Miss Pole Dance UK 2011 Professional

Finally the date is announced - 25th June 2011 Concorde2 Brighton sea front where the current champion will pass on her crown
dont miss this exciting showcase ~ Bringing sexy back

Tickets now on sale
www.misspoledance-uk.com

March 2011 was another spectacular month for the team at Pole Passion.
Miss Pole Dance Japan crowned their next champion to join the World Pole Dance team in Budapest - our congratulations go to Yukuri.

Japan came to Pole Passion - Joshua having already interviewed Hitomi organiser of Miss Pole Dance Japan, delighted us with his charm and conducted a 2 hour interview with Kay Penney for the inclusion in a chapter of his book he is currently writing - His interest is about the community formation in this wonderful age of digital media and is particularily interested in the Pole Dance Community as a whole and how the pole dance culture and genre is developing - his journey is taking him around the world to interview key individuals in which he feels has shaped the Pole Dance Community as it is today.

Also in March Burlesque Passion presented during the First Official UK Zumba retreat in 2011 at Centre Parcs at Sherwood forest and were very well received.
With the increase in Zumba fitness maybe Burlesque fitness is the next best thing :)

We thank the organisers for inviting Pole and burlesque passion along.

Rpole had their debut too with sales increasing by the month as people eventually get to try one and fall in love.

Also in March was the launch of the Northern Accredited Pole fitness Instructor training and yes the northerners want us back up there for the continuation level 2

check out the website for more information on Instructor training
www.polepassion.com/fitness


Our congratulations go to the newly qualified instructors who are passionate about safe and effective teacher training a huge congratulations goes to Mandy Horne of Pole Babes for putting on a very professional course with glowing references......



See you all soon at the forth coming Miss Pole Dance UK championships professional category where Maxine Betts will be forwarding her crown to the next champion following in the footsteps of
Elena Gibson
Tracey Simmons
Sally Anne Giles
Alesia Vazmitsel
Maxine Betts

Tickets now on sale for the 25th June in Brighton Concorde 2

Maxine Betts retirement Miss Pole Dance UK professional champion

A HUGE Farewell to our Miss Pole Dance UK 2009/10 Maxine Betts as will be retiring from the pole world announced on Tuesday 9th November 2010.

Not a lot of people know, but Maxine, the fit athlete that she is suffers from Fibromyalgia, which she was diagnosed with 8 years ago.
Fibromyalgia is pain and stiffness in the muscles, ligaments and tendons and can affect several parts of the body.

The symptoms of this condition are:
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbance and waking up not feeling refreshed
• Morning Stiffness
• Headaches
• Concentration Problems
• Irritable Bowels

Fibromyalgia can make day to day, simple tasks a challenge such as, cooking and light duty house work, which in result of this can lead to depression.
As of today the only treatment for Fibromyalgia is to take strong pain killers or non steroid anti- inflammatory drugs.

Due to having this condition Maxine’s body would not have the recovery time it needed which would then lead to a cycle of ongoing unpleasant pain.
As Maxine is a professional UK Champion Body Builder as well as the Miss Pole Dance UK professional Champion, she would battle through daily with this pain, as she has so much love and ambition for her art.

Eventually after a particularly bad day on Monday 8th November 2010, her illness deliberating Maxine so much so, she was so paralysed and not able to speak! - Maxine decided enough was enough: it was time to give it a rest from the pole and fitness world and as Maxine quoted on facebook, “It’s now time to look after Maxine Betts the person, rather than Maxine Betts the athlete.”

Maxine has been a huge inspiration to so many girls and guys in the pole community; she is an amazing athlete who beyond all the odds never expected to win Miss Pole Dance UK on 25th October 2009 in London.
As like many of us, Maxine fell upon Pole Fitness & dance, loved it, trained hard and trained herself to become the professional lady she is today. She was an unknown who was just doing what she so loved to do, stay fit, perform, dance and contribute to others.

Not long before entering into Miss Pole Dance UK 2009, she sadly lost her dad to cancer. Her performance was a tribute to him in her moving, powerful and emotional performance that captivated the 900+ audience and judges. It meant a lot to her as she chose the song by, “Take That,” “Rule The World”, which featured lyrics such as, “Yeah you and me we can light up the sky, if you stay by my side we can rule the world”, These lyrics were kept close to her heart as she performed on behalf of her dad, celebrating his life and she consequently went on to light up the sky of Pole Competitions.
Maxine never entered into MPD UK to win it, she saw it as an opportunity. It was in fact on her yearly to do list! Her yearly ambition list that motivates her through her challenging life of pain. It was her opportunity to show the world, her opportunity to dance on a stage like no one was watching, celebrating her physical achievements – When she won it rocked the pole world, inspiring hundreds of others to get up and have a go, sending out the unforgettable message – that if you love what you do - then do it . her famous phrase in her boot camps ‘DO IT’ always would inspire and motive, from her years in the army.

Maxine has always said never take yourself too seriously, a philosophy we love at Pole Passion too. Always remember to have fun with your art and remember why you got into it in the first place.
As Maxine found herself at the top of her game, she begun then to put a lot of pressure on herself to keep on continuously impressing people and she found that the pole community needed some fun put back into it and for it not to be so serious, after all it is pole dancing not brain surgery!

Her advice to all girls wishing to become pole dance champions is to do it for yourself have fun with it and always remember why you are doing it.

Maxine never failed to not impress anyone and she taught lots of successful Masters Classes throughout the UK including one in Switzerland, inspiring National athletes so much so she was invited above all other top pole athletes across the globe supporting the girls of Miss Pole Dance Switzerland.
She also has a successful pole school called Pole Mania.

Maxine would like to thank everyone for supporting her over this year and is very happy she has inspired so many people and she says “If you want something that bad you eventually get it, you just have to believe in yourself and NEVER give up”.

We are sure at Pole Passion this will not be the last you have heard from Miss Pole Dance UK 2009/10 Maxine Betts and we wish her all the luck in the world as she embarks on her new career adventure!

We wish Maxine a healthy and fruitful future a lady who has inspired so many and will continue to do so.
Words to describe Maxine come to mind
Athletic, strong, powerful, determined, ambitious, fun, playful, funny, intelligent, sexy, classy, feminine, mentor, supporter, leader, inspirational, outspoken,

What a great ambassador for the pole world we thank you for your contribution and love you have shared. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten; continually inspiring at all levels and we will be staying in touch 

Words taken from Maxine’s last Master Class with Pole Passion


“Never ever give up on your dreams or what you believe in, look at the person sitting next to you, then know that you are no better than that person and that person is no better than you, if you can go through your life remembering this you will always do well.
If you want something bad enough, all you have to do is believe in yourself and anything is possible, if you want it enough you just go out there and you make it happen, you grab the world with both hands, keep a tight hold and never let go.
....... and last of all Kay, a small word from me..........I tell everyone don’t ever give up on your dreams......and although my illness has caused me to now retire this does not mean I have given up on my dreams. It simply means I have lived mine I have made them happen and now it is time for me to go and live some new dreams, I am very proud to have been MPD UK champion and to have represented the pole community. I have also learned so much from every one, on a professional level and also on a personal level and have some wonderful memories that will stay with me always.”

Maxine Betts ~ November 2010 xxxxx


Healthy Wishes and with our love

Written by Nikki Fenton & Kay Penney
Miss Pole Dance UK - The Pole Passion Team x

www.polepassion.com

www.misspoledance-uk

Pole Passion proudly presents Maxine Betts Master Class September 2010

We are pleased to announce that the next
Master Class by Maxine Betts
is on
Sunday September 12th ~ 11-30 am to 4pm

This master class is suitable for all abilities although a good foundation of pole dance experience is highly recommended.

Maxine known well for her versatility in teaching will be hosting the day long Master Class at the fabulous Taylors Pole Studios, Capel

The format of the day will be the following:-

11.30am Arrival and registration

11.45am Meet and greet + Demonstration

12.00pm Spins & combination workshop - perfecting and progressing

1pm Lunch Break

1.30pm Intermediate/ Advanced tricks and drops workshop, perfecting and adapting

3pm Break

3.15pm Pole Ab attack off the pole !! ~ learn how to build core strength to progress & strengthen your moves – this section will make you sweat!!

3.45pm Questions, your pole photos and certificates

4pm Finish

The cost is just £60 for the whole day which is great value for money
Please bring a light packed lunch and refreshments, there are shower facilities on the venue for your use if you wish ~ Please bring your own towel
FREE parking on site also

Just email back if you wish to reserve your place or call 0871 318 3838 or 01293 888200 if you wish to register (just a £30 non refundable deposit, with the rest payable in cash on the day)

We look forward to seeing you there – a great place to network and make new friends too
email us on: theteam@polepassion.com

Jamaica Story Pole Dance Convention presented by Pole Passion

Learning the Skills of Exotic Dance week at Hedonism III at Runaway Bay Jamaica

Saturday 27th February – Saturday 6th March 2010

Attended by; Kay and Steve Penney, Debbie Merchant, special guest performer & positioned third in the world - Alesia Vazmitsel, Miss Pole Dance UK competition Champion 2009/10 Maxine Betts and her sister Simone Maclaine, Jenni Gooch, Alison Gooch, Cat Denning, Alison Constable, Carol Cook, Paula and David Robinson, Paula Bines, Katy Spooner, Miranda Goldring, Gareth, Deborah Cornick, Elena Shishkova, Katie, Kabiashvili Ekaterina, Emily Lardner, Sally Chinda, Laurie Finch, Gigi Hoffpaulr, Daniela Baumann, Johann Borenstein, Emily Fakdvek, and all the special guests of Hedonism III.

Saturday 27th February - We all met up nice and early at Gatwick airport and headed straight for the duty free shopping (we are a bunch of mainly girls!) after browsing round the shops and trying out the samples of free vodka we all headed to board our plane. We were all very excited and looking forward to our trip. We spent the flight stretching in the isles, which caused a few stares! and chilling out with the virgin entertainment oh and of course a few complimentary drinks to get us started!

After a 9.5 hour flight we where all feeling a bit tired and stiff but eagerly jumped onto our coach for the transfer to resort. Once we arrived in resort and checked in it was 8.30pm Jamaican time and 1.30am UK time but we where holding out well. We nipped straight to our rooms and were back in the bar within the hour! We were greeted by the fabulous entertainment staff performing a dance show on the main stage and what a treat that was! Please ask any of the girls how fabulous and they will fill you in! After a few drinks in the bar the ones of us still standing headed off to the nightclub and started a impromptu pole jam up on the bar, with maybe not as much energy as normal! The entertainment staff then announced a Booty Shaking competition on the bar and who are we to say no to a challenge, so up we got Kay, Debbie, Paula and Katy danced and shacked their booties till the jet lag thoroughly kicked in! and what better way to finish your night off by a quick trip to the hot tub to soothe those aches from the flight away!

Sunday 28th February

We started our Sunday morning very early, obviously the jet lag not holding us back because we are generally early risers! and for those of us who are we really keen we headed straight for the gym which is open 24 hours a day (for the very dedicated!) After a good workout and feeling very pleased with ourselves we headed for the all inclusive buffet for breakfast and to meet up with the rest of the group. The breakfast selection was huge and certainly undid all of our hard work, with the choice of omelettes, pancakes and syrup, sausages, bacon, cake and a huge choice of fresh fruit. Whilst we were eating away a guest who had seen our antics from the night before approached us and gave us a lovely comment that our performances on the pole the night before where ' a combination of athleticism and sensuality' definitely the look we where going for!
Following breakfast we had our welcome meeting with Kay Penney who gave us our very exciting and fully packed schedule for the week and a tour of the beautiful resort. After some lunch we all headed to the beach and eagerly awaited our poles on the sand! within minutes Steve Penney had erected our R-Pole and we jumped straight on eager to start on learning some new moves! We had some huge tricks being performed within minutes and there was something for everyone to learn and certainly wetted our appetites for the week of pole ahead! We where all feeling very energetic and started an aerobics session headed by Jenni Gooch and Cat Denning on the beach (if only aerobics was this much fun at home… sigh) and just in case we had energy left we finished of with a ab attack by Maxine and wow can she make you work hard! Now those hard core ladies that still had energy to burn carried on playing on the pole until dinner time!

After a lovely, if not huge dinner, in either the Italian or the main restaurant where there was definitely too much food on offer to try and keep to any kind of diet! Those of who still had some energy left after a whole day of pole stayed for a few drinks in the bar dressed in our ‘pimps and hoes’ outfits ready for the evening entertainment. It was then on to the nightclub where we were treated to a impromptu performance on the bar from Alesia Vazmitsel which was worth fighting the jet lag for! We held out as long as we could before falling into bed after a very long very fun packed day.

Monday 1st March

A nice early start again, but not feeling quite so keen for the gym with our aches from Sundays day long pole jam and work out! (nothing to do with the dancing in club all night long of course!) After a large breakfast and squeezing in some sunbathing on the beach we where ready to get back onto those poles. We started our day with a two hour master class with Alesia Vazmitsel assisted by Debbie Merchant on the main stage and a beginner’s session with Jennie Gooch on the beach. During Alesia's class we where put through our paces learning a variety of different moves and spins including some fantastic shoulder mount variations and trying to make our Jade's look like Alesia’s. The beginners on the beach lesson was a huge success and we definitely started a new craze in Jamaica! We were all feeling the effects of the day before and enjoyed a lovely afternoon sunbathing on the beach and catching up with the latest pole gossip.
After a nice rest we all joined Maxine Betts for another of her soon to be famous ab workouts followed by a very inspiring stretch class with Alesia where our bodies stretched to places we never thought possible!

It was the back to our rooms to get dressed up as ‘pirates and wench's’ for our evening entertainment and fancy dress competition – won by Kay Penney (oh did she mention she stole a hat from one of the other contestants to steal first prize – a visit to swim with the dolphins!!) Everyone was keen for a night out after our day of fun and the party continued after watching more of the fabulous and energetic entertainment crew. It was then on to the piano bar where we discovered what a talented bunch we are with a microphone and a piano to dance on!
Simone selected and requested from the crowd to perform later on that week. It was then back to the nightclub where we were taught a new dance routine by the entertainment staff which was going to become our theme of the week! More dancing on the bar, pole, cage and anywhere else we could find to dance on until we discovered the water slide that goes through the nightclub and that you can get four people down at a time! We finished the night back in the hot tub Jacuzzi, before staggering to bed a little bit worse for wear!

Tuesday 2nd March

We started the day a little bit slower than the previous days and the gym was long forgotten by now! After breakfast we were back on stage for a pole and floor workshop with Alesia, today was much hotter and we were feeling the heat and recovering from the night before antics! We all left the workshop with some new moves and bruises to be proud of! During the workshop Kay started the first day of the International Pole instructor training with Elena from Russia and what a lovely place to learn your instructor training. After class it was back to the beach for more relaxing and games on the beach, whilst Jenni started teaching the practical on the main stage with Elena. After a rest the pole started calling us and Maxine and Cat started teaching lessons on the beach with the sun coming down behind us, there were moves for everyone to learn and we lasted on the beach for hours with our R-Poles.

It was back to our rooms for a little nap then into our outfits for the Pyjama party, after another lovely large meal and stocking up on the adorable harmless little cakes they had on offer! We settled down to watch the evening entertainment on the main stage. They had a special treat for us tonight of a fashion show which included the staff dressing up for every fantasy! It is a night I will personally never forget! Now if that was not enough entertainment we then had a beautiful performance by Alesia to Tom Jones Kiss Kiss, which had the whole audience in awe of her strength and flexibility. After posing for some photos in the fountain it was back to the piano bar for a sing a long, where Simone did us all proud and had the whole bar singing along with her! and of course back to our routine of dancing in the nightclub to finish another exhilarating and amazing day.

Wednesday 3rd March

We all met back in the restaurant for another huge breakfast then Kay was back teaching the instructor training another internationally trained Pole Passion instructor coming along great. Maxine’s workshop started on the main stage this was a great workshop and we covered a lot of new spins and different variations. We were all feeling the amount of pole we had covered in a few days and Maxine revived our love of pole with this workshop. We carried on poling until lunchtime and it was then time to start rehearsals for our Showcase on Friday. After a busy afternoon it was back to the nightclub for our lap dancing lesson with Debbie Merchant, we learnt how to give our partners a special treat on our return, then as a added treat we had one of our favourite entertainers in, to practice our skills on ‘50 No Cents’ aka Wayne as a professional dancer and fitness instructor, who gave us fantastic feedback and as an added bonus showed us a very energetic male lap dance routine which was definitely something we need in the UK! After a fun packed day we were still keen for more and it was back to the main stage for an ab work out with Cat and more stretching from Alesia and by now we were definitely feeling the benefit's if Alesia's years of practice!

After a well deserved nap it was back to the restaurant for Alter Ego night and there were some outrageous outfits in the restaurant that night! We were in our routine now dinner, piano bar for singing then the nightclub for dancing oh and not forgetting the waterslide our new best friend!

Thursday 4th March

After breakfast it was back to the instructor training for Kay, Jenni and Elena whilst the rest of us joined in performance techniques workshop with Alesia eagerly hoping to pick up some tips to make our future performances as mesmerising as hers. After classes it was more preparation for Fridays showcase. Everyone was practicing hard determined to make their shows the best Hedonism has ever seen. Everyone was really dedicated and keen to show the skills they had learnt in the week.
After a busy afternoon it was time to dress up for the burlesque lesson with Ana Dupre aka Kay Penney. Everyone donned there corsets and nipple tassels for a hour of fun in the privacy of the nightclub where we learnt to strut our stuff like real burlesque stars then down to the restaurant for dinner and toga night! There were some fantastic home made togas on show and a parade across the stage showing off our creativity with a bed sheet!

It was then time for one of the wildest nights so far starting with the Hedo Talent show where Alesia performed a fantastic display of flexibility using Son and Dyce from the entertainment crew as props, the ladies in our group where very jealous by this point! Followed by Simone singing and wow she has an amazing voice! Then on to the night club for lots of dancing and drinking games we were all going to feel this night for a few days to come!

Friday 5th March

There were a few pale faces this morning but with a morning off pole workshops some of us recovered on the beach whilst the brave of us headed off resort to Dunns River Falls. After a short bus ride we learnt a lot of history of Jamaica. We arrived at the beautiful waterfall and meet out guide Moses for the day where we walked up one of the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen and although it was a hard climb it was totally worth it for the experience.
Today was also Paula's 21st Birthday and what a way to spend it - a birthday you would never forget! After our trip it was back to resort to meet up with the rest of our group who were all having a well deserved rest on the beach. The afternoon was spent napping and finalising the last minute preparations for our show that evening.

Friday Night our showcase was about to start, the night started off with a performance with Maxine who showed us why she is Miss Pole Dance UK 2009 with her amazing strength and control on her moves the audience went crazy! Following Maxine was a singing performance from Andre and not only has he a body to die for he can sing as well! Following Andre was Cat Denning who performed to Gold Frapp and gave out some massive tricks and was the best performance I have see her give. Following Cat was Kay who performed a burlesque act which inspired everyone in the audience to take up Burlesque dancing! Following Kay was another pole performance from our very own Paula Bines who has developed so much in one week she did us all proud on the Pole Passion team. Following Paula was Son from the entertainment crew who was a strong favourite within our group of ladies and performed one of the most jaw dropping dance medley performances I have ever seen to Michael Jackson and finishing with a little help from our own Kay Penney. Following Son was Simone singing Hey Big Spender with her sexy backing dancers Jenni, Carol and Maxine who wowed the crowd. Following Simone was Miranda who confessed afterwards had never danced on such a high pole before, did a beautiful performance to Lady Gaga and showed us some amazing tricks, following Miranda was Alesia who performed another jaw dropping show using a chair and some tricks I never have seen her perform before, following Alesia was Melody who sang beautifully culminating her performance whilst sitting on a trapeze and finishing the show was Phoenix who performed a very entertaining drag act!

After a fantastic evening we were all in the mood to let off some steam and the partying for Paula’s birthday started with shots at the bar and group photos on the main stage. It was then back to our second home in the nightclub for more crazy dancing on the bar! We then finished our last night in the hot tub the best place to be after a night out!

Saturday 6th March

After a bit of a lie in this morning it was back to the beach to soak up some final sun before saying our goodbyes before heading for our long journey home.

We had a great week of fun, sun and pole and made friendships that I am sure will last a lifetime.


Written by Debbie Merchant
Pole Week coordinator - Pole Passion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdb96tl3yAo&feature=email


www.polepassion.com
sponsored by www.r-polefitness.com

Kay Penney of Pole Passion interview by Pole Skivvies USA

Alescia Vazmitsel 2008/2009 Miss Pole Dance UK and World Pole Dance 2009 No 3 champion
Tracey Simmonds Performing in Miss Pole Dance UK 2008
Maxine Betts Miss Pole Dance UK 2009 champion

Kay Penney is the founder of Pole Passion, which hosts Miss Pole Dance UK and the World Pole Dance Championships.

Pole Passion runs several different pole dance competitions.
Miss Pole Dance UK Professional category (professional as in standard of moves)
Miss Pole Dance Amateur - Beginners in pole dance, fitness and performance
Mr Pole Fitness - categories specific to males only
Doubles in all categories
World Pole Dance - www.worldpoledance.com


How did it all begin, and which competitions are coming up?
Miss Pole Dance UK came from the ideas in 2004. I have a performance and acting background 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 on 4th October. Then we had the big one – Miss Pole Dance UK 2009 professional category on October 25. This has run since 2005 and is probably the largest and most established and prestigious pole competition in the UK.
The world championships are next - Felix is the current world champion Australia, Jeneyne is No 2 representing USA and Alesia is No3 in the world representing UK

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 in which 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.

What are the judging criteria and who are the judges?
We have quite a complicated judging criteria with very strict rulings and procedures to create and maintain professionalism. I believe, by continually adapting as the industry has adapted, maintaining this process 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 physiotherapists as our concentration is on health and safety on and around the pole from a musculoskeletal point of view. Apparently, we have created a bit of a stir within the osteopaths’ association.
check out pole passion for more details

http://www.polepassion.com/listings/comps/uk/miss-pole-dance-2009/



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.

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 newfound 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.

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.

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!!).

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 pole’s mood, and the weather, of course!!

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
It has to be my first ankle release – the first invert move I did, within four 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.

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

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.

Who would you most like to have in the audience at your competitions?

www.polepassion.com all pictures copyright Pole Passion Ltd
www.worldpoledance.com

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’s 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% women/20% men 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 are 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 peers). She is quietly inspired by both Felix and Pantera.

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.

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

Favorite pizza toppings:
Prawns and fresh herbs.

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

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.

For more information, visit Pole Passion and get the details on the 2010 World Pole Dance Championships.

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
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