.
Theme Round 2 – We have a pageant professional that can help judge on presentation and confidence.
Performance Round 2 – We add a personal trainer and/or dance professional to help judge on strength, flexibility, and stage performance.
Photo credit: Billy Liner.
How would someone go about entering the SRPD Competitions?
In 2011, we allow anyone to compete. We don’t pick and choose by video submission; instead we like to promote competitors that enter each division once they submit an application. We feel this is a fair process for the competitors, to be seen by our judges and show why you should advance to the finals.
In 2012, we will change the residency requirement; you will have to be a resident of the state in order to compete. The plan is to build the popularity of pole fitness in each state – just like the pageant industry does – so each studio will have something to shoot for each year. The goal is to promote health and fitness and, in turn, reward those that would like to compete in a fun and exciting atmosphere.
How do people get tickets to the competitions?
We advocate being a green company and all tickets are processed via internet. Each competition has a link on the SRPDFC website.
Who would you most like to have in the audience at your competitions?
Studios’ clients, friends, family members of competitors, and statewide support from business owners. Our mission is to promote pole dance fitness in each state and help build the brand and popularity of each pole dance studio.
Who is your hero or role model?
My grandfather, Moses Carroll, Sr. He was the founder of our family church. His motivation and faith were his driving factor to be not just a respected man of God, but a great, great family man, mentor, and example of living life on the right path. He passed away in 2004 and I miss him dearly.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
This is ironic, but a close friend, several coaches, and I have said this to clients, trainees, and performers: “Suck it Up!” It may not seem to be words of encouragement, but, when dealing with performance and execution, excuses are not acceptable. Oh, another one I use, “the more you do, the better you get at it!”
Photo credit: Billy Liner.
Favorite pizza toppings:
Mushrooms, spinach, jalapenos, and pineapple on top of meat lovers pizza.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Ice cream – all types.
Strangest pole dancing question/comment you’ve ever received:
My first competition I organized – mind you, I don’t know all the pole terms – a competitor asked me, “Moses, can I do a death lay?” I quickly called a judge and asked what is that and why would someone try it? The word “death” had me a little paranoid. Once it was explained, I was ok and called her back with a sure, no problem.
What do you like to do when you’re not at a pole dance event?
Play chess, workout, and travel.
Anything else you’d like to share:
MC Healthcare Inc. is a health & fitness marketing company that promotes physical activity. Many people would like to know where we came from and why we are doing what we do. I have been in in health club management for fifteen years and increasing the popularity of fitness is what we do. Pole fitness – just like any sport – football, softball, golf – has its place. The high level, enthusiast performer or just-do-it-for-fun person want an opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned and do for a living or hobby. Our mission is to increase the popularity of pole dancing and physical activity.
Visit the Southern Regional Pole Dancing Competitions to get the scoop on the 2012 events and learn more about pole dance and healthy activity!
[...] may also want to read this article on Moses and pole dancing. Find out more about the Southern Regional Pole Dancing [...]
[...] You may also want to read this article on Moses and the Southern Regional Pole Dancing Competitions. [...]
Glad to see Moses getting a shout out. He’s worked really hard on these competitions and it’s great to see him, and the comps, getting the recognition they deserve!
Moses always seems to be ahead of the curve when it comes to positioning events that the public desires to know about. All of his endeavors are inspiring and full of information, fun and excitement. We wish him continued success in bringing the sport to the forefront of competition!
Oh Yeah!!!! Love Ya Moses! You’re the best!!! Your chat buddy…..A captivating Pole Classic <3
I think what Moses is doing for the recognition,of pole sports,pole fitness,pole dance and pole art,is amazing,outstanding and noble. He should have so much support for his efforts,with fundraising, and not only during the competitions,but throughout the year,during the cold season. We as pole athletes should put the word out here,to let people realize that our sport is just as important and help for support is pertinent! Whether we are raising funds,or putting the word out here,it is our duty to comply with our faithfulness to our sport,and not only only when we yearn for the limelight,the recognition,or the trophies,metals,or prize funds.
Moses ROCK!
Free knowledge like this doesn’t just help, it promote dmecoracy. Thank you.
All I can say is WOW and THANK YOU… I truly love everyone that has been supporting the competition, sponsors and competitors. I’m really enjoying my time promoting pole fitness. Can’t wait to see everyone….
This is a great article, I am organising my first pole competition in the UK, I like to watch how Moses organises his and I follow the leader, he has been a great inspiration to me
Moses, We at Foxy Fitness love you. Thanks for all your hard work. The pole community has benefited from your dedication. Keep up the wonderful things you do!
Go Moses! You are amazing. Vertical Joe’s is right behind you in all you do. Keep increasing awareness in the pole community!
I met Moses Carroll after he sponsored a Pole Workshop with our fitness studio. Moses neither female nor a pole dancer has the same mission for the Pole Dance Competition as shared by all women that have grown to love the sport. His mission is to build a pole community through Pole Competitions that integrates alternative fitness studios across the US, and helps create an environment that fosters the exchange of ideas and innovation, and world wide recognization of Pole Fitness as a sport. Way to Go Moses!
Moses competitions are professional and well organized. It’s great that he is expanding awareness about health and fitness while opening doors for pole as a sport and allowing outlets for competition and performance.
Moses is a great guy who I met at the 2011 Pole Convention in Florida. I am glad to see that he is deeply and passionately involved in the pole community and raising awareness on all levels. I hope to make it out to one of his competitions so I can shoot it and help spread the beauty of pole through my images. Much love Moses!
Moses is doing his thing. I love to watch women pole dance. It is so artful and I like how he combines this artform with fitness. Incredible
Moses is a gem – and a huge asset to the pole community. His commitment to health and wellness is something that is absolutely inspiring!
This is great, i am so glad that i was apart of a SRPDFC event and glad to have met M.C. Moses Rocks!
What Moses is doing with his competitions is changing the game and helping to create standards in this industry, which are so desperately needed. I love Moses!!!!
I second that! Moses is trying to do great things for our industry. We have a long way to go, but are moving in the right direction. Please support SRPDFC!!
Thank you for putting the spotlight on Moses. He is committed to promoting health awareness, and a driven individual. I’m proud to know him and call him my friend.