Thursday 29 October 2009

Alan Titchmarsh attempts Pole Dancing for fitness on the new R-pole


Maxine Betts winner of Miss Pole Dance UK 2009 was invited on the Alan Titchmarsh Show ~ Thursday 29th October ITV1 at 3pm (7million viewers) performing and Instructing Alan on the portable, lightweight, fitness, free standing R Poles

for more pictures visit Pole Passion http://www.polepassion.com/news/pole-passion/alan-titchmarsh-show/

http://www.itv.com/ITVPlayer/Video/default.html?ViewType=5&Filter=106515


www.r-polefitness.com
www.polepassion.com

Tuesday 27 October 2009

Maxine Betts winner of Miss Pole Dance UK 2009 Championships presented by www.polepassion.com




Thank you to the following finalist for Miss Pole Dance UK professional 2009 Championships.


In the SINGLES FINAL; in running order
1. Justine McLucas – BEST OUTFIT/COSTUME
2. Tracey Simmonds – SECOND PLACE Best Entertainer Award
3. Faye Chatterley
4. (Pixi) Harmony Rose
5. Emma Simmonds
6. Kaila Lee – THIRD PLACE
~ Break ~
7. (Maya) Iracy Veloso
8. Knockout winner Joanne Blackwell
9. Knockout second (Maxine) Maria Betts WINNER OF THE FINALS
10. Karry Summers
11. Anna Rosser – disqualified due to inappropriate clothing

In the DOUBLES FINAL;

1. Sasha Kavaleva & Deb Riley BEST POLE TRICKS
2. Knockout winners Penny Howarth & Anna Chisholm WINNERS OF THE DOUBLES FINAL
3. Jennifer Gooch & Cat Denning

ALESIA VAZMITSEL (Miss Pole Dance UK 2008 champion performance) Alesia is eligible to compete again in 2010

2008 DVD is available for sale Please email theteam@polepassion.com for purchase at £8.99 + pp (2009 DVD please register on the same email address)
Please visit our website www.polepassion.com and our blog http://polepassion.blogspot.com/ for more details

Kay Penney ~ Managing Director - Course coordinator
Pole Passion Ltd ~ Miss Pole Dance UK
W: www.PolePassion.com
E: theteam@polepassion.com
T: 0871 318 3838

Empowerment Confidence Fitness & FUN!

Miss Pole Dance UK Professional 2009 ~ 25th October London
www.MissPoleDance-UK.com

Monday 19 October 2009

Thriller Dance routines set to thrill the Hen party scene of Brighton

Thriller Dance Routines set to thrill the hen party scene of Brighton


Kay Penney and her dance team – usually more familiar to dance poles than zombies is set to thrill with a new party dance routine to add to the extensive parties already offered by Pole Passion with their brand new Thriller style dance routines and parties – coupling up with their burlesque and pole dance instructor and theatrical performer Katy Schutte and male Hip Hop dancer Andy Moore

Inspired by groups of ladies always looking for something new and the wedding dance formation ideas, Kay decided to formulate a 2 hour party package for the thousands of ladies visiting Brighton and the many other regions covered by Pole Passion.

Michael Jackson lives on in the memories of his dance routines and songs and for Kay it was her way of showing her respect to the king of rock.

Inspired by the moves from the famous thriller routines this can be booked from October 2009 for small or larger group of mixed gender – no dance experience is necessary however you must bring along a sense of humour ~ this sequence is designed for all abilities and ages.


http://www.polepassion.com/parties/



Web: www.polepassion.com
Email: theteam@polepassion.com
Tel: 0871 318 3838

Tuesday 13 October 2009

R-Pole supporting BoardMasters Newquay August 2010



R-Pole is invited to The Relentless Boardmasters in association with Vans 2010 is the most complete event for lovers of music, surf and action sports Yes including pole dance and fitness for all!!

Come and see it for yourself and have a go!!


With 3 sites across Newquay offering surf, skate, bmx, daily live music acts and a music festival for 12,500 people the Relentless Boardmasters in association with Vans 2009 will be the highlight of the UK summer.

Add to that a fresh injection of enthusiasm from exciting new deals with Relentless and Vans the event will be taken to a new level.

for more information email us on theteam@passion-fitness.com

or visit our website www.r-polefitness.com

the ultimate in free standing poles for fun and fitness

Thursday 8 October 2009

MISS POLE DANCE UK 2009 championships ~ Scala London 25th October 2009




Interview with Kay Penney - creator of Miss Pole Dance UK founder of Pole Passion

Happy poling!
Jennifer www.poleskivvies.com


1. Pole Passion runs several different pole dance competitions. How did it
all begin, and which competitions are coming up?

The ideas of the Miss Pole Dance UK concept came from the ideas in 2004. I have a performance and acting back ground and was quite new to pole competitions then (as there were not many around ) I was let down by the organising company who ran the very first competition I entered 'Pole Idol' back in 2004 - bad management, bad communication, unprofessionally run! I felt I could do better. I only wanted to create an opportunity for ladies like me to shine on stage without the fear of being wrongly judged, never dreaming they would be so popular as they are today.

We have just ran the first Mr Pole Fitness UK competition 4th October
Our next competition is the big one - Miss Pole Dance UK 2009 professional category running since 2005 and is probably the largest and most established and prestigious pole competition in the UK - 25th October 2009

2. Can you give us the details on how one becomes a contestant?

The competition is open to all, professional and amateurs, it was always my aim not to prevent anyone from entering who had the passion and skill of course. All ladies who reside in the UK, who are over the age of 18 on the day of the competition. A pre audition selection process takes place whereby all applicants must submit a 3-4 minute routine either in person or via video clip to the selection committee where the performances are assessed.

3. What are the judging criteria and who are the judges?

Quite a complicated judging criteria with very strict rulings and procedures creating and maintain professionalism and I believe by continually adapting as the industry has adapted and maintaining this process this has been very influential in the success of the competitions.
The judges are well respected individuals within the fitness and pole dance domain. This year we are pushing the boundaries yet again by introducing one of the UK top osteopaths and chartered physiotherapist as our concentration is on health and safety on and around the pole from a musculo skeletal point of view. Apparently we have created a bit of a stir with in the osteopaths' association.


4. How do people get tickets to watch the competitions?

We are promoting the ticket sales via
theteam@polepassion.com + 44 (0) 1293 888 200
www.seetickets.com 24hr hotline 0871 2200260
and www.ticketweb.co.uk 08700 600100

5. What got you, personally, into pole dancing?

A drive to do something different that would challenge me mentally and physically and at the time of beginning pole dance and fitness, as a fitness professional I was in a stage of my life where I needed an unconventional challenge, something that would help reinstate my self esteem and boost my inner confidence, which incidentally I was lacking hugely. I was searching for a new found fun, something I could do for myself. I had a desire to explore my sensuality which I felt I had lost after the birth of my third child.

6. Favorite makeup tip:

Hummm as a qualified beauty therapist my favourite makeup tip has to be eyeliner and lip gloss I tend not to leave the house without it. As a busy working mum I unfortunately don’t have huge amounts of time to do the full makeup routine. I leave that for special occasions.

7. Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

Ohhh can I choose all three - I believe in multi tasking :) and promote that a modern women has the ability to wear several hats (or even shoes!!)

8. Favorite grip enhancer:

I must admit I haven’t had the opportunity to try them all so if all the grip enhancers out there would like to send me a sample I would be willing to do an analysis on them all. However the ones I have tried:- Mighty Grip, Gorilla Gold, Sur Grip - no longer in production, Dry hands, Itac, I have them all in my instructor bag as there are pros and cons on them all (was that answer diplomatic enough?) it depends on my mood, the poles mood and the weather of course!!

9. Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

It has to be my first ankle release the first invert move I did within 4 weeks of learning the pole (I was on an intensive crash course for a TV show at the time) the thrill of going upside down and not falling was amazing

10. Pole dance pet peeves:
Nope sorry I don’t have any

11. Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
For bruising it has to be good old arnica and a reassessment of pole technique and for sore muscles - work harder oh sorry I mean rest and relaxation and a wonderful deep tissue massage

12. Who would you most like to have in the audience at your competitions?
For me when I developed the competitions it was always with women in mind for the audience (at the time of innovation I felt the men had their shows and events in the gentlemen clubs) Miss Pole Dance was always about women. For me success was having 50/50 men and women in the audience Miss Pole Dance now I feel has 80/20% women in the audience so I feel I have succeeded. It was never about volume incidentally that was just a bonus (900 - sell out, in the audience last year at Miss Pole Dance UK)


Who would you most like to have compete?
Competitors come from all backgrounds - for me anyone who is so passionate about the art of pole they shine on stage, obviously acrobatics, ballet dancers and gymnasts inspire me the most due to their amazing flexibility, grace and poise but honestly anyone has the capabilities to compete - variety and originality is the spice of competing.
Actually one day I would love to think that my daughter will compete (she's 15 and still very much influenced by her piers) she is quietly inspired by both Felix and Pantera

13. Who is your hero or role model?
My mum ( who died a year and a half ago through an awful illness of cancer of the liver ) she has taught me so much in my life.
Jacqueline Gold of Ann Summers who faced challenges as I did in the early days of promoting pole dance and fitness

14. What are your favorite words of encouragement?
Empowerment, confidence, fitness & FUN! Fun in caps as that is my main focus in life

15. Favorite pizza toppings:
Prawns and fresh herbs

16. Cupcakes or ice cream?
Home made cupcakes AND ice cream

17. Anything else you'd like to share:

I would like to thank everyone who supports me especially my family and friends who sacrifice a lot for my full time passion and to all those people who send me lovely wishes and to say I am so privileged to work in an industry with such lovely people

Below I attach my competition experience and background - wow I never realised until I typed them all down

Kay Penney Competition judging, involvement and experience

2004 - Pole Idol Competitor - Regional winner

2005 - The Inaugural Miss Pole Dance UK Professional Finals - creator
- World Pole Dance Finals - Amsterdam – invited judge

2006 - Miss Pole Dance UK Professional regional heats x 8 in Newquay
Miss Pole Dance UK Professional finals – head judge
Miss Pole Dance UK fitness category introduced
Local Pole competition – invited judge


2007 - Miss Pole Dance UK Professional – head judge
Miss Pole Dance synchronised doubles category introduced

2008 - Miss Pole Dance UK Professional – head judge
Miss Pole Dance UK Amateur championships introduced
Miss Pole Dance Japan – invited judge

2009 - World Pole Sport & Fitness championships – head judge
Invited to Cirque du Soleil Pole Dance casting research team
Miss Pole Dance Hungry – invited judge
Miss Pole Dance Russia – invited judge
German Pole Dance Competition – invited judge
Miss Pole Dance UK Amateur – head judge
Mr Pole Fitness UK championship Inaugural event – head judge
Miss Pole Dance UK Professional – head judge







PoleSkivvies.com

Code Of Pole Practice by Kay Penney ~ Pole Passion Ltd




Code of Pole Practice
Passion Fitness & Pole Passion Ltd



The Code of Pole Practice defines good practice for professionals in the Pole fitness & dance industry by reflecting on the core values of rights, relationships and responsibilities.

The term 'professional' is used in a qualitative context in this Code and does not necessarily imply a paid position or person. Exercise professionals who assent to the Code accept their responsibility to people who participate in pole fitness, exercise & dance, to other fitness professionals and colleagues, to their respective fitness & dance associations, professional bodies and institutes, to their employer, and to society. Pole exercise and fitness professionals must abide by the four principles of the code which are:

1 Professional Standards
To retain a high level of competence through qualifications and continual development and learning and a commitment to ongoing training, Master classes & workshops, to ensure that safe and correct practice with both health and safety in mind to all the students, participants and instructors alike and to that of the venues and equipment used.

2 Relationships
To develop a relationship with their customers, based on integrity, openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect.

3 Personal Responsibilities
To demonstrate professional decorum in decent manner not likely to offend and to demonstrate a high degree of professional personal behaviour and conduct at all times, and be fair, honest and considerate to all participants and associates at all times. To promote participant’s well being and health in and out of the lesson structure.

4 Rights
To promote and respect the rights, dignity and worth of every student and instructor.






CODE of Pole Practice

INTRODUCTION

By labelling yourself as a Pole Instructor or similar you enter the register.
The register of all Pole Professionals is a rigorous system of self-regulation for all instructors, coaches, trainers and teachers globally who are involved in supervising people who exercise and partake of physical activity programmes on and around the pole of any description. The register has created a framework within individual instructors so they can achieve the highest standards of professionalism linked to best practice in the health & safety sector within the dance, fitness and exercise industry in relation to techniques on and around a vertical pole. The register was formulated in 2007 by Pole Passion Ltd to continually support those professionals who demonstrate a professional yet fun approach to Pole dance, fitness and exercise.
Membership signifies that a pole exercise professional meets the required standards of good practice, and professionals who join the register will need to:

- Have gained a recognised and approved certification or qualification
- Demonstrate leadership and competence in their working environment
- Be committed to their own (ongoing) professional development in fitness
- Hold current CPR and first aid certificates
- Have public liability insurance that meet the minimum requirements for registration
- Adhere to an industry accepted Code of Ethical Practice approved by governing awarding body Skills Active or similar

In isolation, any one of these six points is of little value – but together they measure the suitability of individuals to be members of the pole dance, fitness and exercise community and members of the register.

Any professional mis-conduct or avoidance of compliance with the terms of the membership of the register will lead to the member being disqualified from the register immediately.


BACKGROUND

It is important to establish, publicise and maintain standards of ethical behaviour in the pole fitness instructing practice, and to inform and protect members of the public and customers using the professional services of those individuals who have demonstrated excellent commitment and standards with regards to exercise on and around a pole.



Physical activity, dance and exercise can contribute positively to the development of individuals. It is a vehicle for physical, mental, personal, social and emotional development. Such development is enhanced if the individual is guided by an informed, caring and enlightened pole fitness professional operating within an accepted ethical framework as a self-monitoring professional.

The mission statement of the register of the pole professional is;

“To ensure that all pole dance and fitness professionals are exceptionally knowledgeable and informed on up to date health and safety standards for all concerned at all times’.

The role of the pole dance and fitness professionals are to;

- Identify and meet the needs of individuals
- To be non judgemental and be professional at all times
- Empower and motivate individuals during every session
- Improve confidence, by creating a safe and comfortable environment to encourage and develop, individual performance and fitness levels through programmes of safe, effective and fun exercise
- Create an environment in which individuals are supported to maintain participation and improve performance and/or fitness
- Conform to ethical standards in a number of areas – humanity, relationships, co-operation, integrity, advertising, confidentiality and personal and professional standards.



PRINCIPLE 1 –
RIGHTS
Pole dance and exercise professionals will;


• Promote the rights of every individual to participate in pole dance and fitness, where possible and recognise that people should be treated as individuals.

• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being and their ultimate right to self-determination. Specifically, pole dance and exercise professionals must treat everyone equitably and sensitively within the context of their activity and ability – regardless of gender, age, disability, occupation, ethnic organ, colour, cultural background, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or political opinion.

• Not condone or allow to go unchallenged any form of discrimination, nor publicly criticise or engage in demeaning descriptions of others.

• Be discreet and sensitive in any conversations and not impart any personal information without consent.

• Recognise the right of all individuals to confer with other professionals where necessary.




PRINCIPLE 2 –
RELATIONSHIPS
Pole dance and exercise professionals will;

• Develop a relationship with their customers based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect.
• Inform participant (s) of their qualifications, experience, and Registration details and should provide the opportunity for the participant to consent or decline for training/instruction by that person and respect their opinions when making pole exercise decisions.
• Not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying, etc).
• Not engage in behaviour that constitutes any form of a degrading manner (touching the breast, groin or bottom area during their teachings)
• Always promote the welfare and best interests or their participants, and encourage and guide their customers to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and actions in training and in their relationship with others.
• Ensure that physical contact is appropriate and necessary and is carried out within recommended guidelines and with the participant’s full consent and approval. Always ask before you touch a participant during instruction.
• Avoid sexual intimacy with clients whilst instructing, or immediately after a training session, and should arrange to transfer the client to another professional if it is clear an intimate relationship is developing.
• Take action if they have a concern about the behaviour of an adult towards a child, or an adult towards another adult. Never engage in any form of sexually related contact with minors, including the use of innuendo, flirting or inappropriate gestures and terms.
• As a social obligation be extremely sensitive and cautious in the case of under age participants (under 18 years) and always maintain that a consenting adult is present at all times during the instruction of a minor. Explain fully that it is not due to the content taught, rather as a social obligation.
• Be aware of the physical needs of people, especially those still growing, and ensure that frequency, intensity, duration and type of training are appropriate.
• Discuss with parents, carers and other interested parties the potential impact of pole training programmes offered to children, young adults or those with disabilities and/or impairments. Due to the sensitivity of pole dance and exercise we at present do not feel it is appropriate to teach children under the age of 18 only as a social obligation rather than the content of the lessons.
• Clarify in advance with participants the number of sessions, fees (if any), method of payment and any other potential costs involved in participation
• Communicate and co-operate with registered medical, clinical and ancillary practitioners in the diagnosis, treatment and management of participant’s medical, physical and mental problems.
• Not to work with any professional’s customer without first discussing or agreeing both with the professional and customer involved.

PRINCIPLE 3 –
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Pole dance and exercise professionals will;

• Demonstrate proper personal behaviour and conduct at all times
• Be fair, honest and considerate to all participants and others working in the pole dance and fitness industry, and to display control, respect, dignity and professionalism.
• Project an image of health, cleanliness and functional efficiency, and display high standards in use of language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation.
• Not smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs before or whilst instructing, or to take actions which could compromise the safety of participants.
• Not adopt practices to accelerate performance or fitness improvements which might jeopardise the safety, total well being and future participation of their customer (s)
• Pole dance and exercise professionals must never advocate or condone the use of prohibited drugs or other banned performance enhancing substances.
• Ensure that the activities and training programmes they advocate and direct are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the participant(s).
• Advertise their services taking respect of their qualifications, training, knowledge and ability and must be accurate and professionally restrained. They must be able to present evidence of qualifications and registration upon request and be able to support any claim associated with the promotion of their services.
• Have valid public liability insurance to cover adequately and appropriately cover their legal liability in the event of any claim being made.
• Within the limits of their control, have a responsibility to ensure as far as possible the safety of the participants and the equipment used with whom they work.


PRINCIPLE 4 –
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Pole dance and exercise professionals will;


• Work towards attaining a high level of competence through qualifications and make a commitment to ongoing training, master classes and workshops that ensures safe and correct pole practice which will maximise benefits and minimise risks to all participants.
• Promote the execution of safe and effective pole practice and plan all sessions so that they meet the needs of participants, and are progressive and appropriate.
• Welcome and share knowledge from other professionals
• Need to accept responsibility for their actions and recognise when it is appropriate to refer to another healthcare professional or specialist.
• Seek to achieve the highest level of qualification (s) available and maintain up-to-date knowledge of technical developments in the pole dance and fitness industry.
• Engage in self-analysis and reflection to identify professional needs, and to develop a concept of lifelong learning and personal development on and off the pole.
• Not assume responsibility for any role for which they are not qualified
• Confine themselves to practise those activities for which their training and competence is recognised
• Training includes the accumulation of knowledge and skills through formal education, independent research and the accumulation of relevant, verifiable pole experience. The national Occupational Standards for coaching, teaching and instructing (and/or other appropriate fitness awards) provide the framework for assessing competence at different levels of register entry. Competence should normally be verified through evidence of qualifications and practice not inferred solely from evidence of prior experience.
• Welcome evaluation of their work by colleagues and be able to account to participants, employers, trade associations, professional bodies and the Register for what they do, and why.
• Have a responsibility to themselves and their participants to maintain their own effectiveness, resilience and abilities and need to manage their lifestyle to avoid overtraining.



Copyright ~ Kay Penney ~ adapted by Pole Passion Ltd
www.polepassion.com

R Pole Brings Pole dancing fitness to homes & health clubs worldwide



Pole dancing has been stripped of its sleazy image and become a rapidly expanding, popular choice of exercise for many women in recent years. Now, worldwide fans of this fashionable way to keep fit and have fun will be free to pop up a pole at home, at the health club, at the beach or even in the pub, with the launch of the first, truly portable pole - the R Pole (http://www.r-polefitness.com).



Designed by pioneering pole dance and fitness school, Pole Passion (http://www.polepassion.com ), the patent pending fitness pole is self-standing; it doesn’t require a stage or tools and takes just minutes to set up and take down. And being 50% lighter than its nearest podium based rival, the R Pole sets a new standard in portability and creates a new world of opportunities for pole fitness.

Stephen Penney, director of Pole Passion, says: "To be honest, my aim was initially to make my own life simpler by inventing something that users could easily put up themselves. But it's become an instant hit with women who've had enough of paying for hardly used health club memberships and are bored with the same old aerobic classes."

He continues: "We're finding that the home version of the R Pole particularly appeals to women who are after more entertaining ways to work out. With the R Pole they can practice in the privacy of their own homes, or make pole-fitness part of their daily workout and even their next girls' night out!”

Created with personal fitness in mind, the studio version of the R Pole will also be a boon for professional pole dancing and fitness instructors. The split pole design clips together in seconds, without the need for butch spanners or step ladders, minimising set-up and maximising teaching time. And being completely self-supporting, the R Pole won’t damage floors or ceilings with screws and fittings, making it possible for professional studios to add more pole fitness to their weekly timetable.

Kay Penney, a fitness professional for 18 years and creator (in 2008) of the popular REP's accredited Pole Fitness Instructor training qualifications, says: "At long last we have a portable, professional pole fitness product we can use for teaching without the outdated connotations of dancing on a portable stage. It's genuinely different to anything currently on the market anywhere in the world right now."

Instructors and students don’t have to worry that safety or stability have suffered in pursuit of mobility: the R Pole has come through three years of stringent design and testing in conjunction with the University of Brighton. Its secure, wide base provides a natural exclusion zone and is covered with a safety mat to protect student dancers if they get into a spin.

Pole dancing fitness is a great, all round fun and fitness routine, incorporating all nine elements of fitness. It helps to build core strength, increase flexibility and coordination, and provides all-over body tone. And because it uses a person’s own body weight rather than the resistance of a machine, it results in leaner and more shapely muscles.

Fitness is not the only bonus: pole dancing & fitness techniques also boost confidence and self-esteem, and can help women feel sensually empowered. And, above all, it’s fun. Pole dancing fitness classes are safe, supportive environments where laughter is encouraged, making them as much a social event as an exercise class.

The R Pole was demonstrated across the UK during the recent six day masterclass tour by Felix Cane, the Australian champion and the current World Pole Sport and Fitness Champion 2009. Cane said: “The R Pole is probably the best free standing pole available at the moment.”

- ends -

Notes for editors
About R Pole construction
The R Pole is made from high quality materials sourced in the UK. It comes in a range of models suitable for professional use in gym studios and health clubs - the ‘S’ Class - and at home - the 'H' class. Features include a smaller than usual hand grip of 38mm, which makes it easier and safer to grip. Dr Steve Deadman, a leading British osteopath, has endorsed this size in preference to the more challenging style of the wider 50mm hand grip, which is more difficult for a female hand to hold during pole fitness routines.

About Pole Passion
Pole Passion Ltd, established in 2005, offers hen parties and fitness lessons from gym studios, mainly in the South East of England. In 2008 it gained accreditation with Skills Active and the Register of Exercise Professionals for its Pole Fitness Instructor Training programmes. It launched the largest, annual Miss Pole Dance UK championships in 2005 to showcase pole technique and fitness, and to change public perception of the sport. Pole Passion currently employs four full time staff and 10 part time instructors.

For further information, please contact:
Stephen Penney, director, Pole Passion Ltd
Tel: +44(0)1293 888200 / +44(0)7753 585053
Email: steve@polepassion.com
Site: www.r-polefitness.com

http://www.pressdispensary.co.uk/releases/c992383.php

Wednesday 7 October 2009

MISS POLE DANCE UK 2009 championships ~ Scala London



Miss Pole Dance UK annual championships was set up in 2005 and has always been about professionalism, education and innovation and the following recent article published in the Camden News is a classic example as to why we need to be educating some minorities

Camden News - By SIMON WROE
Published: 17 September 2009


Contestants Alesia Vazmitsel, last years 2008 champion winner and Tracey Simmonds, who is also a qualified nurse, performing at last year’s Miss Pole Dance UK Championships at Scala, London where she came second and hopes to take the title this year.

So, what kind of licence do you need for this?

After a battle with burlesque troops, council chiefs review ‘pole-dancing championships’...

SPARE a thought for Camden’s licensing officers. With the nipple tassels of burlesque protesters still flashing before their eyes and a row over whether the Town Hall should class them as a striptease act, council officials are now facing their next scantily-clad nemeses: the pole dancers.
Hot on the heels of the July demonstration outside Town Hall which forced licensing chiefs to back down over their classification of burlesque as “adult entertainment”, the finals of the UK Pole Dance Championships gyrates into King’s Cross nightclub Scala next month.
Contestants aged 18 and over will perform athletic five minute routines to music in either the glamour or fitness categories at Miss Pole Dance UK 2009 – just a hundred yards from the council’s Judd Street headquarters.
Licensing officials say they are still “determining the nature of the event”, but according to the competition’s founder, Kay Penney, 43 year old mother of three, the night is about “education”, not titillation.
She said: “People are attracted to the pole because it empowers them. But it has been an uphill battle for us. At first, people thought we were all strippers, some even labelled us prostitutes. It is a form of fitness and an incredible art form with a real mixture of participants. Teachers, police, nurses – you name it, we’ve had them.”
She added: “We don’t bleach it up too much and get into our tracksuits, but there is a strict no nudity rule in the competition. If a costume even moves, the performer will be disqualified. I cut off the music and make an example of them.”
Last night (Wednesday), feminist campaigner and journalist Julie Bindel was among those who failed to be won over by that argument.
“There seems to be some fresh hell every day,” she said. “Whether the women are talented or not, their skills are not on display. It’s a shame King’s Cross is hosting this event when we were promised the sex industry, which was rife in the area, had been pretty much eliminated. These events normalise the sex industry.”
Ms Bindel said: “These twee arguments about pole dancing being a bit of ironic fun that makes you healthy are nonsense. Jogging makes you healthy. Dressing in next to nothing and sliding down a pole should not be seen as anything other than provoking sexual desire in men.”
Ms Penney, a retired health and beauty expert who took up pole dancing to get back into shape after her third child, said Camden’s controversial – and failed – attempts to place burlesque in the same category as strip clubs showed officials were “confused”.
She added: “I think they’re confusing pole dancing and burlesque with strip clubs and even prostitution, which is not what we’re about. I fully empathise with people that don’t understand because it’s something very new. Unless you’ve been to a show or even a pole lesson you’re not going to understand the incredible power and endurance that is required to do pole.”
Licensing officers will make their decision later this month.
A council spokeswoman said: “We cannot comment on the specific licence the Scala would need for this event until we have more information.”

The event is scheduled for October 25th 2009.





The Pole Dance & fitness community comments:

I AM infuriated by Ms Bindel's comment. I have been learning pole dance/fitness for over 3 and half years and in that time I have toned up, lost weight and feel much healthier than I did pre-pole dancing. It has also given me the confidence to teach pole dance/fitness to others and to pass my exercise to music qualification. I have achieved much more from pole dancing than I have from going to the gym or jogging. I would love to know if Ms Bindel has ever been to a pole dance lesson. I pole dance for me, not my husband. All the pole moves I know are from pole schools not strip clubs. Pole dance is the best and hardest form of exercise I have ever had. It's about time people started accepting that. There are more important things to worry about in the world than a group of pole fitness professionals doing what they love and want to do.
Mrs Bond

WHAT an ignorant view, especially from a female. please take 5 mins to visit YouTube and see some of the skill for yourself. pole is just like gymnastics, only on a vertical bar not horizontal, and requires the same clothing and makeup as competitive gymnastics. Please don’t comment on something you haven’t experienced. However if you do visit a health club offering this and you consider it to be sleazy, the pole community would want to know and would welcome you view. I think this is unlikely to happen because you didn’t even take the time to do this before writing such a misjudged article.
K. Sands

IT is a shame that we have to put up with this negativity from a woman, who obviously has serious issues over her own self esteem, as she is unable to even be proud of her Miss or Mrs status, using the ever neutral Ms. Get an education MS Bindel before you judge...
S. Calvert

I HAVE been teaching pole dancing or pole fitness for 5 years now and would love to explain to my older students (50+ years old) and my male students (all of which are heterosexual men) that they are classed as a point of sexual desire by men (who are not allowed in my class unless they are training) I think the older ladies would positively split their sides laughing. Also in my class we don’t 'slide down the pole' as the aim is to work at height so everything is moving up the pole so how Ms Bland feels this is not going to get anyone fit or improve their core stability is beyond me (does she have the same view of rock climbing). Maybe she forgets that a lot of women and recently men actually enjoy pole not only for the strength aspect but for a word Ms Blind does not seem to comprehend and that is 'FUN'. I envisage the only place she has seen pole dancing has been on TV with the portrayal of strip clubs as opposed to in a dance studio where the students are dressed in shorts, t-shirts and bare feet or trainers with also a covering of bumps and bruises from the moves. Maybe Ms Bindels view is so feminist to the point of being the male perspective as obviously no woman could ever want to enjoy a sport like pole dancing/fitness for her self out of her own choice!!. Of course its all about the men isn’t it Ms Bindle? Thank you Kay for hosting the competition open to all and promoting a fabulous sport and thank you the wonderful Ms Bindle who has provide myself and my class with the largest laugh of the day.
G. Findlay

MS Bindle.. instead of being so narrow minded..and living in the dark ages and ignorant towards a very healthy sport that involves a pole.. you will soon realise that its more tiring to do than jogging around a block.. get over it .
S. Korver

I THINK that the composition of the front row in your photograph demonstrates that this is a celebration of women's talent primarily celebrated by women. Pole dancing is not justified as 'ironic fun' but is a sport pursued and loved by many dedicated women who are prepared to work hard to master their chosen art. Competitions like this are a source of inspiration and aspiration for those who love to pole dance, which tests their strength, stamina, flexibility and nerve. It takes some courage to hang upside down by your ankles. Anything that encourages such self-confidence and self-trust, promotes such a healthy attitude to one's body - and creates a supportive female community cannot be challenged as unfeminist. As a feminist academic who has studied historical attitudes to sexual display and an avid pole dancer I can confidently assert that pole dancing is not necessarily about titillation to those who practice it. How it is received is unfortunately not always within the control of feminists irrespective of their commitment to the cause. If Julie Bindel wishes to argue that competitions like this need to be curtailed because some men may attend to become sexually stimulated isn't the logical conclusion that women should avoid any activity or dress which may stimulate men, and that if they don't they will be seen to wish to attract sexual attentions. Isn't this the sort of thinking that Susan Brownmiller and Andrea Dworkin campaigned so hard to change?
Dr J. Osborn

I PITY Ms Bindel and her narrow minded opinion. I would of thought journalists kept with the times, clearly she is a bit behind in today’s world. It is obvious to me she knows nothing about exercise. To have an opinion, a respected opinion may I add, she should at least know what she is talking about. I feel sorry for such a negative woman, trying to run down others and what they have achieved, all it is childish jealousy. The outfits worn for competition are no more provoking than a swimmer, a runner, a gymnast. Unlike Ms Bindel, I have done my research and find her rather miserable opinions make me really appreciate the diversity in today’s world. Her comments are merely attention seeking hot air and she will no doubt enjoy reading the responses from everyone. Well isn't she big and isn't she clever!
R. Green


tickets for the show can be purchased at www.ticketweb.co.uk & seetickets.com and www.polepassion.com - tel 0871 318 3838

Tuesday 6 October 2009

Pole Passion ~ Jamaica, Suitable for International Students





Accredited Pole Instructor training certifications available in Jamaica for international students


Dates Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th of March 2010.
The first day is 9am-6.30pm
Day two is 9.30am-6.30pm and
Day three which is the assessment day is 12.30-4.30pm. (Subject to change due to venue conditions).

The venue address for this course is
Hedonism III fully inclusive accommodation,
Runaway Bay,
Jamaica.

The cost for this course is £748 GBP per person for the first level 1 Instructor training and no pole experience is necessary, however it is a bonus.

Please call +44 8713 183 838 for all bookings, payments and enquiries.
for accommodation please contact www.excapesholidays.co.uk

The R-pole will be available for testing and viewing also



http://www.polepassion.com/listings/comps/uk/jamaica-2010/

www.r-polefitness.com

Monday 5 October 2009

Mr Pole Fitness UK championships 2009

Congratulations go to 27 year old Dance and fitness professional Keem who blew the 4 judges away yesterday at the inaugral Mr Pole Fitness championships with his professionalism, strength, fluidity, 'flight' and performance. Keem travelled all the way from Paris France to attend the new UK competition and did not go home empty handed, proudly clutching his medal, trophy and certificate. 8 other competitors listed from around the UK to enter the competition however only 4 attended, very much raising eyebrows even at the thought of men around poles, however like Pole Passion dispelled and educated in 2005 by creating Miss Pole Dance UK championships it will only be a matter of time for the same to happen with the mens division. OK so perhaps it didnt all go to plan? but then again what was the plan?? until we try it we are not going to know and what fun it was...what sport encompasses the fun we had yesterday? Many thanks to the judges Adam Jay, Steve Deadman, Kay Penney and Deb Riley and competitors 'R' aka Mark Harman Keem Mark Vernon Ben Taylor for showing the true meaning of male pole fitness - watch out for the pictures to follow soon see you all next year www.polepassion.com

Miss Pole Dance UK Professional championships


Introduction of our new Miss Pole Dance UK 2009 Judge



I would like to introduce Stephen Deadman our Guest Judge, one of the UK’s most qualified and renowned Chartered Physio’s & Registered Osteopath’s, one of only 11 in the world who is dual registered.
Stephen treats some of the top athlete’s in the world, including The British Barefoot Waterskiing Team, British Kickboxing Champions, Body Builders, Power Lifters and other World Class Athletes, whilst also treating many pole instructors and students too.

Steve has studied the artistic tricks and moves on and around a vertical pole at length from beginner to Master Trainer status, which coupled with his profound and extensive bio-mechanical knowledge, will be hugely beneficial to the pole dancing community as a whole. As our special guest judge at Miss Pole Dance UK championships this year, at London Scala, with his understanding of the bodies physiological and bio-mechanical capabilities will give his fellow judges a unique insight and understanding of the gymnastic qualities which are being achieved by today’s top pole dancing athletes.

Steve says “I am honoured to be invited by Kay Penney counder and organiser and to be involved in the competition and to bring my experience to the benefit of everybody, to ensure pole fitness is a credible sport for the safe enjoyment of all, with the aim of ensuring that the professionalism of pole dance fitness is carried forward, setting the standard as an Olympic sport.”







R Pole the New revolutionary 38mm diameter pole

We asked Stephen to give us a better understanding as to why he felt, in his professional capacity as to why the 38mm grip pole was a more safer and beneficial piece of equipment than the 50mm grip pole for all pole people practicing the art of pole dance, fitness and sport.

Stephen’s reply
Very simply the 38mm R Pole, is in my professional opinion, a safer pole, not only because of the ability for the participant to be able to have a safer grip but also because it comes fitted with a safety mat as standard, reducing any potential risk of damage to the coccyx and sacroiliac joint (lower points of the spine) when a participant begins to invert (go up side down).

Based on my experience as a registered osteopath and chartered physiotherapist the 38mm pole as adverse to the 50mm is a safer pole because of less physiological and biomechanical stresses and strains which are placed upon the user’s carpal row of bones and ligaments in the wrist where the 38mm pole offers a safer grip.

If you have a safer hand grip it takes less time to build up your core strength without picking up minor injuries, which is essential to this sport and your personal fitness.

www.r-polefitness.com
www.misspoledance-uk.com
www.polepassion.com

Thursday 1 October 2009

Mr Pole Fitness UK championships


Calling all male pole dancers
Inspiring Talent ~ Promoting Ambition

The first pole fitness competition for Male pole dancers and performers is being organised by the organisers of World Pole Dance, Miss Pole Dance UK professional and amateur events since 2005

Kay Penney owner and founder of Pole Passion and of the Miss Pole Dance UK championships and World Pole Dance fitness championship competitions has coupled up with top male pole dancer Adam Jay who owns his own pole company Pole FX. The pair met at Miss Pole Dance UK 2005 competition where AJ, as he is better known, was the official pole cleaner!
'Obviously it’s important to not only have a male on the judging panel but also to help organise the competition too. We are delighted to be working with AJ, he's fun and professional and a great inspirational teacher for both men and women so it was important for us to have someone well respected in the industry.' mentions Ms Penney.

Five competitors battle it out...
it is reported that one competitior will be arriving to the poles on a Harley !!

The R Pole brings Pole Dancing fitness to homes, health clubs, beaches, parks infact now any where...



The R POLE BRINGS POLE DANCING FITNESS TO HOMES AND HEALTH

CLUBS WORLDWIDE



Pole dancing has been stripped of its sleazy image and become a rapidly

expanding, popular choice of exercise for many women in recent years.

Now, worldwide fans of this fashionable way to keep fit and have fun

will be free to pop up a pole at home, at the health club, at the beach

or even in the pub, with the launch of the first, truly portable pole -

the R Pole (http://www.r-polefitness.com).



Designed by pioneering pole dance and fitness school, Pole Passion

(http://www.polepassion.com ), the patent pending fitness pole is

self-standing; it doesn't require a stage or tools and takes just

minutes to set up and take down. And being 50% lighter than its nearest

podium based rival, the R Pole sets a new standard in portability and

creates a new world of opportunities for pole fitness.



Stephen Penney, director of Pole Passion, says: "To be honest, my aim

was initially to make my own life simpler by inventing something that

users could easily put up themselves. But it's become an instant hit

with women who've had enough of paying for hardly used health club

memberships and are bored with the same old aerobic classes."



He continues: "We're finding that the home version of the R Pole

particularly appeals to women who are after more entertaining ways to

work out. With the R Pole they can practice in the privacy of their own

homes, or make pole-fitness part of their daily workout and even their

next girls' night out!"



Created with personal fitness in mind, the studio version of the R Pole

will also be a boon for professional pole dancing and fitness

instructors. The split pole design clips together in seconds, without

the need for butch spanners or step ladders, minimising set-up and

maximising teaching time. And being completely self-supporting, the R

Pole won't damage floors or ceilings with screws and fittings, making it

possible for professional studios to add more pole fitness to their

weekly timetable.



Kay Penney, a fitness professional for 18 years and creator (in 2008) of

the popular REP's accredited Pole Fitness Instructor training

qualifications, says: "At long last we have a portable, professional

pole fitness product we can use for teaching without the outdated

connotations of dancing on a portable stage. It's genuinely different to

anything currently on the market anywhere in the world right now."



Instructors and students don't have to worry that safety or stability

have suffered in pursuit of mobility: the R Pole has come through three

years of stringent design and testing in conjunction with the University

of Brighton. Its secure, wide base provides a natural exclusion zone and

is covered with a safety mat to protect student dancers if they get into

a spin.



Pole dancing fitness is a great, all round fun and fitness routine,

incorporating all nine elements of fitness. It helps to build core

strength, increase flexibility and coordination, and provides all-over

body tone. And because it uses a person's own body weight rather than

the resistance of a machine, it results in leaner and more shapely

muscles.



Fitness is not the only bonus: pole dancing & fitness techniques also

boost confidence and self-esteem, and can help women feel sensually

empowered. And, above all, it's fun. Pole dancing fitness classes are

safe, supportive environments where laughter is encouraged, making them

as much a social event as an exercise class.



The R Pole was demonstrated across the UK during the recent six day

masterclass tour by Felix Cane, the Australian champion and the current

World Pole Sport and Fitness Champion 2009. Cane said: "The R Pole is

probably the best free standing pole available at the moment."

www.r-polefitness.com