Get the scoop on grip aids from Joel Bretan of Mighty Grip – and find out all about those snazzy new pole dancing gloves!
You manufacture Mighty Grip. How did you get interested in grip aids?
I am an avid racquetball player but I do not like to wear a glove when playing. I found this product on the Internet and liked it so much I bought the patent from the owner as he wanted to retire. We first introduced Mighty Grip to tennis with the help of Billy Jean King. We then gravitated to other sports such as baseball, golf, and even darts. About a year and half ago some one brought to our attention that the ladies were using Mighty Grip for pole dancing. We looked into the situation and found Mighty Grip was a natural for this sport/activity. The rest is history.
Tell us about the different types of grip aids – rosins, resins, and so forth. Where does Mighty Grip fit into all that?
There are many gripping aids on the market and they all have a place. Like rosin is the only agent allowed on a baseball field. Our product can be used by pitchers and fielders but must be applied in the dug out. Since it lasts for quite a while per application that is not a problem. Rosin needs constant reapplication as it is only a drying agent. It does not impart any grip. Pine tar is a resin that gives great grip, but stains and is almost impossible to clean from clothing. If applied to a pole you can throw the pole away after one use. You would need paint thinner to clean it. There are many antiperspirant creams and liquids on the market for gripping, and, for those that have a condition such as Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), they are excellent. There are also chalks (magnesium carbonate) that are used by gymnasts, but that affords the user the ability to slide and can be too slippery for a pole.
I like to think that Mighty Grip is something in-between all these products. It does impart a certain amount of tack when the grip is intensified, but will still allow for sliding and spinning when the grip is slightly reduced. It takes a little practice to learn the exact amount of pressure to apply for the different tricks and maneuvers but once practiced it becomes second nature. And, we have just been informed that Mighty Grip works well for both the rings and silks.
Some tips for using Mighty Grip and Mighty Grip Xtack …
If I may suggest, if you keep the room in which you work out cool, you may have to use the Xtack. It is not tackier than the original formula, but, rather, has a lower activation temperature. This will not be a problem if the room’s ambient temperature is kept at 72F or above. I would also recommend you apply Mighty Grip after warm ups and stretching, since Mighty Grip is activated by the heat of the body.
What has been the most exciting thing for you about bringing Mighty Grip to the pole dance community?
Wow. I would say the people I have met throughout the world. We are in 40 countries now with distributorships in England, Russia, and Australia. The U.S. is still a bit behind these countries as far as acceptance of pole dance as a sport and exercise. I think we will catch up, at least I am going to try my best to make it happen.
Some people think grip aids are cheating. It is quite controversial. How do you respond to that?
I can’t agree with that analysis. Grip aids, gloves, and protective gear are worn in all physical endeavors and especially in sports. I would consider it cheating if not everyone had access to the material of their choice. You know gloves for golf only began to be worn in the 1960′s. When first introduced, they too, were considered cheating. If the aid is available to all, then it is not an advantage to one.
Agreed about the controversiality; but. whether it is cheating, is quite another story. Gymnasts use chalk, baseball players use pine tar and rosin, as well as Mighty Grip, tennis players use saw dust, rosin and Mighty Grip. Not considered cheating in any of these sports. And how about golf? Gloves are now allowed in most sports and I think you will soon see gloves introduced into competition for pole dancers. Our gloves are now used for training purposes and to build confidence for novices but I think you will see gloves allowed in competition in the near future.
Tell us about the gloves!
I did not want to say much about the gloves until I had received some feedback from the competition that took place in Australia (Melbourne). Well, I guess the world likes the gloves because they were cleaned out! Not only did the women buy gloves – both the tack and non-tack – but so did the guys in the competition. I don’t know what you want to know about the gloves but they are flying. By the way, since they were available to all the competitors, they were allowed to be used in the competition. So much for waiting for acceptance.
Who is your hero or role model?
Number one, my father, who taught me the retail business and how to deal with people honestly and forthrightly. If you can help someone, do it; and if it is something you know you cannot do, tell them up front you cannot oblige. Don’t promise something you cannot deliver.
The girls who have made this sport so spectacular are my real heros. People do not realize the work ethic that goes into bringing one’s body to do the things these women can do. It is utterly amazing to me.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Don’t give up. Keep punching. If you believe, then it will happen.
Favorite pizza toppings:
I never met a topping I didn’t like, even a few anchovies. But if I had to choose, extra cheese with pepperoni.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Depends on the cupcake icing and the flavor of the ice cream. (Is that being diplomatic or what?)
Anything else you’d like to share:
I don’t think I have ever been around a better group of athletes in my life. We have been involved with professional baseball players, tennis players, and golfers but, without a doubt, the ladies have added something to my life. They are full of energy, verve, and are just fun to be around. Of course, I am old enough to be their grandfather, but I enjoy every minute with these fantastic young ladies!
*** Hi, my fabulous pole dancing friends! Jennifer here – I wanted to add a bit.
All I knew of grip aids before this interview and buying some Mighty Grip was that some pole dancers were very antagonistic to even the idea of using grip aids.
Well, when I asked Joel to do this interview, I asked about that issue, in particular – and his answer (above) just blew me away. It cut to the heart of the matter – sports and equal access – and placed the issue historically alongside the changes made in other sports.
That takes balls, my friends, and that – coupled with the PHENOMENAL customer service he provides – won my heart. In fact, we’ll be teaming up later this year (I’ll keep you posted!). And, personally, I’m counting on Mighty Grip to help me get more use out of my slippery stainless steel pole, even as I wait for my beloved brass!
So… (and, no, I don’t get any money if you click this link):
If you’re hankering to try a grip aid, here’s where to lay your hands on some Mighty Grip!
There’s a new pole dance competition in town! Pole Superstar is poling for a good cause – single parents – and they are accepting competitor submissions through August 7th. Read on for the scoop!
Tell us about the Pole Superstar Pole Dancing Competition!
The Pole Superstar pole dance competition will take place on October 1, 2009 at the Highline Ballroom in New York City. Five talented competitors will get to show off their creativity, athleticism, and amazing performance skills for a chance to win $10,000 in cash and more!
We are lining up a panel of celebrity judges including world-famous choreographer Cris Judd, and will announce another celebrity judge in the next few weeks. The judging panel will only select the finalists because the winner will be determined by audience text-message voting! In addition, we plan on packing the audience with NYC’s movers & shakers so our talented competitors can show New York what pole dancing is REALLY about!
Your competition is helping support the charity, S.P.I.N. (Single Parents in Need). What got you involved in the issue of single parenting, and what role do you play in the organization?
I was a single parent to my son for many years and struggled with making ends meet – paying bills, medical insurance, child care, and basic needs such as groceries, clothing for my son, and so on. I always held two jobs to cover our expenses, and sometimes as many as three jobs at a time, which left very little quality time for my son and me. I founded S.P.I.N. earlier this year and our mission is to provide support to single parent families so their lives can be just a bit easier.
What made you decide that pole dancing was the best way to draw attention to S.P.I.N.?
I constantly have pole dance on the brain, so when we were discussing our first fund-raiser, I thought what better way to kick off S.P.I.N. than with spins! … and some inversions, too!
How would someone go about entering the Pole Superstar Competition?
All of the information is on our website, PoleSuperstar.com. I encourage ladies of all levels – from beginner to advanced – to enter the competition because we are choosing finalists based on overall performance. The winner will ultimately be decided by our audience.
How did you get into pole dancing?
I had heard of the pole dance craze a few years ago, so a friend and I took an intro class together and from then on I was hooked. Literally… by my left leg.
Favorite makeup tip:
Use a trusted professional make-up artist!
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Barefoot.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Dry Hands.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Hands-free Helicopter.
Pole dance pet peeves:
The small percentage of people that belittle pole dancers. And falling is my other pet peeve … I try to avoid that.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Epsom salt bath, Traumeel, and stretching for sore muscles. Pointing out my bruises and bragging that I just learned an awesome trick is my favorite treatment for bruises.
Who would you most like to have in the audience at Pole Superstar?
True pole dance enthusiasts who will cheer on the finalists.
Who would you most like to have compete?
Taya from Rock of Love Bus … she tore it up on one episode!
Who is your hero or role model?
Twyla Tharp … I know her personally and I admire all her accomplishments and her discipline and commitment to dance. She was also a single mother!
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Challenge yourself!
Favorite pizza toppings:
Black olives and extra cheese, please!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Cupcakes … just the icing, though!
Anything else you’d like to share:
Pole dancing is one of my favorite things and I’m excited to mix it with my other passion – which is helping single parents. I hope we can raise a lot of money for S.P.I.N. on October 1st!
If you’ve ever wondered about entering a pole dance competition, you’ll want to read this. Mel just competed in her first pole competition – and WON third!! Way to go, Mel!
How did you get started taking pole dancing lessons?
It was just about a year ago. I was six months shy of 40 and a younger friend of mine really wanted to try this Pole Dancing thing. She was a dancer and kind of sexy, and I thought “What the hell, it’ll be a fun night out!” So away we went to Studio Soiree in Sugarhouse, UT. At that very first class, I discovered that I liked moving my body in really sexy ways. I liked that I was sweating from walking around the pole so much, and I liked that I learned how to frisk the pole and could take that little exercise home and show my man! It just took off from there.
How did you decide to enter your first pole dance competition?
Actually, the decision was not a tough one. I have done theater most of my life, and I cannot EVER pass up a chance to have an audience. When the Miss Pole Dance Utah Competition was announced I signed myself up right away – that was the easiest part of the whole experience.
How did you create the pole dance routine you used in the competition?
Ah, see this was the hardest part! I had no idea how to create a routine. Luckily, I have the most awesome supportive Pole Buddies at Studio Soiree – all the ladies help each other out. So, I wrote down all the tricks I knew I could pull off well. I then needed to find music that would work for me. That was tough. It had to be under three minutes, and it had to be a song I could listen to continuously for a month!
I ended up making a playlist with all the songs I liked that fit the time criteria. Soon, two favorites popped up and I chose “I Want You” by Rachel Yamagata. It had a little bit of humor in it, it was slow but not boring, and I really liked the song. After that, it was a matter of building the routine. Honestly, as the competition got closer, I had some serious feelings of insecurity – a relatively new feeling for me! I started to doubt that I could pull it off. After all, I’m 40, I have never worked out before, I’m not that flexible, and, worst of all, I flunked out of ballet when I was in elementary school. Having to do this routine really brought up old body issues for me – all arms and legs that don’t quite know what to do with themselves. Grrrr. I got some fantastic advice from Lorinda – one of the owners of our studio. She said, “Mel, you need to just do what you do best. Have fun, and get a character, and rock it.”
Something about getting a character resonated in me. I ended up having a dream. In it, I was performing the routine. I was in black and white – like an old silent film. I woke up knowing exactly what I was going to do. At the competition, I was in my black PoleSkivvies, a black and white polka dot bikini, and a black tutu and performed my ass off! I had fun and just showed everyone how much I enjoy playing on the pole!
What happens at a pole dance competition? Tell us all about it!
Oh my gosh! So much fun! There were about 23 hot ladies who were competing, plus several performers as well. We all gathered back stage and fought over the mirrors, chatted, and tried to look confident. We had to sign posters with our pictures on them – that was really fun – made me feel like a star! Then we had a photo shoot. We all got ten minutes on the pole and we got to see a glimpse of everyone’s routines. That was TOTALLY intimidating. These women were AMAZING! Then, the audience starts filing in. The noise of the crowd gets really loud because everyone is so excited. It’s electric! It fills you up! Then, the lights dim and you know its time to begin. The first competitor takes the stage and it is on!
I was a bit surprised, but I was so calm. I was just so excited and happy to be a part of the very first competition in Utah. I competed in the Intermediate category and was about the fourth one in our division to compete. I walked onto the stage, took my place, and waited for my music. When it started, I completely disappeared and the Silent Movie character took over. I hit my tricks, pointed my toes, and could not wipe the smile off my face! People were yelling and cheering, but I didn’t even hear them, I was in the ZONE ….
When it was all over, after all the competitors were through, I was BLOWN away by the talent I had just gotten to witness. The strength was awesome and beautiful!
At the awards ceremony, they announced the 3rd place winner – it was ME!!! I was so surprised! I actually said “Are You Fuc*ing KIDDING me??????” But, I have the coolest trophy to prove it. The rest of the night was a huge party with my favorite women!
I highly recommend everyone to do a competition at least once. It is a truly amazing experience!
Favorite makeup tip:
I SUCK with makeup, but I never go out without mascara and lip gloss. OH! Also, wash your face every night!
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
95% of the time I am barefoot. I didn’t start wearing heels until I made it to Level 3, but I sure do enjoy it! When I am not on the pole, barefoot – preferably with one or two toes stuck in the sand, and a rum and coke in my hand.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Well, I started to use Dry Grip when I started taking Advanced Core Pole. We do a lot of crazy holds in that class and since we are all sweaty, a little grip enhancer is necessary. However, we had Pantera visit our studio and she reprimanded me for using a grip enhancer while conditioning. Since I *Heart* Pantera, I will obey ….
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
I think learning and perfecting the Jasmine was a very proud moment of mine. I love that hold! Lately, I am perfecting my Electric Leg Switch and was stoked when I did it a few times in a row the other day.
Pole dance pet peeves:
Well, I actually LOVE the bruises (is that weird?) – I show them off regularly! I think ruined pedicures and hitting a pole plateau are my two biggest complaints. The toe thing I got covered with Gel Toes – amazing, sparkly, not quite acrylics for toes. They stand up to the beating we give them. As for plateauing? You know, you keep trying to do a trick and it is just not working out. And you feel like you have hit the wall with it? I keep telling myself it is in my head. I don’t know – any tips???
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Easy – four ibuprofen and a relaxing dip in the hot tub.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
The more the better! I do have to say, knowing that my husband and daughters were in the audience at the competition really upped my game.
Who is your hero or role model?
Jeez, everyone! Since beginning pole at Studio Soiree, I have met so many fascinating and interesting people. They are like onions. You meet them and think “Oh, they are nice”, then you get to know them and hear about their lives and what they have overcome or what they are going through, and you think “Holy Crap, I had no idea this person was so interesting!” Onion people – LOVE THEM! Ok, and, not to name drop or anything, but after spending a couple hours with Pantera, I want to be her!!!!
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
“Do it again!” I am a total glutton for punishment and if I am challenged I will totally go for it. So, when one of my trainers says, “Nope, not right, do it again!” I jump at it! Also – “Holy crap, Mel! That was awesome!” works for me too!
Favorite pizza toppings:
Sausage, Pepperoni, Mushrooms … or The White Garlic Pizza – heaven!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Both please! With extra frosting.
Anything else you’d like to share:
I have never been good at anything remotely fitness oriented in my life. I was always the last picked for teams (being the girl with glasses and braces and at least a foot taller than all your classmates does that for ya!). Finding a supportive studio and women who are all rooting for you was a huge change for me. This pole fitness thing really changed my mental outlook – I walk differently, I talk about myself differently, and I really have found my center. I have finally let my sexy side out to play and I am loving it. (Yes, pole fitness is sexy – get over it!)
