Pole Dance Community Blog
Purity Pole Dancing Photo Shoot:
There will be a wonderful opportunity to partake in a pole dancing photo shoot on Sunday 11th April 2010 from 1pm-4pm at the Purity Pole Dancing Studio in Reading. The shoot will cost £25 for 15 minutes
From the 15 minutes you will get around 50 quality images, (in the past 15 minutes has proven enough time to get all the desired pole shots and some
extra ones).
You're recommended team up with a friend and both share the 2 slots, so you can have 5 minutes on and 5 minutes off for 30 minutes to catch your breath and/or change outfit. If you're not able to do this, please make a note on your payment page, or send an email, and Jason can update your details accordingly.
All time slots need to be booked in advance.
Please visit Pole Dance Community approved pole dance photgrapher Jason Parlour's website to book your place
Kind regards
Jolene
Purity Pole Dancing
07961 054 863
'Pure Fitness, Pure Fun'
I’m Karen Daly and in November 2008 following the breakup from a relationship I was getting truly fed up of spending too many evenings playing on facebook and scoffing chocolate. I decided if I wanted to get out of the house rather than be the size of it I’d better do something about it! Someone sent me an invitation to join a dance group on facebook. I couldn’t really see myself doing that but I searched through their profile and found JLN Pole Fitness Westhoughton or Pole Fitness Westhoughton as it was then. Ideal! Something different and just up the road from me. But could I do it? Aged 45, pretty unfit, slightly overweight, very little rhythm and no dance skills whatsoever. I messaged Jess and asked what she thought. She said as long as I was in good health it would be no problem and if I came the following evening she would do a one to one with me. First reaction Woah! I don’t think so! But then I thought go for it if I don’t do it now I never will. I went along to the class feeling very nervous not really knowing what to expect. I was greeted by a very confident and very able 15 year old who put me at my ease. I must confess that had I known how young Jess was at the time I booked the appointment I wouldn’t have gone and that would have been a huge, huge mistake on my part. When I look back now I couldn’t even do the simplest move, couldn’t lift my body off the ground but I had such a good time and Jess was very patient and encouraging. I was covered in bruises and I ached for days but I couldn’t wait for my next lesson. Jess took photos of my progress which I gave my consent for her to put on facebook but I still wasn’t ready to tell the world so I asked her not to tag me in them. What would people think a woman my age taking up pole dancing? After a few lessons I started to think wow I can do this. My confidence was building with every new move and I got frustrated if I couldn’t do something. It’s a wonder there are no foot marks in the floor from the number of times I stamped my feet at myself. After about 4 or 5 weeks I got brave and tagged myself in the facebook photos and even used one as a profile pic. As we know people still have the perception that pole dancing is performed in a sleazy club and just involves gyrating around a pole but having seen my pictures people were genuinely surprised and impressed. I have had mixed reactions about it. My family were a little bemused but supportive, friends at church wondered what on earth I was up to and my friends and colleagues at work thought it was very funny but when they saw the pictures from my Polexposure professional photo shoot the amusement turned to amazement. If I say so myself those pictures are awesome! Even my 14 year old niece thinks I’m cool so that has to say something!
Pole fitness for me is about 4 things
1. Fitness - I have achieved things that at my time of life I never thought I would. The first time I managed to do the inverted crucifix after weeks of trying to invert was a tremendous moment for me. Most recently Jess and I jumped around the room screaming uncontrollably when I managed the shoulder dismount. It has boosted my confidence immensely. I have lost weight and improved my strength and if I have anything to do with it I will never have bingo wings.
2. Friends - I was one of JLN’s first pupils when there was just the one pole then after a couple of months we moved into the 4 pole studio and JLN has expanded again into the new 12 pole studios. I have attended different classes and met different people and even though most of the girls are a lot younger and slimmer than me I have never once felt that any of the girls are thinking “what is she doing here at her age?” they are very encouraging. We support and help each other and I have made some good friends. If you are reading thank you so much ladies, I appreciate you.
3. Family - JLN has a real family atmosphere. Jess Leanne Norris is a fantastic teacher. I am amazed that someone of her age has the drive determination and maturity to carry off this venture but she has and she is such an inspiration to me and the others in her classes. She is supported wholehearted by her family and it is partly this that gives JLN its family feel. It is not just a business on her part or for me just a class I attend once a week. Jess and her family have welcomed me into their home and lives (thanks again Simon for putting up my pole for me).
4. Fun - Pole fitness is the only thing fitness wise that I’ve stuck at. The only classes I have missed are when I have been injured or ill and I never think “Oh I can’t be bothered going tonight”. When I hurt my wrist in summer last year I missed it incredibly. I hope that I will be an inspiration to others in the same way that Jess is an inspiration to me. I will never be a natural on the pole. I wish I had the grace and elegance of Jess rather than that of an elephant but I haven’t and who cares? I just love it and persistence and practice pays dividends. Believe me if I can do it anyone can. Roll on Monday and Starfish here we come!?
Karen Daly – Westhoughton, Bolton UK
The PDC would like to thank PDC approved photographer Taz from PoleExposure for allowing us to use his images in this article
Equity Pole Dancers’ Working Party
Notes of the meeting of the Pole Dance Working Party held on Friday 22nd January 2010 at 1.00pm at Equity, Guild House, Upper St Martins Lane, London WC2H 9EG
Present : Michael Day (Equity staff), Dana Mayer, Emma Mitchell, Elena Gibson
and Amber-Rosia, Louise Grainger (Equity’s marketing manager – for item 2 only)
1. Apologies : Kate Johnstone, Sam Remmer, Genevieve Moody
2. UK Pole Dance Day 2010.
Since the last meeting, Equity had given its go-ahead to design a logo for UKPDD
and Emma had been working with a designer to produce this. He had been given
a brief to produce something for this national event which would work on posters,
banners and other materials and would work alongside the Equity logo. He was
asked for something that was not too glamorous or too ‘fitness’. Emma had
brought along about 25 initial designs for the working party to look at. These were
reduced to a shortlist of 5. It was agreed that these would be circulated to other
working party members for their comments by 29th January 2010. When Louise
Grainger was in attendance she expressed preference for those logos which
didn’t depict a female figure and particularly those contained in a circle as they
work well on badges and stamps etc. Emma had also written some other
documents for inclusion in a pack such as an example press release and a draft
email that would go out to the schools. These would also be circulated to the
other working party members for feedback.
Timetable wise, Jonathon (the designer) would finish the work early in February
and the email-shot would go out at the beginning of March, from the email group
on Kate’s database. There would also be a Facebook / website page set up to list
participating schools as they signed up. It was clarified that schools would not be
charged for the packs. Replies from schools would be sent to the email account
that had been set up and would need to be collated. Emma would organise
Jonathon to submit an invoice for his work to Equity.
There was a discussion about whether to try to promote this through Pole2Pole
Magazine. This was the only magazine for the industry but it was thought it did
not have the right image for where the working party wanted the industry to be.
3. Equity Campaign on Entertainment Licensing update. Michael Day reported
that following the demonstration some progress was being made with
government on the licensing exemption for small venues. There was currently a
consultation on this to which Equity will make a submission. Following this it is
hoped that a legislative reform order, which needs all party backing, can be made
in time to make changes before a general election later this year. Equity and the
Musicians' Union still wanted an exemption for venues of up to 200 capacity but
the offer had only been for those of 100 or less.
With the situation of burlesque entertainment in Camden it appeared to be
mainly resolved except that the wording of the licensing policy had to be agreed.
Currently burlesque entertainment was not being stopped from going ahead.
4. Recruitment and Retention Events. Some further events for potential
membership recruitment were discussed. The following had previously been
mentioned:
UKAPP (UK Amateur Pole Performers) – usually Reading or London for which the
final was thought to be in November.
MPD (Miss Pole Dance) – London, final in October
Pole Divas – Manchester, final November or December
British Isles – Essex, final October
Others were also raised.
Taylor’s Retreat Cup 2010 would take place in July 2010. This was run by Ben
Taylor and held in Surrey
North Wales, Colwyn Bay competition would take place on 21st February.
5. Copyright issues and guidance leaflet. Some further examples of copyright
were discussed. Generally these were about the copying of others’ choreography
and use of music. It was apparent that this was a common problem and it was
not clear where ‘being inspired’ by someone ended and plagiarism started. It was
often the case that someone would use the same music as someone else and
possibly similar costuming but not use the same moves. Also in burlesque it was
often the case that a costume change would take place during an act, for
example, from a secretary to Superwoman to the music of ‘Nine to Five’. This
could be done in different ways and depending on the circumstances, could be a
breach of one’s copyright but equally may not be. One working party member was
actually named, without her consent, as being the inspiration for another’s
performance. This could be a breach of ‘moral rights’ as individuals have the right
not to be associated with something they are not involved in. Although this could
have been actioned it had not been. It was also thought that this could give
welcome publicity to the artist who had been the inspiration.
6. Any other Business. A documentary was mentioned entitled ‘Immodesty
Undressed’ which had allegedly been a history of burlesque but had barely
mentioned Dita Von Teese.
7. Date of Next Meeting: would be 16th April 2010 at 1.00pm at Equity. It was
noted, however, that the availability of Equity’s meeting rooms was currently in
question.
PDC Instructors
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Our approved Instructors
All PDC Approved instructors have agreed to our Code of Conduct and have provided proof of insurance and first aid training.
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PDC Approved 4 Star Instructors
PDC Approved (4 Star) Pole Dancing Instructors.
PDC Approval (4 star) is achieved by providing a suitable pole dancing CV to the PDC. In addition, the applicant must provide two references from PDC Approved Instructors and must hold an AAP membership.
As a minimum, PDC Approved (4 star) Instructors should exemplify excellence in teaching quality and have extensive pole fitness industry experience. They must be able to display a pro-active community involvement. This may include, but is not restricted to; running competitions, organising master classes, training champions, providing teacher training courses, having local and preferably national media recognition.
In these ways, a PDC Approved (4 star) Instructor is recognised for making a positive contribution to the pole fitness industry.
Alice Milner is the proprietor and principal instructor at Pole Dancing Bath. Alice is an accomplished fitness professional, pole dance teacher and pole dance performer.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Alice Milner.
Alina Schmidt-Buttke is a PDC Approved 4 star pole dancing instructor who teaches at Crazy Pole in Bautzen Germany. Alina is an accomplished pole dance performer and teacher with significant industry experience.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Alina Schmidt-Buttke.
Ally Franklin is the proprietor and principal instructor of Polelatis in Bridport, Devon, UK. Ally received references for her 4 star status from fellow PDC Approved Instructors Karen Currie from Princess K and Jenni Gooch from South Pole AKademy.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Ally Franklin.
Amy Butterworth owns and teaches at Candy & Chrome pole dancing school in Chester. Amy started her pole career in early 2006 and has been addicted ever since. Amy is also a pole dance journalist and has received several business awards for her successful pole dance school.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Amy Butterworth.
Andi Ariseanu i
s the principal instructor at Active Cherry Pole Dance Fitness. Andi is an accomplished pole dancer performer. teacher and judge. In addition to pole Andi is known for her other aerial arts including her spiral and prism work.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instuctor Andi Ariseanu.
Angel F is one of our Approved Teacher Trainers, she runs Discoveries Dance in Maryland, USA. Angel is a respected pole dancing instructor and she is active at promoting pole dancing in a positive light and removing the negative stereotypes that surround modern pole dance.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Angel F.
Cindy Cooijmans is a well known pole dancing instructor and pole dance judge. Cindy is the creator of the Pole Move Box and is a member of the Pole Dance Community Syllabus Steering group. Cindy teaches in the Netherlands but has trained across the globe.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Cindy Cooijmans.
Emily Smith is the Principal Instructor and Proprietor of Emily's Pole Fitness. Emily is an accomplished pole dancing instructor and performer. Emily Smith has an impressive pole dancing CV detailing her ongoing professional development and her commitment to both her students and the wider pole dancing world..Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Emily Smith.
Emma Nicholson is the proprietor and principal instructor at Studio Boutique in Hull. Emma has extensive industry experience including performing, judging and teaching. Emma's extensive pole CV shows both her professionalism and dedication to the pole dancing industry.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Emma Nicholson.
Holly Gibbons is the principal instructor and proprietor of Pole Performance. Holly has pole dancing since 2004 and is an avid promoter of pole fitness.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Holly Gibbons.
Holly Munson is the principal instructor at Firefly poles in Norwich, UK. Holly has extensive pole industry experience as well as a impressive fitness CV.
Read more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Holly Munson.
Jamie Alexah-Taylor is the principal instructor and proprietor at Defy Gravity in Wales. Jamie is an accomplished teacher and pole dance performer. Jamie was the All Wales Pole Champion 2011 and she was a finalist in the elite section of the UK Professional Pole Championships 2011.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Jamie Alexah-Taylor.
Jane Cole is the owner and principal instructor at Pole Perfect Fitness in Kings Lynn, Norfolk. Jane has been an avid promoter of pole and has had numerous occasions of media coverage.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Jane Cole.
Jolene Whiting is the principal Instructor and proprietor of Purity Pole. Jolene has been pole dancing since 2003 and is well known within the industry as a teacher, performer and judge. Jolene received her 2 references from fellow 4 star instructors Kate Johnstone from Spin City and Sam Remmer from The Art of Dance.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Jolene Whiting.
Justine McLucas is the founder of Ecole De Pole. Justine is also a PDC Approved course provider. Justine has extensive pole industry experience both in performing and competing.
Find out more about 4 star Pole Dancing Instructor Justine McLucas.
Kara Bulpitt is the principal instructor and proprietor of Opal Pole Dance in Wigan, UK. Kara is an authentic pole dancer with considerable industry experience. Kara is also the orgnaiser of the Authentic Pole Dance Competition.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Kara Bulpitt.
Karrie Hammersley is the principal instructor at is the principal instructor and owner of Karrie's Pole Fit in Ripley Matlock and Belper, UK. Karrie is also the orgnaiser of the Kick Ass Curves Pole Competition.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Karrie Hammersley.
Kate Edwards nee Johnstone is the principal instructor and owner of Spin City Pole Fitness studios and she is also the original teacher of Bendy Kate. Kate is an active member of both the Pole Dance Community and the Equity Pole Dancers working party. Kate is an accomplished pole dancing performer, choreographer and judge.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Kate Edwards nee Johnstone.
Ley Jackson teaches at Pole Guns in Newcastle, UK. Ley has also been part of a Guiness World Record in Pole dancing as well as organising the first ever UK instructors networking event.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Ley Jackson.
Lisa Henderson is the joint owner of Studio 11 Pole Fitness in Bristol, UK. Lisa has raised tens of thousnads of pounds for charity via her poe dancing events.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Lisa Henderson.
Lucille Marshall started dancing at the age of 3. Lucille is the principal instructor at Body Synergy in Birminghom UK.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Lucille Marshall.
Maxine Devis is the principal instructor and proprietor of Pole Fitness Windsor. Maxine is an accomplished dancer who specialises in choreography. Maxine has extensive pole dance teaching and performance experience as well as great sports and fitness knowledge and qualifications.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Maxine Devis.
Nadine Rebel teaches at CrazySports Augsburg in Germany. She is also a master trainer for PDC Approved Course CrazySports. Nadine has extensive industry experience and a passion for pole.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Nadine Rebel.
Nathalie Barron, owner and principal instructor of London's Pole School, achieves PDC Approved 4 star status. Nathalie has an impressive dance and pole dancing CV and has been dancing since she the age of 4 years old.
Fnd out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Nathalie Barron.
Penny Howarth teaches at pole dance school BodyBarre in Manchester and she is also part of the pole dance troupe the BodyBarre bombshells. Penny has been dancing all her life and is an accomplished pole dance teacher and performer.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Penny Howarth.
Robyn Rooke has been pole dancing since 2005. Her flair for pole dancing and instruction was recognised, and she was invited to complete the teacher-training course by her instructors at PoleCats. Robyn developed a love of performing after entering her first pole dancing competition in 2006. Robyn is the founder of 360° Pole Dancing in Bristol where she teaches pole dancing and tricks to beginners right up to super advanced level.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Robyn Rooke.
Sam Remmer started pole dancing in 2001 before setting up her pole dancing school in Plymouth in 2004.Sam is now a judge many competitions both national and international.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Sam Remmer.
Sandra Schlichting is the principal instructor at Studio Aria Arte she is also the editor of Pole Art Magazine.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Sandra Schlichting.
Sarah Brown is the founder of The Pole Studio, international pole judge and President of The PoleSafe Federation. Sarah is also a PDC Approved Course provider offering pole dance instructor training. Sarah is an accomplished instructor who is well respected within the pole dancing industry.
Find out more abour 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Sarah Brown
Stefania Roberto is the principal instructor at Polercise Tenerife. Stefania has extensive industry experience and contribution including being the author of "So, I hear you're a pole dancer".
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Stefania Roberto.
Tracy Hancock started life as a pole dancing instructor in 2007. In 2008 Tracy decided to undertake some continuing professional development so she successfully completed an Exercise to Music (ETM) course to further her fitness knowledge. After completing her ETM Tracy felt ready to set up her own pole dancing school and Pagan's Pole was born. Tracy is also the promoter of PDC approved All Wales Pole Championships.Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Tracy Hancock.
Tracey Simmonds is one of the master trainers for PDC Approved course, The Pole Studio Training. Tracey is also an accomplished performer with many titles to her name.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Tracey Simmonds.
Vivien Feld is the principal instructor at Tanzstudio VI-Dance. Vivien is also a qualified international judge with significant pole industry experience.
Find out more about 4 Star Pole Dancing Instructor Vivien Feld.
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PDC Approved 3 Star Instructors
All PDC Approved (3 star) Instructors have provided the PDC with copies of their industry recognised qualifications, professional indemnity and public liability insurance as well as an up to date first aid certificate.All PDC approved instructors have agreed to abide by the PDC code of conduct.
View the PDC three star instructors.
PDC Dancers
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Our Graded Dancers
Internationally recognised Pole Dance Core Moves Syllabus. Track your progress and compare your amazing skills here.
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How to Grade
Pole Dance Gradings with the Pole Dance Community - Get Recognition.
How many of you work hard to learn new pole dancing moves but then fail to get the recognition you deserve? Do friends and family respect your chosen dance/fitness genre or do they chuckle and make snide comments? How many people know about your pole dancing instructor and how much they have taught you?
To be taken seriously in any sport you want recognition for your hard work and the PDC Pole Dance Gradings are the perfect way to chart your pole dancing progression, create new goals and promote pole dancing to your friends and family.
PDC Pole Dance Gradings not only recognise your hard work but they also help to acknowledge the efforts of your instructorGradings are also perfect for those of you who can't find a pole dance school near you and who learn in the comfort of your own home spending hours watching Youtube and checking out the pole dancing pictures of those you admire. You can shine just the same.
Submitting a grading is easy just follow these simple steps:Buy your AAP Membership.
Your £20 annual AAP membership allows you to partake in gradings and gives you one free on-line grading. AAP members also receive special members discounts. Succesfullly graded dancers may order an official certificate of achievement and receive stars in their web profile
Plan your grading. Decide which level of the PDC Syllabus is the most appropriate for you. Don't rush to achieve higher gradings, work through the lower levels and learn safely at your own pace. If you train with a PDC Approved instructor then they can help you with this process. If you train at home on your own then take a look at the grading sheets used by PDC grading assessors to mark the gradings. Pick your 10 chosen moves from your preferred level.
Please make sure you have read the following documents carefully. Before submitting your grading so you can ensure the best chance of grading succcess.
PDC Grading Sheet.
PDC Grading FAQ's.
PDC Grading Preparation Sheet.
Submit your grading. There are four parts to your grading:1. You need to demonstrate a warm up that is suitable for your moves and level.
2. Execute your 10 moves in isolation.
3. Demonstrate the same 10 moves contained within a routine.
4. Finally you need to demonstrate a cool down element that reflects the moves you have performed in your grading.There are several ways to submit your on-line grading:
1. Youtube - Upload your videos to youtube and then send us the link for each video. You can set your videos as unlisted so that we can view them but no one else can see them unless you send them the links.
2. File Sharing Program - Using a program such as dropbox you can send us a shareable link. When you look at your shareable folder there will be an option to create a shareable link, copy the shareable link then send it to us so we can pass it to one of our grading assessors. Please don't just make the folder viewable to the PDC e-mail address as we are then unable to forward it to a grading assessor.
So what else do you need to to know?
Pole Dance Grading Costs.To submit your grading you will need an up to date AAP membership. Each membership includes one free online grading. Subsequent on-line gradings cost £15 each.
Ask your PDC Approved Instructor what they charge to grade you in-house.
Certificates can be bought after your successful gradings at a cost of £5 plus postage (some PDC Approved instructors include this in the price of your grading).
Grading Scoring:
Your exam will be marked out of 130 and you need to score a minimum of 60 points to pass. If you reach 90 points you earn a merit pass and 115 points will earn you a distinction.
To see some examples of video gradings just pop into Youtube and search for PDC pole dance grading.
"When you undertake a grading you get detailed personal feedback on your performance from some of the worlds top pole judges - this will help you to develop your own personal skills and become a better pole dancer."
So how do you rate and do you think you could make the grade?
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Member Discounts
Member Discounts
The dancer membership includes 1 free online grading as well as the following amazing concessions:
Discounts
10% off Hoodlum Fang Pole Dance Clothing
10% off Instructor Training with Elena Gibson.
15% off IPDFA Pro Pole Instructor Training
20% off Xpert Instructor Training10% off Spin City Anatomy and Physiology for Aerial And Pole Instructors
10% off Discoveries Dance Instructor Certification Programme
10% off ETEDance Instructor Certification Programme.10% off Spin City Pole and Hoop Instructor Training Programme.
10% off Accessories at Pole Motion
Just mail us with your username or e-mail address and we will arrange your discounts :-) -
Dancer Logos
Proof of Progress
Once you have graded, you may proudly display your logo on your websites and social media pages. You also receive stars on your website profile and can purchase an official certificate marking your progress.
