Tuesday 17 August 2010

Allegra - World Pole Dance contestant 2010





WORLD POLE DANCE 2010 in Zurich at the Radisson Blu October 2nd

Introducing Miss Pole Dance Australia 2009/10 champion ~ Allegra
The Pole Passion Team ask on her Pole Dancing, Stretching and Competing techniques preparing for the World Pole Dance championships

What made you get into Pole Dancing?
I've never really enjoyed any other fitness activities, so when I heard about pole dancing I thought it would be quite different and signed up for my first class. Straight away I was hooked! The acrobatics combined with dance really appealed to me, and after a short time I took as many classes as I could, which led to becoming an instructor at which point I gave up my old life as a Graphic Designer to teach and perform full time.

Had you trained in any other dancing before?
No not at all. In fact I was a bit of a couch potato! Which just goes to show that anyone can pole dance if they put a little time and effort into it. Having fabulous teachers at Bobbi's Pole Studio definitely helped. I was able to learn the technicalities of dance from highly trained ballerinas and cabaret dancers, so I got the best education in dance for our industry as it was already combined with pole.

What is your favourite thing about Pole Dancing, the performing, exercise, the glitz and glamour of it all?
Performing would have to be my first love. Nothing beats flying on the pole for a captive audience. But I also love that I've finally found a form of exercise that suits me. And who doesn't like sparkly costumes?

Now as we have all seen your flexibility is very impressive and graceful! Are you naturally bendy?
No! I couldn't do the splits before I started pole dancing, but I worked at it and eventually I got there. I've been lucky in that I can over-split with my centre split which is unusual. But I've had to work quite hard to achieve flexibility in other areas.

What stretching tips would you give for the splits?
Stretch as often as you can, but don't stretch until it’s excruciating - just uncomfortable. If you push too hard you injure your joints instead of stretching your muscles. And do different kinds of stretches, not just the splits themselves.

Did you find that Pole Dancing has helped improve your flexibility?
Yes definitely! Even without stretching weekly, many moves on the pole and floor work require flexibility so you're stretching all the time.

Would you say that becoming flexible is possible for everybody including people with no dance/gymnastic background?
Yes, with a little work everyone can improve their flexibility. I've had students that were totally inflexible when they started and can now do a beautifully flat split. And age is no barrier either. I have a student who is 54 years old and she is flexible and fabulous!

Are you nervous about competing in the World Pole Dance Competition?
A little, but in the end I'm just going to go out there and have a good time on stage! It’s healthy to have some nerves, but its best to focus on what's great about your routine, and how best to engage your audience.

Will we be seeing any surprises in your routine for the Worlds?
I have a couple of new moves and variations up my sleeve!

Finally what is your favourite pole move?
I have a few! I like 'The Allegra' of course, and the one-handed centre split on the pole. I really enjoy shoulder-mounts as well, and I like moves that 'flow' into each other. I have a new type of combination that I'll be busting out at worlds, that's definitely one of my favs too!

Buy your tickets here to see Allegra compete live
http://www.worldpoledance.com/tickets.html



Exclusive August interview from the Pole Passion team www.worldpoledance.com

For 2011 World Championship tickets now available in Budapest

www.worldpoledance.com

Monday 9 August 2010

Pole Passion Instructor Training ~ we teach you all the techniques & Pole Secrets you have been dying to know


Pole Passion Fitness is one of the fastest growing fitness classes in the UK.

Our accredited qualification in Pole Fitness Instructor Qualifications Level 1 & 2 is an exciting opportunity for fitness professionals as well as exceptional individuals to learn to become Pole Fitness Instructors to learn a new career and teach Pole Fitness with full ongoing training and support.

At Pole Passion we create inspiration through our unique training programmes
to deliver fitness and FUN! - Kay Penney – Founder and Chief Instructor since 2003


Pole Fitness Instructor Training Programmes (REP’s Accredited & approved)

Our comprehensive courses include in Level 1, over 100 moves, transitions, poses, tricks and spins & at Advanced level 2 over 70 additional moves, transitions, spins and tricks.

OUR instructor training courses are accredited with REP’s for 16 CPD points each (32 CPD total). The courses map to D414, D415, D416, D412, D417 and C35 of the National Occupational Standards.

These pole fitness qualifications are written with the ETM knowledge to support the course and are designed primarily for fitness professionals who have an ETM qualification to level 2 or similar and are looking for a new and exciting class to teach and gain valuable CPD (continual professional development). However, this is not a must for everyone who wishes to attend the course, just a recommendation as our course assumes knowledge gained from the ETM. We highly recommend all students to register for the ETM as part of their continual improvement programme.
Some testimonials from the hundreds of instructors we have successfully trained

"I would definitely recommend Pole Passion. I found Kay & Jenni extremely
knowledgeable & approachable. The Course was informative challenging & interesting"
Claire

~
I have just taught my first ever pole fitness class and it was great! I had 3 poles and 3 girls to a pole and I don't know who was more excited, me or them! We all had so much fun and when I assessed my performance as a teacher I think I did pretty well. The feedback was fantastic and the girls seem to be hooked! I have a second class with different girls tomorrow and am so looking forward to it!
I could feel Kay over my shoulder at times [don't turn your back on the girls!] and was surprised at my confidence. Thank you Pole Passion. Who would have thought that a year ago, after losing my Mum, that this middle aged woman would come so far on an emotional journey and find herself in such a place? Her own pole studio! I love it! Thank you so much ... Best wishes from Angela.


Pole Fitness - Instructor Training Level 1 is a teaching qualification for all participants who have no, or limited prior experience on a Pole and limited teaching experience. It is also a comprehensive foundation course for more experienced pole dancers seeking a recognised teaching certificate. You will be awarded your unique, quality assured, membership number, recognised within the fitness and pole professions

Pole Fitness – Advanced Instructor Training Level 2 is a continuation on the course structure from level 1 which includes progressive new moves, transitions, routines, trick and floor work. BONUS new course structure innovated by Pole Passion - Both courses offer comprehensive & detailed manuals and is aimed at those participants who have completed level 1 Pole Passion Fitness Instructor course. Ideal for those serious about professional pole instruction

Continual Professional Development - from Level 2 Pole Passion offers regular advanced training and master classes designed to support you and your continual professional development up to a master trainer standard including additional training in Burlesque and other dance / fitness styles for additional class structures and opportunities. Structured training includes;

• Burlesque - Introduction to Burlesque for beginners
• Burlesque - Teaching Burlesque Instructor Training
• Introduction to Pole for beginners
• Pole Fitness Instructor Training Qualification Level 1 - 16 REPs CPD Points
• Pole Fitness Advanced Instructor Training Qualification Level 2 - 16 REPs CPD Points
• Pole Fitness Training: Level 3 - Intermediate
• Pole Fitness Training: Level 4 - Intermediate / Advanced
• Pole Fitness Training: Level 5 - Advanced
• Pole Fitness Training: Level 5 - Competition Standard
• Pole Fitness Training: Level 6 – Master Trainer

Instructor course aims - The course allows instructors (male and female) to learn a new form of exercise, boosting their self confidence in a fun, professional and supportive environment and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to plan, teach and evaluate safe and effective pole exercise.

Check out the website for more details on www.polepassion.com/fitness
we recommend www.r-polefitness.com for gym portable free standing poles too