Pole2Pole Magazine

New Features on the Pole2Pole site!

Brett Golding — 2010-08-26T21:24:51-04:00

Over the recent weeks, some changes have been made to the Pole2Pole site that we think you should know about!

All visitors to Pole2Pole can now get a little bit more interactive with us. We have introduced a “Members Login” area that you will find located in the left sidebar of the site. From here you simple click “Register” and fill out a simple registration form, once registered and you have confirmed via email you will have access to all the new features we have introduced and are continuing to introduce to the site.

Our new features:

Add your pole dancing competition

All registered users once on the pole dancing competition page will now have the ability to submit their own events. Once submitted our admin department will check them out and provided they are real and upcoming events they will be approved for the world to see in our pole dancing competition directory free of charge!

That’s not all...

Do you own a pole school? Or do you want to help put the school you attend on the map!

Under our pole dancing lessons page you can add your pole school along with its logo, address, website and custom details. This directory is growing fast and we hope to soon have the largest and most easily user friendly directory of pole schools on the web!

We hope you benefit from the new free features our site is offering and be sure to look out for lots more and trust us when we say we have a lot more very exciting things on their way... but you’ll have to wait for those ;)

Free directories online are great and an opportunity not to be missed but if you do own a pole school or have an up and coming show you might want to think about contacting us for print advertising. Remember Pole2Pole magazine sells in hundreds of shops and reaches a huge audience that are not online! To enquire email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Bang Bang Broadway Hong Kong pole dance show

Brett Golding — 2010-08-13T11:10:51-04:00

This production should not have been missed! An enthusiastic crowd gathered around the stage to listen and watch the best up-beat Broadway musicals performed through various disciplines such as pole dancing, aerial hoop, aerial silks, burlesque and chair dancing. There's no doubt you recognized, danced and maybe even sang along to the famous numbers from Grease, Mamma Mia and Chicago while being enthralled by the performances.

Included in the line up were all the Pole Paradise Studio instructors including Symone Salamon and Hong Kong pole dancing champion Melody Rose who performed a special set on a spinning pole! Talented students of the studio also took part in the performances and were eager to showcase the moves they had learned over the past months.

The crowds responded fervently, especially during the lucky draw giveaway when many fortunate audience members won a variety of classes and workshops.

We are already thinking about new ideas for the next show, and to put you on the track, all participants will have a chance to show their skills to their friends, but shhhhh...

Free A1 pole dancing poster from Pole2Pole & Mighty Grip Inc

Brett Golding — 2010-08-03T11:38:23-04:00

Pole2Pole Magazine & Mighty Grip would like to say a big thank you to the world pole dance industry for your continuing support to the two companies. We would like to do this by giving away our fantastic A1 size pole dancing poster worth £12.95 to you all. We have produced this amazing poster to proudly display on your walls wherever you do pole dancing - this may be at a pole dance studio, at a friend’s or at your home. The poster is the first of three posters being produced over the next three years starting with beginner moves.

Our first poster is portraying 24 beginner moves displayed by champion pole dancer Sally-Ann Giles from the United Kingdom. Sally-Ann holds multiple first place titles from many major pole dancing competitions held each year in the UK, such as The British Isles Pole Dance Champion & Miss Pole Dance UK plus many more. Sally has kindly given her time to help put together the 24 beginner moves photos displayed on the poster to show and to help pole dancing students around the world what they need active at an amateur level.

The poster shows other helpful information of pole dance schools throughout the world and companies that supply pole dancing products to the industry. The poster would cost £12.95 normally but we are giving the poster away to you for free as a gift to say thank you. The poster is now available for shipping around the world.

The information found on our poster informing you of pole dance schools around the world, we feel, fits very well for any pole dancing student wishing to visit any country displayed on the poster. Students are now able to attend the stated pole dance schools to have lessons in other countries. Just contact the pole dance school direct form their details displayed on the poster to arrange your pole dancing lesson.
The shipping cost for your free poster to the country that you live in is listed below.

UK: £2.65
(Sent in a 2.54cc X 77cm tube)

Europe: £3.60
(Sent in a 2.54cc X 77cm tube)

Rest of the World: £5.75.
(Sent in a 2.54cc X 77cm tube)

To receive your free A1 size poster all you have to do is pay the postage to your location using the button below.

We hope you all enjoy your poster and have fun learning all the pole dancing moves shown.

Pole2Pole Magazine & Mighty Grip

Debbie's happy faces trust

Brett Golding — 2010-07-31T08:53:31-04:00

Calling all Pole Dance & Fitness Schools, we need your HELP!!!!!

Having been pole dancing for the past 4 years, I thought I had seen enough bruises, accidents and mishaps associated with the art of pole dance and fitness. How wrong was I!!

On the night of 12th December 2009 one of the most horrifying, freak accidents occurred at my studio which changed the life of one of my girls forever. Just a few minutes before going out for our Christmas night out, Debs was on the pole in a cross ankle release when the accident occurred. Without warning, screams of help or shouting she fell from the pole and as a result has been left paralyzed and possibly in a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

Debbie had been one of my most experienced polers, having been with me since I started my Pole Fitness classes 2 years ago. She was always smiling, shouting and swearing throughout every class bringing fun and laughter with her. We miss her bubbly personality and infectious smile and hope that with this fundraising event we can bring a little bit of the Debs we know back.

So what is the event? A TAG TEAM POLE-A-THON! I am aiming to get as many pole dance schools up and down the country to take part to raise as much money as possible to help in Deb’s rehab and the changes that have to be made to her home and family. All proceeds will go to the ‘Debbie Plowmans Happy Faces Trust’.

All you need to do is sign your school up for the Tag Team Pole-a-thon on Sunday 12th September 12pm-4pm. The rules are simple. The Pole-a-thon will be held in your studio/gym, there has to be at least 2 people using poles at any one time, they are not allowed to come off until someone has tagged them to take over. People can stay on the pole for as long or as little as they want, as long as the pole/poles are in use for the full 4 hours.

If you would like to sign your Pole School up for the Pole-a-thon, sponsor forms are available from me via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone Nanette 07903090535. Unfortunately there are still a few problems with setting up a ‘just giving’ site but I will get that to schools as soon as possible.

We hope you can help us enhance Debbie’s life by taking part with us, thank you in advance, Pole Position Fitness York.

John Harden set to perform Work Dat Pole at the British Isles and European Championships

Brett Golding — 2010-07-14T10:51:33-04:00

Pole2Pole Magazine proudly present… The British Isles Pole Dance Champion 2010 Pole Dancing Competition plus the new European Pole Dance Champion 2010 Pole Dancing Competition.

The two competitions will be held in the UK on Friday 15th 2010 & Saturday 16th October 2010 at The Civic Hall Blackshots Lane Grays Essex RM16 2JU. This will be the 2nd year running of the British Isles competition and the 1st year of the European competition. You will have the pleasure of seeing some of the best of the best pole dancers from around Europe and the British Isles performing their pole dancing skills.

There will also be a special performing singer from the USA at the two competitions by the name of John Harden. John will be singing and performing with six backing pole dancers to his new hit single Work Dat Pole.

Tickets are now no sale for any of the two competitions from our online tickets sales at www.pole2polemagazine.com/tickets

All tickets will be included over both nights into a free prize draw to win a one week holiday in Turkey at a luxury villa that will accommodate up to six people.

Pole2Pole Magazine will also donate 25 pence from each ticket sale of The British Isles Pole Dance Champion 2010 to the Debbie’s Happy Faces Trust run by Nanette Cottle from Pole Position Fitness.

Today I'm 40 pole dancing is for everyone!

Brett Golding — 2010-07-08T13:51:52-04:00

Okay so today 40 is the new 30 and 30 is the new 20….so by that reckoning 50 must be the new 40 right? Right!

So a soon to be 48 year old (close enough to 50 to hear it knocking on the door!) shouldn’t have to forget she’s a full-blooded woman, hang up her thong and get out some Bridget Jones pants to wait for everything to go south! Nope!

Three years ago my friend Mari started a Pole for Fitness class and asked me if I wanted to try it out. Yeah okay, I thought…..A woman in her forties?….Pole dancing???
But in that delicate stage of life where you still feel like you’re in your thirties but haven’t got the body of a thirty year old I decided ‘Why not?’

Now - I wondered exactly what a ‘pole dancing’ class would look like? I had visions of leggy ladies in skimpy undies (or none at all!). Shoes high enough to give a girl vertigo….and the pole…a shiny, chrome thing to be writhed around and against. Not that there’s anything wrong with all that but for me it was a decidedly scary proposition.

The reality of today’s’ pole dancing classes is that we’ve crossed the line (or maybe climbed the pole) and gone beyond its original image and into a new era. After attending Mari’s classes at Sugar Pole Fitness for over three years I realize that pole dancing is almost like having a life coach. Well for me it is anyway and I have an idea that it’s the same for a lot of others out there! Mari warms us up….we do some pretty heavy stretching and cardio stuff…all to music and all barefoot. That’s kind of where the usual aerobic type of ‘work out’ stops and the fun really begins. We don our shoes….yes….she even teaches us just how to walk in them…and at 47 I can strut my stuff in six inch heels! .

I spend an hour and a half learning moves and spins with wild names that I don’t always remember (menopause is kicking in!) but absolutely love perfecting! I learn routines that are sometimes slow and sexy, sometimes upbeat and funky and sometimes as camp as a row of tents! All this whilst I’m working my core muscles harder than a million sit-ups!

This is where the life coaching comes in too….I like my heels….but if you feel more comfortable barefoot or even in a pair of trainers I guarantee you’re still going to get the same amount of confidence-boosting, core-burning, body-sculpting training that I get – That’s the beauty of ‘pole’. It is what you want it to be. For me it’s exercise with a plus….for you it might be the plus first and then the exercise!

And so here I am three years later…looking 50 in the eye and saying ‘You wanna piece of me? Do ya?’ How can I do that? Well I can because putting on a pair of six inch heels and shorts and joining some of the funniest ladies I’ve had the pleasure to spend time with gives me the opportunity to practice being a ‘WOMAN’ – move my body in ways I had forgotten – get my mojo back – put me back in touch with who I am – revel in the fact that I am proud to be female – and ultimately and most importantly – I’m keeping the 47 year old body from going south! Pole Rocks!

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.

Pole Dancing for Men

Brett Golding — 2010-07-01T21:10:56-04:00

If someone would have said to me six months ago that I’d be pole dancing at a half-decent standard and hanging upside down just by the back of one kneecap and an armpit, I think I may have laughed in their face and told them to stay off the drink. Lo and behold here I am, addicted to pole fitness and spending more and more of my time thinking of new ways to cling to the pole for dear life in a way that looks even remotely graceful.

It all started when the JLN studio appeared just a 30 second walk from my front door. Immediately it piqued my curiosity and over the course of the next few days I saw reports of a ‘grand opening’ on Jess’ Facebook page. As a street and hip-hop dance teacher I naturally have thirst to learn new styles of dance, but I can honestly say that pole dance and pole fitness were things that have NEVER even crossed my mind until then.

After finally building up the courage to speak to Jess, she organized for me to come to my first lesson and give pole fitness a go. I don’t think I could have prepared myself for what was coming next, and despite the initial ‘pole burn’ that every fledgling pole dancer has to go through I loved every second of it. Since then I’ve increased my lessons to two a week; sometimes three when I’m feeling adventurous. I have such an amazing time there and I really have felt welcome from the moment I stepped into the doors.

I must admit the first few lessons were a real struggle for me on both a physical and emotional level. Being the only guy to attend JLN was certainly a difficult thing for me to address at first – after all the pole-fitness scene is primarily dominated by women. I felt awkward, clumsy and very ungraceful for a few weeks – in fact I still get those feelings now from time to time. The difference now is that I know it is all temporary, and that Jess and the girls will be there to sort out my posture, work on my technique and build my strength with me every step of the way.

It is needless to say that I got several strange looks from friends and family when I told them what I was up to, and very surprised looks when I started showing them pictures of what I’m capable of doing. Over time, this has helped dispel the illusion of pole fitness that a lot of people have in their minds. It is often affiliated with a more ‘erotic’ image, and sadly a lot of people are put off by this taboo. To anyone – male or female – who is remotely interested in pole dance or pole fitness I say this: Go for it! It is the best thing I have ever done and probably ever will do.

Jess, Maria, Remi, Laura and Michelle are all amazing instructors, and I have been so inspired by their skill and dedication that I now would love to become a pole fitness instructor one day. I’ve done things I never even thought I could do, and have even taken part and won a pole dance competition hosted in a nightclub thanks to these girls. Admittedly that might just have been because I tore off my jeans before getting on the pole, (you can’t pole dance without skin to grip!) but either way it is something I am proud of.

Since I started as the first official male student at JLN, more have followed suit and just given it a go which I really commend them for. I say you need to throw your inhibitions aside and just try it – after all I am quite a big lad myself and hardly the most elegant of people to grace the pole. It isn’t about how strong you are, how thin you are, how bendy you are, or anything else like it – it’s about how hard you try and trusting yourself. Pole fitness has changed my entire outlook on life for the better, so to quote a good friend of mine and a true inspiration: ‘Be fit, feel alive’.

By David Charlton, Westhoughton Bolton UK

Warming up for pole dancing

Brett Golding — 2010-06-23T14:11:29-04:00

Warming up is an essential part of any physical exercise or activity, so if you don't know your gluteus maximus from your radio-ulna then please read on and I hope that you will find some useful information and help you get the most from your pole dancing, for exercise or fun. Warming up should take place before you start your training, work out or pole practice, if you stop your activity and become cool then you should re-warm and continue.

So - What Is A Warm Up?
Warming up is doing exactly what it says on the tin, warming up the body and mind in preparation for exercise or working out, this could be on the pole or not.
Before we begin to talk about what we can do to warm up, we should first understand why this is important. Warming up is not a bit of bending and stretching -while we are on the subject please be aware that you should NEVER stretch cold muscles.

The Aim of a Warm up & Why We Warm Up
We need to increase the blood flow to the muscles, raise the core temperature of our body, increase mobility in our joints and increase our heart rate. So this is all well and good knowing what we are aiming for - you need to know why now, so I will try & explain!

Increasing the blood flow to the muscles will help them to work more efficiently, prevent injury and even discomfort, as the blood vessels dilate and expand this means they can help the energy systems that your body uses to work, also increasing the amount of oxygengenated blood to the working muscle. This should also increase your performance and help your body to meet the demands you are placing on it.
Next increasing mobility and heart rate, gradually increasing the exercise intensity or speed at which you are performing it will increase the heart rate and core temperature.
For example - jogging on the spot and adding intensity by moving your arms above your head and back down again to your sides rhythmically. You need to gradually ease yourself into exercise rather than going at it like a bull in a china shop!
Joint mobility - as we become warm the synovial fluid that lives inside our joints becomes more 'runny' this lubricates the joints and helps us as the movement becomes easier, it also prevents injury as you should be gradually moving about and not jarring or damaging the joints in any way, shape or form.

So Lets move onto........ How to Warm Up
This part is important especially if you want to remain injury free and fighting fit!
Movements should be performed through a large range of motion or movement to use large muscle groups; this is also because you don't want to wear yourself out! Imagine the smaller muscles helping the larger ones -they don't necessarily use up much energy but they will get tired faster than those larger muscles and won't be able to do their job as well later on in your work out, also very important as you don't want an injury!
It is also important to remember the joints need to be warmed up slowly - increasing the mobility will help you perform your moves and followed by a stretching routine will increase the joint's range of motion & this will increase your flexibility and allow you to hang off the pole while at the same time your ankle is wrapped around your head! (Please note - this is not advisable BUT is achievable if you stretch regularly)

So you need to get moving, slower to start with building up the speed and intensity. Some activities you can use are - walking increasing slowly to jogging, skipping, cycling, and some aerobic activity -e.g. step touch, hamstring curl, grapevine and box step. I'm sure there are plenty of moves you can think of yourself too, whatever you choose you need to keep moving for approx 5 -15 minutes so by the end of your warm up you should feel warmer but not be feeling fatigued.

Being Safe and Not Sorry
Whatever you are planning to do -missing out your warm up could spell trouble for you! Looking after your body is important and by not warming up properly you can damage or injure yourself & that can even mean being out of action for some time, so please take care of your body! Ask your fitness instructor for more info or help. Remember - fail to prepare and prepare to fail.

Some quick Do's and Don'ts

*Don't jump on the pole when you are 'cold'
*Don't stretch cold muscles
*Don't circle your head - use a box shape movement instead.
*Don't exercise when you are injured

*Do keep warm
*Do stay hydrated; drink plenty of water when you need it
*Do know your limits

Article by: Sonia Allcock

Alesia Vazmitsel - Pole Dancer on Britains Got Talent 2010

Brett Golding — 2010-06-03T08:35:29-04:00

Pole2Pole Magazine Newsflash Alesia Vazmitsel with her Pole dancing will be Live on ITV this Friday 4th June 2010 at 7.30pm on Britain's Got Talent.

Pole Dancing at 50

Brett Golding — 2010-05-31T17:49:54-04:00

An article written by Teresa McAllister and taken from the May 2010 issue of Pole2Pole Magazine.

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?!

I'm 50 and I'm a pole dancer!

I am also a grand mother of two, Chloe aged 9 and Emily age 4 and I go to pole dancing classes twice a week.
How did I get into pole dancing? Years ago I remember watching the Lily Savage Show and on the programme was a pole dancer. I had never seen a pole dancer before and she was fantastic. I have never forgotten that show and have always wanted to try pole dancing.
Years later I saw an advert for vertical exercise and instantly applied for lessons. I was brave enough to go on my own and met three other girls Cheryl, Selina and Zoe all in their 20's. We were four novices but we worked together each week and became good friends.
When I first started pole classes even the easy moves where a challenge and it took me about three months to even climb the pole. The bruises were huge but they were our badges of honour. We would compare bruises and encourage each other every week when attempting new moves.

Pole dancing is challenging, fun and there is so much camaraderie ,because we all know what it's like to start polling, we always offered encouragement to each other and beginners.

It's not a bitchy world because we all know how much it takes to achieve even the simplest of moves, but I can tell you, when you get them, what a feeling! There are cheers and whoops from instructors and class mates. Your confidence soars and you feel on top of the world.

There is no FAILING in pole dancing, there is only the determination to succeed. You fight the frustration, and sometimes pain(no pain no gain) and you know what? You get there.
You conquer the move and then move towards nailing another. The strength you think you haven't got comes with practice, you face fears head on and you begin to realise that if you believe in yourself and stay with it you can achieve what you thought was impossible.
I know the first time I saw our instructor do an invert and hold on with just her legs, I thought “yea, like I'm ever going to do that”. Well guess what I did!!!!!

After a year of classes at our first school, we decided we wanted to learn more advanced moves and so we enrolled at JLN Pole Fitness in Westhoughton. This was such a great move.
Jess Leanne Norris our instructor/owner of the JLN Studio is amazing on the pole and I have learnt so much in such a short space of time and I'm now doing even more 'impossible' moves.
Jess offers so much encouragement and makes learning fun. Yes it's hard work and sometimes a bit scary, but it really is worth it. Jess watches over us and gives expert advice as do her fellow teachers.

You may be wondering why I have written this article. Well it's to encourage all you 'older' ladies out there that polling isn't just for the young. It's for the YOUNG AT HEART.
It's fun, it keeps you fit, helps you lose weight and make new friends. There is a pole community within the club you join and also on-line, I chat with poler's in America on Veena .com
What would I say to those thinking about giving it a go? Don't THINK about it DO IT. Trust me ladies somewhere out there, there is a pole with your name on it.

I am 50 years young. I'm doing moves people half my age can't do. 50 ! IT'S JUST A NUMBER. Pole dancing is good for the mind, body and spirit. My confidence has grown, I walk taller and hold my head high. I tell you as a professional counsellor they should put pole dancing on prescription. If you are depressed, recovering from a broken heart or just stuck in the doldrums, give pole a try. You have got nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I tell you ladies they are going to have to bury me with my pole it''s a part of my life now.
Make sure you get a good teacher like Jess and school like JLN in Westhoughton and you will never look back. Believe me I am living proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

UPDATE: The Taylors Retreat Cup 2010 Pole Dancing Competition

Brett Golding — 2010-05-04T18:45:39-04:00

Some of the details regarding The Taylors Retreat Cup 2010 Pole Dancing Competition have been changed. You can find out about the event and its new schedule on the ad below.

The stage is set for 4 great master classes with some of the best in the sport...

Pantera Blacksmith
Alesia Vazmitsel
Hanka Venselaar
and
Sally-Ann Giles

Pole Dancing Delights

Brett Golding — 2010-05-02T10:22:11-04:00

A great article taken from our March 2010 issue of Pole2Pole Magazine. Pole Dancing Delights by Claire Griffin Sterrett.

Photo by George Grigorian Poleagraphy.com

I took my first pole dancing class mostly out of guilt. The owner of the wellness center where I worked hosted the event and insisted that all the employees go. Since no one on the staff had showed up for any of the other events, I decided I would suck it up and spend the forty dollars. I had been to a strip club maybe three or four times to before and embraced the classic “those-poor-girls-having-to-take-their-clothes-off-for-money” attitude in order to mask my discomfort with the whole situation. I generally approached the business of stripping and strip dancing as another patriarchal, chauvinistic tool used to control and denigrate women. Taking the class seemed slightly beneath me – after all, I was a well-adjusted, extremely sexually open and enlightened woman, right? I didn’t need to learn to slither around on the floor, or, worse yet, grind my ass against a pole in order to feel sexually attractive. And then there was the fact that strip dancing seemed inherently designed to reduce men to primal, slobbering hormone bags and that was just...unattractive. But I felt bad for the owner and, truth be told, a part of me was also extremely curious about what this teacher was going to say. I was in the middle of my MA program in Somatic Psychology, which focused heavily on bodily awareness, breath and emotion and felt like I probably already knew much more than she did about the body. I entered the class thinking that I would learn very little: I was just going to swing around on a pole (which I would obviously be really good at) and maybe roll around on the floor some. So imagine my surprise when 15 minutes into the class I met the edge of my comfort level. Oh, and I was horrible at the pole. By the end of the class I had signed up for the 4-week level 1 class. I didn’t have the money, but I absolutely knew I had to keep taking classes.

It wasn’t that all of my opinions about pole dancing changed in those 60 minutes – or that I even became more conscious of the deeply ingrained beliefs I held regarding women and their sexuality. The small shift that took place inside of me during that class was much more visceral than that. It was like a tiny window letting in a puff of fresh air and a part of me said quietly, “It’s OK for me to experience pleasure.” But I’m not sure that I even knew what was being said. I just felt the overwhelming urge not simply to learn this movement, but to master it. And watching my teacher perform at the end of class I felt like I was being let in on a little secret. A secret that belonged exclusively to women.

The first thing I ran up against in erotic dance class was exactly how hard it is to be a heterosexual woman, and to try to be authentically sexy for a group of women. There seems to be an automatic reflex that demands that I tone it down when in the presence of other women. And if I don’t, then I’m a whore. It was easy for me to be sexy for a man. (Although, looking back, I realize that I was not very connected to my sexual behavior – I was more often than not putting on a good show. It was fun, but unfulfilling.) Being sexy for another woman was, well, intimidating as hell. I was terrified of being judged for being sexually provocative, for being sexually aroused, for touching myself and for sharing that experience. Years of being taught that sex was something best shared in a heterosexual, loving, committed relationship had also convinced me that my sexuality could also only exist within these confines. And teasing it out into what felt like public view was laden with ghosts from the past. I was worried that I would be deemed “unsexy” by my classmates, that I would look foolish or, even, worse, that I just really wasn’t all that sexy. And why did I care so much about being sexy, damn it? Through the work in each of my erotic dance classes, I began to understand that it wasn’t that I wanted so much to be perceived as sexy by others as it was the desire to feel my sexuality in my own body and then to be able to share that feeling with others, without being judged for it. And there are very few places in our culture where that is accepted, let alone encouraged.

Meanwhile, my studies in somatic psychology were serving as a backdrop for much of what I was experiencing in dance class. I was learning how and why this movement-based practice could be serving as a vehicle with which to explore my sexuality from a neurological and psychological perspective. For example, if the body serves as a vehicle for environmental as well as internal messages (it’s too hot in here, I’m so nervous, this doesn’t feel right) and sexuality is experienced primarily through the body, it’s not surprising that a body-based practice would help me to reconnect with my sexuality. Additionally I was taking workshops on the archetypes of masculine and feminine power and the importance of sexual polarity in a relationship, regardless of gender.

As I continued to explore erotic dance, my questions started to change. Rather than wondering why I cared about being sexy, I started to wonder why it had been so difficult for me to accept that being sexy was in fact, a positive attribute and did not negate my intelligence or my worth as a woman. In fact, it seemed as though being sexy, that is, being connected to my erotic self, felt quite natural and even exhilarating. I was given permission to unapologetically unleash my raw sexuality and any of the accompanying emotions (fear, shame, rage, joy, pleasure) were welcomed with open arms. No one told me to tone it down, that I was too much, or that I was asking for trouble. Many of the classes had a spiritual component to them, and references to the goddess were often made. Why then, was there so much shame and trepidation associated with this practice? Why did I still feel uncomfortable telling people that I studied erotic dance? And if this movement, which, as I was beginning to discover, had a sacred quality to it, why were the women who were getting paid to do it generally looked down upon?

What became clear to me was that American culture, for all of its obsessions with sex and the body, particularly women’s bodies, was still tremendously sex-phobic. On the one hand we live in a culture where we are bombarded with sexual images and on the other we are reluctant to directly discuss how to give oral sex to one another. It is as if playing at being sexual is wholly acceptable, but truly expressing your sexual desire is not. This is particularly true for women. One of the unfortunate fallouts of the feminist movement being concurrent with the sexual revolution is that many women, in an attempt to throw off the patriarchal chains, have argued that any woman who overtly flaunts her sexuality, enjoys being submissive or otherwise experiments with hyper-feminine behavior is simply a slave to the patriarchal ideology and, even worse, is doing the rest of us a huge disservice. In other words, if you keep your sexuality under wraps, insist that you are appreciated for your head before your body, and never admit that you like to be dominated, or heaven forbid, objectified, then you are a good feminist. Otherwise, you are a traitor. Tragically these choices place quite a deal of restraint on a woman who is keen on exploring her sexual desires. Even worse, women are given a tremendous amount of direction from media sources on how they should look and act with respect to their sexuality, but very seldom is there a place for them to learn about their own subjective experiences of desire. This puts women in quite a bind. On the one hand they are given a great deal of visual imagery on how they should dress and behave - usually for someone else – a man. If they take this direction to the extreme, they are perceived as weak, and caving into the patriarchal values set upon them by society and risk judgment from other women. However if they ignore it entirely, they are perceived as being too masculine. If they do have the good fortune to be able to fully own their sexuality and understand that it is theirs to share with whomever they please, they are often considered dangerous, “loose” women and are relegated to the status of “whores” by both women and men. We have given women very little space to explore and unleash their sexuality without the fear of being judged. And this is quite deliberate. Female sexuality is power – it is the seat of a woman’s power. It is wrapped up in her ability to create, to give birth, to give life. And it resides in her body.

We have a reached a time where we need to begin to redefine and play with the terms like objectification and submission and how they fit into and overlap in both the feminist vocabulary and the sexual forces in our culture. If choice is an essential part of the feminist movement, then a woman’s right to display her sexuality should fall under this category of choice. As Jack Holland points out in his book Misogyny, ambivalence towards women’s beauty remains as part of an ancient hostility towards the body. This ambivalence “is echoed in many of the feminist writings that call on women to give up the frivolousness of beauty and prove through their minds that they are equal to men. The solution is not jettison beauty or pleasure or to place constraints on women’s sexuality or their bodies. The solution is to change our attitude towards all of these things and to reconnect with our bodies”. Pole dancing, as it turns out, can help provide the brave and willing woman with the path to do just that.

Hong Kong Pole Dance Party in Paradise

Brett Golding — 2010-04-18T10:12:02-04:00

A great article taken from the January 2010 issue of Pole2Pole Magazine. A paradise party in Hong Kong which covered a fantastic night of performances.

There was a great deal of tension leading up to what turned out to be a fantastic night of performances, food and meeting new people. There was an abundance of diversity in the group, many students that have stayed faithful to Symone and her unique and effective teaching methods. Even still these students made up a small fraction of the attendees. There were people at the party that had absolutely no idea what pole dancing was, and eager to see. Still again there were more people who had come to see Pole Paradise, the performances and the most unique dance studio in Hong Kong.

It was a long road for Symone to create her studio from nothing. Negotiation after negotiation lead to a myriad of headaches when looking for a suitable location, but a strong desire for perfection drove her on. An incomplete building offered the solution to the ever-expanding problem of finding space in this crowded city.

The day came, nothing too notable to distinguish it from any other, with the exception of butterflies in the stomach. Last minute preparations began early at the studio, cleaning, straightening receiving flowers and last minute choreography touch-ups. The party was scheduled to begin at 19:00; sure enough the first guests arrived promptly on time. Nearly all of the guests arriving commented positively in turn about the “mangosteen” (plum-like) color of the walls. Which contrasted ever so nicely with the maple wood floor. As the eyes of the guests rise along the walls they immediately notice the eight-foot tall wall of windows, elegantly draped with deep purple silky shades. Tantalizingly transparent, but not to worry on the 10th floor there aren’t likely to be any staring from outside. The oohs and aahs continue as people notice that, two of the other three walls are covered with mirrors. These eight-foot mirrors consume the walls giving you the sense you’re in a much larger studio. Then the eyes catch the poles, shining chrome pillars taunting all who draw near to touch. They follow the seemingly endless eleven-foot poles. Having thought there was no more to see, they notice the gorgeous tropical paradise inspired sunset hand-painted on the ceiling.

The food was plentiful, at least for the expected number of guests, but it was eagerly consumed remarkably fast. The wine flowed and people mingled. This went on for about an hour. It was a really fantastic atmosphere; all the guests seemed to ‘gel’ quite well together. Some of our guests that evening were men, and not just there to be accompaniments for their respective lady friends, most quite genuinely interested in becoming a part of the pole dance community. Most every one of them was aware of the incredible upper body and core workout benefits. The ones, who were not aware, were told. They tried a couple of simple beginner moves and were also convinced. That was just the beginning of most conversations. Of course the hot topic of the evening were the performances by Symone, owner/operator of Pole Paradise Studio, and her two extremely talented former students turned instructors, Amy and Rebecca.

A break in the activities came with Symone’s voice announcing the up coming performances. The order of the night was to be; Symone performing some seriously gravity defying moves, poses and spins on the pole. Then would be Amy, also doing a performance on the pole. Amy has been involved with pole dancing for several years and her performance showed it. Performing in a room, where space at this point was at a premium, and with an injured back she still managed to maintain the “all-eyes-on-you” performance quality to be expected from a P.P.S. instructor. When the pole performances from Symone and Amy were completed, it was time for a hoop performance. This was certainly one of the highlights of the evening, and what most of the gentleman visitors seemed most keen about. Generally it is because the hoop can be made very masculine with very little effort, it is still the same great upper bodywork out as pole dancing. After a quick costume change Symone emerges a few minutes later, covered in her new Pole Paradise Studio work out gear. All evening people had been admiring the steel hoop that hung a few inches above the tallest people’s heads, “I wonder what this is used for?” seemed the question of the evening. Well we were all about to find out, Symone reached up and grabbed the bottom of the steel ring and in one graceful motion she was aloft. She made everything look so easy and smooth, as she tends to do in all the performances I’ve seen her in. From that performance everyone’s attention was brought back to the pole where Rebecca gracefully maneuvered around the pole. Rebecca showed real professionalism and took to the pole like a fish to water so it was only natural that Rebecca would be asked to teach alongside Symone and Amy. Many friends came to cheer her on and you could tell that from the audience’s reactions that Rebecca was a pole force to be reckoned with. Lastly with yet another change of costume Symone dazzled the crowd with a simple yet beautiful demonstration on the silks. Again people were entertained to say the least.

The night ended in a lucky draw prize with people winning prizes such as free classes for all 3 disciplines and even winning P.P.S. clothing from tank tops, shorts and even sports bras. It seemed that the night had ended all to quickly in all the fun we were having but for those who stayed behind to mingle and chat the party eventually moved onto a nightclub venue, one of a few places that have poles in Hong Kong. Hopefully with the help of Symone’s studio there will be many more clubs installing poles and maybe even have aerial performances in the near future creating a real paradise for not just pole but all artistic disciplines.

Sally-Ann Giles UK's biggest pole dancer!

Brett Golding — 2010-03-24T20:29:29-04:00

The incredible Sally-Ann Giles one of the UK's biggest pole dancers in the industry will be gracing the cover of next month's Pole2Pole Magazine and featuring in a full pole star interview. This is the one you have all been waiting for so make sure you do not miss out on the up and coming April issue.

Also be sure to click here and check out Sally-Ann's up and coming master classes.

The Taylors Retreat Cup 2010 Pole Dancing Competition

Brett Golding — 2010-03-19T09:16:12-04:00

Saturday 10th July 2010
4 Master Classes over 2 Days
Pole Fun Fair Day

At the beautiful Taylors Farm Retreat
Rusper Road
Capel
Surrey
RH5 5HF

Spectators win a prize for who can hold a Pole move the longest.
Lot of sponsors tents to buy all your Pole goodies
Raffle prizes
Food & Drinks
Plus
4 Master classes held with some of the best pole dancers from around the world
Alesia Vazmitsel
Sally-Ann Giles
Hanka Venselaar
All master classes include a finger buffet

Overnight camping accommodation available
Caravans £10 per night
Tents £5 per night
Showers on site plus English breakfast

All master class booking or overnight accommodation please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tickets are £10 each and can be purchased through the ticket section of our site.

Cheques can be made payable to Pole2Pole Magazine (add £1.00 for postage)

Send to:
Pole2Pole Magazine
PO Box 5874
Westcliff-on-Sea
SS1 9GY
United Kingdom

Advance booking is strongly advised

USPDF East and West Coast Regional Competition 2009

Brett Golding — 2010-03-08T11:05:32-05:00

The fall of 2009 was a busy season for pole dance competitions all over the world including the two USPDF competitions in the US: East and West Coast Regional Competitions 2009.

The two competitions, held two weeks apart in Charlottesville, VA and North Hollywood, CA, were highly anticipated events as they served as preliminary competitions for the annual USPDF national championship in March 2010.

The USPDF also had the honor to work with two representatives for each of the regional competitions. East Coast rep Samantha Jones from the studio “E-Fit Dance” in Charlottesville, VA and West Coast rep Michula Nunez from “Antix Fitness” studio in Redlands, CA. The reps did an incredible job finding venues and organizing local studios, media and businesses both for the event and the after party.

Twenty-four competitors, twelve for each regional competition, performed two routines in front of hundreds of viewers. All competitors were picked from a pool of closer to one hundred applicants. Some of them were first-time competitors such as Natasha Wang and Eksupar Tongsri, while some were pole veterans like Caterina Gennaro, Jessalynn Medairy, Lauren Goldstein and Gabrielle Valliere who participated the USPDF national competition in March 2009.

Experienced or not, the energy and excitement had all the competitors keyed up, going over music and moves as they spread out in dressing rooms, hallways and on stage. Some lied down on floor shutting out their surroundings with their headphones. Occasionally you would see an arm or a leg fly up in the air marking cues in the music. Others took the practice to the poles set up on stage and in the dressing room, whereas some simply engaged in casual conversations with fellow competitors trying to keep their nerves in check.

Aside from regional pole fans, friends and family, the competitions also attracted some new and curious faces pleasantly surprised by the acrobatic and artistic skills on display. There were many innovative moves and combinations that were impressive, as well as some signature moves from each competition. The East Coast’s inner thigh hold layout to the twisted grip handstand was popula, as well as drop moves such as into splits. The West Coast contingent leaned towards variations of the trap invert holds, and “peeling off” the ground up into the twisted grip handstand. The viewers were treated to the full spectrum of pole dancing from the powerful, experimental East Coast to the sleek and mesmerizing West coast.

But the competitions’ big moments belonged to winners Karol Helms (East Coast) and Amber Richard (West Coast) who performed with extraordinary grace, that made their unique pole dancing style and technique look effortless. Karol’s dynamic transitions and floor moves tied in perfectly with Seether’s slow rock song. She showed off her fierce combinations of poses moving down and around the pole, including her famous signature “superman drop.” And on the West coast, Amber pulled an energetic routine together, taking full advantage of her background as a professional dancer. In between handstands, inverts, and playful spins, Amber seamlessly incorporated hints of Fosse, lyrical jazz and modern dance into the Jack White and Alicia Keyes’ James Bond theme.

The regional winners, Karol Helms and Amber Richard, automatically got themselves a spot in USPDF’s annual “US Pole Dance Championship 2010” on March 19, 2010 in New York City. They will both be competing with an additional ten girls, all in the USPDF Pro Status category, to claim the title of “US Pole Dance Champion 2010” which is presently held by Jenyne Butterfly.

2009 was an amazing year for the USPDF, who was fortunate to work with highly talented and professional dancers. All competitors greatly contributed making pole dancing a competitive sport, and a masterful art form. The USPDF is looking forward to more inspiring competitions in 2010.

Note: For more information on USPDF and the USPDF championships, please visit www.USPDF.com

Photo by Al Satterwhite (courtesy of the USPDF)
Written by Anna Grundstrom

Poleathon pole dance 2009 for Children in Need

Brett Golding — 2010-02-12T10:10:03-05:00

That’s said “Do something different for Children in Need” and straight away the idea of a fundraising Pole-a-Thon came to mind. I put the word out to see what people thought and it send out quite a BUZZ! So I found a venue, a local pub and decided to go for it. I managed to rally round and get some great raffle prizes including 1-2-1 Pole lesson with JoJo’s Pole Fitness and a photo shoot with Jason Parlour photography and with getting the “Pollers” to make a donation to join in the Pole relay I knew we’d be in with a chance of raising some good money. The evening was a fantastic event and with a core group of hard core dancers and some “featured” performances we kept the relay going for four and a half hours. Girls took part from beginners through to instructors. The pub was packed and everyone had a great time, so far we have raised almost £300.00 for Children in Need and have encouraged some more girls to have a try at pole. I’d like to thank everyone who came, took part and supported us. Jessica H Griffiss.

A BIG thank you to Claire, Karla Rachel, Karla Zoe, Trixie.

By Jessica Hofgartner-Griffiss

Pole Dancing in Asian culture - May the force be with you

Brett Golding — 2010-01-13T13:57:46-05:00

Asian culture has long practiced a master-apprentice system of learning and this discipline trend continues into pole dancing, with Asia producing some of the world’s most innovative generation of master instructors, and in reflection of their drive, outstanding academies.

Popularity of Pole Dancing as art and fitness is increasing significantly in Asia, and so is the market competition with unknown new instructors appearing at a sometimes-questionable rate. It is now even more necessary to highlight key pole masters from across Asia with relevant dance and fitness training whose own academies offer safe and effective programs.

Find your way to the light side with Viva Vee’s “Essential Asian Guide of Pole Dancing Masters”, sharing the honourable Asian spirit in pole dancing to those unfamiliar with Asia, and empowering those who live in Asia with ideal pole dancing choices.

Japan

Miss Pole Dance World Champion 2005 REIKO presents:

LUXURICA

She has been pole dancing for 10 years, and she also has 12 years of experience in jazz and hip-hop at Broadway Dance Center in NYC and Tokyo. She won the championship at Miss Pole Dance World 2005 in Amsterdam. She opened her own studio, LUXURICA, in Tokyo, 2007 April.

Her influence is enormous not only in Japanese pole dance industry but also in all kinds of entertainment scene. She performs/choreographs for a lot of music festival like SUMMER SONIC and a bunch of business parties, motor shows, PVs, TV dramas. Sometimes she performs with/behind Japanese famous musicians, like KREVA, Ami Suzuki, MISIA. She has appeared in more than 40 magazines and about 15 major TV programs in Japan. In 2009, her interview was featured in SOURCE magazine. She sometimes does modeling for fashion brands (Sword Fish, S.I.V. etc).

You can see Reiko’s show every weekend in ageHa, Tokyo. Reiko leads a pole dance team called PINK FORCE which consist of two men and two female including REIKO
Now she is a well-known artist in Japan. Her activity helps Japanese public to recognize Pole dancing an art form and healthy exercise. She established her own company REIKO INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD in 2007 and this company is to supply good lessons, workshops, shows, and opportunities of pole dancing to everybody.

She often says, “I would like to entertain both men and women, old and young, I mean, everybody!”

REIKO signature move: Reiko Splits

SINGAPORE

SUZIE “MING” WONG presents

ACRO POLATES

Having practiced pole fitness for several years now and performing extensively for the last 3, Ming discovers just how effective it is for ladies to lose weight, get toned and trimmed with pole fitness. Not one who enjoys going to the gym or sweating it out on a track, Ming picked up pole dancing because she wanted to have some fun incorporating dance to a fitness regime. Then she began to realize that it is much more to just dancing as pole fitness worked her abs, thighs, biceps, triceps, practically every muscle as pole fitness uses one’s own body as weights. Hence, she has crafted a syllabus, following that of UK syllabus that will help every woman have a good work out and at the same time be in touch with her sensuality
Her pole fitness studio is named Acro Polates, with its website www.polefessional.com.sg. Barely 10 months starting its first class, they now boast about 100 members who take classes ranging from beginners (basic pole-gram), intermediate (pole-gress), advance (pole-tential) and pole-fessional levels.

“3 and half years later into practising and performing pole art (my performance website is www.suziewong.com.sg), I can now achieve all the advance and extreme moves including knee hold, aysha, superman, pencil, super invert, death lay, yogini, handspring, twisted grip handspring, a catalogue of my moves can be seen here http://www.polefessional.com.sg/gallery.php”

MING signature move: One armed flag

CHINA, HONG KONG, MALAYSIA

IPDFA Pole Dance Instructor of the Year nominee VIVA VEE presenting:

VIVA VERTICAL

Vee is a founder member of Asia’s only Aerial Arts Community: Aerial Arts Association, consultant to Asia’s first AASFP accredited Pole Fitness Certification academy: Viva Vertical, representative of the VivaPole –industry latest portable spinning dance pole designed to professional requirements.

At only 26 she is an AASFP accredited Master Trainer and performer with a staggering 8years of fitness and dance experience from London United Kingdom.

Training: Asian Association for Sport Fitness Professionals, Pole Fitness Master Trainer; Aerial Arts Association, Aerial Silk and Pole Master Trainer; Viva Vertical, Pole and Exotic Fitness Master Trainer; London Westminster University, BA HONS Contemporary Media Practice; Active IQ UK, Group Exercise to Music; Vertical Dance UK, Pole Dancing; New York Circus Arts; Pole Dancing School UK.

Since 2006 Vee has successfully established over a dozen Viva Vertical licensed programs and studios in Malaysia, Hong Kong and China. Vee is available for performances and training of Aerial Silks, Chinese Pole, Pole Dancing, PoleJam X-Groove and Aerobics. For more information on Vee, visit: http://vivavertical.blogspot.com

”Viva Vertical strive to build an academy which all our students and instructors are nurtured with the latest international quality of teachings, that are safe, effective and recognized by pole dancers, dance sport fitness academies and associations around the globe.

Viva Vertical is the first and only Pole Dancing academy with Pole Fitness Instructor Certifications accredited by the Asian Association of Sport Fitness Professionals, internationally recognized by the sport and fitness industry in Asia. For more information on Viva Vertical, please visit www.vivavertical.com or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ”

Vee signature move: Viva Slide

Review of the British Isles Pole Dance Competition 2009

Brett Golding — 2010-01-07T13:33:28-05:00

The British Isles Pole Dance Competition 2009 was a great night for all, no doubt it was a night to remember. The audience were amazed by the contestants’ fresh ideas and modern routines. It was evident how hard the competitors for The British Isles Pole Dance Competition trained to reach high expectations. The staff worked well together, each playing a role which certainly allowed the night to run smoothly and without complications. The BBC were greatly involved with The British Isles Pole Dance Competition. They attended to see and film the proceedings as well as interviewing the dancers and people involved.

I am Lauri Smith, I work for Pole2Pole Magazine. My job in the competition was to host for the VIPs, making sure that they were well looked after and having an excellent evening. Being the competition host meant that I must welcome the VIPs at the entrance of Civic Hall and lead them to their tables, which was next to the stage. On the night I made sure that they were settled in and feeling satisfied. In the intervals, I had a chance to speak with some of the VIPs about their views on the performances and their over-look of pole dancing in general. I had the privilege to meet the judges and people deeply involved with the pole dance industry. They were inspirational people and were all very lovely. I was enthusiastic to listen to their comments and feelings about the art of pole dancing and their praises based upon the contestants.

Just before the competition began, the audience arriving looked very excited and anxious to take up their seats, ready for what talent awaits them. The audience were very optimistic and supportive towards the competitors and patient in between the acts. The intervals allowed people to have something to eat and drink at the bar. I was able to speak with some members of the audience and blend in with the superb atmosphere. From watching some of the acts, I could see that some of the amateurs contestants were nearly as good at the professionals. The moves seen on the Poles shocked the audience, causing them to gasp. They were impressed with the risky moves the girls performed in order to be winner of their category. The audience encouraged as they applauded the more difficult moves. Near the end of the competition, winners for the raffle were announced. The raffle offered great prizes, with first prize being a one week stay in a luxury apartment in Turkey. A donation will be made from the raffle proceeds to the British Heart Foundation and the Essex Horse and Pony Society.

I would like to give a big thanks to John Meredith, who owned and organised the competition. Without him none of this would be possible. I would also like to thank Annette Savill and Hannah Savill, who were the competition’s manager and co-ordinator. They too had worked very hard to ensure that The British Isles Pole Dance Competition 2009 was a success. Also well done to all other members of staff for their efforts, all of them were very friendly and polite.

I was amazed to learn that judges Jeannine Wilkerling (Miss Pole Dance Germany 2007/2008), Ms Tanja Suni (from Aerial Dancing Finland) and Michaela Roberts (from Britain’s Got Talent) had all met for the first time to be a part of The British Isles Pole Dance Competition 2009. These three intelligent and beautiful women from different parts of the world had travelled far to work together for this memorable night. They told me that they agreed with each other very well over the contestants and only disputed over smaller factors such as costume, which is understandable. The judges were very enthusiastic towards the performances and I was very pleased to listen to these inspirational ladies. I was very proud that The British Isles Pole Dance Competition brought people from all over with diverse backgrounds together to enjoy this eventful night. I am very proud to have played a part in The British Isles Pole Dance Competition 2009 and to represent Pole2Pole Magazine.

Look out for the British Isles Pole Dance Competition 2009 on DVD coming soon to Pole2Pole Magazine.

American Pole Dancer Mina Mortezaie

Brett Golding — 2009-12-28T07:17:56-05:00

Mina Mortezaie from LA is the latest Pole Star to feature in Pole2Pole Magazine. This month Pole2Pole interviews Mina to find out how she became involved in pole dance, what she loves about it and where she thinks it will take her in the future. Here are just a few of Minas photos:

Photography by George Grigorian

To read the full and exclusive interview with Mina check out December 2009 issue of Pole2Pole Magazine.