My Sasja Lee Weekend

I wrote about Sasja Lee, aka Sassy, over two years ago.  We bonded over In-N-Out on Facebook and we have been FB buddies ever since.  Last weekend, Sasja came to San Francisco to dance at Volare Variety and teach some workshops, so we got to hang out a little bit. 



Cast of Volare

Sasja has been tearing up the competition circuit this past year.  I watched her win California Pole Dance Championship last year and she has been pretty much winning every competition since.  I really don't know what she can't do.  I understand she won CPDC just days after being in a horrible car accident!  Beast mode.  Seriously. 

Anyway, after Volare, Sasja and SeanMichael rode back on BART with Rita and me, where they gave BART riders a thrilling public trans shoulder mount experience.  It was so funny!  I got photos but I guess video would have been better -- maybe next time!  It turned out that Sasja was eager to ride BART after reading on Facebook about some of my "awesome" experiences. 

shoulder mount on BART

The next morning, Sasja did two workshops at Twirly Girls.  I pretty much judge my workshop experience based on how an instructor treats me after the class has advanced beyond my skills (which will happen in most workshops and I am okay with it).  We were learning a little routine.  After she taught each piece, Sasja would come around and watch each of us do the move.  We finally got to a point where you would invert, pike, then go into superman.  I giggled.  Time for me to check out!  So she gets to my pole and she says, your turn!  I said, yeah right.  She goes, no seriously, try it!  So I went to get my woody band seat belt and I got myself upside down.  She says, now let go and grab above your leg.  I said, you're crazy.  She said she's heard that before.  HA!  Look, once I'm upside down, I need all my arms and legs to hold on for dear life.  I'm not ready to let go yet.  I really, really appreciated her continuing to include me in the class, and I feel like I learned so much even once the routine was more advanced than I could do.  I really do appreciate those instructors who continue to include me even though I can't do all the moves.  It is a small effort and makes a dancer who struggles with moves like I do feel like I am still part of class.  I still got some pretty awesome bruises that I've been proudly showing off to anyone who will look. 

That being said, for the last 20 minutes, I did just go to the back room and start stretching.  Perhaps a brutal yoga class right before a 90 minute Sasja Lee workshop wasn't my best choice that day! 

I really wish I had been able to spend more time with Sasja during her trip.  I swear, I'm going to win the lottery someday and just start hanging out with these cool people who have such interesting lives!

Have you ever taken a workshop with Sasja?  Tell me about it in the comments section!

Covering up Sasja's amazing arms

Getting ready for the BART shoulder mount

Our class

My tiny sister

 

That's me!!!  This bruise is the most fantastic!

Pole Dancing with the beautiful Sasja Lee

I first started seeing posts on Facebook from Sasja to Shelly Lamb.  Then I was in LA last year and "checked in" at In-N-Out.  Sasja commented and we've been fast Facebook friends ever since (she was actually a fan of In-N-Out, but once you see her body, you won't believe her because I still don't)!  I wasn't exactly sure how her name was pronounced, so I always called her "Sassy" in my head.  Shelly assures me its more like "Sasha," but I like Sassy so I will keep calling her that.  Welcome Sasja (or Sasj) to our circle!!

I understand you are from Kingston, Jamaica...when did you come to the United States?

Yes, I am indeed. I initially moved to the States with my family at age 3, returned home and came back at the age of 10. I've in LA most of my life, but always an Islander.

I believe you have been pole dancing for three years -- how did you get into it?

Yes, I just made 3yrs December 2011. I went with a friend of mine who thought it'd be a fun, new way to get some exercise. Which is a joke in itself, 'cause I believed shopping to be my cardio.

I ended up falling in love with pole dancing and shortly thereafter, was asked to become an instructor. My friends who've known me over the past 16+ years and attend my classes still laugh at the fact that I of all people could be conducting stretch and lead a class in fitness. The flip side is, they're also very inspired. If I can do it, anyone can.

Girl Next Door photo credit: Mike Quain www.quainphoto.com

Where are you teaching now?

I'm currently teaching at Evolve Dance Studio and Crunch Gym. I love my pole family. Both the staff and students welcomed me with open arms and have made teaching that much more enjoyable and rewarding. I have been given the opportunity to connect with men and women beyond the skill, and learn so much about myself from them in the process as well.

What advice do you give your brand new dancers?

Have fun! Remember what attracted you to the art in the first place. Believe in yourself, push yourself (healthily), and with anything else, only surround yourself with those who support your greater good.

Which move is your nemesis?

No move in particular, every move in general. Lol! I'm always seeing tricks and transitions that are very physically challenging that I'd like to learn. Then, I try to put my stank on it to change it up a bit. So, it's never-ending. I love a challenge, and the many bruises it takes to master that challenge.

Do you compete?

I've participated in a few competitions. My favorite experience and most unexpected was US Pole Dance Federation-West Coast Regionals. I submitted my freestyle video 30 minutes before the deadline, and was beyond shocked when I made it in. I also made it to the top 5. Being in the company of such talented, supportive women was wonderful. And I've made lifelong friends through my participation.

Now, I'm more drawn to showcases, such as the fabulous production: Girls Next Door: A Pole Dance Soiree by Kelly Yvonne. It is a well-rounded, tasteful production that represents women of all backgrounds.  Blood, sweat and tears go into it every show each month, and I'm appreciative to be a part of it. It's the perfect forum in which to learn and grow.

Furthermore, besides politics, I believe competitions have taken on a different focus recently. I often ask, if one isn't a trained gymnast, ballerina, or contortionist, where do you fit into a competition nowadays?

What do you do for down time?

What is this "down time" you speak of?

Tell us one thing about you that people might be surprised to hear.

My right hook has sent two grown men to the floor. And this was before I had these biceps by pole. Lol! BTW, it was all in fun. They were teaching me how to throw. Mission accomplished, I suppose.

What does 2012 hold for you?

With regard to pole dancing, I am determined to learn spinning pole this year. I do believe mounting the pole on spin mode without screaming can be considered progress. I'm well on my way! I would also like to perform as much as possible this year.

I also design custom swim wear, Sancia Rose, which is expanding to retail stores in 2012.

Thank you for being part of my blog.  I look forward to seeing you soon!

Thank you so much for having me, Lori. Next time you're in town, In-N-Out and pole play. Not necessarily in that order. :-)

Celebrating Black History Month and Pole Dance with Sasj Lee

Girl Next Door photo credit: Mike Quain www.quainphoto.com

Sasj's story:  Three years ago, I walked into a pole dance studio with my best friend who thought it'd be a cool, new avenue of exercise to try. My first vision was the tiniest shorts I'd ever seen, followed by 7" clear heels on a very enthusiastic woman. Needless to say, the wardrobe alone almost sent me out the door. But, since I didn't drive, I couldn't leave. The rest was history. I never missed a class. I became an instructor 4 months later, and I love teaching more and more everyday. I enjoy seeing women of all ages, size, and socioeconomic backgrounds grow both emotionally and physically stronger. I also grow and learn a great deal from them in the process. The work out is perfect for me, because I'm having so much fun with it (almost a meditative experience), I don't realize I'm actually exercising. I've met supportive, talented, and inspirational men and women. Very proud to be in their company.