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Pole Files Interview 26: Rafaela Montanaro Pole Dancer

My Next interview is with the lovely and beautiful Rafaela Montanaro, she is an amazing and even better pole dancer. She has 

graced the stage some some amazing performances. And sure knows how the excite a crowd.

She is an inspiration to all pole dancers......

Lets hear from Rafaela...

I was born in a family of athletes. When I was three my parents put me in gymnastics, which I did until I was 12. I quit due a knee injurie, and started to take dance classes. At the age 16 I joined a local circus school. I also did a lot other sports on the side, like pole vault, and kung-fu! I made it to the national wushu ( a kind of kung fu) team in 2006!
In 2008 I graduated from college in physical education, and found pole at the next year

How long have you been doing pole dancing?

Now it's been three years

The moment you realised you love pole dancing?

When I first saw it! it was Felix Cane in Miss Australia 2006. I thought : hey I think I'd love to do that!

Describe your style.

I don't think it's up to me to describe my style... I just do what I think it's going to be the most impressive for the audience. Those who watch can say what my style is, better then me.

Favourite move?

The one I call Hellspin.

Tools of the trade, what can’t you live without when pole dancing?

Chalk!!!!!
Like the one they use in gymnastics, circus, wall climbing.... I guess it's because of my past, but that's the only grip that works for me!

Any hobbies or passions outside of pole dancing?

Does faceboook count as a hobby?

Can't live without?

My dogs!

Growing up I wanted to be a.....

ballerina! 

Favourite things of all time:

Movie: terminator II

TV Show: 2 and a half men

Musician:  Chico Buarque

Album: queen of the damned soundtrack

Song:  Joana Francesa from Chico Buarque

Book: It from Stephen King

Magazine: Galileu, it's a brazilian magazine about science

Food: Skittles

Thank you so much it has been great hearing your story.

Pole Files Interview 25: Bonnie Black Pole Dancer

The 25th interview is with Bonnie Black a absolutely strong individual. Bonnie has a studio in New Zealand check out there website

http://www.vadpole.co.nz/

I have enjoyed so much looking thru all her you tube videos and check out her amazing, amazing moves. I love the Ayesha jumps, very inspiring.

Lets here what Bonnie has to say.......

Quick Bio.

 

I have studied dance, Ballet and American Jazz for fourteen years, prior to starting pole, as well as gymnastics and various other sports.
I started pole in the clubs, but when I went to Australia I saw how they had developed it as a sport and this is when my interest was really taken with it. I competed in Miss Pole Dance Victoria 2008 and came 2nd runner up, then was given the opportunity to compete inn the finals against Felix and Suzie Q. I was ranked 11th in Australisia. After that I came back to NZ and opened Vertical Aerial Dance. I have since been a finalist Asia Pacific Championships (unable to compete in finals due to the ash cloud that grounded airlines), World Championship semi finalist 2010 and 2011 singles as well as 2011 doubles and made finals preselection wih Amanda McCrae and runner up NZ pole Championships 2011.
I have successful studio with my students winning and competing in National and international competitions.

How long have you been doing pole dancing?

I have been pole dancing for about 5 years.

The moment you realised you love pole dancing?

I realised I loved pole earl on when I was dancing in the clubs and saw what some of the others girls were doing on the pole and wanted to learn more, it just got addictive from then on.

Describe your style.

My style is grace with strength and then the odd piece of insanity. I studied ballet for years so I have the fluidity of a dancer, but I am exceptionally strong so alot of my moves are holds. Im also a bit of a nutcase when it comes to tricks, so in amongst all the pretty transitions all of a sudden I'll do a drop or a flip of some insane kind 

Favorite Pole move?

Favourite move is a tough one. Love the Iron Cross because its so hard and I am able to hold that one forever. Also, strangely enough I like shoulder mounts and holds.

Tools of the trade, what can’t you live without when pole dancing?

Can't live without Titegrip and iTac. Don't need wax on a pole but I need to know my body is sticky and my hands are dry 

Any hobbies or passions outside of pole dancing?

Outside pole I exercise racehorses and break in the babies. It is great exercise that helps me with pole. Thats about all I can fit in my day.

Growing up I wanted to be a.....

Growing up I wanted to be a dancer and a horse trainer, so I am fulfilling my dreams.

Favourite things of all time:

Movie:  Shooter

TV Show: NCIS

Musician: anything with a good beat

Song:  to dance to, Russian Roulette by Rhianna and Roxanne chicago.

Book: the Mortal Instruments series

Magazine: don't really read them

Food: chocolate

Designer:  chocolate

Thank you Bonnie so much it has been a pleasure hearing about your story.

Pole Files Interview 24: Gracie Buntine Pole Dancer

Our next interview is with the amazing Gracie Buntine. She is an awesome performer and a even better pole dancer. I have had the honour of watching Gracie perform live and was blown away. She performed a fantastic routine which blew the judges away and lead her to win the Australian Pole Fitness Championships.


Gracie has a beautiful dance style and really knows how to engage the audience. Gracie is currently teaching at Pole Divas in Victoria, Australia. 


Lets here from Gracie and watch some of her amazing performances.......

Quick Bio.

Gracie is a true dancer and throughout her career has been involved with dance on numerous levels. From Ballet and Swing to Disco, Hip Hop and aerial hoop, Gracie’s dance background is broad and includes features in music videos and documentaries! After gaining diplomas in dance technique and performance, Gracie travelled around Australia and New Zealand as a dancer, before making her way back to Victoria to choreograph. Over the last 2 years of teaching, peforming and competeing professionally in the pole industry she won her first national title as the Australian pole Fitness Champion 2012. 

How long have you been doing pole dancing?

I have been pole dancing for 2 years properly

The moment you realised you love pole dancing?

I realised i loved it the actual moment i stepped into the studio for the first time, i looked at the instructor on the stage and just thought "o my goodness, i want that"

Describe your style.

my style...hmmmm....i think one of the things about my style is that i am super malleable, i have been trained in many styles of dance and i think i can perform in a variety of different styles effectively. but when im just alone dancing, i think i have a very musical and buttery style. i love dynamic and as lame as it sounds, my favorite thing to do is to freestyle and just moooooove! but when im on stage i want to engage my audience, put on a real show 

Tools of the trade, what can’t you live without when pole dancing?

x-pole, dry hands, for those natural slippers like myself. music..loud music. heart.

Any hobbies or passions outside of pole dancing?

outside of pole dancing.... pole is my whole life, but i am a big nerd, i love to chill and play video games, i read loads of fantasy novels, comics, cartoons, dance, pin up culture, tattoos, music and im obssessed with youtube beauty channels lol (dark secret)

Can't live without?

I cant live without animals! I have so much love to give to them hhahaha

Growing up I wanted to be a.....

Growing up i wanted to be a ballerina.... ofcourse.

Favourite things of all time:

Movie: well The Lord of the Rings trilogy for sure, but i am a disney freaaaaaaaaaaaak!

TV Show: Game of Thrones and Sex and the City and My Little Pony

Musician:  thats tough!!!! i love Bring Me The Horizon, but I also love Chris Brown and Maxwell. some ssongs or musicians just make you feel something.

Album: so many. most recently in terms of a full album probably What seperates Me From You by A Day To Remember

Song: at the moment, 1+1 by Beyonce to dance to

Book: Perfume, the Story of a Murderer..

Magazine: Inked Girls

Food: Chocolate!

Designer:  Iron Fist for shoes




Thank you so much Gracie for the interview, look forward to seeing more amazing performances from you.

Pole Files Interview 23: Aerial Amy Pole Dancer

Aerial Amy is one of my great pole dancing inspirations, and I am so happy to share her story on my blog. Amy has her pole dancing blog which she everyday post new and interesting things about the pole dancing world. She shares all the things she has learnt, and from that has an amazing fan following.


Here are some of the links to Amy's pages


Blog
http://aerialamy.com/blog/


Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/user/amyxshi

I admit it I am a huge Aerial Amy fan..... So here is what Amy has to say...........

Quick Bio.

I don’t have any background in dance or gymnastics.

A few years after graduating from college, in 2007, I found myself looking for a way to lose the post-college sluggishness that came from transitioning to a desk job. On a whim, I signed up for pole dancing classes at a local studio. During the demo that the teachers performed at the end of class, I found myself completely enthralled by their strength, power, and sensuality. As I watched, I thought: I would love to be able to bring this to people and introduce women to this potential in themselves. Literally from that moment on, my goal was to eventually teach.

I started taking regular classes and found pole dancing to be a means of staying in shape and re-connecting to my sensual side. I found amazing, open-minded, gracious, and introspective new friends that helped me grow as a person and challenge myself. And eventually, I found abs– long lost old friends that emerged from under a few layers of late-night-carb-loaded-dinners– and biceps, and deltoids, and traps. I found I was in the best shape of my life, and empassioned about this new type of movement that had brought so much positive change into my life.

Early in 2010, I found myself with an opportunity to teach, and finally felt that I was ready. I jumped at it, and have since been introducing men and women in their 20′s, 40′s, and 60′s to the joy that is dance– specifically, pole dance!

I truly believe that all women are beautiful, that all hips are inherently sexy no matter what size, shape, or color, and that there is nothing more attractive than self-confidence that radiates from a healthy place within. Currently I live and work in Manhattan, managing construction by day and flying weightless at night teaching pole classes at Shockra Studios.

I am certified in CPR/AED with the Red Cross, group fitness through AFAA, and pole instruction through the X-Pert Pole Fitness program. I’m a PDC Approved Level 1 instructor. I’ve performed in Polesque, the Great Midwest Showcase, and Pole Superstar. I am also a staff writer for Bad Kitty’s online blog, Vertical Art & Fitness magazine, and United Pole Artists.

I completed my BS from NYU’s Stern School of Business, with a concentration in Marketing, Psychology, and Entertainment Marketing & Technology. I have done MA work in Clinical Psychology and am currently obtaining a MA in Motor Learning from Columbia University.

How long have you been doing pole dancing?

Since 2007.

The moment you realised you love pole dancing?

My first intro class!

Describe your style.

I try to connect dance to the music and to my breath so that it’s fluid. I love booty popping down and dirty with heels and stomping and clacking them, but I also love barefoot spin mode emotive and lyrical dances!

Favourite move?

I have so many, but the shoulder mount was my nemesis for such a long time that even now I am thrilled to be able to do it. It was a big accomplishment for me! Otherwise, I love the corkscrew (body spiral) spin because it feels like floating.

Tools of the trade, what can’t you live without when pole dancing?

I have sweaty hands, so I love Tite grip and dry hands. Pole-safe lotion and dew point are pole must-haves for me too. Aside from that – my Bad Kitty Brazil shorts, a Lululemon sportsbra, and some thigh high leg warmers for warmup. And I love my 6-7” heels!

Any hobbies or passions outside of pole dancing?

I love teaching pole dance and I am super passionate about it! I also love learning--I’m going to grad school right now and focusing on motor learning (at Columbia University) to try to grow my knowledge and expand my abilities as an instructor, and maybe make a shift into teaching movement of all kinds.

Can't live without?

Sleep.

Growing up I wanted to be a.....

Neurosurgeon, until I realized what brains look like.

Favourite things of all time:

Movie: Oh. That’s really tough. Top Gun, Say Anything, 16 Candles are in my top 10. Recently saw Blue Valentine and it stuck with me for weeks.

TV Show: The office, maybe? I don’t watch much TV.

Musician:  That’s not even fair. I have hundreds. I post 10 songs I loooove in Tuesday Tunes every week!

Album: See above 

Song: See above 

Book: Oh. I read a lot too. Recently, I just finished 1Q84 and The Night Circus, both amazing and transcendental in different ways

Magazine: Vertical Art & Fitness! I write for them too 

Food: ALL OF IT

Designer:  Don’t like to name names but I’m partial to buying red soles and motorcycle bags.

Thanks Amy keep on poling and blogging, I love reading your work. xx

Pole Files Interview 22: Amy Lewis Pole Dancer

So its been a little while since my last interview. I have been a bit slack with easter break.

Our 22nd Interview is with Amy Lewis from New Zealand, another beautiful pole dancer. I have loved doing this interview with Amy as she has such unique interests outside of pole dancing. 

Here is Amy story.............

Quick Bio.

Hi, my name is Amy Lewis.  I started pole dancing from scratch nearly five years ago with no dance or fitness background.  In fact, before I took up pole I hated all forms of exercise!  I found pole really hard to start with, but after coming to class twice I was determined to get better, and started coming twice a week.  After three months I was coming three times a week, and about another 5 months after that I began teaching beginners.  I've been teaching pole for around four years, and even met my soon-to-be husband when he came in to take pole lessons with me. :)  Together, we opened Polaris Pole Dance in Wellington nearly two years ago.  I have performed in a number of pole and burlesque shows held here in Wellington, and competed in the first Miss Pole Dance New Zealand competition.  I was also lucky enough to be chosen as a Wild Card to go through to the final of the New Zealand Amateur Pole Performer competition last year.  Somehow I managed to fit all that in while studying, earning a PhD in Biomedical Science.

How long have you been doing pole dancing?

Nearly five years

The moment you realised you love pole dancing?

I'm not sure... I became determined to learn pole dance during my second lesson, so I started watching pole videos on Youtube.  The first time I realised how beautiful and amazing pole dance could look was when I watched Felix Cane's 2006 Miss Pole Dance Australia routine on Youtube, and then later when I saw Amy Richardson perform an amazing aerial pole routine while blindfolded. :)

Describe your style.


I haven't done any type of dance except for pole, so I'm very much influenced by the polers I've seen on youtube.  I guess I would describe my style as sexy and confident.  When I'm performing and free styling my main consideration is connecting to the music, so I place a lot of emphasis on musicality.  I want to let my audience experience music the way I do by expressing how I connect to it, and not just doing a series of pole tricks.

Favourite move?

Oooh, It's close!  My favourite would have to be the Gemini, because it's such a beautiful pose, but it's very closely followed by the Ayesha because I feel amazing doing it.  I love both because they're both so versatile.

Tools of the trade, what can’t you live without when pole dancing?

Mighty Grip, my Bad Kitty crop top and shorts, and great music.

Any hobbies or passions outside of pole dancing?

Science, and my fiance Peter. :)  I don't have much time for anything else... I work full time at my day job, and run a pole dance studio in the evenings :)

Can't live without?

Pole, and cheese.  I like cheese.

Growing up I wanted to be a.....

Dinosaur (when I was 4); Paleontologist (when I was 6); Veterinarian (when I was 10); and a Geneticist (when I was 12).

Favourite things of all time:

Movie: Too many to list!  A random selection: The Shawshank Redemption; 10 Things I Hate About You; Love Actually; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

TV Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  It helped me through some tough times growing up. :)

Musician:  Pearl Jam and Green Day

Album: Dookie, by Green Day

Song: I don't really have any favourites, but I'm really enjoying Sail by AWOLnation at the moment.

Book: Embarrassingly I read the Twilight series all the way through four times, but definitely not a favourite!

Magazine:  I don't read magazines.  I really want to get Vertical Art and Fitness but they don't sell it in New Zealand. :(

Food: Cheese, and Chocolate (but not together) 

Designer:  I quite like Mika Pole Wear at the moment

Thank you Amy for the interview, I have loved hearing your story and more about what inspires you.