Portable free standing poles for rental

At Rpole we hire dance and fitness free standing poles !
Contact us with your details
Name
Location
Pole fitness / dancer experience

And drop us a line - theteam@passion-fitness.com

Mental Health - A support network is here for you

In light of a beautiful soul recently been taken away from our pole community and hearing the tragic news of Jess Leanne Norris' passing please find below a series of links where someone is there to support you should you need it

Rest in peace Jess... you were an inspiration. You started pole at 15, self taught, and went on to win at Miss Pole Dance UK championship professional category at the young age of 18 in 2011 And then went on to win  again 4 years later in 2015

Mental health services in the UK are very much still OPEN and are URGING people to use them now more than ever. Even if you don't have a mental illness, there's no grievance too small - please, please do not suffer in silence. If you're struggling and suspect it's part of a wider problem, it's INTEGRAL that you -

Go to your GP first and say you want to get in touch with a mental health team - this is the quickest way to get support

Please speak out to someone you trust or at least look for support online. There are plenty of resources:

Samaritans (call especially in crisis): https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/

YoungMinds (for younger kids and teens): https://youngminds.org.uk/

MindOut (for LGBTQ+ support): https://www.mindout.org.uk/

Bitesize mental health support: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/tags/z7qg6v4/mental-health/1

How to have a conversation with your kids as a parent (questions to ask in lockdown): https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zjc2tbk

Betterhelp (tailored counseling service if you can afford some quick support. Do not go to if you're in crisis.): https://www.betterhelp.com/

REACH OUT

photo credit - Geoff Pegler

Greta Pontarelli Age 69, from USA, comes to Belfast UK for World Pole Championships

Greta Pontarelli, Aged 69 next month, from USA, american pole dancer comes to Belfast, Ireland on October 26th and 27th to compete, judge and host master classes.

We are excited to be introducing legendary pole dancer Greta Pontarelli to World Pole Dance for the first time competing under the World Pole Federation 

With 8 world titles under her belt she is set to follow in the footsteps of pole stars and legends of world pole dance such as the amazing champions & her idols Felix Cane and Jenyne Butterfly 

Fear of osteoporosis got Greta Pontarelli up from her desk and onto a pole, but it was pure grit and daily affirmations that, just three years later when she was 62, won her first place in the 2013 Pole Sports World Championship. Since then her elegant, gravity-defying routines have made her an internationally recognised pole legend, so you can imagine our excitement when she agreed to travel to Ireland to compete and judge at world class level for the World Pole Federation.

Pole sport is a relatively new sport only being recognised in 2009 in the beginning by the World Pole Federation, creating a safe and non judgmental artistic platform for individuals to perform for the public for the very first time in Jamaica 

We asked Greta some questions prior to her attending the Championships in Belfast, Ireland, on Saturday October 26th 

Please connect with me on social media.

http://www.facebook.com/gretapontarelli

http://www.instagram.com/aerialzen

http://www.youtube.com/gretapontarelli

 How did you get started in pole ? 

When I was told I had the beginning of Osteoporosis I knew I had to take action because my mother had it severely.  I did some research and learned I needed to do more weight bearing exercise to keep it at bay. I either had to lift weights or lift my body and pole fitness was recommended. I soon took a class and was immediately hooked by the beautiful artistry and how quickly one gets into shape. 

I never expected to compete. However, when I was on American Ninja Warrior and heard the announcer say I was the oldest person to ever attempt the course, I was shocked. It set in motion an epiphany to use the stage as a platform to inspire others to not let age or limitation keep them from passionately going after their dreams.

At what age did you start pole? 

I started pole the beginning of 2010 when I was 59.

Do you have a dance or fitness back ground?

I competed in gymnastics in high school and college and had a number of years of dance and martial arts. However, most of my training occurred between 40 and 50 years ago, so it seems like another lifetime at this point.

What other careers have you had before pole ?

I was a psych major in college. I have had extensive training in the healing arts, physical therapy as well as executive coaching. 

What do your children say about you doing pole on an international level?

My family has been extremely supportive and have empowered me to go after my dreams.

How does your diet and lifestyle change when you are training for a pole competition?

Eating a healthy diet has always been important to me. So nothing changes when I am training more intensely for a performance. My diet is essentially Paleo. I eat organic food, freshly caught fish and free range chicken. I love cheese, so I sometimes include it in my diet as well as a glass of red wine occasionally. I eat very little gluten which keeps my inflammation low and hydrate with plenty of water.

Who do you learn from and where do you get your inspiration from for your performances?

I train at home in my Home Pole Studio. I teach Skype lessons to students there and occasionally connect with artists all over the world. I am empowered by so many people. Numerous philosophers, visionaries and artists have become important catalysts for me. It is by reaching deep within and connecting with inspiring muses that the magic unfolds, bringing not only a piece, but our entire lives to life.

Who and how do you chose your music for your performances?

I come from a musical family so finding the right music to frame a piece is paramount to me. I tend to be moved by music that is or could be a soundtract for a movie. A performance is really a 4-5 minute screenplay. It needs to have contrast, crescendos, moments that frame challenges as well as a victorious climactic ending that is uplifting and moves the audience.

Have you ever danced in exotic dance heels?

I tend to be more acrobatic so heels don't work too well for me. However, I am amazed by what those who do Russian Exotic can do in them.

What do your friends, the same age, think about your hobby and profession?

My friends as so supportive. They think I am a bit of an anomaly to do what I do at my age, but I don't. When you passionately pursue what makes your heart soar you actually feel ageless.

If you could chose one thing to change about your body what would it be ?

I would love to have perfect hips and the fast twitch muscle I had when I was young, so I could tumble and sprint again. After two hip replacements I have gotten stronger on the pole, but without cartilage in my hips I don't have the explosive power needed to tumble.

What one thing would you say to ladies who’ve never tried pole and are nervous to do so ?  

Many people tell me that I have obliterated their excuses for not going after their dreams and it has changed their lives. That touches me immensely because my mission is to hopefully in some small way inspire the life of others.When you find real purpose in your life motivation is no longer an issue. It becomes a powerful alarm clock. We can always find an excuse and fear is a common one. However, I have learned that when we push through our excuses  and crush our fears we find brilliant success.  

Judge and World Class Pole Competitor 

Pole Passion Grading 12th November 2016

https://www.facebook.com/events/729654723849567/

NEXT DATES - Pole Passion Grading
12th November 2016
Friends and family welcome

Venue
Pole Passion BEWBUSH  hosted by Charlie Wood and her team of instructors 

Bewbush Centre

Dorsten Square

Bewbush

Crawley

West Sussex

RH11 8XW

Order of the day

1.30 – 2.00 room set up
2.00 – 2.30 student and instructor music and payment registration
2.30 - 3.30  Grading
3.30 - 4.00  Presentations and awards - Best Entertainer Award will be given on the day with goodie bags for all those who attend too
4.30 finish 

ALL POLE PASSION STUDENTS AND INSTRUCTORS can attend and perform in a grading. (must have attended Pole Passion classes for a minimum of 10 weeks and be a current student)

Everyone is welcome to watch, family, friends and students, including children, as long as they are supervised by an adult at all times. Eating and drinking is not be permitted in the studio (other than students drinking water during the grading)

ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR FOR MORE DETAILS OF THE MOVES IN THE GRADING SYSTEM or EMAIL US at 

theteam@passion-fitness.com

Grading Certification

Students take the gradings for many different reasons for some it's a personal achievement, a platform to stand up and perform for the very first time in front of an audience. A chance to express themselves through music and dance.

For others it’s the first steps to a career in performing, a build up to the competition they’ve always wanted to enter but never thought they could, a chance to gain confidence, build flow, increase stamina and performance endurance.

A chance to get feedback to assist in improving their art every step of the way, eventually moving onto competitions.

Grading performances are certified and  students can achieve either a Pass or a Pass+ at each level.

www.polepassion.com

Elena, Lena Shishkova from Russia, signs up for Pole Passion camp 2016

Lena Shishkova – Russia (Elena Baghira) signs up for the Pole Passion Pole Camp in Budapest for 2016 as a Master Trainer once more
We are proud to have Lena join us once more again in 2016.  Elena has always been an inspiration to many students and instructors over the years creating many of her own moves for the industry and as a fore founder of pole dance and fitness in Russia, it is amazing she is joining us once more

- Founder of Pole dance, Pole Fitness, Pole contemporary.
- International Advanced pole instructor Pole Passion Membership PPF0700310.
- Aerial straps instructor
- Stretching instructor
- Exotic dance/Strip dance instructor
- Owner of  “High Pole Dance Studio” in Moscow, Russia
- Master Trainer for Pole Passion camp since 2012 - www.polepassion-events.com

I started dancing when I was 10. I have worked as a performer since 2000. Since 2007 I started working as an instructor and choreographer in Moscow and opened the first Pole Dance Studio in Russia- www.poledance.ru I currently work as a Pole dance instructor, Aerial straps instructor, Exotic dance instructor, Pole Contemporary and Stretching instructor. And I work as an aerial silks and straps performer at “Aerial circus – theatre SIMBIOZ”.

I am a successful dance choreographer where many of my students and my work have successfully won pole dance championships and competitions. I have created a great number of new pole moves and tricksfor thepole dance community.
I took part in many showcases and competitions around the World and the first was the World Pole Sport and Fitness Championship 2009 (finalist) representing Russia Pole Dance, in Jamaica promoted and held by Pole Passion.
My achievements are
- Featured Master Trainer & Pole Instructor at POLE WEEK 2012 in Budapest by Pole Passion
- Master Trainer at POLE WEEK 2013 in Budapest by Pole Passion
-      I am an organizer of the Russian pole dance competition 2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2012 (www.russianpoledance.com)
-     In 2015 I was invited to perform at the Opening Ceremony of FIBA U 19 WOMEN
Competitions:
-     Finalist of the 1st WORLD POLE SPORT AND FITNESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2009, Jamaica
-     Semi-finalist WORLD POLE SPORT AND FITNESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2010, Zurich
-     WINNER OF POLE WEEK PERFORMER 2011, Spain
-     MISS POLE FITNESS AWARD in Texas 2011, Dallas
-     Finalist POLE DANCING UNIVERSE 2011, Denver
-     Semi-finalist 1st WORLD CUP 2011, Rio de Janejro
-     Finalist WORLD POLE SPORT AND FITNESS CHAMPIONSHIP 2011, Hungary, Budapest                               SILK RUNNER-UP PPS Aerial Performance Tournament 2011, Hong Kong                                                       Silk Finalist PPS Aerial Performance Tournament 2012, Hong Kong                                                         WINNER of pole dance 2013 in Dance Legend, Ulyanovsk, Russia                                                                   SILK Professional 2nd RUNNER-UP PPS Aerial Performance Tournament 2013, Hong Kong

*** Elena was invited аs a judge to
Miss Pole Dance UK Professional Championships 2008,
Miss Pole Dance UK Professional 2009,
Miss Pole Dance Germany 2009,
The first Ukrainian Pole Dance Championship 2010,
The Russian Exotic dance competition 2011 in Moscow,
Pole Sport International 2011 in St-Petersburg,
Miss Pole Dance UK Professional Championships 2011,
Miss Pole Dance Ukraine Championships 2011,
Pole Battle of the Ukraine 2012

For more information please contact email:

theteam@passion-fitness.com

Elena Artamonova, Pole Passion International Trainer & Assessor, Moscow, Russia 2015

Elena Artamonova is the chief instructor and choreographer at one of the highly acclaimed dancing studios in Moscow and one of the founders of Pole Dancing art in Russia.

She fell in love with Pole 12 years ago and never stopped since. 

She has 11 years teaching experience and moreover she is one of the world’s best athletes in this field.

“I had to train very hard work to reach the level I am today and the results I've achieved in my dancing career, and owing to diligence and grit, I am now a Champion of Russia, 3 times Finalist of World Pole Dance Championship and Pole Cup, and repeated winner as well as prize winner of many Russian and International competitions’, - says Elena.

Having 2 university degrees ( pedagogical and choreographer), being a CCN gymnastics, D-level ballroom dancer and professional fitness &gym instructor, this young woman keeps constantly developing and increasing her level of knowledge.

In 2012-2014 she passed Beginner & Intermediate Instructor courses, arranged by Pole Passion Ltd. and in 2014 became an ambassador of safe and effective Instructor training as well as one of the chief teachers of world-famous Pole Passion International Camp & training Retreat Week that is organized each year in Europe.

Every year Elena visits different Pole Dance and Fitness Conventions all around the world, and each time brings back new experience and information that she could pass over to her students. In 2015 she successfully passed Aerial Hoop Instructor training also, and has created her own signature Beginner Aerial Hoop teaching program.

When talking about her job, this is what Elena says: “Pole dance for most of my students is a remedy from stress and fatigue. Some of them come in and say: I feel “different” now. They feel more confident now, they walk with the different air about themselves and they just feel better knowing that they have something that they can do, and it influences them from inside. That’s what the “different” means. Sometimes it’s hard to explain… but when I see all these changes in people, then I understand that my work isn't in vain. That’s why teaching for me is not just a job. It is something I’m planning to do as long as I can, and I will never stop. I help people to overcome their fears, overcome themselves, and love sport”.

From this year Elena has become a part of the large International Pole Passion family - a representative in the branch of international pole sport and fitness & aerial hoop instructor education, Worldwide and in Russia particularly.

“And, in conclusion, my advice for the beginners. Anyone can do this! In this type of sport there are no age or height, or constitution limits. The pole holds up to 200 kg. So if you’re under it- come and try! As long as the pole holds you-you can do it! As long as you’re open, want to try and have fun you’ll make it!

If you are happy to travel to Moscow, I'm waiting for all of you – for training and professional development!

With love, Elena xxx”.

Email: theteam@passion-fitness.com

Web: www.polepassion.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1293 888200

Training Information : theteam@passion-fitness.com