Pioneer of Pole: Anna Grundstrom

When I first started talking about interviewing pole dancers from around the globe, Shelly Lamb told me Anna Grundstrom was one of those I absolutely needed to catch up with.  We have finally touched bases, and so here she is:  Anna Grundstrom!!

 

When did you first start pole dancing and how did you get into it?

 

I started taking classes New York Pole Dancing back in 2007 and applied for an instructor position a few months later.

How do you feel pole dancing has changed since you started?

 

When I co-founded USPDF with Wendy Traskos, most interaction in the pole industry existed primarily on YouTube. To see all these pole dancers meet for the very first time at the inaugural US Pole Dance Championship in 2009, I recognized that change was happening.

 

Having watched hundreds of submission videos, I’ve seen a lot of technical and artistic growth throughout the years. New tricks, concepts and movement styles are being presented all the time and will hopefully continue. All art forms experience growth; stages of molding and shaping. Pole dancing is no exception.

 

My personal journey has focused on artistry, which was greatly inspired by my involvement with Brook Notary’s “Pulse Project” 2 years ago. It’s had a major influence on what pole dancing is to me. My individual style and approach to pole started to shift. My movement became more inspired by inner dialogue and telling a story versus just doing pole tricks. My body naturally responded to this new approach to pole dancing. And while this form of self-expression probably existed within me all along, it emerged as an “AHA!” moment while working on Pulse Project. Brook has been an amazing choreographer who has allowed me to organically grow into who I am as a dancer.

 

Who are other pole pioneers that you admire?

 

I don’t follow the industry as closely as I used to since leaving USPDF in 2011. But I greatly appreciate any pole dancer that takes the time to discover who they are as dancers and performers. I know from personal experience that the process can be both fun and frustrating. As artists, we go through this process of imitating, faking, failing, and ultimately daring to push ourselves out of our comfort zones until all that’s left is the real us.

 

What moves me most is witnessing a performer’s artistic drive and purpose: what is their intention or story? And what compels each movement choice? Dance is captivating when performed from that raw space; regardless of difficulty level.

 

Do you own a studio?  If not, where do you currently dance?

 

I don’t own a studio but I teach at New York Pole Dancing at a regular basis, and spend time doing my own personal practice around the corner from my house at Sacred Studio in Brooklyn, which is also the current home of the Pulse Project.

 

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

 

I just got certified in Applied Positive Psychology (CAPP) at the New York Open Center this month.

 

What does 2013 hold for you?

 

I’m performing in a year- long underground series with the Pulse Project. Part 1, “Love & Guts” will be held at Sacred Studio in Brooklyn, May 30th - June 1st. I’m beyond excited! Please, check it out: http://thepulseproject.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/thePULSEproject

 

I’m teaching contemporary pole workshops that are focusing on improvisation, transitions, movement quality and other fun stuff.

 

I’m creating non-dance workshops that teach people simple tools to create more flow and positive emotions in their daily lives using CAPP.

 

I’m co-writing a textbook in positive psychology.

 

_________________

 

Anna Grundstrom

Pole Instructor/Coach, Pulse Project Dancer, CAPP practitioner

www.annagrundstrom.com

 

_________________

 

Check out my previous post about the beginning of the Pulse Project HERE.

Pole Pro: Meet Michelle Stanek!

It seems that 2012 has been a pretty amazing year for you.  Your Pole Art performance from Sweden in August was beautiful, and congratulations on your USPDF win in New York!  I'd love to hear about your journey this year.

Thank you! Yes, 2012 has been incredible. I think my Pole Art piece and my USPDF piece were two of my favorites so far. They were both so different and only a 4 weeks apart so it was very stressful to separate the creative process in two and inevitably have to push one to the side to focus on the other.  I did not want to neglect either piece even for a second!

I pitched my idea for Pole Art and I am so glad they bought it and allowed me the opportunity to bring it to life. Long story short: I was a college art history professor for a hot minute and I always had an affinity for Bernini, the Italian Baroque sculptor. In particular I have always loved his "Ecstacy of St. Theresa" in Rome. It's an image of St. Theresa in ecstasy, or mid-orgasm. She wrote about this experience— a vision of an angel piercing her heart and inflaming her insides over and over. For a 16th century nun, it was highly sexual. So, I wanted to create a pole dance interpretation of that. And I thought what other place that Pole Art to do this?! It brought together my love of art and pole dance. I loved it. It was very fulfilling.

http://youtu.be/sV-LRsnplQY

For USPDF, I saw "Crazy Horse" in Paris in January 2012. Seeing that show brought me back to life in many ways. I had been in a drought of creativity for months. I had done USPDF Amateur, Pole Dance Universe and Pole Art and worked and traveled a ton. My well was dry. And it was sad. That is the worst feeling. I had nothing I wanted to create. No inspiration. Then I saw "Crazy Horse." The girls were unabashedly sexy and topless yet so clearly classically trained and refined in their dancing that I don't think I blinked the entire time. Every piece was more intoxicating than the last. The music went right through me and made me want to get out of my seat and into the studio and dance. So I bought the cd of songs and I was particularly attracted to the "Jungle Fever" piece - a desperate, wild, sexy girl trapped in a cage like a leopard in a zoo. My mind started racing with ideas and I knew I would create something with this. And months later when the deadline for USPDF arrived and I decided to submit (which was wrought with unnecessary drama fueled by the passive aggressive and dangerous viral nature of the internet. But I digress. That's for another interview!) I knew if I were accepted this would be my piece. This piece would be sexy, animalistic and fierce. Perfect for me, my style and for a competition I knew I had to try to devour. I labored for hours upon hours in the studio to choreograph the beginning and so much got left of the cutting room floor I could've created a whole other piece. Making choreographic decisions was really, really hard for this one. It took a very long time to put together. During the performance I channeled my inner caged animal and the sexiness and refinement of the "Crazy Horse" dancers. And every moment when I felt muscle fatigue and exhaustion, I chanted my friend's name who was going through chemotherapy. And her strength kept me going.

I think one of the best moments of the year was being awarded the winner and looking out into the audience to see my family, friends, students and colleagues stand up and cheer for me. They all help, support and inspire me everyday. And I had done them proud. Tear!

Being part of the USPDF legacy and being listed among Jenyne Butterfly, Natasha Wang and Alethea Austin is really important to me. We are all so different too, and I love that! We represent a diversity in styles and the inclusive nature of pole dance. Part of the USPDF legacy is to go to Australia and perform at the legendary Miss Pole Dance Australia competition. And that was one of the best experiences of my life! I love the Australian pole dancers so much. They reminded me, too, of something I often forget about - that pole dancing is a room full of girls in little outfits, high heels, being wild and crazy and free! And MPDA was by far the most amazing production I have ever been a part of! The opening number even had pyrotechnics!

Now I am back and it feels good to be home and able to focus on my training and the next steps in my career.

I saw AERA perform Chasing the Sun in Los Angeles in June and it was an experience unlike any other.  How did AERA come together and what does the group want to accomplish in the aerial world?

Well, you would really have to ask Kyra Johannesen! She is the co-owner of Body & Pole, who created AERA with her husband Kyle McBeth and aerialist Jen James. I'm so glad you liked "Chasing the Sun," that was a labor of love for all of us. We were so excited to show the pole world what we like to do—create performance art where we dance and interact with every element of the stage—the pole, hoop, hammocks, silks, lighting, sounds and even the truss. AERA forces me to be cross-disciplined and I love that. I look forward to whatever crazy gig is next!

http://youtu.be/_bif7r_zUys

You teach at Body &Pole in New York.  It seems like you guys are one big, happy pole-star family.  Tell us about your classes and rockstar co-workers.

I am so lucky. I cannot say that enough. What started as one pole in Lian Tal's living room has grown into one of the best studios in the world. It's become a destination for many who want to come to New York City and study at Body & Pole for a week or a month or a season. We have A LOT to offer — from a variety of pole classes to hoop, hammock, silks, ballet, flexibilty and more. I know people know Marlo, Kyra, Steven and Tracee but every single instructor is incredible and highly experienced in what they do. It is an extraordinary place to be and learn and grow.

And we do all respect, admire, trust and love each other. That seems to be the most rare and valuable thing that keeps the studio growing strong. I love going there, everyday.

Do you do a "different" workout than normal to keep your "pole muscles" in shape? 

Well, not to sound like a fitness geek. But like the SAID exercise principle explains, if you want to get better at pole dance, pole dance more! If you want to get your splits, do the splits more! If you want to improve your golf swing, practice your gold swing! So, when I am focused on my pole progress, I focus on that. And to keep my "pole muscles" in shape, I take more pole classes. Luckily at Body & Pole our instructors all understand how to give a comprehensive 30-minute warm-up with exercises selected for specific muscle activation needed to perform specific pole techniques. I often think that is a major gap in a lot of pole instructors' toolkit of knowledge.

 

Having said that, I love working out! I take spin classes for pure cardio exercise as well as visualization. Sometimes spin instructors can be really motivational! And I like to take as many dance classes I can. Usually it's contemporary classes that help broaden my repertoire of movement, especially floorwork and traveling movement that I can utilize in my pole choreography. I've also started taking a Capoeira-based dance class with Amy Secada who comes to Body & Pole to give us the class. It's amazing!

And of course, I try to take 2-3 flexibility training classes per week. That's what I miss the most when I am on the road. It's so necessary to succeeding in pole and it just feels good!

What kind of food fuels a body like yours?

Clean, unprocessed foods of mostly plants, animals and water! When I am training, I eat eggs, veggies, chicken, turkey, fish. And repeat! I need carbs to get through training, like a banana, nuts, sweet potato or trail mix. I've also recently fallen in love with shakes - it's the easiest and most delicious way to get my veggie nutrients! My current favorite is: Kale, spinach, banana, orange juice.

It feels like some pro/competition pole dancers are all going the route of contortion and extreme tricks. Do you feel like something is lost from pole dancing when it is all tricks and no dance?

Yes! I think that's the general consensus too. Pole dancers are really pushing the limits of their bodies and that's incredible. The things they can do now are mind-blowing! But I feel like I am left flat when there is nothing more they can give on the stage than flips and tricks and drops and contortion. At least use the music-?! And vice versa. Dancing is great too. But if you rely too much on how "dance-y" you can be and neglect the tricks, I also feel disappointed. The greatest performances are those that have it all and really know how to highlight, but not overkill, their strengths. That is rare. And that's why they are special.

 

Do you prefer competitions or showcases?

Showcases! Anxiety is replaced with enjoyment!—As an audience member and performer. However, nothing pushes you more than an upcoming competition to make you train harder and get those moves you've always wanted to take you to the next level. But in a showcase, you can do whatever you want! If you want to tell a dramatic story you can! If you want to showcase all tricks, you can! And I think when polers are given freedom to perform what and how they want is when you get the best. I recently performed in the Gravity First showcase in Mexico City and I loved it so much. I wish there would be more events like that.

What do you do for down time?  Wait, do you get down time?? 

Sort of! I feel like with my ipad and iphone glued to my palm I am always "working," even that means just connecting with people online, sharing my thoughts, posting videos, booking classes, etc. To me that's all "work," and thank goodness I love it. When I have significant down time, I am creating new programming, classes and workshops for both Body & Pole and my specialty touring workshops.

When I *force* myself to have down time from that, I spend it with my fiancé and friends. I like to explore the city, go to the movies, go to a museum or exhibit, check out a new restaurant or bar. Or just stay home in my jammies and watch tv.

What advice would you offer brand new pole dancers?

Don't give up! It will hurt a lot, but I promise it's worth it when you get to the other side of that pain!

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

I always carry Benadryl and gum. I have an irrational fear of surprise allergy attacks and bad breath. The gum things goes back a long way. The most detentions I got in school were from chewing gum.

 

What does 2013 hold for you?  Are you planning a world tour of workshops??

I think 2013 is the year I stop underestimating myself. Even with all my pole and non-pole accomplishments, I still underestimate myself. I think somewhere in there is because I am afraid of becoming big-headed, which I will still avoid! I've always hated that characteristic in people. But I think I need to own my accomplishments and understand my value in a proud yet humble way.

I will definitely be traveling! I am looking forward to it. So, please contact me if you would like to for me to visit your studio!

I also need to plan a wedding. WHAT!?

Thank you so much for taking time to answer my questions.  I hope to see you soon and would love to visit you in New York!

Thank you Lori!

Make sure you connect with Michelle, either through her website or on Facebook.

The PULSE Project!

The PULSE Project

Interview with Brook Notary - Creator / Artistic Director - The PULSE Project

Dancers: Jenn Freeman (Assistant Choreographer,) Mahalia Miner-Le Grand, Penelope Armstead-Williams, Ashley Browne, Anna Grundstrom, Jacklyn Walsh

The PULSE Project photographer: Whitney Browne

I first started seeing posts about The Pulse Project on Facebook.  Shelly Lamb e-mailed me and said, "you've gotta get Brook Notary on your blog!"  A day later, Climb & Spin released a two-part interview.  So I have asked Brook Notary to chat with us here.  Rather than rehash the great interview from Climb & Spin, check out their posts here:

Part 1:  http://www.poledancersblog.com/my_weblog/2011/11/what-is-the-pulse-project-what-inspired-it-the-pulse-project-is-a-theater-experience-centered-around-contemporary-based-po.html

Part 2:  http://www.poledancersblog.com/my_weblog/2011/11/the-pulse-project-re-envisioning-pole-pt-2.html

For those who don't know, please explain The Pulse Project:

The Pulse Project is an Off-Broadway show in the making, combining contemporary dance on, around and throughout poles, Parkour, and Aerial Theater.  Due to my choreographic career and interdisciplinary approach to athletic movement I believe I am the right person to bring this strong and powerful female voice to the stage.  It will celebrate the beauty and raw athleticism of women. It will be loud and without high heels....  It's pole dancing re-envisioned.

Recently, there does seem to be a shift in the pole-dancing world, to take some of the "sexy" out and move more toward the fitness aspect.  Busting out sexy moves or not, pole dancing is hard work.  Here are some of my regular blog questions...I can already guess your answers, but would love to hear them anyway:

Do you have a preference? "pole fitness" or "pole dancing"

I prefer...Dancing....  The pole happens to be part of our playground, a fully explored apparatus, an extension of the body, and part of our 3 dimensional stage set.

What do you think about the stripper vs. pole fitness debate?

I am not aware of this debate....  I like to stay focused on my personal vision and I tend to stick to just that. We are all 100% focused on creating the best show possible that we feel will be accessible to a wide audience and excludes no one.

Do you like to dance in heels or barefoot?

I prefer barefoot.  The floor is another texture and play space for creating.  I like to be in touch with it. 

Acknowledging that pole dancing IS hard work, here are some questions about how you stay in tip-top shape:

What is your fitness background?

I have a fitness addiction. I am a certified Pilates Instructor and have always used that as a base warm up.... I also run, swim, box, lift weights and of course dance. I am currently working on crafting a PULSE Pole / Dance warm-up with my Core 6 PULSE dancers.... It's tough but gets us very warmed up and we have all noticed that our obliques have definitely benefited from it as well as our stamina. 

What is your fitness routine (on and off the pole)?

I lift and do some form of cardio 6 days a week. I swim or just stretch the 7^th day.  But I’m a little nuts like that.  Cardio helps me clear my head, organize my thoughts and just makes me more ready to attack a rehearsal.

What kind of diet do you follow?

I am very anti-diet.... I do believe in moderation and that 80% of how your body feels is due to what you put in it.  Food is energy so I just try to be smart about how I fuel up.  But diets...No way! Being happy is the best way to feel good about yourself and your body.

Do you have a dance background?

Yes. I am a classically trained dancer.  I went to an arts high school, UC Irvine for undergrad (full scholarship) which has an amazing dance program and I received my Masters in Dance at NYU Tisch School of the Arts ( full dean’s Scholarship.)  I was also a nationally ranked Rhythmic gymnast and much of my performance experience is in the Aerial theater genre i.e. De la Guarda NY.

What first interested you about pole dancing?

So many aspects of pole dancing struck me when I was first introduced to this art form.  I love the athleticism, the artistry, the strength it takes and the feeling you have after learning a new skill.  It is very empowering.  I seem to occupy my place in space differently since studying this incredible and challenging dance form.  It gives you a certain internal confidence that you always carry.  It’s pretty badass.

Where do you train? 

New York Pole Dance!! Love that place.  It is where we rehearse as well.  But I really appreciate how owner Wendy Traskos takes the technical aspect of the art form very seriously.  Her teachers are outstanding and their classes are a perfect combination of challenging, artistically stimulating and fun as hell.  It’s the place to study whether you want to compete, teach or want to walk away with a great new experience.  She also holds many interesting workshops and training seminars.  The studio just has a great vibe.  Very inviting.  If you have not tried a class.... get over there.  You will love it.

Do you have sponsors you'd like to acknowledge?

Yes.  I would like to thank Mighty Grip and NY Pole Dance and The USPDF.  Most of all I would like to thank Wendy Traskos for believing in the PULSE project and allowing us to create and rehearse at her studio.  She has supported us from day one and for that I am eternally grateful.

What is your favorite product to help you stick to the pole?

My hands, straight up.  Maybe a small spray of rubbing alcohol on them.  My hands have definitely gotten tough.  They are certainly not as soft as they used to be.  But I like it. 

How do you deal with the dry skin on pole days (and on off-pole days)? 

Yes this is a new issue in my life.  I just do not use any lotion on pole rehearsal day.... But that’s about it.

Where do you like to buy your pole clothes?

Mighty Grip just sent my dancers a bunch of fun tops and shorts…  They love them.  I am personally a shorts and t-shirt girl...nothing fancy.

What did you do before, or in addition to, The Pulse Project?

I am a professional choreographer.  I have some fun credits including creating an aerial live show for Usher.  But I guess it’s best to visit my website and just read my bio if you are interested.  www.thepulseproject.com or www.Brooknotary.com

I find Bios a bit boring, sorry.  I've done a ton of work that I am very proud of, but nothing has come close to how I feel about the PULSE Project.  This is my baby!

What is your favorite song to dance to (at this moment)?

OHHHH.... this is a tough question. Music is such a driving force...Wow.  Ok this answer changes daily...but today I had 3 songs on repeat while I was on the treadmill.

1. Can’t get enough… J Cole.
2. Sonic love… Florence+ the Machine
3. Go it Alone… Beck

When will The Pulse Project officially open?  Do you have any other upcoming events/competitions you'd like people to know about?

We are heading into Phase 2 of Production.  Aerial workshop!

We just finished a formal showing for producers and investors 2 days ago and had incredible response....  Standing ovation both nights and I have tons of meetings lined up....  I am dedicated to forward momentum.  When will we be up?  Hard to say.  We are still on the hunt for the right producer to join our PULSE family.

What else would you like people to know about you and/or The Pulse Project?

I would like you to know about my 6 Core dancers!!  They are the first true investors of this show.  Not only are they the most incredible, classically trained dancers, fearless athletes and artistic pioneers, they are 6 of the nicest most down to earth women you could ever meet.  The PULSE started out as my vision...Now it is OURS!  They want this as bad as I do.  I have a visceral response in my whole being when I watch them dance.  I am so excited for our audiences to experience their talent and energy.  5 out of 6 of my dancers had never touched a pole until 10 months ago.  They are sick!  I pinch myself every rehearsal, that I have such talent in one room.  Please visit our website to learn more about them and see video and pictures.  My 6 Core Dancer - Jenn Freeman (assistant Choreographer), Mahalia Miner-Le Grand, Penelope Armstead-Williams, Jacklyn Walsh, Anna Grundstrom, and Ashley Browne.  These are my badass sirens!!

For more information about The PULSE Project, and how to get involved, please visit: www.thepulseproject.com

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:

Pro Spotlight on Estee Zakar!

I am very excited to spotlight Estee Zakar today.  She will be performing at Poletential's Air Show next month, and I will be there front and center!  She is also on the current cover of Vertical Art and Fitness Magazine, for which I will soon be a contributing writer!  


What is your fitness background?

I have always enjoyed any type of physical activity. Taking and teaching fitness classes was a large part of my weekly routine. I always loved dance and gymnastics and participated on my high school and university dance teams.

What is your fitness routine (on and off the pole)? 

I get bored easily, there for I try to vary my workouts, it is also great for building and sustaining strength and flexibility.

I do everything from boot camp, cycling, yoga, kick boxing, and anything else I can get my hands on. I also teach 10-15 classes a week in addition to training private clients. My flexibility and conditioning classes are brutally intense and my advanced pole warm ups and conditioning are no walk in the park.

I try to get in 1 day of pole a week for myself to work on new tricks and strength training on the pole.

I travel constantly to teach workshops and perform worldwide. I will get some training sessions in before performances and guest appearances.

What kind of diet do you follow?

I don't really believe in dieting. My greatest joy is trying new foods from around the world and enjoying my favorite foods. Therefore, I workout hard so I don't have to restrict my diet. I also believe that our bodies crave things for a reason.

I eat every 2 hours, lots of protein, 3 big meals and lots of snacks. cupcakes and chocolate are my weakness.

Which competition(s) do you like to do?  Do you have any title(s)?

I am the 2010 Miss Trixter title holder from the National USPDF competition.

Where do you train?  Do you have your own pole studio?

I am currently in Denver, CO. I teach at Tease Studio and hold workshops at every other studio in Denver. I teach private sessions at my in home pole studio.

Do you have sponsors you'd like to acknowledge?

I am the X-Pole USA and X-Pole Mexico fitness model, representative. I am the brand director for Bad Kitty Pole Fit Apparel, I am also the model for their logo. I am sponsored by Mighty Grip, and the cover model for Vertical Art Pole Magazine. I was the US representative at the first Pole Convention 2010.

What first interested you about pole dancing?

My best friend dared me to take a class and I was instantly hooked!

Do you have a preference? "pole fitness" or "pole dancing"

It depends who is dancing, what their style is, what the theme of the performance is. Regardless of what we call it, we are all pole athletes!

What do you think about the stripper vs. pole fitness debate?

Some girls do not have a stripping background and started out in the fitness world. Others started their career on a stage. No matter what background we came from, we are building a community together and can learn a lot from each other.

People outside our industry may need to be educated on the subject. As soon as they see what we can do, they are usually instantly impressed.

What is your favorite product to help you stick to the pole?

I love what Mighty Grip does for the pole industry and I stand by them but I am always open to trying all the different agents.

How do you deal with the dry skin on pole days (and on off-pole days?)?

Aveeno lotion is my favorite. It is extremely dry in Colorado, therefor not enough lotion is as bad as too much lotion. I think almost any brand works fine as long as it is applied the night before and not the day of.


Where do you like to buy your pole clothes?

Bad Kitty pole fit provides all of my fitness apparel as well as most of my performance outfits.

Do you like to dance in heels or barefoot?

Barefoot usually due to many of the tricks I am performing. I also like the raw look. However, heels are always fun to break out now and then. Every girl loves feeling hot in her heels!

What did you do before competing and/or opening your pole studio?

I was an instructor at BeSpun. then performed at a venue where the X-Pole team picked me up and made me the face of their product and sponsored my to start competing nationally.

What is your favorite song to dance to (at this moment)?

Changes every day.

Do you have any other upcoming events/competitions you'd like people to know about?

Airshow at Poletential, Tease December showcase


What else would you like people to know about you and/or your studio?

I love teaching and pushing people to their limit. The best feeling is accomplishing a goal you never though you would be able to overcome. I am there to make sure that happens! I am a huge believer in this sport - I am stronger, more flexible and more balanced then ever before. Pole has giving me physical and emotional power, wellness and stability. I am so in love with the sport and the pole community. I can wait to partake in more pole events and inspire more pole athletes!