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

Instructor Spotlight on Ellen Lovelace!

I had heard of Ellen Lovelace many times before I actually met her at a Poletential event. She is an amazing dancer and instructor, and she makes me giggle. I loved the hammocks class I took with her last weekend. Here is Ellen!
 

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

I’ve done machine Pilates for about 5 years, twice a week. I pole 3 to 4 days a week. I usually take an aerial yoga class once a week, and now am teaching one about once a week as well. And, due to my unfortunate litany of injuries, I have a whole routine of at-home PT exercises that I do in one form or another almost every night.

What kind of diet do you follow? 

I try to always eat a variety from the major food groups: bread, pasta, cookies, and bagels. ;-) I’m allergic to dairy and eggs, and I choose not to eat pork or beef…so I’m kind of like a vegan who eats chicken and fish. In all seriousness, I’ve tried eating low-carb high-protein tons of fruits and veggies, and it just makes me gain weight and feel hungry all the time. So I eat what I want, but in moderation. 

Do you have a dance background? 

Not formally, no. I’ve always danced in one form or another, starting as a Madonna impersonator in my bedroom, then cheerleading and musical theater, leading up to sensual dance and pole. But not formally trained.

Do you compete (pole fitness or any other kind of fitness competitions)?

No, I don’t. This past summer I actually pushed myself WAY outside my box, and submitted an entry to the Masters (40+) division for the Midwest Pole Championship. I was so incredibly honored and blown away to be chosen by the judges to be one of the 6 competitors! However, due to many reasons, including a crazy summer schedule and a shoulder injury, I had to decline. In hindsight, I’m really glad I entered, but I know I made the right choice for me, and won’t be entering any more competitions. I pole because I love it, and that’s all the validation I need.

Do you teach pole classes? If so, where?

Yes! I teach at Poletential in Redwood City , CA . It’s a great studio with a non-competitive atmosphere full of fun women who pole for the joy of it. I teach a few different things, from choreographed dances to intensive clinics (invert, floorwork, etc.) to pure hard tricks-based classes.
 

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

I love both, but if I had to pick only one to do forever, it would have to be dancing. I think my joints would prefer that choice, as well. 

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

To each his or her own. There’s room for all forms of expression. I just don’t like it when people are adamant about one over the other.
 

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

Usually, just clean hands and pole are all I use. If I am trying something brand-new super-scary that requires a lot of grip and don’t want to worry about sliding, I use a quick shot of Firm Grip. Our studio poles are 50mm so sometimes it helps to stick your hands in place!

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

Since I discovered Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion, I haven’t had dry skin in years! I apply it every day—it leaves you moist and slightly sticky, so it’s perfect for pole. On non-pole days, I hydrate deeply with Kiehl’s Crème de Corps.

Where do you like to buy your pole clothes?

I wear a ton of pole tanks from our studio and others. Unfortunately, all the tiny cute pole and yoga tops are not made for my “girls”, so I wear great bras from Champion. And I am eternally on the hunt for the perfect pole shorts. Still haven’t found them! 

Do you like to dance in heels or barefoot?

Both. I tend to go in cycles of one more than the other. I need to get better about making myself practice tricks in heels.
 

What is your favorite thing about dancing on the pole?

It’s everything I love about any form of dance: losing yourself in the music and movement. Plus, the challenge of integrating tricks in a way that the dance never stops. That’s what motivates me--how can I make this seamless and pretty?
 

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

So many come to mind! But I guess the two songs that will always get me up and moving are Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by John Mayer and The Way I Are by Timbaland. Totally schizophrenic, I know! 

What else would you like people to know about you or your studio(s)?

I’m 41, and until I touched a pole 4 years ago I was pretty much an out-of-shape couch potato. Pole has transformed my life and self-confidence, and made me appreciate what my body can do for me. The bruises, calluses, and injuries are all just proof that I’ve turned my body into a tool that can achieve some pretty awesome things!

Pro Spotlight on Sarah Romanowsky

I saw Sarah Romanowsky perform at Poletential's Twirloween last month and loved her.  I am really excited to see her perform again at the Air Show in December.  She is also a really good sport because she answered my questions even though they were initially written for a pole dancer and were badly converted to "aerial questions" by me (bad, bad blogger!!).  We welcome Sarah as an aerial sister!

What is your fitness background?

I spent years training at a gym, but since discovering aerial arts, I've hardly been back. I still dance, I love to hike, and I include Pilates & yoga in my aerial warm-ups, but primarily, the tissu/silks is my apparatus of choice for fitness.

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

Climbs, meathooks, skin-the-cats, pull-ups, leg lifts, straddles. More than anything, though, I recommend just being in the air. Spend longer amounts of time on the fabric. Stack moves upon moves and you will undoubtedly get stronger.

What kind of diet do you follow?

Believe it or not, after years of being a vegetarian, I've finally added meat into my diet, and I actually feel a lot better. I have more energy and gain muscle more easily. You have to listen to your own body, try different diets, and see what you respond most favorably to.

Do you have a dance background?

Yes. I grew up training in ballet & jazz dance, then obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Loyola Marymount University, where my training also included modern & contemporary styles.

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

Competitions & titles are not a big part of the aerial world. I wish there were more opportunities in this arena, though!

Where do you train?  Do you have your own pole/aerial arts studio?

I do not have my own aerial space, but I received all of my training from the instructors at Hollywood Aerial Arts, and now teach there myself, so I consider HAA to be my home studio.

Do you have sponsors you'd like to acknowledge?

Once again, we do not have sponsors in the aerial world as you have in the pole world, but this is an avenue I would be interested in exploring.

What first interested you about pole dancing/acrobatics/contortion/aerial arts?

With my extensive dance background, the tissu/silks really spoke to me on an artistic and expressive level. Now that I perform & teach it myself, I feel the exhilarating experience of blending strength and power with grace and extension. The fabric feels alive...it feels like a dance partner - it has me, it holds me. I can wrap it an a garment around me...I can ascend and descend...I can tell a story. I fall in love with it over and over again.

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

I think it entirely depends on the approach of any given class or instructor. Similarly to pole, there are some studios that teach aerial silks from a fitness standpoint, and others that teach it from a more artistic standpoint.

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

I think the pole is an impressive apparatus to work on, and one that I've chosen to cross-train on this year. It's unfortunate that many people still view the work through a clouded lens. More and more, though, opinions are evolving on it, and people are accepting it for the amazing apparatus it is.

What is your favorite product to help you stick to the pole (when you are pole dancing)?

I use Firm Grip spray or rosin on the fabric.

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

Not a problem on fabric.

 Where do you like to buy your aerial/pole workout clothes?

Dance shops. You need fitted leggings that cover the backs up the knees. Leotards. Unitards. You need your waist covered. You do not "stick" to the fabric as you would to a pole, so stay covered, or get burned!

Do you like to dance in heels or barefoot?

Barefoot!

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

I was a professional dancer. I was a classic showgirl in Las Vegas for awhile - in Jubilee!

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

Beyonce's Love on Top. I love her! Her music, especially on this current album, makes me wanna throw my hair around a lot while I'm in the air.

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

I freelance around Los Angeles and also travel to perform nationally & internationally. I have lots of fun jobs coming up throughout the holiday season and will be sure to post video and pics!

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

Check out my work at www.LAaerialist.com.  I update it constantly with new photos and videos. I will also be starting my own blog soon!

You can also follow Sarah on Twitter!  

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!

Pro Spotlight on Natasha Wang!

I saw Natasha Wang perform in person at Poletential's Air Show.  She was fresh off her win at the US Pole Dance Championship and I had seen her perform on TV a couple of times.  She is such a beautiful dancer.  I had started trying to do the "toe slide" she did on Good Day LA (It hurts like a bitch but I swear it's going to be part of my Halloween routine), and sent a video to show her.  She seemed genuinely excited that I was trying to imitate her.  I look nothing like her when I do it...but it's a new move and I'm having fun playing with it!  Natasha is so very sweet and gracious in person.  If you have somehow missed any of her performances, you should look her up on YouTube!!

What is your fitness background?

I wasn’t involved in any athletic activity before pole, with the exception of six months of ballet in kindergarten, a summer of gymnastics when I was 12 and volleyball in high school (benchwarmer!). I found pole in 2004 at the age of 29, beginning with S Factor, then The Pole Garage and Be Spun L.A. I also spent two years in contortion training with Stephanie Abrams and David Garcia at Kinetic Theory.

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

I try to pole every day and cross-train with yoga, Pilates, alternative ballet classes, Chinese pole, contortion and the occasional dance and tumbling class, although this training regimen has suffered recently because of too much travel. I soooo miss the good old days when I holed myself up at the dance studio for up to six hours at a time!

What kind of diet do you follow?

I’ve just returned from Europe where I ate enough bread and cheese to feed all of France, so now that I’m home I’m returning to my fresh veggies, legumes and fruit diet. Let’s see how long that lasts. I’m vegetarian so don’t eat meat, but I could never be vegan. I love my cheese too much.

Do you have a dance background?

No, aside from the aforementioned six months of kindergarten ballet. I used to be way into the electronic dance/rave scene back in my day, so spent a good part of my high school and college years in the club. I definitely picked up some dance tips from the club kids and drag queens in those years.

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

In 2010-2011 I won the titles of East Meets West Miss Pole-AM, California Pole Dance Champion 2010, USPDF West Coast Champion 2010, and US Pole Dance Champion 2011.

Scheduling conflicts prevented me from competing in Pole Art this year, but this is a must-do for me in 2012. I so respect what the organizers are trying to achieve with this event.

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

I train at The Choreography House and Be Spun in L.A. and have my own practice space downtown. I love the freedom of being a free agent so I can’t imagine owning my own studio anytime soon.

Do you have sponsors you'd like to acknowledge?

X-Pole USA - they’ve been so amazing to me and have treated me like a member of their family.

Kelly Yvonne of the Girl Next Door Show and The Choreography House - Kelly is the pole choreographer to the stars, and my personal muse and inspiration.

Kelly Maglia Couture - she makes the most amazing performance costumes.

Dew Point Pole - such a great product, especially for those with lizard skin like me!

What first interested you about pole dancing?

I started back in 2004 when pole dance classes were still something that women took in secret. It was like we had a back-alley VIP entrance into this super exclusive women’s-only club where we could be as uninhibited as we wanted. As someone who was shy and a wall flower growing up, I loved the freedom I felt from being able to move however I pleased -- without judgment. That’s what first attracted me.

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

There’s room and a necessity to have both terms in common use, as there are definitely schools and competitions that cater to one style or another.

I’d like to think that what I do is more akin to “pole dancing” as I’m personally more drawn to the artistic or performance aspect of dance.

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

There’s this fine line between strip culture and pole fitness/dance that organizations, pole brands, schools, students and performers seem always to be carefully treading. And while I understand that some organizations and corporate entities find a need to distance themselves away from the adult entertainment industry in order to gain mainstream acceptance, I think it’s a shame that some pole competitions have openly stated they will not accept applicants who are currently working as exotic dancers. This just feels like a slap in the face to those who pioneered this sport.

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

I spray Dew Point all over, then use iTac2 on my contact points and Dry Hands on my hands.

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

I use Pole Physique lotion and Vaseline Total Moisture, always applied the night before I pole. I stick to the pole so much better when my skin’s properly moisturized. Dew Point has also helped with my dry skin too.

Where do you like to buy your pole clothes?

I’m a huge Lululemon fan. I’ve swapped out my professional office clothes for workout clothes, so if I’m going to be in sweats all day, dammit, they better be cute sweats.

I also love Mika Yoga Wear, Pole Skivvies, and when I can afford it, Michi.

Do you like to dance in heels or barefoot?

I love feeling the floor beneath my bare feet.

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

I worked as a publicist for nine years at a company called Raz PR - the coolest bunch of ladies in the world (call them if you need PR services! :) I left my job in June to focus exclusively on pole.

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

I’m way into a UK band called Wild Beasts right now. I’ve performed to their track “Plaything” a few times already. It’s one of the sexiest songs I’ve ever heard.

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

I’m headed to Mexico City again Oct. 21st for Gravity First, 2nd Edition, then I prep for a two week trip to Sydney in November to perform at Miss Pole Dance Australia on Nov. 4th! This was one of my USPDF prizes and I’m so excited to meet one of my idols, Bobbi from Bobbi’s Pole. In December, I’ll be performing at the next Airshow in Redwood City (hosted by Poletential) and the TEASE Showcase in Denver. And of course, this year’s Pole Show L.A. (hosted by Be Spun). And if my schedule allows for it, you’ll always see me performing at the Girl Next Door show in L.A. This is going to be a busy year, so I have so much more scheduled that doesn’t fit into this interview - I’ll be posting a more complete schedule to my website: natashawang.com.

I’ve had a really big competition year so far, so I’m being selective in the months/year ahead. I’ll likely only compete in IPDFA’s competition in Hong Kong in March and I’m potentially interested in getting some friends together to do a group act for a competition in June.

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

Find me online! I love hearing from fellow polers! And don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I try to reply to each and every one who contacts me.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natasha-Wang/229400707076759 (Athlete Page) and http://www.facebook.com/natashapatwang (personal Facebook page)

Twitter: @polecricket

Website: http://www.natashawang.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/cricketwang

Thanks for interviewing me!

Pro Spotlight on PANTERA!

I can't stop!!  I'm addicted.  But I promise this is the last one for today and I am finishing strong.

Another she-who-needs-no-introduction.

PANTERA!

I first met you through Bel and Twirly Girls Pole Fitness. You are an honorary Twirly Girl -- and we absolutely adore you. You must meet some pretty amazing people traveling the world. What do you love most about traveling and what do you like least?

Most...I love experiencing and connecting with people and places. Seeing how they live, work and play. There's nothing like seeing the Red Sox at Fenway, standing in the same spot as a favorite historical figure/event or sampling food and drink that's been tradition for generations. Its awesome that people share these things and allow me to be apart of their lives even if only for a short while.

A perfect example of some of the awesome people I've met along this road is Bel of Twirly Girls. I didn't know Bel when I was first at her studio. We never met each other. She's shown me her city with pride and opened my mind to broader aspects of pole. Her partner drives me further by sharing his wisdom. They invited me into their home a stranger and now after years I feel apart of the family. She's got me halfway convinced to move to California! Momma Bel, I love you!

Least...the airports and airlines. Expensive, low gratifying experiences with humans. Single serving, unhealthy and over processed food. Delayed or canceled flights with little to no compensation. Condescending airport/airline staff and security has taught me.....a great deal of patience :) Not to say its always like that...just this morning ;)

What is your fitness background?

Played 3-4 sports while growing up including gymnastics, softball, basketball and other random team sports the school endorsed. I've been an informal body builder since the age of 14. Learning anything anyone would teach me and reading anything I can find on physiology, kineseology, mechanics, nutrition and the coolest new fitness stuff. A past time I still enjoy today.
Currently enjoy your basic first aid/CPR,  personal and group fitness certification with future aspirations of awesomeness.

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

Off Road:
Its hard to answer this question because it changes frequently
7 days a week
Stretch everyday.
Variety of programs, styles, and methods.
Pole specific training every three days.

On Road:
Stretch everyday.
Pole everyday.
Cardio when I can get it and a leg day every so often.

What kind of diet do you follow?

I call it the caveman diet but apparently they have developed a real title for it. Paleo. Basically meat, plant, and water.
Small. Often. Well.
I try to carb overload once a week/every two weeks. When you eat this way food that is processed tastes like ass so its actually hard to carb day.

Do you have a dance background?

I took a ballet class for six weeks...does that count?

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

I actually don't like to compete anymore. Remember I'm old school. I believe the competitors are the entertainment. They should not have to pay to enter or pay to get to an event for someone else to capitalize on their name, image and talent. I'll start competing again when they get it right.

Please refer to my bio for titles HERE.

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

Off road: Brass Ovaries Pole Dancing in Austin, TX. Shout out to the rockinest girls in Texas! Sorry Dallas babes, I'm biased! ;)

I do not own a studio but the pressure has been put on to start something...look for something in a few years.

Do you have sponsors you'd like to acknowledge?
When I started almost 15 years ago all there was for sponsors was rubbing alcohol...and they weren't interested! Ha ha ha.

Mighty Grip has been with me since the first soccer mom touched a pole. I absolutely love the original formula but have now started to cheat. With the new super tack they've developed. I like their other products as well (gloves, ankle guards etc) for beginners though I don't use them very often. I love the little footy thongs. My feet are much happier now.

What first interested you about pole dancing?

Very few of the other strippers did it....was a way to separate myself.

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

I think people choose one or the other because it is more socially acceptable. Like saying fitness is going to release the stigma sooner. Fitness is a by product of physical activity.

Its popular/trendy because of the dance and its background. Don't take that away from it...or at least cover your ass cheeks if you insist on calling it fitness.

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

I don't know who started this but again it's a way to be more socially acceptable. Every stripper I've worked with that didn't have a drug problem was one fit bitch! And even the druggies were fit. Crazy, but fit. Perhaps instead of making one "bad" and the other "good" we should accept them all, stand together and be the community we claim to be.

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

Sticking to the pole sucks. I just want to have the best balance of moisture and dry. MIGHTY GRIP!

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

I wear lotion every day. Your skin likes it. Try different kinds to see will work best for you.

If no lotion is handy I will use a cap of water.

Where do you like to buy your pole clothes?

I like to buy cheap bikinis and embellish them myself. I'll even custom make my own costumes. I don't know about you guys but I don't got the cash flow for some of the labels out there. I'm on a budget!

Do you like to dance in heels or barefoot?

For performances I start in heels and take them off some where in the middle.

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

Stripper, commercial diver, pizza flipper, entrepreneur...etc...

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

I'm going through the library and finding songs that I want to perform to. Being a Gemini allows me to be vague and indecisive :)

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

I'm always cooking up something. Check out my website, Facebook, or Twitter to see what I'm up to. Just for mention: finishing the 2011 USA tour, 2012 UK, Euro, Canada and Oz tour. Streaming online instruction from never touched a pole to "you want me to do what?" And new sponsors and products that I've officially sponsored.

What else would you like people to know about you?

What you see is what you get. I've helped bring pole where it is today and will continue bringing the best technical and progressive training there is. Often imitated but never duplicated.

*****

Black and white photo credits to Andrew Fryxell of Liquidpulp Photography.  Photographed at Twirly Girls Pole Fitness.

Color photo credit to Morozov Vadim.