Holly “Honey” Miely Interview with Pole Pioneers

What got you into the world of pole dancing?

I started ballet classes at age 4 and gymnastics shortly after. I began teaching dance at age 12 and fitness classes in college. As a gymnast I was always fascinated by the pole and what was possible on it. When it first came on the radar as a fitness class I knew it was my calling. I bought a pole and began self-teaching in my home. The combination of strength, grace, dance and gymnastics with a side of sexy appealed to me on every level.

We all know that to practice pole one doesn’t need to have a dance background. What dance background do you have if any? And what form of dance do you feel you use in your pole performance the most?

I stared ballet at age 4 and went on to take everything from modern, to adagio, jazz and hip hop. I feel all my dance training was helpful for different reasons but mainly to create stage presence and fluidity between tricks.

What was your most fun memory from your visit to Las Vegas for the National Aerial Pole Art Competition?

My entire immediate family and a cousin, some aunts and uncles all attended the event so having them all there, many whom have never seen me perform, meant the world to me.

What do you do to relax and get your mind right for a performance or competition?

I do a lot of yoga, visualization and quiet. Time. These events can be so chaotic so it is important for me to find a few minutes to myself to breath, listen to my music and bring my energy down and center.

What do you like most about pole fitness competitions?

I like to see all of my pole friends and what they are bringing to life. What I love about pole is that we all have a different background and each performer has such a unique style because of that. It’s hard to even compare because everyone is great on their own level. I enjoy the energy that being around like minded people brings. Living in Aspen , I am very isolated from the pole “community” so events like these bring me together with the community as a whole.

As a Pole dancing instructor, what do you feel is the best way to get a new student to pole to feel confident and comfortable practicing pole?

I find the hardest part is to get new students thorough the door. Once they make it to class I know my personality is accessible and fun and I able to make them comfortable and build their confidence.

What was the turning point in your life that made you embrace your career and go for what you desire?

Pretty much the day I got a pole I was hooked. I still maintained (and still do maintain) a second job as a real estate broker, but pole is my passion.

How is pole dancing received in your area and how do you feel about the growth and public awareness and understanding of pole dancing studios?

Pole dancing is out of the closet here since I have been publicly doing it for more than 5 years however, SO many people still don’t know what it is or understand it until they themselves see it. I live in a ski town so the athletes here are mainly skiers, snowboarders and cyclists, not pole dancers. Aerial arts in general have very little exposure here.

At pole classes and parties, do you find that people never knew about pole fitness competition and the sub-culture of the pole world?

YES! I find so many people are clueless, still! I’ve been doing this for more than 6 years now in the same small area and people are still clueless.

I love that you have created a pole dancing group that incorporates different forms of dance and entertainment. Where do you see PoleCat Revue in the next 5 years?

I am looking to truly expand this revue and bring in other talent that is here locally. There are so many athletes in this area and I want to bring in more mediums and blend them all together. I don’t want to spoil the surprises as I have some things in the works!

Are there any local events in your state were different pole studios come together and pole jam? If not do you think that would be a great idea for the pole community?

There are some events here and there but the studios in this state aren’t very connected. I am hoping to pout together a pole camp this summer for all of the Colorado polers to come together for a mountain pole retreat.

They say everyone has a path to follow in life, what do you feel is yours?

I believe I am here to share and educate people. As an artist/performer, I educate people on what pole dancing is and expand their minds and pre-conceptions. As an instructor, I educate students on what pole dance can be as well as the proper training to reach their goals. Within the community, I hope that I can also help educate people on the possibilities of this sport and where it can go. There is room for everything and anything in pole if we keep an open mind.

What is one of your favorite quotes that is a source of motivation for you?
That is a tough question I see a lot of things people say that motivate and inspire me. But overall, I believe that success comes to us when we follow our true path and are true to ourselves. We are all so different in life and so why would it be any different in pole dancing? For example, I knew my dance choice for NAPA is not the type of work that wins pole dance competitions. Slow and fluid usually does and I am very good at that style. However, this dance has been in my head for years and I was especially connected to it at this time and it felt very relevant in its message so I took a risk. It was physically and choreographically challenging, but it was my true message and I was happy to bring it to life and hoped it spoke to the audience. I believe, remaining true to ones inner self is the only way in life yet is so very difficult for most of us, even me at times. Conforming to what is “standard” in this business or any will never prove to you as an individual what you are truly capable of and will never satisfy your soul.

What is your favorite beginner pole move and your favorite advance pole trick?

I love fan legs as a beginner trick. I think it is visually appealing and teaches students lift and control. As an advanced move I am a fan of all things handspring, cup grip especially. So many possibilities and such an impressive strength and balance move.

Every poler has a favorite pole performer. Who are some of your favorite pole performers?

Marlo fisken, she is the embodiment of beauty, strength, flexibility and grace –total bad ass!  I also love Maria Luz Escalante. An amazing dancer and a very sweet person. I like polers that are unconventional, like Anjel Dust. Her style is strange and awesome. I like dancers that can bring more than just tricks to the table. Like personality, presence, innovation. We are all pulling for the same trick base so it’s what else you can bring that makes pole dancing engaging to me personally. At NAPA , I loved Philips performance since it was so personal and creative.

Other than pole, what are some other activities you enjoy doing?

Since I live in the mountains I am blessed with so much outdoor recreation. I do a ton of hiking, rollerblading, cross country skiing, yoga and weight train.

Sum yourself up in 3 words?

Authentic, creative, raw

In your opinion, what are 3 qualities that any competitor needs to have?

Confidence, stage presence, light

I see in one of your photos from the NAPA competition, practicing yoga backstage. How has practicing yoga helped your dance and pole?

Yoga has played a significant role in my life and pole. I practice as often as I can for both flexibility and strength but more so for my mental balance. Yoga provides me with clarity, mental focus and stability that I cannot gain with any other physical training that I do. I absolutely love it!  It has helped me on my personal path of growth very intensely. It helps to keep me grounded and to be able to stay centered in times of chaos and uncertainty.

 QUOTES THAT INSPIRE HOLLY:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other ...people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Marianne Williamson, 

Love more
Express love more
Allow people to love you
Don't let fear interfere with love in any way

“Love me or hate me, both are in my favor…If you love me, I'll always be in your heart…If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind.”
― William Shakespeare"

Nothing but risk and facing my own fears-And I have never felt more alive:
“The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.” Leo F. Buscaglia"

 Thanks Holly for sharing your time and talent with Pole Pioneers. You are a Pioneer in the Pole Culture Community!   

Holly "Honey" Miely

Honey's Pole Fitness

Master Instructor, PFA (Pole Fitness Association)

www.honeyspolefitness.com

poledance@comcast.net

970-274-1564

http://polefitnessassociation.com/HollyMiely.html

Honey's PoleCat Revue

Creator/Artistic Director/Lead Dancer

Colorado's Hottest Pole Dancing Show

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