Suzy Q and the Pole Life Documentary!

In honor of the screening of Suzy Q's documentary, Pole Life, here is her story!


I understand you are finishing film school and are working on a documentary called Pole Life.  Tell us about that. 


Yes, I graduate on March 2nd and the Pole Life trailer will premiere for open screening at the Los Angeles Film School http://www.lafilm.edu/campus/theater/index.html main theatre.  I started film school in Sept 2010 and each student has a chance to write, direct, and produce their own film. Well, considering I am a pole geek like the most of us, how could I not do a documentary on the way the pole community views pole around the world?  Not even Oprah or the Ellen had Pole Dance Fitness on their shows yet.  I felt by going to film school and given the opportunity to produce your film gave me the chance to tell my story and the stories of others that have been saved and healed by the power of pole. 


I also understand that pole dancing has helped heal you.  Can you share your story? 


Pole Fitness helped me grieve over the loss of my father.  I grew up an athlete from basketball, track, cross-country, volleyball, softball, football manager, and a professional cheerleader.  After my father passed nothing was helping me get through the pain I was feeling until I discovered pole dance fitness.  The pole community alone was more moving and empowering than anything I have ever experienced.  It still heals me today! 


You teach at Heart and Pole Dance Fitness.  I imagine your pole sisters have been instrumental in helping you recover from your loss.  Tell us about them.


I love Heart and Pole!!!!  I am so thankful that they created a family for me to go.  I am from Speedway, Indiana originally and my whole family still lives in the mid-west.  Heart and Pole was a place for me to heal without anyone judging me. 


How long have you been pole dancing?


My poleversary will be on my father's birthday on May 18th.  This year will be my 3rd year. 

What first drew you to try it? 


I didn't realize that on the day of my fathers birthday that I tried Pole for the first time.  I remember that day I woke from a dream I had that night.  My father was in my dream and he was trying to tell me something.  I woke and that dream was what motivated me to find something new and something really challenging.  I was driving in the South Bay of So. Cal. and saw Heart and Pole Fitness Studio.  Being an athlete and seeing the words Pole and Fitness together peaked my interest.  I started my first class that day and never looked back. 


Do you like to dance in shoes or barefoot?


I like to dance barefoot.  There is something about it that just feels right.  I feel like I can express my body more than in shoes.  Don't get me wrong, the girls that can rock the heels, go for it!  It's just not for me unless I am performing in a group piece and it's mandatory. 


Tell us something people would be surprised to hear about you. 


I guess what motivated me to move to California from Indiana.  On December 26, 2009 I was leaving the north side of Indianapolis after the Indianapolis Colts lost the Super Bowl to the Steelers. I left the Super Bowl Party and was headed to another friends house on the westside of Indianapolis.  I drove my car through the side streets to the next party because I wanted to check out the Christmas lights.  It was also freezing that day.  I think with wind chill it was -5 degrees.  As I was driving I saw a house that had an attached garage.  The garage door was open.  There was a car parked in the garage that was on fire.  I stopped in shock because I was the only one around seeing this.  I got out of my car and called 911.  The operator wanted me to see if anyone was in the house.  By now, the whole garage is on fire and rapidly catching the house on fire.  The neighbor came running out his door and myself, the neighbor, and 2 other people passing by helped the 2 elderly couple out of the house.  I helped the elderly women because she was unconscious.  I took my sweatshirt off for her to lay on while her head was in my lap.  All I can think of was to get this lady breathing and talking.  I did what I had to do and she came through. The firemen and ambulance finally came.  The nurse that was on the scene whispered to me that the women that was laying in my lap had 3rd degree burns and to not touch her skin.  As she said that my reality kicked in away from the adrenaline I was feeling and say a stranger and a human being dying in my arms and I was making her comfortable and calm.  I almost lost it right there but held it together.  The stretcher came and took her away to the nearest hospital.  I gave my info to the nearest police officer and left.  I was in shock and could not believe that just happened in front of me.  Later that evening the Chief of the Indianapolis called me to thank me for giving her a chance but she isn't going to make it.  He said that I was the last person she talked to and slipped into a coma but she has a few hours to live and I gave her and them a chance to say their good byes.


I got an award from the city a month later but it's not an award that I can say I am proud of having but it is an award that is on my wall and reminds me everyday that life is short and we must honor the life we have and that we all can make a difference. 


What does 2012 hold for you?


 2012...Well, besides the world ending and then I don't have to pay back my student loans...HAHA! Just kidding.  2012 holds a lot of transition and courage for me.  I am single and love it!  I graduate this year which is a huge goal for me.  Pole Life is well on it's way internationally and this is just the beginning! A feature will be shown at the PoleExpo.com in Las Vegas at the Palms Sept 6-8th.  I hope to compete this year at pole competitions.  I am also in the works of a lot more but I am unable to give that away just yet.

*****

COME SEE POLE LIFE: THE PREVIEW TRAILER THIS FRIDAY, March 2nd at 3:15pm. This is first come first serve seating so come early! Don't miss out on being in the world of what the pole communities Pole Life is really all about and how pole's history and culture evolved into what Pole is today. The screening for Pole Life will be at the Los Angeles Film School's main theater at 6363 Sunset Boulevard...

Meet Natasha Tonelli!

When did you start pole dancing and how did you start?

I started Pole Dancing in 2005 in Arizona. I met my brother's girlfriend who was an exotic dancer. I was over at her house one day and saw her 8" heels and I freaked out. I have been hooked ever since. She told me she could teach me but I would have to go audition at her club. Of course I was terrified lol but I did it not knowing anything. And I just fell in love with the pole the first time I touched it. The house girls taught me a basic fireman and knee hook. so that I had something to do when I performed the next few weeks. I ended up loving it so much I started working and over the space of the next 2 years learned a lot of things. How to move my body and be confident. I never went into an invert or seen anything super crazy like an arm bar/matrix etc. BUT I couldn't believe how my body changed. This was a static pole and I got so ripped my legs and abs were amazing. I have always been athletic in high school I swam and ran. I worked at "Curves for women" when I was 18 as a personal circuit trainer and diet consultant. I lifted weights on and off for years and was always in good shape. But I always got bored and ended up taking long periods of time off so I never got to the point that I was just 100% from head to toe ripped hard and strong until I found pole

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

I pole 4 days a week for 4-6 hour sessions. I start with 30 min of warm up(kicks, pirouettes around pole to slow music, floor work, body rolls), 1hr of contortion and then 3 hr pole, and then 30 min leg and butt work normally. I do squats and booty pop for 3-4 (3 min songs) without stopping. And then take a break. I go over combos that I want to perfect...a combo for me being 3 -4 tricks put together that I have already mastered each trick individually and now the goal is to do them all back to back and make it look like 1 smooth swift movement. No struggle. A routine is 4-6min of combos....on my off days I am normally so sore that I rest other than 350 crunches and 25 pull-ups with the aid of my pull-up bar also I like to rest in headstands it feels so good to just relax on my head. My Boyfriend thinks im nuts haha. I take hot salt baths and stretch. When I am preparing for a competition I only take 2 days off a week and train 5. I have a stack of note pads that have 100+ combos written on them and every routine I have ever done is written down on them when I watch videos I see something I want to learn and perfect I write it down. They are my own personal pole bibles.

What kind of diet do you follow?

I am 100% VEGAN which means NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS, MEAT, EGGS OR DAIRY. I am very strict!!!! There are four basic food groups: 1. Whole grains, such as rice, oats, corn, or pasta, are great for energy. Whole grains provide protein and fiber, along with complex carbohydrates for energy. They are a good source of B vitamins and minerals. Whole-grain breads, brown rice, whole grain pasta, corn, millet, barley, bulgur, oatmeal, and quinoa. I aim for 5 or more servings per day. 2. Legumes (i.e., beans, peas, and lentils) are loaded with protein, minerals, and fiber. Legumes—all types of beans, peas, and lentils—are great sources of fiber, protein, iron, calcium, zinc, and B vitamins. This group includes chickpeas, baked and re-fried beans, black beans, navy beans, lentils in every variety, peas, and the full range of soy products: tofu, soy milk, tempeh, and veggie burgers. Not only are legumes free of cholesterol and animal fat (like all foods from plant sources), but they also help reduce cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. I aim for 2 or more servings per day. 3. Vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, and many others, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Vegetables are nutritious for two main reasons: First, they are rich in nutrients your body needs: vitamins and minerals, fiber, and special plant nutrients called phytochemicals. Second, they don’t contain any cholesterol or animal fat at all. The same is true of grains, fruits, and legumes. Some of the most nutritious vegetables include dark leafy greens like broccoli, collards, kale, mustard and turnip greens, spinach, chicory, and bok choy. Other highly nutritious choices are the yellow-orange vegetables, such as carrots, winter squash, yams, and pumpkin. I aim for at least 4 servings or more per day. 4. Fruits, from apples, oranges, and bananas to mangoes, papayas, and watermelon, provide vitamins and minerals, too. Fruit is loaded with fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals, and phytochemicals—special disease-fighting compounds found in plants. Citrus fruits, melons, apples, pears, bananas, and strawberries. I aim for 3 or more servings per day. I use a 100% hemp protein powder for added protein and when I am preparing to compete I take Creatine supplements for strength and stamina as well as MSM for joint health.  Also 10 glasses of Lemon water a day. The lemon cleanse' the body to flush out toxins that training and exercising release.

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

I have done fitness competitions that are held in venues and dancer competitions that are held in clubs. I like both. I have a title as Pole Queen Champion Midwest USA 2011 held at Club On The Border in Wisconsin and Pole Olympics Fitness Competition 2nd Place Champion 2010 held at The Office Nightclub in Illinois. Also 1st place Champion Instructor Fitness Competition held at Roxx 2010 Wisconsin.

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

I train in Rockford, Illinois at POLE CHICKS WOMEN'S FITNESS CENTER. I do not own the studio I work as a pole instructor. This is the place where I have grown and learned enough to become what I am today. The facility's focus is pole fitness, flexibility, and core strengthening. Great women, Great team!!!! I love them all and I am so GRATEFUL I found this studio when I moved to Illinois. www.polechicksonline.com

Tell us about the Pole Dance Awards.

My project that my partner, Chris Artigado, and I have going. He contacted me one day as someone he thought would be successful in getting this going because I am obsessed with the industry and everything pole. Our focus is to make it the  ACADEMY AWARDS AND OSCARS for Pole Dance. The awards that all the actors and actresses go on the red carpet every year to receive. Well we want that for pole dancers. Red Carpet and everything. It will be a live television event in the future that I myself will be broadcasting. Viewers vote monthly on their 2 favorite videos by liking them, videos that I myself and Chris hand select and post on the page. And then 2 top winners are chosen every month to go head to head at the end of the year for the AWARDS In the December challenge!!!!!!!!  This was our first year doing it and we had huge feedback. We will have it with plaques and cash prizes in the future.

THE 2011 WINNERS ARE

For the award of:

"THE FANS FAVORITE POLE DANCE LIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR"

Marion Crampe

(Latino night club) video

For the award of:

"THE BEST POLE DANCE FILM OF THE YEAR"

Marion Crampe

(at Milan pole dance studio) video

For the award of:

"THE SEXIEST POLE DANCE VIDEO OF THE YEAR"

Chalese Hathaway Stevens

(pole dance dragonfly) video

Tell us something about you that people would be surprised to hear.

That I was never into gymnastics or dance. I never danced before in my life. Before pole. And it took me awhile to find rhythm. BELIEVE ME LOL!!!! I found that a lot of the best athletes in the industry have either taken gymnastics or ballet or cheer. I am a beginner at the performing arts....I work extra hard because of it.

What else do you have planned for 2012?

Competitions!!!!!!!! I pulled a ligament in my knee on December 23rd and have not been able to pole. I will not be able to pole until April and it has been very, very hard for me. I will miss 4 Midwest competitions, Pole2Pole cup USA and THE GREAT MIDWEST POLE DANCE COMPETITION AND CONVENTION. By the time I am healed and I am able to start training again. It has been so hard for me to not be able to pole and train and compete a true death sentence lol...but as with athletes injuries happen -- look at Felix Cane. We truly just have to PUSH PAST. There is a national competition being held at Club On The Border called The Vertical Pole Showdown U.S. Open. In November, I am planning on making that my comeback. I do judge a lot of competitions here in the Midwest so that helps make up for me not being able to compete. I just recently judged The Pole Chicks Pole Olympics competition that was sponsored by Platinum Stages. And that was a great event and great competition. I have an awesome support team me and all of the pole girls from my studio and the surrounding areas really band together and share the love with each other. I know this year is going to hold great things and the pole industry is only going to get better and better. My goal is to compete in the U.S. Championship by 2015 and IPC and hopefully Worlds. So with my determination and work ethic anything is possible!!!! Only great things to come. and as Natasha Wang said "There is no rush to the top we need to just slow down and enjoy the journey!!!!!!" I am thankful I have so many athletes to look up to. We are all so blessed.....

If you'd like to connect with Natasha, please visit one of her sites below:

www.facebook.com/POLEQUEEN7

www.facebook.com/pages/Pole-dance-awards/137247949701005

www.youtube.com/natashatonelli

www.polechicksonline.com

www.twitter.com/natashatonelli

Power of Pole for ME!

I subject everyone else to my questions so I thought I would answer them too.  :-)

 

How long have you been pole dancing?

I just passed the two year mark at Twirly Girls!  I first tried a class at S Factor about three years ago but the distance was too far to travel on a weekly basis so I didn't start dancing on a regular basis until I found Twirly Girls in December 2009.

What first drew you to try it?

My first introduction to pole dancing for fitness was when OC Pole Fitness friended me on MYSPACE maybe four or five years ago (I canceled my MySpace account at least two years ago, and I was on there for awhile so I'm guessing it was over four years ago).  I was intrigued but they were in Southern California (and I'm in Northern California), so I couldn't try it out.  I then heard some girls from S Factor on the radio in San Francisco and decided it was something I wanted to try.

Where do you take classes?

Twirly Girls Pole Fitness in Pleasanton, California. 

Do you have a pole at home?

I do although I don't have it up right now.  It's in my front room and sometimes it gets too crowded.  :-/

How often do you pole?

Currently, I am training to teach so I'm scheduled to be at the studio four days a week!

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

I'm using pilates reformer to work on strengthening my core.  I am also doing the Twirly Tuff conditioning program twice a week.  I need a little more cardio and should get a jog in there at least once a week but I'm lazy.  I also try to hit yoga at least twice a week.

Do you like to dance in shoes or barefoot?

I have shoe envy.  I love how shoes look but I can't walk in them very well so I look more natural when I dance barefoot. 

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

Many dancers have suggested a couple of the Vaseline lotions (I use Vaseline Total Moisture as suggested by Natasha Wang).  I have psoriasis on my elbows (its an autoimmune disease that causes skin to grow faster than normal in certain places, which leaves ugly dead skin).  Skipping lotion on pole days just bums me out because then I feel all scaly and nasty.  If I am putting lotion on in the morning and not poling until night time, I will put a tiny bit of the Vaseline lotion on my elbows.  I will also put face lotion on but won't put lotion on any other part of my body.  If I am poling in the morning, I just go without and suffer.  My dry skin issue is the reason I ask everyone this question.  :-)

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

I use Mighty Grip on occasion but usually try to just stick myself to the pole.  I often use Dr. Bronner's soap in the shower to kind of give my skin a little stick without anything else.

Where do you buy your pole clothes?

I have a pair of Pole Skivvies shorts.  I also have some Capezio dance shorts.  For the most part, I just wear my Twirly Girls shirts and regular old sports bras.

What is your favorite song to dance to right now?

No favorite right now.  I'm feeling a little discouraged because I felt like in December I was dancing so much better than I am in January.  So when I'm in one of "those" moods, I have no favorite songs.  :-)

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

Bel and Twiry Girls have completely changed my life.  Even though my weight is higher than I'd like it to be, I can't imagine how much higher it would be if I didn't have pole in my life.  I can't wait for Twirly Tuff to transform me so I can unveil the BODY THAT POLE BUILT.  So many doors are being opened for me right now.  It's a little surreal.  I am very excited about the opportunities being presented to me through pole dancing and writing this blog.  My blog is very close to 50,000 views.  Thank you to every single person who has taken the time to read my posts.  Pole Dancers Unite!  You all rock my socks off!

 Three months into pole dancing (Approx. January 2010)

Two years into pole dancing (Approx. September 2011)

*Day 30 of 30 day blogging challenge*

Power of Pole: This is Naomi!

Welcome to our circle, another pole sister from Facebook: NAOMI!

How long have you been pole dancing?

I started pole in July 2009.  I took break at the end of 2010 for a bit over 6 months and got back into it again in May 2011.

What first drew you to try it? 

It was one of those things that I thought would be fun to just have a go at – but not having a dance background or being at all sporty I never really had the gumption. 

I saw a doco on TV in early 2009, “Best Undressed” about the 2008 Miss Nude Australia pageant and thought the name of one of the competitors, Miss Suzie Q, sounded familiar.  Took a bit for the penny to drop that I had been going past signs for ‘Suzie Q Pole Studio’ for months, as it was only minutes from my house.  With a studio only minutes from my house, how could I not give it a go?  The rest is history!

Where do you take classes?

Suzie Q Pole Studio (www.suzieqpolestudio.com.au) once a week, near home, and Blush Dance School (www.blushdanceschool.com.au) once a week near work.

Do you have a pole at home? 

Yes – the spare bedroom is now the ‘pole room’.  We invested in a sofa bed for the spare room so that I could have the space for my pole!

How often do you pole? 

Twice a week with lessons and then I try to get on the pole a couple of times a week at home also.  If I have a comp or performance coming up I might end up poling every day.

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

Not enough!!  There just never seems to be enough time in the day.  I have committed to myself in the new year that I get to the gym to improve my overall fitness and strength – I’m getting to a point in my poling that my overall fitness is going to hinder my progression. 

I’ve also started taking some casual jazz ballet classes at Sydney Dance Company to help with my overall dance technique.

Do you like to dance in shoes or barefoot? 

Mostly bare foot, although I am trying to train myself to dance in shoes too.  I have a couple of pairs of fabulous ‘stripper’ shoes but just haven’t trained enough in them to perform wearing shoes (yet!). 

I need to get comfortable in shoes so that I can rock out my new ‘Glitter Heels’ – I am on love with my Glitter Heels!

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

I don’t tend to have too many issues with dry skin.  I just use whatever moisturise might be in the house on off-pole days.  On pole days, if my skin looks particularly scaly (sometimes my shins just look a bit dry!) I use Pole Physics lotion; you can’t use it immediately before poling, you do need to apply a couple of hours out, but it doesn’t leave you greasy or slippery.

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

Dry Hands!  I get really sweaty hands and this is what works for me.  I even put a bit on inner thighs & other key grip points on my legs to keep the slipperiness at bay!

Sometimes if I am on a brass pole I will use a bit of shaving foam on my legs for just a little ‘tack’.

Where do you buy your pole clothes? 

All over the place.  At the moment loving Cotton On (Aussie chain store) yoga shorts – they are the exact right length for pole and are high enough in the waist that I don’t end up flashing!  I also really like 007 Heaven skorts – so cute!

What is your favorite song to dance to right now? 

I don’t have a particular favourite; if I’m just mucking around at home, I just whack the iPod on shuffle and see what comes out.

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

I am far more confident in myself and my body – if two years ago someone had said that I would be OK with getting up on stage in front of a couple of hundred people in my bra & undies, I would have laughed at them! 

My fitness is the best it’s been in my entire life – it’s very true what they say about finding exercise that you to do!  I can hang upside down from one leg – for someone that has never in their lives been sporty or particularly fit, that’s really cool!

AND… Pole also keeps me sane.  My job can be pretty high pressure and high stress; when I am in class my mind is on what I am doing and that’s it.  Any work or other nonsense just doesn’t have a place in my head for that hour.  Without pole I wouldn’t be nearly as happy as I am!

*Day 27 of 30 day blogging challenge*

Power of Pole - A Day of Giving the Gift of Pole

I want to thank Pole For A Cause and Pole Spin Magazine for giving me a wider audience for my request to get other pole studios involved in fundraising this year!  

http://poleforacause.com/2011/12/power/

Lovely Rita Fundraiser For National Kidney Foundation

December 30, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

 

Lovely Rita Fundraiser For National Kidney Foundation

On Sunday, April 22, 2012, Twirly Girls Pole Fitness will hold the third annual  Lovely Rita Fundraiser.  I wrote a blog about this fundraiser (and others), in a previous Pole For A Cause post, Fighting The Good Fight.  Rita, a student at Twirly Girls and close friend of mine, has been blessed with three kidney transplants.  It is important to Rita to support the NKF, so it is important to us as well.

Supporting charities in our pole community is an important topic.  We at Twirly Girls would like to ask pole studios all over the world to join us on April 22nd to raise money for a charity that is important to their studio.  There are many ways to raise money.  You can offer classes and workshops and donate any money raised.  You can have a student and instructor showcase or an open house with raffle and/or silent auction.  You would be surprised at how willing local businesses are to donate gift certificates or items if you are willing to advertise their donations to your studio members.

We have started a group on Facebook called Power of Pole – A Day of Giving the Gift of Pole, to help coordinate the event.  If your studio is interested in joining us, please join us on Facebook.  The most important thing to remember is that there is no pressure.  We are not keeping track or asking you to give money to us.  Find a cause close to your heart and donate directly to that charity.  It will be fun to report back on Facebook and celebrate all of the good that the Power of Pole can bring to our lives!

Written by Lory Myers. Photo by Liquidpulp Photography.

Power of Pole: Meet Mel!

Our circle of pole sisters widens.  Here is another amazing person from Pole Dancers United.  This is Mel!  

How long have you been pole dancing?
A little over a year.

What first drew you to try it?
I wanted something that used/increased flexibility, but also got the heart-rate going!

Where do you take classes?
Studio: Pol-Arise Dance Fitness. Castle Hill, Sydney, NSW, Australia. :P

Do you have a pole at home?
Yes! I find it much better for my progression, I have more time to really hone in on a move- and it's great as some nights I may not be 'feeling it' at class for various reasons. With a pole at home, I can get into a better mindset and 'rock it'.

How often do you pole?
3 times a week (typically). One class, then two days at home.

What else do you do to keep your body in shape to pole?
I stretch 4-5 times a week for around 50mins, I also do 30 push-ups, 36 lunges (per leg), 45 leg lifts, 1min/1 min 30 sec plank, En tendu? (Ballet move thing) for my arches in my feet as I'm rather flat footed. The stretches and exercises are done in the same session, I warm up and cool down with the exercises and stretch in between. I'm working on getting back into 30min walks 3-4 times a week, also.

Do you like to dance in shoes or barefoot?
Barefoot!

How do you deal with dry skin on pole days and on off-pole days?
I moisturise daily- I'm a big fan of having healthy skin. On pole days, I obviously moisturise AFTER poling. I drink a bit of water, 1.5 to 2L a day usually. I use gloves and iTac and Dryhands, as I tend to always have sweaty palms. *Sigh*

What is your favorite product to help you stick to the pole?
Itac and Dry hands. (Only just started trying out Dry hands, but I'm loving it thus far)!

Where do you buy your pole clothes?
Anywhere. I'm rather broke at the moment.. Two of my favourite pairs of shorts are actually pyjama shorts, that I got for $10 each off a brands clearance website, but they're a perfect short length, very comfortable, and don't really look like pyjama's. As for tops, I just roll up whatever singlet I wear to class, or pole in a sports bra at home. Nothing fancy.

What is your favorite song to dance to right now?
M83- Midnight City.

How do you feel like pole has improved or changed your life?
I'm more confident, I've really improved my flexibility, I have goals and challenges (positive) to achieve and conquer. I have a passion/hobby that I can share and be proud of.

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