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Thursday, August 30, 2012

Want to watch the Pole Expo competition and showcase but can't afford to come to Las Vegas??

YOU ARE IN LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!

For a mere FIVE DOLLARS, you can join in to watch the Pole Expo competition and showcase, AND listen to commentary from polefessionals, Annemarie Davies and Emily Wu. 

You don't even want to know what this trip is costing me after airfare and hotel!  

Click the link below and sign up for the early bird price today!!

http://www.unitedpoleartists.com/events/pole-convention-live-stream-schedule/

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Pole Art 2012...and the winner is...

Pole Art 2012 was held last weekend in Sweden.  I was unable to attend but have been excitedly watching videos as they are posted to YouTube.  I wanted to at least post the winners here on my blog.

Pole Art 2012 Female Champion:  Oona Kivela



Runner up:  Natasha Wang



Third place:  Lolo Hilsum



Fourth place: Phoenix Kazree



Fifth place:  Rafaela Montanaro



Pole Art 2012 Male Champion:  Saulo Sarmiento



Runner up (tie):  Steven Retchless



Runner up (tie):  Evgeny Greshilov



Third place:  Patryk Rybarski



Here is Jenyne Butterfly's guest performance:



Showcase performances

Michelle Stanek:



Ekaterina Romanova:



Dance Theater "Trash:"



Intellego Pole Company:



Additional competitors:











August posts for The Pole Dancing Shop

Pole Expo Las Vegas 2012

September 6-9, 2012, The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada will be taken over by pole dancers from all over the world for Pole Expo!

Pole Expo was organized by Fawnia Dietrich, founder of Pole Fitness Studio in Las Vegas.  As you may remember from our post, A Brief History of Pole Dance, Fawnia opened the first exotic dance school in Canada in 1994.  She is considered one of the pioneers of bringing pole to the mainstream.

Click HERE to finish the article...

Pole Dancing Competitions

There is no question that the pole dancing industry is exploding. Studios are popping up all over the world and competitions are following suit. Many of us have heard which competitions are amazing and which are having issues. Check out THIS StudioVeena.com thread, where people discuss which competitions are getting it right.

Click HERE to finish the article...

Monday, August 20, 2012

Want to vote for APFC's Video of the Year Award?

I will have an upcoming blog about the American Pole Fitness Championships, which will take place in New York in a couple of months.  In the meantime, I didn't want you to miss the chance to vote on the Video of the Year. 

The elite finalists are listed here (and all videos are at the bottom of the page):

http://www.americanpolefitness.com/championship/elitefinalist2012/

And you can find instructions on voting for your favorite video here:

https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPoleFitness

I would link the videos but only four of the five finalists have been officially announced and I don't think it would be fair to embed four finalist videos.  But keep an eye on APFA's Facebook page and congratulations to the four announced finalists: Ravan, Dakota Fox, Suwasit, and Anne Tobiasz.  Can't wait to see who the last finalist will be!

Good luck!!

Friday, August 17, 2012

Dance 4 Ice - Save The Arctic!

Sure, you love pole dancing but have you ever wondered if you could combine your love of pole with a great charity?  Pole Spin Magazine has Pole For A Cause.  We at Twirly Girls started Twirl For A Cause.  There is also a Pole For A Purpose.  There are so many ways to get involved in your community to raise money for a great cause.  

Recently, I covered the upcoming showcase and competition in Sweden, PoleArt 2012.  You can check out those posts here:


Recently, I saw a post from PoleArt creator, Nelle Swan.  In addition to putting on this amazing show, they are adding a great charity to it.  Here is her post from Facebook:
Friends! Colleagues! Here it is - we can explain why we've been unreachable and living under a rock the past couple of months.
Myself, Serena Mon De Vienne and many other volunteers have been involved in developing a campaign that enables dancers to contribute to a more sustainable environment. A campaign that is also a part of POLE ART 2012!

There's a part of the world that is being horribly exploited by large corporation yet this environmental degradation is kept under wraps. Now YOU (dancer of otherwise) can make a change. 
Lets go together, create a buzz and build awareness of what's going on!
This isn't about clicking on a button - it'll take more effort and muscle power than that. But if you really want to MAKE a difference, here's a chance: http://dance4ice.org/
Watch this video:
The Arctic move is borrowed from pole dancing and can be virtually done by anyone. Our choreographer Serena Mon De Vienne, founder of Intellego Pole company, has selected a simple Arctic move for you to try out anywhere and anytime. In our video we show you just how easy it is, and give examples of jumping on a streetlamp or traffic sign and do the move. Here are some simple steps to get engaged.

1) Watch the tutorial video
2) Make your interpretation of the move.
3) Capture it on video, upload it on YouTube or Vimeo and share here. Your smart phone video camera quality will do. If you get more than 500 signatures for Saving the Arctic on your video page, you will be rewarded! Read full instructions
So, what are you waiting for?!  Check out the website for FULL instructions, then get out there and try the move!  

Monday, August 13, 2012

Poletential's Third Air Show!

Poletential has DONE IT AGAIN!  Their third Air Show was another huge success.  (Check out my post about the second Air Show HERE.) 

This time, the show was on a Friday night, and the ENTIRE REST OF THE WEEKEND was filled with poletastic workshops and events.

The show was headlined by David C. Owen, Nadia Sharif, Flying Laura, Amber Richard, Aerial Amy and the Paper Doll Militia.  Also, many of the amazing students and instructors from Poletential performed.  I think one of my favorite things about a Poletential show is the caliber of performer that they create.  All of the students do such a great job of getting into character.

Anyway, I could talk all day about how amazeballs the performers were.  Nadia Sharif spinning and climbing through an aerial cube.  David C. Owen bending in the craziest ways.  Flying Laura killing it, even though she's still nursing a broken finger.  Aerial Amy making it look easy with her sexy floor work and flawless spins.  Amber Richard busting out an awesome reprise of her Girls Next Door 80's performance.  And local performers, the Paper Doll Militia doing a jaw-dropping silks routine on CHAINS.  But you don't want to read my review.  You want to watch it yourself!  Check out the YouTube play list:



The rest of the weekend was really great too.  Due to some other issues, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to participate in any other events.  On Saturday, Twirly Girls had their 2013 calendar shoot.  It was a long (but fun) day.  But, after the shoot, Rita and I headed back over the bridge to meet Annemarie Davies and Alex Davies (from United Pole Artists), as well as Nadia Sharif (a freaking pole ninja).  And things just got crazier from there.  We joined the Poletential crowd at a local pub where we mingled with the rest of the pros and students from the studio.  There are not many words to explain what happened next.  Mostly just: Best.  Night.  Ever.  hahaha!  Pictures are below.

As we dropped Annemarie, Alex and Nadia off at the hotel, Nadia encouraged Rita and I to come to her workshop the next morning.  At first, I declined, mostly because I had been running around all weekend and needed to do some things at home.  Then I decided, why not...you really shouldn't pass up opportunities when they are smacking you in the face.  So, on Sunday, we attended Nadia and Mina's doubles workshop.  Then I stayed for Aerial Amy's fluidity and floorwork workshop.

The doubles workshop was so fun.  Nadia and Mina are such a great team.  They seem to know what the other is thinking at all times.  We did some partner stretches, then worked on a few pole moves.  The entire workshop lasted over two hours.  Rita and I were not advanced enough to do some of the moves, and since I am a sweaty beast, its really hard for me to partner up with people anyway.  But I felt like we learned a lot.  I did successfully complete an acro shoulder stand off of David C. Owen's thighs!  I so wish I had a photo of that.  Sorry about the whole vagina in your face, David!

Amy's floorwork workshop was amazing in a different way.  We spent an entire 90 minutes on the floor.  Crawling and writhing.  Tossing our hair.  Moving our bodies in very sexy ways.  I don't know how to really describe it.  Sexy is not really something I pull off very well and this definitely took me out of my comfort zone ... in a good way.  I tried very hard to not watch myself in the mirror, as I get VERY self-conscious.  But Amber Richard paid me a very sweet compliment and said I looked just fine.  Sexy is not a size.  Confidence is sexy.  I keep forgetting that.

As I sit here on a Monday morning, tired and sore, I am so glad that I didn't turn down any opportunities.  I had such a great time all weekend and I want to say that I really adore my new little friend, Nadia (she really is tiny, her head only comes up to my boobs!).  My boobies can be her pillows any day!








Thursday, August 9, 2012

PoleArt 2012 is this month!

Earlier this year, I talked to the creators of PoleArt, a pole competition and showcase that switches between Sweden and Finland.  This year, the 4th annual event is in Sweden.  I wanted to publish the list of competitors!

Female Competitive Category

    Anastasia Skukhtorova, Russia
    Laurence Hilsum, France
    Maria Luz Escalante, Argentina
    Natalia Egorova, Russia
    Natasha Wang, USA
    Oona Kivelä, Finland
    Phoenix Kazree, USA
    Polina Volchek, USA
    Rafaela Montanaro, Brazil
    Tracey Simmonds, South Africa

Male Competitive Category

    Evgeny Greshilov, Russia
    Patryk Rybarski, Poland
    Saulo Sarmiento, France
    Steven Retchless, USA
    Wilson Alexander Meija, Colombia

Showcase

    Ekaterina Romanova, Russia
    Intellego Pole Company, Sweden
    Michelle Stanek, USA
    Pole Dance Theatre "TRASH"

Guest Performance

    Jenyne Butterfly, USA

What an AMAZING show this is going to be!  I really wish I had the funds and time off to attend.  How about any of you...are you going?? 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Men on the Pole: Meet NAGA!

While at Pole Convention this summer, I was watching the tricks and spins battle and I saw a guy fully dressed in a suit pull off some crazy moves.  WHO is this guy?!  HOW is he doing that?!  It's no secret that men often have more upper body strength than women, so I've watched some guys muscle into moves that they maybe should not be doing.  But this guy...  He was so fun to watch.  I have some video of him, which I will post at the end of this interview.  In the meantime, meet Naga:

Men on the Pole have become a hot topic lately, and congratulations on being included in the most recent Pole Spin Magazine!  How long have you been pole dancing?

Since March 2011.

What first drew you to try it?

When I saw the “handspring” performed by dancer at restaurant in Tokyo.

Where do you take classes, or do you have your own studio?

Japan Pole Dance in Tokyo.

How do you describe your pole style?  Do you just like to trick or do you dance as well?

Just tricks.  I can not dance but now learning a bit…

What else do you do to keep your body in shape to pole?

Jogging, Gym, stretching at home.

Pole King Japan - Best Entertainer
I saw you do some tricks at PoleCon in a full suit.  How do you do that??

Many friends asked me same, then replied to them: “THE FORCE”  May the force be with you.  Just kidding!   I made antislip coating on the surface of pants.

How do you feel like pole has improved or changed your life?

I made many friends, who never have a chance to meet while working/private.  Young ladies, of course, and gay people, and also performers such as Natasha Wang, Christal Lai, Michelle Stanek are very friendly.  I've been to Gym near by my house for 9 years, I don’t have any friends, don’t know even instructors’ name.  Just go and do exercise only.  In fact, I don’t want to talk much during machine training.  But pole fitness is different, I can easily ask others why/how do the tricks or am asked by other student.  There is not generation gap between me and them as far as pole issue.

Iron X in Bali
Is there anything else you'd like us to know about your pole adventures?

Well, I did street poling and now planning to do street poling (Iron-X) at one of highest tower (currently under renovation).













*****





Naga was also featured in Pole Spin Magazine recently.  Check out the issue HERE.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Pole Move: The Kennedy

You know one of my favorite pole dancers of all time is Pantera.  She is a good friend of Bel and Twirly Girls and she's always very patient with me when I'm begging for her to answer my questions or give me an interview. 

One of Pantera's signature moves is walking on the ceiling, which is generally preceded by the "Death Lay."  That is, she gets on the freaking ceiling and just lays on it like she was born to be there.  The DEATH LAY.  I never had a name for it until Amber Kittle (California Pole Dance Champion for 2009) mentioned it.  She is also known for this super dangerous but amazing move.  Check out Amber starting her Pole Show LA 2012 routine in a death lay:



Anyway, I've been harassing Pantera about various topics and I bring up this move.  She says, "oh, I call that move, 'The Kennedy!'"  So then I want to know all about The Kennedy and why she calls it that.  She says, "because I knew a stripper in San Diego who did that move."  It's that simple.  What a move.  Watch this video.  You'll see Pantera pulling off The Kennedy around 5:48, then stick around to watch her walk on the ceiling:



So, I just want to give a shout out to Pantera for keeping it real and to Kennedy for being an original bad ass!!  How many people do you think can actually pull off this move??

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Insurance For Your Pole Dance Studio

So you have decided to open your own pole studio.  You've chosen the location and picked your poles.  You have the most amazing flooring and mirrors on the wall.  The sound and lighting are perfect.  You're about to open your doors and you are just waiting for the stream of brand new pole dancers to come through.  

Oh wait, first you need insurance. 

Many people don't know this but this Twirly Girl's day job is working as a litigation secretary/paralegal.  I have spent the past nine years working for an attorney who specifically does insurance coverage.  That is, we represent insurance companies and he gives advice -- usually about which loopholes the insurance companies can use to deny coverage. 

Many pole studio owners and/or instructors have mistakenly picked up the wrong insurance.  If you have insurance for general fitness, yoga, pilates, etc., you are most likely NOT going to be covered by your policy if a student in six inch stilettos inverts and falls on her head.  

Pole Skivvies wrote a post about Mary Ellyn Weissman's quest to find the RIGHT policy for pole dance studios.  You can read that post HERE.  The company that she is backing has a website called Insurance For Pole Dancers

Through an internet search, I have also found another company that offers pole studio insurance specifically.  You can visit their website HERE

Regardless of which company you decide to use, please make sure they understand that you have pole dancers in your studio.  Maybe you need to use words like "circus training" and "gymnastics" (aerial silks are considered a circus act and are VERY expensive to insure).  If you have instructors other than yourself, you will need to insure them separately.  Some policies will not cover students wearing heels.  Some won't cover students who invert.  Most won't cover anyone that allows alcohol anywhere near their studio.  So please find an insurance broker you can trust, let them know all about your studio and make sure you protect yourself and your students with the right insurance!