Hello, David, Thank you for interviewing with Pole Pioneers. Happy to see that you are living and teaching here in Las Vegas, NV. Tell us about where you work and what classes you teach?
Hi, Isa! Thanks so much for having an interest in interviewing me! And yes, it's true, I relocated to Las Vegas last Summer and have signed on with Shine Alternative Fitness on the Southwest side of town. I teach all levels of pole fitness classes there, and I also provide flexibility training. After a couple years of traveling to work as a guest instructor at studios in more cities than I can even count, its very exciting to work with a dedicated group of enthusiastic pole dancers and athletes on an ongoing basis, sharing the same methods of strength and flexibility conditioning I use in my own training as well as the techniques I use to execute pole skills. Working with the team of athletes and artists compiled at Shine is such a wonderful experience it almost feels surreal. I also do some freelance work through the Las Vegas branch of Aradia Fitness.
Hi, Isa! Thanks so much for having an interest in interviewing me! And yes, it's true, I relocated to Las Vegas last Summer and have signed on with Shine Alternative Fitness on the Southwest side of town. I teach all levels of pole fitness classes there, and I also provide flexibility training. After a couple years of traveling to work as a guest instructor at studios in more cities than I can even count, its very exciting to work with a dedicated group of enthusiastic pole dancers and athletes on an ongoing basis, sharing the same methods of strength and flexibility conditioning I use in my own training as well as the techniques I use to execute pole skills. Working with the team of athletes and artists compiled at Shine is such a wonderful experience it almost feels surreal. I also do some freelance work through the Las Vegas branch of Aradia Fitness.
What form of dance did you do before pole?
My Achilles Heel might be that I did nothing related to the movement arts prior to my discovery of pole fitness a little bit less than three years ago. I had no training in gymnastics, dance, or acrobatics, although I did periodically enjoy going out dancing to electronic music. My fitness experience before pole was limited to weight training with a light sprinkling of plyometrics and cardio, and my dance training was zilch.
My Achilles Heel might be that I did nothing related to the movement arts prior to my discovery of pole fitness a little bit less than three years ago. I had no training in gymnastics, dance, or acrobatics, although I did periodically enjoy going out dancing to electronic music. My fitness experience before pole was limited to weight training with a light sprinkling of plyometrics and cardio, and my dance training was zilch.
How has knowing pole contributed to you as a dancer?
Pole was my introduction to dance. If pole had not entered my life, neither would dance have. Prior to pole, I had no idea it was a good idea to do basic things which would be obvious to many others, such as maintain straight legs or pointed feet - those were things I learned by reading forum posts on StudioVeena.com as well as comments on others' YouTube videos. Every dance skill I possess currently is a consequence of my initiation into pole.
Pole was my introduction to dance. If pole had not entered my life, neither would dance have. Prior to pole, I had no idea it was a good idea to do basic things which would be obvious to many others, such as maintain straight legs or pointed feet - those were things I learned by reading forum posts on StudioVeena.com as well as comments on others' YouTube videos. Every dance skill I possess currently is a consequence of my initiation into pole.
I enjoyed watching the National Aerial Pole Art Competition that was held in Las Vegas last month. Would you like to see Vegas host more pole events in the future?
Las Vegas has huge potential to become a major US hub for training in pole, and honestly I find it alarming that others have not previously tried to help Las Vegas realize this potential. Having NAPA here was a special boon, and I feel especially enthusiastic about the coming Pole Expo! It is definitely time for Vegas to realize what it can become, nationally and internationally, not only because of the rich wealth of pole education which is available here but also because of its convenience and affordability as a travel destination.
Las Vegas has huge potential to become a major US hub for training in pole, and honestly I find it alarming that others have not previously tried to help Las Vegas realize this potential. Having NAPA here was a special boon, and I feel especially enthusiastic about the coming Pole Expo! It is definitely time for Vegas to realize what it can become, nationally and internationally, not only because of the rich wealth of pole education which is available here but also because of its convenience and affordability as a travel destination.
Students new to pole always want to master moves right away. What are some things you feel they should consider as a beginner to pole?
What I have learned, first in pole and then in cross training with other disciplines, is that the beauty of executing a skill is less in its difficulty level than in its nuance. The drive toward mastery is noble in its own right, but it also creates a certain rigidity which can block musicality and expression. It is very important first to choose a skill to master which is within ones present ability level, and also to be thoughtful about how and in what timing it will be executed. Also, when using one pose to enter another, it is very important to allow the entry pose to be seen by itself and not just as a transition move. The "Hero" or "superman" pose is an excellent example of this. When learning this skill it is difficult to get the student to fully release into whichever pose (side v, hip hold, inverted thigh hold, flatline) one is entering the Hero pose from. But unless the transition skill is held and demonstrated, the transition looks like a garbled mess even if the endpoint looks perfectly lovely. This is every bit as true whether the dancer is transitioning from an inside leg hang to a "Spatchcock," as it is if she is transitioning from a walk into a Fireman spin. So in short, beginners should be willing to express during execution of each skill executed, as well as to allow each skill in a sequence to be seen by itself instead of merely as a means to an end.
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Hard question! How about technical, eccentric, and if it’s not too gutsy I would also call myself a trendsetter.
Hard question! How about technical, eccentric, and if it’s not too gutsy I would also call myself a trendsetter.
I like your Static Pole video on your YouTube channel (Stellarmotion). I like your pole transitions and all polers know you have to dismount the pole ever so smoothly on an elevated stage pole. What are 3 good pole combos a pole dancers could try when learning advance pole?
I love this question because I love combos. When learning advanced pole, transitioning from advanced skill to advanced skill is not a reasonable goal to set, but putting intermediate level holds together in a sequence and punctuating them somewhere with one advanced skill is a great foundation for a solid routine. Learning how to move from an Outside Leg Hang or Inverted Thigh Hold into the Hood Ornament or the Figurehead is essential in order to seamlessly prepare for an aerial inversion. I would also emphasize the importance of learning to seamlessly transition from the basic plank (with top hand) to the advanced plank (with bottom hand), into cross ankle release and be able to sit back upright from the release, maybe after doing something pretty such as a bridge or reverse elbow grip hold. Last, I would say that by the time someone is training for advanced pole, odds are the Split Grip Ankle Hook (or "Butterfly") to Flatline has already been mastered. To avoid being trite, learning to take the Split Grip Ankle Hook into an inside leg hang on the same leg instead of switching sides, or taking it directly into the Split Heel are good alternatives. Also, a good general rule to follow when choreographing combos is to try to avoid exiting a skill the same way one has entered it, as backtracking rarely helps to create visual intrigue in a performance.
I love this question because I love combos. When learning advanced pole, transitioning from advanced skill to advanced skill is not a reasonable goal to set, but putting intermediate level holds together in a sequence and punctuating them somewhere with one advanced skill is a great foundation for a solid routine. Learning how to move from an Outside Leg Hang or Inverted Thigh Hold into the Hood Ornament or the Figurehead is essential in order to seamlessly prepare for an aerial inversion. I would also emphasize the importance of learning to seamlessly transition from the basic plank (with top hand) to the advanced plank (with bottom hand), into cross ankle release and be able to sit back upright from the release, maybe after doing something pretty such as a bridge or reverse elbow grip hold. Last, I would say that by the time someone is training for advanced pole, odds are the Split Grip Ankle Hook (or "Butterfly") to Flatline has already been mastered. To avoid being trite, learning to take the Split Grip Ankle Hook into an inside leg hang on the same leg instead of switching sides, or taking it directly into the Split Heel are good alternatives. Also, a good general rule to follow when choreographing combos is to try to avoid exiting a skill the same way one has entered it, as backtracking rarely helps to create visual intrigue in a performance.
How would you describe your pole style?
You certainly know how to make a person think. What challenging questions! I would describe it as lyrical acrobacy, perhaps. My style is not really sexy, but then it’s not wholly athletic either. My strong suit is probably my flexibility, and most of my routines in some way or other involve backbends and oversplits, but I'd rather be known as an expressive dancer than a bendy trickster. In the end, it's what the public perceives, but I know my motivations when I'm preparing a performance.
You certainly know how to make a person think. What challenging questions! I would describe it as lyrical acrobacy, perhaps. My style is not really sexy, but then it’s not wholly athletic either. My strong suit is probably my flexibility, and most of my routines in some way or other involve backbends and oversplits, but I'd rather be known as an expressive dancer than a bendy trickster. In the end, it's what the public perceives, but I know my motivations when I'm preparing a performance.
Everyone has their own unique style when dancing even if they are all doing the same moves. What style do you enjoy watching in a pole dancer?
I like watching a pole dancer who selects music and movement which is obviously personal to them, rather than someone who is merely entertaining. To me the difference is as clear as comparing Annie Lennox to Kesha. One moves the soul, the other simply is a distraction. I usually prefer a more brooding performance as well, with less smiling and more thoughtfulness.
I like watching a pole dancer who selects music and movement which is obviously personal to them, rather than someone who is merely entertaining. To me the difference is as clear as comparing Annie Lennox to Kesha. One moves the soul, the other simply is a distraction. I usually prefer a more brooding performance as well, with less smiling and more thoughtfulness.
Who are the dancers or pole dancers that you enjoy watching?
I consider myself a fan of Anastasia Skukhtorova. She is a well-rounded mix of flexibility, strength, intelligent choreography, and seems to clearly convey an intention in many of her performances. Of course one cannot avoid mentioning Jenyne here as well for similar reasons. I also feel that Phoenix Kazree is presently bringing something very fresh and exciting to our art, as my friend and co-worker Laura Martin has been doing for years.
I consider myself a fan of Anastasia Skukhtorova. She is a well-rounded mix of flexibility, strength, intelligent choreography, and seems to clearly convey an intention in many of her performances. Of course one cannot avoid mentioning Jenyne here as well for similar reasons. I also feel that Phoenix Kazree is presently bringing something very fresh and exciting to our art, as my friend and co-worker Laura Martin has been doing for years.
Pole Dancing and Pole Fitness is slowly becoming known to the mainstream public. Our subculture naturally love and understand the vastness of the pole community. Do you think it is important to justify, explain or simply understand that pole is not for everyone to enjoy?
I do not bother trying to explain pole fitness most of the time. Not only is trying to convince others of the validity of one's work futile in most cases, but it is also an indication of inner insecurity. Understanding a subject or a piece of information is not a mandatory part of practicing acceptance. Years ago when I was in a detrimental relationship, I made the decision to retire from the business of explaining myself, and that decision has, quite fortunately, carried over into my pole fitness career. Whether someone else likes it or doesn't is really none of my business anyway.
I do not bother trying to explain pole fitness most of the time. Not only is trying to convince others of the validity of one's work futile in most cases, but it is also an indication of inner insecurity. Understanding a subject or a piece of information is not a mandatory part of practicing acceptance. Years ago when I was in a detrimental relationship, I made the decision to retire from the business of explaining myself, and that decision has, quite fortunately, carried over into my pole fitness career. Whether someone else likes it or doesn't is really none of my business anyway.
What do you do to get your mind focused before a pole performance?
Before a pole performance I try to become a character. I try to send David away somewhere else and just become the idea which I am trying to convey. Sometimes this is more successful than others, but it is always my intention. So aside from the standard physical preparation, which consists mostly of calisthenics coupled with a little stretching, it’s really just a matter of directing all of my attention toward not only conveying a particular feeling, but literally generating that feeling within myself so that when I'm on stage, I don't have to "act" at all. In that moment, I really am angry, desperate, hopeful, or whatever the given theme may be.
Before a pole performance I try to become a character. I try to send David away somewhere else and just become the idea which I am trying to convey. Sometimes this is more successful than others, but it is always my intention. So aside from the standard physical preparation, which consists mostly of calisthenics coupled with a little stretching, it’s really just a matter of directing all of my attention toward not only conveying a particular feeling, but literally generating that feeling within myself so that when I'm on stage, I don't have to "act" at all. In that moment, I really am angry, desperate, hopeful, or whatever the given theme may be.
Do you have any new projects in the near future?
Presently I have stopped traveling to develop a stronger foundation locally. My main project right now is to plant roots in the local scene while continuing to sharpen the skills I have and develop a few skills which presently I do not have. I do plan to introduce a youth pole class at Shine, specifically for the under-18 crowd, which I am hoping some youth-guardian teams will be interested in attending together. Obviously this will be a fitness and exercise based class, emphasizing the gymnastic side of pole more so than the dance side. Aside from that, I am planning to go on tour for a few weeks in July. After having stayed put for over six months consecutively, it will be fascinating to return to workshop touring, which until recently was my sole source of income.
Presently I have stopped traveling to develop a stronger foundation locally. My main project right now is to plant roots in the local scene while continuing to sharpen the skills I have and develop a few skills which presently I do not have. I do plan to introduce a youth pole class at Shine, specifically for the under-18 crowd, which I am hoping some youth-guardian teams will be interested in attending together. Obviously this will be a fitness and exercise based class, emphasizing the gymnastic side of pole more so than the dance side. Aside from that, I am planning to go on tour for a few weeks in July. After having stayed put for over six months consecutively, it will be fascinating to return to workshop touring, which until recently was my sole source of income.
We all have ups and downs in life and I believe words are very important for the mind. What are some inspirational quotes that you like that you would like to share with us?
Mother Teresa said, ”In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." Even though I often fall short of the ideal expressed in this quote, it is a succinct indication of the type of person I would prefer to continue to mature into. However small my actions may be, I'd like for them to be loving actions most of the time.
Mother Teresa said, ”In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love." Even though I often fall short of the ideal expressed in this quote, it is a succinct indication of the type of person I would prefer to continue to mature into. However small my actions may be, I'd like for them to be loving actions most of the time.
Thank you David for continuing to pioneer the art of pole we all have come to enjoy and thank you for this interview with Pole Pioneers.
Images by: Alloy Images
