Jess Leanne Norris winner of Miss Pole Dance 2011

Our congratulations go to Jess Leanne Norris aged 18years

winner Miss Pole Dance UK 2011

Founder of Miss Pole Dance UK, and Pole Passion, Kay Penney interviews Jess Leanne Norris – with only 12 weeks to go before the finals of Miss Pole Dance UK 2011 Annual National championships - one of the youngest contestants that has entered Miss Pole Dance UK professional category, Leanne who just turned 18 in April 2011

Jess started to Pole Dance at the very early age of 15, encouraged by her Grand Dad!! Aged 60.

Jess has worked very hard and mentions this is her first competition. Over the years she has taught thousands of ladies and many men and has now a successful pole dance and fitness studio in Bolton.
Jess’s story is inspirational to all women, young and old and we are delighted that this year she is joining the amazing and professional line up we will have for all the pole fans across the globe.
She is passionate about helping people and has a huge heart in supporting and transforming people’s lives

This year’s championships was back in Brighton on June 25th 2011, where 9 of the best UK competitors transcend to Brighton at Concorde2 to battle it out to wear the ultimate crown and represent the UK in the World Pole Dance Championships in Budapest where they will be dancing next to the world’s greatest pole performers and tricksters

Jess now is following in the footsteps of Miss Pole Dance UK champions:-
Elena Gibson – 2005/2006 winner
Tracey Simmons – 2006/2007 winner
Sally Ann Giles – 2007/2008 winner
Alesia Vazmitsel – 2008/2009 winner
Maxine Betts - 2009/2010/2011 winner
Jess Leanne Norris – 2011/2012 winner
Why are you considering entering Miss Pole Dance UK professional category this year?
This competition was just a dream of mine when I first started to pole. To be given the opportunity to perform at MPD where some of the world’s greats have competed really is a dream come true.

How long have you been training for Mpd??
I could say since the day I stared 3 years ago :D

What has been your biggest achievement to date in the pole world?
Opening JLN has been a huge achievement for me; I have been given the opportunity to inspire thousands of people to take up pole which has been the best journey of my life!

What do you hope to get from the championships this year?
The satisfaction of performing on the MPD stage will be immense!

Who is your pole Idol
The legendary Felix Cane the current World Pole Dance Champion www.worldpoledance.com

Where do you see yourself in one year! /five years
Hopefully life will be as exciting as it is at the moment, that will be enough.

Anything else you may like to add ?
When I first started pole it was to get fit and have fun, which I did, although I did find ‘myself’ when I started to perform. Listening to the music and dancing around the pole is like magic, I’m in a world of my own and it truly is the best place to be. Pole has given me strength from within not just physically and I’m on top of the world! Everyone should try it xx
www.misspoledance-uk.com

www.polepassion.com

www.r-polefitness.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

Important Pole Fitness Instructor safety announcement

Pole Fitness Safety announcement from Pole Passion - ATTENTION ALL INSTRUCTORS .... In Europe we have a 'Duty of Care' under The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, regardless what the business is, and while it’s agreed some instructor certificates are just that, it’s vital that the training experience is to offer a safe environment for both instructors and students and it is what we impart on our students and trainee instructors. Our Government Approved Accreditation Certificates are based on an education, not a desire to churn out instructors because they look good or so they can place a piece of paper on their walls!

Compliance with the 'Duty of Care' is a serious business that will see the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) seeking very large fines and possibly imprisonment through negligence. Under the 'Duty of Care,' ignorance is not considered an excuse and will not be considered in a UK or European Court of Law. Our training and certifications go beyond rhetoric and gets under the skin of what makes an exceptional pole instructor, a safe pole instructor, and this extends as much as to what goes on the pole as to what goes on off the pole, with Risk Assessments, creating and organising a safe and fun syllabus to understanding the risks of putting up poles safely; in particular to Asbestos Awareness for those poles that connect to the ceilings, which is a hidden and invisible danger that many have never considered and may seem blissfully ignorant of, but is none-the-less a real threat to life as much as falling or slipping off a pole without a safety mat !!

visit www.r-polefitness.com for poles that comply to British and European Safety standards for free standing fitness equipment

We believe an elite teacher invests and encourages their students to be better than the teacher and laying a safe & ethical foundation is crucial to this success, world wide.

With our very nature of teachings we have pushed beyond the normal, we are all innovators and together with sharing our professionalisms we will change public perceptions and continue in our success to educate.
Kay Penney - Pole Passion Ltd

GET QUALIFIED NOW – BEFORE ITS TOO LATE www.polepassion.com/fitness
Portable free standing poles suitable for the gym with safety mat as standard where safety comes first

International Pole & Burlesque Retreat 2011

Pole Passion Presents International Pole & Burlesque 2011 - Annual Retreat

After 3 successive years organising our annual Pole Dance Festival and Training week in Jamaica, Pole Passion are proud to announce that our 4th annual International Pole Training Retreat will be in Spain for 2011.

Pole Passion proudly present the opportunity to learn the skills of Pole Dance Performance and Re Vamp with Burlesque Confidence and sexy confident related dance styles in 2011. A total immersion and relaxing week where you can chill, sunbath, network,de stress and be 100% selfish for just one week!

This week long event will take place from Monday 02nd May to Monday 9th May 2011 at just £350.00 per person. Price INCLUDES accommodation on a shared room basis with breakfast included. All training, workshops & lessons are included in the cost.
Not included: Flights, Transfers, Accredited Instructor Training and Main Meals where you may cater for yourself or join in and share the cost and cooking together.

PLACES ARE NOW VERY LIMITED AND ALMOST SOLD OUT!
SO BOOK TODAY! Email us for availability

We will be offering Instruction in Pole Dancing, Lap Dancing, Burlesque, show and performance techniques, 'SEXY Bad Girls' and much more. Full daily itinerary of Pole activities, tricks, performance and combination workshops and international Guest Instructors to be announced shortly.

Your Pole Holiday will include a variety of different classes for all different levels of pole dancer from beginner to advanced level including adaption’s and progressions. The schedule will include pole tricks, performance techniques, stretching techniques on and off the pole, lap & chair dancing, Burlesque Performance, feather boa techniques and much more. Your head instructor and pole mentor this year will be the amazing Keem Martinez, Mr Pole Fitness UK champion 2009 and the undefeated French Champion 2009/2010. Keem who is also a choreographer, will not only bring his diverse and challenging pole moves with him but also his dedication and Art of Pole performance to the week.

Please visit the website for more information
www.polepassion-events.com

For international instructor training in the UK please visit – www.polepassion.com/fitness.com

The World's Smallest Portable R Pole

R pole proud to launch its latest addition to it comprehensive Portable pole range

This pole boasts being the lightest in the world and is therefore:-
easy to transport
easy to put up and take down
no tools required
can fit any where
high grip
spinning mode
fits on the front seat of your car even!

for more information about this amazing product and more in the popular range of portable and light weight poles visit:-

www.r-polefitness.com
R pole are proud sponsors to Miss Pole Dance UK championships and World Pole Dance


pink and black poles available

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

Miss Pole Fitness UK - winner 2010 Beatrice Morgan

Beatrice Morgan - Centre right seen here with Kay Penney, founder of Miss Pole Dance UK
Miss Pole Fitness Amateur UK - champion
Interview

Hello Beatrice how does it feel to win Miss Pole Fitness Amateur UK?

I'm still in shock! I never thought I'd win. But it feels great; it's something to show for all the hours put in!


Did you go in it to win it?
Not at all, a friend of mine found out about the competition and suggested we enter so a few of us did to see what it was like. I thought it'd be a learning experience and a way of boosting my confidence, plus I like a challenge.


Are you classically dance trained? As your routine was very graceful and balletic.

I used to dance, up until I was about 15. I did Ballet, Tap, Modern and Jazz. Although I've stopped I still love Ballet, and that's why I decided to put that into my routine.


How long have you been Pole Dancing for?

Just coming up to a year now.


What made you get into it?

A couple of friends and I were at our University's freshers fair and we saw the Pole Fitness society. We thought it would be just quite fun to join, but we ended up getting really into it very quickly, and loved every second (including the bruises!) and I'm now Vice President of Kent Pole Fitness.


Has this competition given you a hunger to compete in more competitions?

Potentially. I'm not a very confident person, before the competition I hadn't shown my routine to anyone as I was too nervous. But making it through it, let alone winning, has given me a drive. Plus I had such an amazing time doing it.


What advice would you give to anyone who has never competed before?

Just go for it. That's what I did. Through yourself into the deep end as it may well be just as rewarding as what happened to me.

Do you have a Pole Idol?

I love Jenyne Butterfly. She's so graceful and strong.


Were you nervous on the day of the competition?

Absolutely! I don't think I've ever been more nervous in my life!


Finally will come to compete in Miss Pole Dance Semi Pro next year?

I'd love to, but watching this year showed me just how amazing those girls are. So i’ll best get practicing!


Thank you Beatrice!

The Pole Passion Competition’s Team x

for more information regarding UK competitions visit
www.misspoledance-uk.com

10 hour 'Dance A Thon' in aid of Macmillian Pole Passion

Pole Passion
10 Hour Dance ‘a’ Thon
in support of
Macmillan Cancer Support


Pole Passion has been invited to an amazing event at Butlins, Bognor Regis on 20th November 2010
This event is for raising vital money for Macmillan Cancer Support and the day will consist of 1 hour per dance style for people to come and participate in.

Information on Macmillan Cancer Support:
Macmillan cancer support, strives everyday to improve the lives of people affected by cancer; they provide medical and financial support and will make sufferer’s lives as easy as they can.
Their ambition is to improve the lives of everyone living with cancer, as more and more people are having to cope with this disease in their daily life.
Macmillan also offers emotional and practical support too.
It is also about supporting families and communities and bringing them together to become stronger.
Macmillan guide their patients every step of the way and fund nurses, health care professionals and cancer care centres.
Macmillan understands that people need support at home, so they provide carers and also for emotional support providing cancer support specialists to listen.
Macmillan also give financial benefit and advice for all the extra costs from travelling to the heating bills.

Quote
“Together we listen, we learn, we act to help people live with cancer”.

The Event Day

There is expected to be over 400 people joining in throughout the day with Burlesque dance from Pole Passion setting the scene. Also included in the day will be sexy salsa to funky jazz.
All the dance classes will be kept fun and simple so everyone can follow them, whether they are a strictly come dancer professional, to having 2 left feet!

Butlin’s Bognor Regis kindly donated there venue for this cause.

Included in the 10 dance styles are:
Burlesque from Pole Passion opening the day with a sexy upbeat warm up
Jazz
Bollywood
Zumba
Salsa
Hip Hop
Street
Line Dancing
Belly Dancing
Cheerleading

The whole day will be full of entertainment and fun, including a raffle, foot and shoulder massages available on the day too.

Kay Penney Managing Director of Pole Passion is passionate about supporting the Macmillan charity and the day’s events, the charity being very close to her heart also.

Pole Passion will be demonstrating the innovative Free Standing R-Poles at this event as well for everyone to see and to try out.
www.r-polefitness.com

For more information on this event and to book yourself in for the day see: www.macmillandance2010.co.uk

If you would like to join in the dance costs are £10 per person for the whole day with 80% of all money going to Macmillan Cancer Support charity.

www.polepassion.com
tel: 0871 318 3838
email: theteam@polepassion.com

The International Pole Sports Federation Announces Committee Members

Pole Passion is proud to announce Kay Penney founder of Pole Passion, chair of the events committee, author of accredited pole instructor training qualifications, culminating in almost 30 pole competitions in her 9 years within the pole fitness industry and over 20 years within the fitness industry with many more pole events world wide to date and Steve Penney have been awarded a place on the safety committee and we believe a very valuable member within the pole industry with his 25 years within the construction industry and passion and development for creating the first and currently only recognised European safety standards for pole equipment.

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States – October 6, 2010 – In a bid to bring Pole Sports to the Olympic and World Games arena, the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) has put together an all-star team of fitness professionals from around the world. The industry’s top leaders in training, certification, competition, and equipment have joined together to build an Olympic-calibre organization from the ground up.

It is with great pride that the IPSF announces the following committee members:

Executive Committee
Timothy Trautman (President) – United States
KT Coates (Executive Vice-President) – United Kingdom

Technical Committee
Mary Ellyn Weissman (Chair) – United States
Cindy Cooijmans – The Netherlands
Jeanine Corringham – South Africa

Marketing Committee
Jack Gaffney (Chair) – United States
Talece Brown – United States
Charlotte Speller – United Kingdom
Alexandra Wood – United Kingdom

Accreditation Committee
Christine Davies - United States

Athlete Committee
Tami Dixon (Chair) – United States
Ingrid Jerak – Croatia
Monica Rumbea – Ecuador

Medical Committee
Dr. Sherry Morris (Chair) – United States

Safety Committee
Clive Coote (Chair) – United Kingdom
Stephen Penney – United Kingdom www.R-polefitness.com
www.worldpoledance.com

Event Committee
Kay Penney (Chair) – United Kingdom www.polepassion.com
www.worldpoledance.com
Adrian Tan - Singapore

Ethics Committee
Kate Whitley (Chair) – United Kingdom

Regional Vice-Presidents
Laura Buch (Europe) – Ireland
Vanessa Costa (South America) – Brazil
Chastitie Lujan (North America) – United States
Gabriela Munoz (Central America) – Mexico
Anna Przeplasko (Asia) – Hong Kong
Sabrina Waller (Oceania) – Australia

Pole Sports has entered the mainstream of fitness workouts around the globe and has become widely accepted as a rigorous and skilful method of exercise.

The International Pole Sports Federation (www.polesports.org) was established with a simple goal – unite the Pole Sports athletes of the world, their countries, and take them to the World Games and the Olympics.

We have launched a new IPSF fan page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Pole-Sports-Federation-IPSF/118475331542080).

Contact:
Timothy Trautman
timothy.trautman@polesports.org
2021 S. Windsor Street, Ste. D
Salt Lake City, UT 84105 USA
(801) 230-4259

Olympic Pole Dance Championship 2010

World Pole Dance championships 2010
Report Exclusive - All set for the Olympics!


This World Pole Dance Championships, presented by Pole Passion and Loft1 Pole Fitness Studios was held in Zurich Switzerland on the 2nd of October 2010.
The competition was held in the grand beautiful Radisson Blu Hotel, so the competitors enjoyed a life of luxury to help them with their nerves!

The judges for the World Championships were:

Kay Penney- UK- Chief Director & founder of Pole Passion in 2003 and organiser of the World Pole Dance competition, Owner of Miss Pole Dance UK National championships founded in 2005 & Mr Pole Fitness championships

Daniela Baumann- Switzerland- Chief Director of Loft 1 Pole Fitness Studios and co/organiser of the competition and owner of Miss Pole Fitness Switzerland

Alma Pirner- Hungary- Famous as a glamour model, pole and aerial performer and founder of pole dance and fitness to Hungary owner of Miss Pole Dance Hungary

Reiko Suemune- Japan- The World Pole Dance Champion 2005 and owner of Miss Pole Dance Japan

Fawnia Dietrich- USA- Was one of the first women to introduce pole fitness to the world and brought out the first Pole Fitness DVD

Deb Riley Tricks Syntax Coordinator- UK- Won best Tricks in Miss Pole Dance UK 2008 and is one of the top UK instructors

Donna Gant Tricks Syntax Coordinator-assistant- UK- Is also one of the top UK instructors




The competition was a huge “Woman Power” event, from women in over 24 countries that came to compete that day.

This competition was in it’s 2nd year held by Pole Passion and the talent and skill that was in it was extraordinary and Kay Penney chief director of Pole Passion is passionate about pushing this beautiful art form out further and further to the world.

On the 1st of October, the competitors had to battle it out in a set of Prelim competitions. The competitors were split into 3 groups and in total there were 36 all battling for 13 places in the World Championship finals competition.

The 13 finalists were:

1. Kulagina Anzhela – Russia
~
2. Alethea Austin - USA
~
3. Rafaela Montanaro - Brazil
~
4. Jenyne Butterfly – USA
1st runner up 2009 (automatic entry)
~
5. Zoroya Judd - USA
~
6. Crystal Lai - Canada
~
7. Alesia Vazmitsel - UK
2nd runner up 2009 (automatically entry)
~
8. Laurence Hilsum - France
~
9. Karen Chaundy - United Kingdom
~
10. Maria Escalante - Argentina
~
11. Allegra King - Australia
~
12. Felix Cane 2009 World Champion – Australia
(automatic entry)
~
13. Anastasia Skukhtorova – Russia


The following results for the competition were:

Winner: Felix Cane- Australia
Felix Cane took the World Pole Dance Championship first place home with her again!
This girl is still at the top of her game, she executed all her moves with grace and strong energy towards the audience.
She wore a rocky costume, with a skirt and jacket which she later removed and beautiful gemmed up shoes.
As soon as she entered on to the stage, she lit up with her expression and confidence as she danced and rocked out to “Knights of Cydonia” by Muse.
The lyrics to this song suited Felix perfectly as they had in them “the time has come to make things right”, meaning Felix meant business as she was coming back to take her crown home as the winning champion. What an athlete she is!

2nd Place: Maria Escalante- Argentina
Maria with her unique presentation Latino style pole dance routine.
Showing a very strong, confident routine, with perfect choreography, demonstration of beautiful lines and flexibility.
Her expression was sexy and also fierce as she connected with the audience and judges.


3rd Place: Rafaela Montanaro- Brazil
Rafaela wowed the audience and judges with her strong powerful routine, as well as her muscular athletic figure.
Her moves were executed with such strength and power and she had the flexibility to go with it too.


Best Costume Award: Alesia Vazmitsel- UK
Alesia’s costume was beautiful and fun at the same time.
She came on to the stage dressed as a martini class with a giant head piece of a sliced orange on her head.
She had the audience’s attention straight away, as she cheekily walked around the stage poking her head out the top of her martini glass style costume.
She then removed the martini glass and the orange head piece to reveal a beautiful red sparkling costume to perform the rest of her routine in.
This girl knows how to please and wow an audience!


Best Entertainer Award: Crystal Lai- Canada
Crystal’s routine had a bit of everything in it, from poses, drops and combination tricks.
Her routine was fun and up beat all the way through and it also included the classic club track “Let me think about it”, which involved a great beat which got the audience going and clapping throughout.
She looked like she was having so much fun on stage and her costume was a simple blue sparkly bikini style costume which suited this high energy, fun routine.


Best Tricks Award: Rafaela Montanaro- Brazil
Not only did this girl win 3rd place, but also won the tricks award too.
Her tricks were so strong and precise and a massive variety of slow controlled tricks to fast combination ones.

This night was also filmed by Stangentanz auf Höchstniveau TV Company and was aired on Swiss TV.

There will be a DVD of this amazing event coming out soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

Kay and Steve Penney from Pole Passion have decided to hold next years World Pole Dance in Budapest in Hungary in October 2011 along with Alma Pirner – Doll House co hosting as well.

There will also be a new doubles category next year too.

So watch this space and see you there next year!

For more information please visit

www.worldpoledance.com

we are already signing up sponsors too so if you are interested in this international event please do not hesitate to contact us on

theteam@polepassion.com

Tel: 0871 318 3838

The championships was sponsored by www.r-polefitness.com suppliers of the competition poles

Jass Foley Photos in the Swiss Alps

Pole exploring the Swiss Alps

Dates in Zurich: 29th September to 5th October 2010

Dates available to shoot: 30th September to 4th October 2010

What: Exploring the Alps and the area around Zurich with the light weight and portable R pole www.r-polefitness.com a crew, and a whole load of camera equipment. Shoots will last about 4 hours. The aim is to create spectacular images with the portable pole and the very best performers in the world. We will aim to shoot either at sunrise, at sunset, or at night.
What you will get: 6 images. These will be given as a full resolution digital copy which you will have permission to use in any way you wish to promote yourself- facebook, twitter, youtube, newspaper, magazine, personal website etc.
What it costs: €500.
Travel: Travel will be included, but if you have a car there travel cost can be included.

Who to contact: Jass Foley, Photographer: info@jassfoley.com,
00353 (0)861687194.

Full details are available at www.jassfoley.com/zurich



Jass Foley, photographer and director of photographer, will be in Zurich from September 28th to October 5th 2010 for the World Pole Sport & Fitness Championships. With a background in advertising, commercial and fashion photography, the Alps provide an alluring challenge to image creation for Jass. Having dived into photographing Pole Sport, this is an opportunity to take the amazing talent of these athletes into the equally spectacular Alps. Below is a short video showing some previous shoots and some pole images.

"The aim of this is creating spectacular images. It is an opportunity to have promotional and advertising images for pole instructors and performers from a truly unique setting. I'm doing this for sheer love of the creative process and my desire to push the boundaries of what can be done photographically. Head into the mountains with a portable pole? Sounds like a challenge to me!” For a very modest €500 (roughly £410 or $635), have a portfolio of 6 images created at one of these location shoots to use as your own promo and advertising material.

“I'm from an advertising background, where images are strictly licensed and controlled. This is not the case here. This is a passion project. You can use the images in any way you want. Put them on Facebook, your website, newspapers, magazines etc. Within reason of course- if the image will be projected on the surface of the moon, I might want an extra few Euro.”

As for the logistics of it all, I will be driving with my crew from Ireland. We will be arriving in Switzerland late on Tuesday 28th of September. We will be scouting locations on Wednesday 29th of September. We will be leaving Zurich on Tuesday October 5th. Depending on demand, we will arrange as many shoots as possible. This is a rather individual process that needs to be discussed with each person to create images that are unique to you. Locations ideas are Interlaken, the Stelvio Pass (just across the Italian border) and of course Lake Zurich and the surrounding hills. Translators and transport will be arranged by me as needed, but if you have a car with you, all the better.

I will also have Richard Geraghty, an award-winning director, with me recording behind the scenes video.
The beauty of this project is that it is not set in stone. As you can see from the video below, my shoots are fun and free flowing (but are actually meticulously planned in pre-production). We want ideas and inspiration. We want to hear from you!

If you are interested in joining Jass and you are a proficient poler please get in touch to discuss and organise.

info@jassfoley.com


00353 (0)86 1687194
www.jassfoley.com


http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142780715765285

http://polepassion.blogspot.com/2010/09/world-pole-dance-2010-contestants.html

www.worldpoledance.com

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

R-Pole 'One Trick Wonder' Competition

Pole Passion Presents a brand new style pole competition, already leading the field in pole competitions Pole Passion is supporting R-pole, the worlds first, light weight, free standing, portable pole, specifically designed for the gym environment, has created a FUN style competition open to all



R- Pole ‘One Trick Wonder’ Competition
10th & 11th July 2010 at Taylor Retreat organised by Pole2Pole Magazine

Pole Passion will be hosting a fun R-Pole ‘One Trick Wonder’ competition on both days.

Think of a handstand competition you used to do with your friends? Then think again of holding a move off the floor, on the pole - competition.

THE RULES

1) Hold a move on the R-pole for as long as you can without contact with the mat or boss

2) The winner is the person who can hold their one move the longest

3) The move must be started by holding the pole

4) The time starts when all the body if off the floor

5) The pole can not be clasped by the inner thigh, forearms or calf area which will help grip the pole
6) You may have 3 attempts of your move & the best time will be logged

7) The move must be static (pole hold) and the body MUST not move a full rotation around the pole, however, slight movement will be allowed
8) Please remove all high heeled shoes

9) Anyone can enter - Anyone can win - Open to females & males of all ages.

10) Contestants with moves over 5 minutes long will be placed in 'a pole off' if necessary.
There will be a singles category & a doubles each day!!


As this is a fun competition, on the day of the event you decide whether you want to ‘jump up’ and have a go! No pre auditioning no pre registering!!!

For more information contact Pole Passion on email : theteam@polepassion.com

R-Pole supports Haiti charity event

R-Pole is supporting the Haiti charity pole event on Sunday January 24th 2010, at Taylors Pole Studio in Capel, Surrey.

This huge venue, holds 12 poles and has room for 150 people.


Performing during the afternoon will be Miss Maxine Betts – the current Miss Pole Dance UK 2009 champion, also Alesia Vazmitsel who is the 2008 Miss Pole Dance champion, also current 3rd place title holder of Miss Pole World 2009 Champion.


There will be a charity steeplechase, involving local riders and horses from Capel.

A HUGE raffle, with the 1st prize donation being a R Pole – sponsored by R-Pole & Pole Passion (worth £800)!!!

2nd prize – 1 2 1 private lessons with Maxine Betts


And many, many more amazing prizes all donated by friends and families from the pole community


The event is being organised by Vicky Heasman, Debbie Merchant and Emma Pearson, whereby the entire UK pole dance network is pulling together for this amazing event!


For details call Vicky 07500 281741


Comments by Kay Penney Pole Passion founder and R-pole
‘I first heard about the event on facebook, late on Saturday evening, just busily catching up with emails, Debbie was online and asked for help as her close friends Vicky & Emma were wanting to set up the event. I nonchalantly mentioned it to Steve (R-pole creator) who was nearby, who mentioned it would be great to donate an R-pole for a raffle, with all proceeds to the people of Haiti. WOW I said, really??? OMG that’s amazing YES YES YES lets do it.

So I messaged Debbie to say R-Pole would like to donate a brand new R-pole to raffle for the pole community, in which she replied YES YES YES !! within minutes it was on facebook and people were beginning to message and email us wanting more details. More an more people begun to donate. It was the best feeling.'

As we have all been hit by the devastating daily news of human suffering in Haiti, it’s a way we felt we could perhaps make a little difference.

www.R-polefitness.com

R Poling in the snow

The snow didn't deter the polers at Pole Passion