Fonji is the new Spatchcock

Today I wrote about California Pole Dance Championship's fifth annual competition, which was held a little over a week ago.  I realized as I was watching that I was witnessing the bar being raised to a ridiculous level in competitive pole dancing. 

I attended CPDC in 2011.  It was the first major live pole performance I had ever attended.  I was still fairly new to pole dance and was star-struck at every turn.  I had seen routines on YouTube and had pretty much pegged the Spatchcock as THE finishing move.  If you had the flexibility, the Spatchcock would show up at some point in your routine, generally at the end.  I feel like there are few graceful ways to get out of that move anyway so "the end" works.  Another "must-have" was the Jade Split.  I believe named for Jamilla Deville, this is the beautiful split while you're upside down on the pole, which shows you have no nerve endings left in your hip and tons of flexibility.   

This is about as advanced as I get

Enter the Fonji.  I first saw Natasha Wang do the Fonji through a Facebook video about two years ago (although a YouTube video shows her learning it from Timber and Steve about a year prior to that).  If you don't know what the Fonji is, HERE is a video of Natasha doing the Fonji to reverse Fonji combo.  Primarily a circus or Chinese pole move, advanced moves like the Fonji are quickly spreading into competitive pole routines.  You can see Skittles' tutorial on the Fonji HERE.  Although she believes the move is not as difficult or dangerous as it looks, I still consider it an advanced move. 

So imagine my surprise at the competition last week to find FOUR of the eleven competitors in CPDC's Neo category attempted the Fonji!  These are the amateur competitors!  Sure, they have to dance very well to get to this level of competition, but they are still not at Pro level.  And many did not finish the move cleanly, which means they are in danger of injuring themselves.  What is going on here?  

Where is competitive pole going?  So many competitors aren't just pole dancing.  They are taking contortion and acrobatic classes.  They are adding in Chinese pole and circus tricks.  Why bother with a simple (but beautiful) Allegra when you can do a drop from 20 feet up? 

Although I was impressed with the athleticism of all of the competitors, I was extremely happy that the winning routines were well-rounded with tricks AND spins.  And also happy that many had an interesting story to tell, rather than "just" being a dance.  I know I'm not one to judge since I can't do ANY of those high-level moves.  I just hope that competitors are not risking their safety and the integrity of their routines for the cheap thrill of a trick that has not yet been perfected.  

I am curious to hear what everyone else thinks about this subject.  Where do you think competitive pole dancing is headed?  Are there tricks that used to be common place that you aren't seeing anymore?  Which tricks do you think need to go and which do you wish would come back? 

March Blog Hop: These are a few of my favorite [pole] things...

For this month's blog hop, we decided to talk about our favorite pole products and companies.  Now, don't forget, after you read MY blog, you can click that link above (or HERE) and read up on other polers' favorite pole items.  You can read Sheena's explanation blog HERE.  Since she is our pole blogger mama, and sets up these blog hops for us, I like to give her extra love. 

Let's start with grip aids.  As I am pushing myself into doing more advanced moves, I find I am literally having to glue myself to the pole with various products.  First, it was Mighty Grip.  Then iTac.  Now, I'm just using straight up rosin, normally used for aerial silks.  The best part of Firm Grip?  Even after showering, if I don't SCRUB, I can wake up the next morning with my legs glued shut.  It's that strong.  lol.  [Yesterday, when I originally posted, I cited to Tuf-Skin, another Cramer product, but we use Firm Grip in our studio.  I ordered Tuf-Skin yesterday for myself...the freaking cans are almost identical....whoops!!  So we'll see if it works anything like Firm Grip!]  I have gone back and forth about grip aids.  I shouldn't use them because then I'm not getting stronger.  I should use them because then I will get stronger.  I have swung back in the "I should use them" direction, because I am not otherwise going to get into some of these moves without help.  I am hauling 250 pounds of Viking Goddess ass up and down these poles.  I need a little assist now and then.  I am already feeling a lot more confident in my climb and I have only been taking my new class for a little over a month.  I am also working on sits and layouts, including plank/lying lady.  Eventually, those will work into real cross-ankle or knee releases. 

Next up, this is a new addition to my repertoire, after my amazing teacher, Seán Michael, introduced the concept:  WOODY BANDS.  I have been using the #5 black band to help me with inverts and cross-ankle release (back to sit-up to the pole).  I love them.  I am going to buy some varying weight resistences so that I can practice more with placement and getting my ass up over my head.  I still need some help pushing my legs up once I pull into a ball.  My warnings would be this (at the insistence of Mama Bel):  use two woody bands (adjust weight resistence accordingly) AND a spotter.  If a band breaks, it could be VERY dangerous, as you might not be holding on securely enough to hold your own weight. 

I have recently started using Powerflex tape by Andover.  With my bone spur, I have to tape my foot, but the tape slips off the pole.  Powerflex tape sticks only to itself but provides a little more stick and a lot less slip when I'm climbing or doing things that require my foot to be on the pole.  Maybe it will even help with padding for that Remi sit I'm trying to get right now.  Ouchie. 

As I wrote before, I really love my high-waisted derby shorts that I bought from Derby Skinz.  Although not a traditional pole clothing shop, they have cool shorts.  You can read my previous review HERE. 

I have to give a shout-out to a few of my favorite pole places, too.

Twirly Girls Pole Fitness in Pleasanton, California.  This is my home studio, where I learn and teach.  I adore Bel and everyone at the studio.

ThePoleDancingShop.com.  I do the majority of my blogging for this company. 

United Pole Artists.  Annemarie has included me on some fun adventures and I appreciate her for that!

Nadia Sharif and Natasha Wang, a couple of amazeballs pole dancers, who are so, so, so overly sweet to me. 

I'm sure I could go on and on for pages about everything and everyone I LOVE in the pole industry.  So for now, here's my list.  Let me know what awesome products YOU might be using to help you be a better poler!

Poletry in Motion: Showcase at Studio Botan

I have, of course, known about Studio Botan in San Francisco since it basically opened.  I first tweeted Sahaya, their creative director, way back in 2010 when I went to California Pole Dance Championship.  I also watched her perform at PPC last year in Los Angeles.  And, now that I'm working in San Francisco, it turns out the studio is just blocks from my office.  I have been meaning to come out to the city to see the studio, but the timing just never worked out.  However, last weekend, they had their spring showcase, including a guest performance by one of my favorite people, Natasha Wang, so I decided it was time to venture over and check it out!

What a beautiful studio.  The studio is spacious and inlcudes (I believe) six tall poles.  There is a huge window on one side (which was open for the showcase, but they normally cover during classes, for those who are shy).  Everyone was really sweet and their performances were amazing.  You can really tell a lot of work goes into the choreography of the routines.  With many performances competiting in the second annual Pacific Pole Championship (PPC) this weekend, we agreed not to publish many videos.  I did take some and may publish mine after the competition.  But Studio Botan took video of Natasha, and I thought I could at least share that.  I also got to meet Crystal Gibson in person for the first time. 

I have a co-worker who lives in the City, and she says she wants to try pole dancing, so I told her when she's ready, I will take her to Botan, since we can walk there after work. 

Check out some of the photos from the night, as well as their video of Natasha's performance.  Natasha was performing on an injured knee.  What a pro and a beautiful lady!! 

http://youtu.be/UqCOZen8mfM

Vanny, pointing out Nadia's boobs in honor of her birthday

Sayaha

Crystal Gibson...amazeballs performance...so, so intense!

Supporting my injured pole sister, Natasha Wang

My lovely pole instructor, Sean Michael!

PoleCon 2012

If you love pole dance/pole fitness, then you at least considered attending Pole Convention 2012.  In it's third year, PoleCon has grown from 500 attendees in DC in 2010 to 800 attendees in Miami in 2011 to over 1,000 attendees in Los Angeles in 2012.  The pole community is growing so quickly.

Rita and I arrived on Thursday, June 21, 2012 in time to attend the Pole Masters Cup.  Bel had arrived the day before as she was participating in X-Pert certification.  We had many Twirly Girls in the house: Yolanda, Diana, Kim, Grace, Shelly, among others.

Friday morning was quiet so we sat by the pool and hung out.  I had every intention of trying to get into Felix Cane's free workshop that afternoon but got distracted and didn't get in line in time.  That evening, we went to Polesque and AERA.  Unfortunately, I missed the cocktail party that welcomed everyone to the convention.

I did get to meet a lot of really awesome Facebook pole celebrities.  Jennifer from PoleSkivvies.  Lulu from America's Got Talent.  Roz The Diva.  John Janda and Stephanie Skyy.  Annette Artman.  Sam Green, pole photographer.  Leen Isabel!  The list goes on...  I mean, I got to drive STEVEN RETCHLESS in my truck.  We ate French fries together!  I got to meet my pole sister from Australia, Kym (who is on an adventure around the world practically)! 

I very excitedly found my published articles in both Issue 5 of Vertical Art and Fitness Magazine (the black cover with Steven Retchless) and Pole Dance International Magazine (blogs with photos coming up soon).  

I had many intentions for the weekend.  I wanted to attend seminars and workshops.  I wanted to shop the vendors and meet people.  But what I ended up doing instead was watching.  I watched every single performance over the weekend.  Including the non-PoleCon shows, I videoed about 100 performances.  Part of me wishes I would have walked around more and experienced the convention.  But a bigger part of me is happy I have been able to provide videos for those who couldn't attend. 

My true goal for the weekend was to have something epic happen.  When Nadia Shariff ran up to me and said, "Hey, I recognize those boobs," I felt like my weekend was complete.  

I was really excited to be interviewed by Suzy Q for her documentary, Pole Life, and by Pole World News.  

Below is a playlist for the Saturday morning solo performances, which included my new friends, Lulu and Roz.  Don't miss Clementine, the granny pole dancer:



Below is a playlist for the Saturday afternoon solo performances, which included our very own Shelly Lamb and good friends of Twirly Girls, Pantera and Natasha Wang:



Saturday night was the big Bad Kitty Fashion Show and Showcase of the Stars.  Not to be missed:  My new friend, Annemarie Davies as Napoleon Dynamite. 



I was sad that Felix Cane didn't perform, but figured that maybe she was under contract with cirque du soleil.  She appears in the Michael Jackson Immortal Tour.  I stopped into the after-party, but was tired and ended up sitting in the hot tub and going to bed instead.  

On Sunday, there was the Bad Kitty Spins and Tricks battle:



Sunday afternoon, the group performances lasted about three hours.  It was a long show, but I saw so many great performances.  I have so many ideas for new moves I want to try and only wish I had created an index of cool moves as we went along so I don't have to watch ten hours of video to remind myself.  Don't miss our Twirly Girls, Shelly Lamb and Grace Garcia!  Our sister studio from Nor. Cal., Poletential, also performed.  Check out Golden Eye for some hot mamas!  After watching Kelly Maglia's Vertical Theater demo, I am definitely trying to figure out how to make a second trip to LA in October so I don't miss it. 



My only complaint has to do with the venue.  We were at the Marriott LAX.  They over-sold the hotel and didn't seem to care (there are so many horror stories to even list them all here).  Their internet was also terrible.  For a place that advertises itself as a convention center, you would think they would have a stronger signal for all of those vendors trying to run credit card sales off of their phones.  Even though it's not PoleCon's fault that the hotel was terrible, I guess I would hope that they wouldn't use them again as I watched the hotel be completely rude and unhelpful to their attendees (although for every employee that irritated me, there was one that was awesome.  I guess 50-50 isn't half bad.  No pun intended.)  ;-)  I imagine that next year's event will be in another part of the country, so the chances of returning to LA (or this venue) are slim to none.  Many of us have been debating where the next convention will be.  Although our crowd selfishly hopes it will be in San Francisco, I imagine it makes sense to move it to the middle of the country somewhere, although maybe not Chicago since the Midwest Pole Competition is in that area.  I'm sure they already know where it will be.  Jessalyn says that it takes 13 months to plan each convention.

So, while we are waiting to hear when and where PoleCon 2013 will take place, Bel has decided that I must do a Viking Warrior routine next year.  I am extremely nervous and need to start training a little harder to even pretend to be on par with the performers I saw last weekend.  But I also think it could be a lot of fun and I am game to try.  Maybe I should start trying to perform locally so I can lose that whole sweat-over-every-inch-of-my-body thing that happens now when I get nervous.  Doesn't really go well with pole dancing.

If you were at PoleCon, please tell me your high and low lights!  I'd love to hear about what you liked and what you'd change.

Pole Show LA Interviews and Performance Videos

In January, Lorita Productions attended Pole Show LA on behalf of The Pole Dancing Shop.  I wanted to post interview and performance videos in one place, so here we go!

http://www.thepoledancingshop.com/pole-show-la-2012/#.T005RHl9Yuc

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2012/02/lolorashel-pole-dance-italy-and-pole.html

The show started with “The Honey Fall Girls”, which was choreographed by Leigh Ann Reilly (owner of BeSpun) and included five BeSpun dancers: Andrewa Britz, Kate Chanthanakaew, Emma Danoff, Yvonne Huffman-Lutz and Cash Roses.  Their costumes, designed by Kelly Maglia, were adorable.  They also featured Glitter Heels, which are made by BeSpun instructor, Tiffany Hayden.

Ariel Jacobs:

The first headliner was Prana, who is from Paris, France.  She has been pole dancing since 2008 and teaches at Pole Dance Paris.  Her routine was very wild cat-like.  She is so strong and beautiful to watch.

Interview with Prana:

Alice Hodge:


Unfortunately, this video was blocked due to copyright issues with the song.

BeSpun’s manager, Amy Guion was next in a piece called “A Long time ago, in a desert far, far away.”  It started with contortionist Fiona Luna and Amy’s partner David Garcia.  The pole portion was set to the Christina Aguilera song, Genie in a Bottle.  It was a really cute routine and really showcased Amy’s flexibility.

Interview with Amy Guion:

Lena Lockerby:

Zoraya Judd was the second headliner.  If you have not seen Zoraya perform, you really need to watch her.  She is an outstanding performer.  From her hair and make-up to her routine.  She took it to the next level when her husband Nic joined her on stage to hand over a python snake.  She finished her routine on the pole with a snake wrapped around her neck.

D'Lorian "Bad Azz" Fox:

Interview with Bad Azz:

The next piece was called Gemini 3000 and included BeSpun dancers Sergia Louise Anderson, Tami Brandel, Jennifer Jim and Lacy McGarry.  One of the highlights was when all four performers were spinning on one pole.

Interview with Jennifer Kim:

Becca Armijo:

Flying Laura Martin absolutely rocked the show.  She pulled out an amazing and completely unexpected hip hop routine with backup dancers, Marta Karwowska and Isabella Konald.  Flying Laura is another performer that you must see in person if you can.  She is such a powerhouse.

Jess Leah:

Leigh Ann Reilly was next with “In the Night.”  It included BeSpun dancers Alex Catalano, Pamela Morency and Angela Relucio.   Leigh Ann started the performance on a motorcycle and later rocked a shoulder stand on it.

Interview with Leigh Ann Reilly:

Estee Zakar started her performance in a really cool cat mask.  She is so strong and her routine was really fun to watch.  She does some kind of Iron-X round about that is hard to explain but amazing to watch.

Amber Richard:

Interview with Amber Richard:

Steven Retchless was next.  His routine was ballet-based and so beautiful. Sadly, the sound was still out, although it gave us an opportunity to enjoy his movement.

Interview with Steven Retchless:

Kelly Maglia:

The next routine, “Ligature”, was based on Amy Guion’s third-place 2011 California Pole Dance Championship routine.  It involved four dancers: Paula Cavajal, Christine Fields, Tracey Mueller and Lisa Wilhoit.  It included dominatrix inspired costumes and red ropes, from which the dancers could hang from the poles.

Breezelle Fox:

Natasha Wang based the character in her routine on a spider that conquers the pole.  Natasha is definitely the sweetheart of pole dancing and we always love watching her performances.  With the sound still not working properly, it did allow the crowd to truly take in her movements.

Interview with Natasha Wang:

Margarita Evans:

[need video]

“Wonderland” was an Alice-in-Wonderland inspire routine danced by Audra Bennett, Lindsey Kimura, Sienna Spalding and Adrienne Strauss.  Sienna also wrote and performed the music for the piece and created the art in the background.  It was a really fun routine.  Happily, the  speakers started working again about half way through their performance.

Interview with Lindsey X-Pole:

Interview with Sienna Spalding:

Interview with Adrienne Strauss:

Jennifer Strand:

Amber Kittle amazed us all by starting her routine on the ceiling in a 20-foot death lay.  Her performance was so fast and athletic.  She had some designs on her body highlighted with a black light, but you didn’t notice them because she moved so quickly.  This girl requires a sturdy pole that connects to the ceiling to do her impressive walk on the ceiling.  No wonder she was not able to compete in 2011′s California Pole Dance Championship on X-Stages!

Interview with Amber Kittle:

Tiffany Hayden:

Interview with Tiffany Hayden:

Karol Helms and Alethea Austin teamed up for “Education.”  Alethea was almost unrecognizable at first in a black wig.  Their school girl-themed doubles routine rocked the house and included backup dancers Andrea Britz, Ariel Jacobs, Valarie Miller, Lana Sales, Melissa Schrader and Jennifer Vigil.

Dana Davidson:

Jenyne Butterfly closed the show.  She is such a sweetheart and is always the crowd favorite.  She claimed earlier in the night that she had not been on the pole much in the previous two months, but you couldn’t tell by the performance she gave.  She has definitely earned the title of “Pole Queen!”

Bonus videos:

Nadia Sharif (recent winner of National Aerial Pole Artist Championship), who wasn't able to perform at Pole Show LA (she explains here):

Giggle Reel:

The End of Pole Show LA:

My Top Ten Pole Dancing Posts from 2011

I've been trying to choose my top ten blog posts (from my own blog) for 2011.  It was so hard because I talked to a lot of amazing people this year.  I had a hard time picking only ten so I decided to choose posts to represent different categories.

Pioneer of Pole

Without those who paved the way, the rest of us wouldn't be pole dancing right now!

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/12/pioneer-of-pole-fawnia-dietrich.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/09/pro-spotlight-on-pantera.html

Men on the Pole

I love my pole sisters but watching men on the pole is a bit fun as well!

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/12/may-i-introduce-pole-artist-timber.html

Speaking of pole sisters...

Here's one for the curvy dancers!

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/12/defending-my-pole-sister.html

The debate surrounding pole dancing and being sexy

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/11/to-be-sexy-or-not-to-be-sexythat-is.html

Traveling

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/09/twirly-girls-at-california-pole-dance.html

Making friends

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/12/poletentials-second-air-show.html

Innovation

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/12/pulse-project.html

Natasha Wang

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/09/pro-spotlight-on-natasha-wang.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/12/body-image.html

I feel like I had so many other awesome posts but if I had to cut it down to ten, these ten are pretty awesome.  Please feel free to search around for other posts that might be of interest to you.  Categories include Pro Spotlight, Studio Spotlight, Power of Pole, Men on the Pole, Poletry in Motion, Star Spotlight, and Pole Goals.

Here are my top ten most viewed posts:

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/10/pro-spotlight-on-felix-cane.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/06/history-of-pole-dancing.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/10/can-you-be-fat-and-fit.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/03/rest-in-peace-tyler-orsow.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/12/poletentials-second-air-show.html

2011 has been pretty awesome and I'm looking forward to 2012 being even more so!

*Day 22 of 30 day blogging challenge*

Pioneer of Pole: Sheila Kelley and S Factor

Sheila Kelley is one of the most famous pole pioneers.  She definitely makes pole more of a lifestyle than a workout.  If you have not been to an S Factor class, I suggest you try one!

My first-ever pole class was at S Factor in San Francisco about three years ago.  I was really impressed (and surprised) with how safe the studio made me feel.  It was kind of dark but warm and very inviting. I know you first got into pole dancing for a movie role and realized the increased fitness was an added benefit.  What made you decide that the sensuality of exotic dance was an important part of the workout?

Hi Lori, thanks for reaching out to me! I love talking about S, sharing my passion for elevating the feminine, which has become the passion of so many women, and every opportunity to "wake the S up" in the world.  It wasn’t the sensuality of traditional exotic dance that became a part of S Factor, it was the natural sensuality of a woman's body that I began to acknowledge in my own body.  The no make-up, hair undone, no frills, pure, organic S shape of our hips, butt, shoulders, wrists, the inside of a woman's elbow, everything top to bottom, right down to our baby toes.  Women are sexy!  Right out of the womb.  And that sensuality in the shape of our hips, also lives inside our hips.  We are circular natured and we are built to move naturally in a circular, sensual way.  It's enticing to men in an exotic dance environment because (well they are enticed by women whether we are moving or standing still!) we're exaggerating those S shapes.  But for women at S, we're just doing what comes naturally in the privacy of our S studios, and the sensuality of it is inherent.

I remember busting out a CRAZY hard core workout before we got anywhere near the pole.  How important do you feel it is to build a strong foundation before you stick ladies to the pole?  

I designed the S Factor Workout to cover every base of feminine fitness that I (and so many of my girlfriends) had tried for years to find in multiple forms of exercise.  We were taking Pilates for the ab work, yoga for long lean muscles and stretching and meditation, different kinds of dance, jogging, biking, hiking, treadmilling, weights, ahhhhhhhhhH!  It was too much and none of it worked.  I tried everything alone and in every conceivable combination and it just felt like this uphill battle that one could never catch up with, especially after having children.  When I built S Factor I wanted to create something "total body" that could be achieved in 2 hours once a week.  That's why S Factor's copyrighted sequence of circular fluid feminine movements is multi-directional and isometric.  You feel it in your entire body because a woman's entire body needs and craves movement in order to feel balanced.  It is designed to prep women to do polework too!  In Level 1 and 2 of the S Factor Original Series session women learn signature S Factor polework that builds their upper body and abdominal strength, which then prepares them for more advanced signature S Factor climbs and inversions as they progress to Levels 3 - 6 of their Erotic Creature Journey.

You were at the forefront of bringing pole to the every-day woman. How do you feel about it going mainstream?

It's like...I keep waiting to wake up.  It's really something.  I never imagined when I was teaching S Factor to women in my house back in 2001 that something like this could have such a tremendous affect on the world and history.  Nothing like S Factor existed on the planet.  And there we were, these extraordinary women and me, just celebrating our femininity and having fun.  To be an innovator of something brings with it a lot of responsibility.  I receive thousands of letters from all over the world from women who have tried "pole dance fitness."  Some I have to say have had a different experience than what S Factor is defined as.  While I love that there is a growing community of women exploring new ways to move their body, I wish I could be everywhere in the world at once with an actual S Factor studio on every corner because we do more than just dance on a pole.  And that "more" has become the impetus behind my Soulfully Sexy DVD Series and the Wake the S Up movement.  S = Feminine.  The idea of women having a culture of their own is what I hope will become mainstream, versus simply the act of pole dancing.

I have met many amazing dancers who have come from S Factor backgrounds: Natasha Wang, Claire Griffin Sterrett, Amy Kim, Sheena LaShay, and my own friend here in California, Jenny Gain.  I'm sure there are many, many more I'm missing.  How proud are you of your ladies being in the pole world limelight?

The women who currently teach S Factor at our studios are some of the most phenomenal women I have ever met in my life.  Our highly trained staff have inspired many women in the world.  S teachers do more than just guide women through the workout, or teach them pole tricks.  They dramatically change lives.  They are therapists, body whisperers, confidantes, nurturers, healers, they are in the limelight of each and every life they touch through the two hours they share once a week with women from all walks of life.  And I am proud to have them as sisters and friends.

Do you participate in pole competitions?  

I don't personally because the dark, rich chocolate fudge that is S Factor movement itself off the pole is what I aspire to journey deeper into.  However, S Factor is very proud of our S teachers Barbara Dial in New York and Jen Campo in Houston who have won major pole dance competitions due in part to the uniquely feminine nature of S Factor's signature style.

Recently, some of my pole dancing friends who are mothers have had issues with their children's friends making fun of their mom for being a "stripper."  Did you ever have to deal with that.  If so, how did you handle it?  If not, how would you advise someone to handle it?  

Hmmmm...this is the first I've ever heard of this happening.  I guess I would say that children tease other children about a whole slew of things that are untrue.  There really isn't anything that can be done about it, it's just kids.   I know that many S moms bring their daughters in to our Mother-Daughter classes and events and the little ones have a perfect understanding of the difference between S Factor movement and "pole dancing."

Men on the pole is a very hot topic right now.  S Factor is very famously a place for women only.  Do you foresee a change in that policy any time soon?  

There's been some confusion about this.  Actually S Factor is very open to teaching men.  I even taught Conan O'Brien (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPKzdwhRTyE).  And there's a note about it in the FAQ section of our website.  Due to the nature of the Erotic Creature Journey,  S Factor classes are not co-ed, but men may call their nearest studio and request a Private Lesson or Private Party.  I've taught S to a bunch of men (we have a few guys who work upstairs in the LA offices who have taken a class or two) and it's fun to see them find their feminine side.  They get a kick out of it and they really get it.  They get that it's no different than men basking in their masculinity on a golf course or basketball court.

What kind of "diet" do you follow?

Diet is an evil word and I don't do it.  I eat clean and healthfully, and I do S Factor!

Do you like to dance in shoes or barefoot?

I love, love, love my 6 and 7-inch stilettos.  They make me feel larger than life.  But some days a girl's just gotta go barefoot!

Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you, any upcoming events or S Factor?  

YES!  The S Factor Retreat is like...where do I begin?  Imagine a world completely ruled by women.  Imagine everything you see, hear, eat, sleep, breathe, say, do, feel, smell, experience...it's all been hand-selected to cultivate your feminine side.  You are surrounded by other women who are there for the same purpose and it's just a frickin' lovefest of what it means to be a woman, what we struggle with together and apart and how easy it is for us to elevate our minds, bodies, hearts and souls when we pull ourselves out of the every day stresses of life and retreat in every sense of the word, into our femininity.  We can be emotional, we can be sensual, we can be loud and wild and young and free, we have no responsibilities except to ourselves and our own desires and pleasures and needs.  We can play (and we do in luxurious outdoor locations and indoors at 5-star resorts!!), smile, laugh, dance and live authentically in our skin with no apology.  It's heaven.  It's bliss.  Women come from all over the globe and I personally teach the classes and seminars along with the best of the best S teachers from our studios across the U.S.  It's an awakening that's like jet fuel propelling women toward achieving their greatest desires and becoming more successful in all areas of their life.  I've also taught mini-retreats as part of Tony Robbins' Platinum Partners retreats and the philosophies go hand-in-hand.  This is for women who are ready to be reborn as superwomen.  We'll be in Miami this coming February!  We may be sold out by the time you read this but we're working on opening up more spots because the retreats are so popular.  We limit registration so that I can really spend a lot of one-on-one time with each woman and really give them an understanding of the mind, body, heart and soul of S Factor.  Miami in February will be our 4th retreat I have hosted!  Women can go to SFactor.com/Retreat and get all of the details.  I'm looking forward to meeting your readers and you Lori if you can come!

*****

I know Sheila is a busy lady and I really appreciate her participation in my blog.  S Factor has four locations in California, two in New York, one in Houston and one in Chicago.  Check out http://sfactor.com/ for more info!

May I Introduce Pole Artist, Timber Brown!

There's not much to say about how awesome it was to see Timber Brown perform... It is better you witness it yourself. Please make sure you check out all of the videos!

I first saw you perform at the California Pole Dance Championship (here's a link to my video).  I couldn't believe how strong you were.  Okay, well you're a guy, so I *could* believe it but it was still so impressive to watch.  (I also reviewed your performance as "amazeballs" in my blog:  http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/09/twirly-girls-at-california-pole-dance.html)

Wow, thank you so much. I was judging and performing at CPDC.  I enjoyed working with Anjel and X-Pole at the event. The performances were amazing and I had a front row seat!

When people comment on my strength I often tell them that it’s an optical illusion, explaining that it’s easier for me to lift or throw myself because I have little legs. :-) There is an exciting and hopeful look into the future of the pole community in your comment , “I couldn't believe how strong you were.  Okay, well you're a guy, so I *could.*” Exciting because in the future I see more organizations, equipment, and products being adapted and created to accommodate the distinctive physical attributes of each sex as well as accentuate the similarities we share as humans.

My performance at CPDC was one that I was a bit discontent with before it started. My heart was set on performing a routine that I was very excited about! Shortly before I went on stage I had to abort that performance and write down a few sequences while trying to find a good song. It came time to go on stage and I had not been able to memorize the order of my vocabulary. I brought the paper with my plan written on it and put it on the stage at the bottom of the pole. When I watch that video I can see me looking at it the whole time, Ugh. Overall it was nothing like what I had originally planned, but it went better than expected. I look back and wouldn’t have it any other way and I’m still very excited about when I will perform my original routine. 

What kind of fitness routine do you have to keep your body in shape like that?

Oh gosh, I don’t have a daily fitness plan at all which almost sounds terrible but it’s not because.....“for an extended time only, you can play on poles every day and have the body you have always wanted too!” HAHA! Really though, it is true.

Fitness is a wonderful consequence of pole activity. Pole as a form of fitness is not my primary motivation in my “work outs.” It just comes with it. I practice pole because I just love it! It feels good and I love doing it. I can go on and on but I just love everything about it. Unlike the common infomercial where a man claims “you can get fit and have a great time doing it with this apparatus...,” well in the case of pole that is 100% true

What kind of diet do you follow?

I LOVE food! I don’t follow a strict diet. I am more of a “damage control” eater versus a “prevention” eater. I eat what I need to eat at the time. I have to be true and good to myself and if that means eating Mexican food this week then it is what it is. 

Although my blog generally follows the adventures of female pole dancers, there has been a real interest lately in making the sport more fitness-oriented and less sexy.  More men are also getting involved and I am trying to include more aerial artists.  You are pretty unique in what you do.  What would you call your brand of aerial/acrobatic arts/pole dance?

I would call it “Anomaly,” a deviation from the common rule, type, arrangement, or form.

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You know, pole is many things to many different people. No one person, group, or organization can define what it is or should be except for themselves. There are some things that I am not opposed to, but just aren’t for me. I believe there is a time and a place for everything and that most things worth doing should be done decently and in order. One certainty is that regardless of what context pole may be being used, it is in any form, a form of fitness.

How did you get discovered?

I was 21 years old when an entertainment company viewed a video of me doing stunts and acrobatics. They asked me to be part of their productions. This was when I was first introduced to the pole. 

Tell us about Anomalia Entertainment.

“Anomalia” is the Italian word for Anomaly. I created this company a few years ago. The company provides specialty entertainment performances and rigging for events and productions world wide. As well as concept creation, and acrobatic vocabulary research.  In the future we hope to be a part of more events in the pole dancing community.

Have you competed in any pole/aerial events?  Do you hold any titles?

I participated in “Pole Dancing Universe International,” although I don’t remember it being named that at the time. I was awarded “pole athlete champion.” Below is the video link to that performance. Anomalia Entertainment was contracted to do the  rigging for the event which included a 14’x26’ anchored truss structure, two 14’ dance poles, and two 16’ specialty acrobatic poles.



Do you usually choreograph your routines or do you like to "free dance?"

I mostly choreograph my routines but it certainly depends on the situation. I am very particular about what I put out there. Especially when I am performing at a pole event. I could go on forever here on this... In the end, the performance is not for me. It’s for the audience. When I bow I want the audience and I, in unison, to feel that I have just given them a part of myself. Regardless if I am choreographing or dancing freely that is the goal.

Do you have a day job outside of performing?

Performing is my livelihood on both a physical and personal level. It’s very tricky sometimes but I love it. 

What do you do for down time?

I am usually up to some kind of ridiculous shenanigan but when I’m not I enjoy cooking, writing and watching TV. Some shows I like are Dexter, East Bound and Down, Family Guy, and the discovery channel. I imagine that soon I will be hiding in a bush throwing water balloons filled with ketchup at passing cars.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with everyone?

I have had strong inspiration lately in a couple of different areas. I really hope to be able to get some charity endeavors off the ground in the near future. My hope is that I will be able to raise money for specific charities through involvement in competitions, special performances, online pole skill tutorials and custom product sales just to name a few. I would like to reach out to anyone who is familiar with charity works, web development or just has helpful info that can be used to help bring attention to the work and get it off the ground.

People sometimes refer to me as a person who does Chinese poles, an aerialist or a pole dancer.... I ask that people to refer to me as a “pole artist.” Not because I am not any of the above things, but because I am all of them. In my work I strive to encompass a little bit of what all of those things means to me. 

I’d like to take the opportunity to say thank you to a few people out there who have been enablers in my life the last few years. Imagination Entertainment [also check out the show that Timber participates in: http://www.ilcirco.com/], Steve Gale [Four-Cubed Acrobatics or Radiant Productions], aerialist Alyssa McCraw, Natasha Wang [website], Kelly Yvonne and the girls at The Choreography House, the whole LA Pole community, Fawnia Dietrich and Pole Fitness Studio Las Vegas... All of you have been great influences or enablers to me and I appreciate you.

I am really excited to follow your career and look forward to the next time I get to see you perform!

Thank you so much and thank you for the opportunity to share. Happy Poling Everyone!



Two additional videos of Timber and Alyssa:

Project 365: Days 160-175

Day 160

Monday, November 21:

Day 161

Tuesday, November 22:

Day 162

Wednesday, November 23:

 Day 163

Thursday, November 24:

Thanksgiving with Taylor

Day 164

Friday, November 25:

Day 165

Saturday, November 26:

Jaxon

Day 166

Sunday, November 27:

Day 167

Monday, November 28:

Day 168

Tuesday, November 29:

Day 169

Wednesday, November 30:

Day 170

Thursday, December 1:

World AIDS Day

Day 171

Friday, December 2:

Me with Aerial Amy and Ellen of Poletential

Day 172

Saturday, December 3:

Sarah Starlight and Jennifer at Poletential's Air Show

Day 173

Sunday, December 4:

Saki, Mahlae and Vicodonia

Day 174

Monday, December 5:

Me with Natasha Wang

Day 175

Tuesday, December 6:

Natasha Wang at Twirly Girls

Last night, Twirly Girls hosted a workshop with the amazing USPDF champion, Natasha Wang. 

The workshop was called poetry on the pole.  I don't want to give away too much, but we worked on some pole moves, then we talked about the dance.  We learned teddy bear (armpit ouchie...my teddy bear had straight-down legs...with one that seemed to not want to leave the ground) and worked on what the TGs call the KT Coates spin (using Aerial Amy's theory about spins, I did my most successful spin yet!).  I tried side climb (maybe in my case better described as a side sit and cling).  And also did what we call the Natasha toe slide (from a handstand).

Then Natasha gave us cards and we had to dance a story.  We talked about how a story should have a beginning, middle and end.  We randomly chose cards, but it was like she hand picked mine.  My story was about being starving, then after you are satiated, feeling guilty.  This is so my relationship with food.  I eat.  I feel guilty.  It's such a bad place to be in.

So I decided the pole would represent food.  I started away from the pole -- hungry.  Then I danced what I felt was one of my best free dances ever.  The middle of my dance was spent devouring the pole and the floor around it.  I ended by leaving the pole behind.  It completely describes my relationship with trigger foods like jellybeans.

I really enjoyed the story aspect.  I felt like maybe I danced better too because I have such a painfully emotional response to food.  I always say food addiction is so hard to deal with.  You can live without alcohol, drugs or cigarettes.  But you can't survive without food.  So finding a healthy relationship with it can be difficult.

We ended with a cool down and stretch...blindfolded.  There were a few times when my toesies touched someone else in the darkness (turned out to be Rita).  But for the most part, I felt like I did pretty well.  The pole was my guide and I let him lead me.

Here are some videos and photos from the evening.  Natasha is so easy to chat with, very beautiful to watch and really fun to dance with.  I hope I get another chance in the future to take a class from her!

My story (very dark so it might be hard to see...sorry!):



And, just for fun, here's a video we made for Aerial Amy.  Check out her video about waving legs.  This is...the vagina monster: