The glitz and glamour of the pole dancing world is back for a fourth year at Star Theatres.
Miss Pole Dance South Australia aims to display the showgirl side of pole dancing, and hands the spotlight to passionate dancers keen to compete for the crown of Miss Pole Dance Australia later in the year. Here, competitors Christina and Olivia answer some questions about it.
What do you both admire about the art of pole dancing?
O: I love how pole dancing allows you to truly express yourself. There are no right or wrong ways to pole dance, it is whatever is true for you! You can be sexy, you can be strong, you can be beautiful or weird, fast or slow. The pole community is so fantastic and I know for most of us we feel we have found a place where we truly fit in and can be ourselves without anything but full acceptance! Pole is an emotional outlet, a way to unleash creativity, a fantastic means for building confidence and strength and the most fun you'll ever have working out!
C: There are many things I admire about the art of pole dancing, and a few of these are the creativity, the athleticism and the variety. From the idea stage to actually performing a piece, the creative process can be lengthy and varied, however I love seeing the final piece when it has all come together. Athleticism plays a big part in my own pieces, where it's important what my body can do, rather than what it may look like. The variety in pole is important, as each person has their own style, and it all has a place.
You'll be competing in the upcoming Miss Pole Dance SA… How do you prepare for comps?
O: To prepare for comps I usually like to have my theme/music organised early so that I have lots of time to experiment with movement and let ideas formulate in my mind. Once my routine starts to develop I try to train it four or more times a week and like to have it basically finished (even if I can't quite do it yet!) about four weeks before comp!
C: The way I prepare has evolved over the years – It's never easy! I like to have my routine prepared early – where I draw off the huge support network at the studio I attend and surround myself with people who inspire and motivate me. I then run it in sections, whether it be dance only, pole only or perhaps in minute groups. Every session, I'm recording as I go, fixing what doesn't work – where the technique or angle isn't right; or I'm just not happy with how its pulling together. I try to always be open to feedback and mix it up. Its not all endless repetition though, I'm also mixing in stretching and my normal classes to keep up my strength and technique; as well as taking on a few things out of my comfort zone.
Christina - Image © The Black LightHow did each of you get into pole dancing?
O: I knew I wanted to do something creative after high school but didn't quite fit in with any other type of creative art nor did I know what I wanted to study. I saw pole on YouTube when I was 16 and decided when I finished school I would give it a go. The idea of making pole a profession formed in my head over time, and before I even started classes I had decided I was going to be a professional pole dancer! It seems ridiculous and I still can't believe that it has become my reality!
C: I started pole around seven-and-a-half years ago. I nervously walked into a studio, after not being able to commit to any other exercise programme; I found pole to be challenging, varied and rewarding. I soon increased my classes, and found a studio that suited me, where my fitness improved. Pretty soon, I started finding I was getting a lot of emotional support – the people around me helped me find a confidence I didn't know I had. We're all likeminded, but its more than that – the banter, the nicknames (they call me Log, because I didn't used to be flexible) and no matter what is happening in our outside lives, we are all the studio because we love the sport.
Christina, what can people expect with your style of pole dancing?
My style is generally quite focused on tricks and powerful combinations however I hope this year to bring more of a dance and entertainment element into my show.
And yours, Olivia?
I love dynamic movement, power tricks and bendy moves! This years routine has a slightly creepy theme.
Why do you guys each think comps like Miss Pole Dance are a good idea?
O: They are an opportunity for us to showcase our sport and show the state what pole dancing is about. It's a great way for the pole community in SA to come together and support each other too.
C: I believe comps like Miss Pole Dance SA are a good idea as they give people an opportunity to create a piece, train it, and step out on stage. It shows the community what pole is, and is an environment in which the pole community support each other and bonds grow. The first time I ever competed, I didn't know how much I'd gain from the entire experience. It's not just a three or five minute performance, it's a journey right from the moment you fill out the entry form to when you step off stage at the end of the night.
OliviaWhat is each of your previous experience with Miss Pole Dance SA?
O: Miss Pole SA is my favourite competition, it's so much fun and the energy of the comp is fantastic! I have competed in the past three Miss Pole Dance SA's and have been lucky enough to take home the professional title twice!
C: I've been a part of this competition for a few years now, starting with tiny shoes and nervously performing, and with each year gained more experience – and now some height in my shoes!
What inspires you to jump in and be part of events like this?
O: I love being involved in the SA pole community and MPDSA is one of the biggest nights of the year for South Australian pole. It's so awesome to see all of the other ladies reveal what they have been working so hard on and it's so inspiring to see what our peers create each year!
C: Opportunities such as Miss Pole Dance are amazing. When I first started watching pole I never dreamed of being a part of a show like this – it's the gateway to arguably the biggest pole competition in Australia, where many of my idols perform. It's a great day backstage with likeminded people all putting on unique shows and an amazing atmosphere in front of an audience who are all on your side cheering no matter what!
Convince our readers to head along and check out Miss Pole Dance SA in one sentence each.
O: Hair flicks, high heels, big tricks and a whole lot of fun!
C: Come along for a surprising night of entertainment, athleticism and some cheeky sexy fun.
