Jacky Mulder

I'm honoured to feature Jacky Mulder on the Pole Play Corner for December 2014.

I must admit the reply to my general questionnaire was so full of passion that this week I hope I do this entry justice.

Jacky is 40 year of age and has an interesting story this week. She attempted pole for the first time in 2010, thanks to a friend that enrolled her into a 6 week course. This was attended at The Pole Room Lahaina, Hawaii, USA

She went through the general spins, sexy moves and pole sits etc. For their last class they were going to learn a layback (leanback) assisted.  Jacky was nervous for this final class as she is scared of heights. 

Jacky had a lot happening in her life around this time she had to go for a mammogram, ultra sound and biopsy.  Jacky found out the day before her last pole class that she had breast cancer. She was determined to attend her activities as planned that weekend including her last pole class on Valentine’s Day.  

Pushing fear aside Jacky volunteered to be the first to try the move that scared her so much, “my thought was what can be worse than having cancer.”

Taking a necessary break from pole for surgeries and chemo treatment, left Jacky off pole till the 2^nd of May 2013.

It has been a struggle for Jacky getting her ROM back, losing the weight gained due to the steroids and treatments. She slowly got back into it by teaching Zumba again and running with her boy. Of the 30lbs she gained she managed to shake off an impressive 25lbs in total, this included a nutritionist who’s visit reconnected her with her love for pole. The main studio on the Island is an hour away and out of her price range but fortunately the nutritionist put her into contact with someone closer to home.

Her private lesson getting her back on pole made her realize that she was a lot weaker on her left side so she decided to buy a pull up bar to practice hanging on it.

In 2013 she attended Maui Pole Fitness in Haike, Hawaii, USA. (No longer exists)

Jacky now likes to train at home. “Not counting the short 6 weeks in 2010 I have been a student for 1 year and 8 months.”

“I have done some demo's at events.”

“As a young girl I did years of gymnastics. In my teens I did some classical ballet (I was never very good) and some jazz. Then at the age of 18, I started ballroom dancing and did it for 5 years. In 2009 I discovered Zumba and by the end of the year I got licensed and started teaching.

After my surgery I did some therapeutic yoga, but didn't really get serious about yoga till I joined Instagram at the beginning of 2014.”

Her pole inspiration and motivation comes from Instagram. She doesn’t aspire to be like any famous pole dancer. The awesome part about Instagram for her is that everyone is on their own level and they put their own personal touches on their moves. “ I learn something from every level on there.”

 “Pole dancing is such a personal journey and that shows on Instagram. I love my Instagram pole ohana,  they are so supportive with positive feedback and advice when you struggle with a move.”

Her favourite move right now that she can do is split grip Ayesha. “I love challenging myself in how long I can stay in it and making shapes with my legs.”

Her go to move is a superman. This move took her forever to learn but now she ends up doing it so many times in a practice. Jacky would love to learn the Janeiro and be more solid in her iron X by the end of the year. If she performs she would use the Ayesha, Superman and Teddy in her sequence. “I love to play around with my Teddy.”

As if this story wasn’t interesting enough, Jacky moved in 2007 from the Netherlands to Hawaii with her then 6 year old son to marry a man she met online. She had seen him in RL by then many times. Sadly the relationship didn't work out, she still lives with her son in Hawaii and she has met a wonderful man. She believes if she was still in the Netherlands, she might still have been a shy girl and probably would have never tried pole, or even become a Zumba instructor. She certainly would never have stood in front of a crowd.

Jacky, I would like to say thank you for sharing your story with the corner this month, I really hope that this inspires more people to stay motivated  and to never give up. It's amazing how a healthy mind can can promote such dedication.

Best of luck with you journey in pole, yoga and Zumba.

Follow Jacky’s adventure in Pole, Yoga and Zumba:

facebook.com/jackybeertje

Instagram name : sassybeertje 

Pole 'n Polly

If you are a Pole Athlete, I’m sure you can agree with me that Instagram can be a very motivating and inspirational tool. Then again I personally have fallen in love with Yoga all over again. With the Pole Expo that was held in Vegas this year I decided to scout for someone that attended the expo to feature this month.

It is with great pleasure to introduce Pole ‘n Polly to the corner for November.

At just 23, Pole ‘n Polly decided to give the sport a go because it looked like a lot of fun. “ I loath working out, but pole didn’t feel like a workout, it looked like an exciting new activity.” She trains at Expertease Fitness in Minneapolis and has been actively involved in Pole for 3 year, also having participated in a few studio showcases. Having absolutely no background in dance, gymnastics or yoga, again proves that this sport with the right amount of dedication is possible.

Pole-ebrities that inspire and motivate her in this challenging discipline are Sarah Scott, Carlie Hunter and Cleo the Hurricane to name a few.

She found it difficult to pick a move that she likes, the response I received was great. “So Many! If I had to pick and narrow it down, I’d say, Shoulder mount Planche, Phoenix Spin, Shoulder mount – invisible stairs.” The moves she most likes to perform are the Twisted Grip Handspring, the Extended Butterfly and the Yogini. With the limited time left for 2014 she would really like to achieve her Ayesha grip switch.

Getting to know Pole ‘n Polly.

“I’m a big ol’ nerd. Let’s talk Buggy, Lord of the Rings and Labyrinth for hours. I also LOVE doing routines to show tunes and Disney, I prefer comedy/trick routines rather than dance and sensuality.”

Her summary of Pole Expo:

“Pole Expo was amazing, there were so many different skill levels and it was fun to get to meet polers from around the world. It was also nice to meet people who follow you on Instagram and who you follow back. The Pole-ebrities were all super friendly and always willing to talk or take pictures with you while they were walking around. It was also amazing to take workshops with Carlie Hunter (elbow grips) and Sarah Scott (all things handsprings) it’s amazing how their little tips are the key to nailing something you’ve admired online.”

If you are interested to see more of Pole ‘n Polly on her fitness journey and experiences, please add her on:

Instagram: Pole.n.Polly

Facebook: Pole ‘n Polly

Deesha Singh

For those of you reading the blog for the first time, we have monthly challenges aimed at keeping us motivated. The month of June was anything outdoor acro related.

The profile picture winner for the June challenge is Deesha Singh, she is from Johannesburg, South Africa

 

She practice's pole fitness and various forms of yoga (Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha, Aerial, Forrest, Yin etc), and she has been doing this seriously for the last 4 years. 

 

"My progress has been slow due to work constraints, but this year I have been trying my best to use the time I have to improve my physical abilities. I'm pleased to see that I have progressed to the point where I can do things I never before (this would be before I started pole fitness) dreamed I would ever be able to do. Being able to carry my own groceries, do pull ups and ruin jackets with my Hulk shoulders are all things I am immensely proud of. That first pole class that I went to, nervously, all alone and self consciously, was a major turning point in my life. I was an academic before, with no previous physical experience but the occasional yoga class, and just a few months ago I busted out an attempt at a Cocoon, managed to grab my foot with both hands, and marveled at my ability to do that. It literally stopped me in my tracks. Discovering pole fitness has been one of the best things I have done for myself. It's also made me take yoga more seriously, and I'm planning to do my Yoga teacher training in the next year."

 

 

 

You can follow Deesha on Instagram: @deeshadan

 

Visit our Facebook Page to keep up to date with new ideas and motivation.

Lydia Bassal

Welcoming Lydia Bassal to the corner this week

 

 

She's from Mexico City

 

"I've  been practicing polefitness for almost a year and a half, I attend pole class at Gravity Pole Fitness Studio although I have my own pole at home." 

 

She started poling because one of her best friends owned a pole and encouraged her to try it. She found it difficult at first because she was not use to exercise, but after 5 months she started inverting and that was amazing for her.

 

 

 

This encourage her to start a diet, take up running and possibly the most important part was her instructor. "She's amazing as a teacher and as a friend, she always had the patience I needed to nail a trick."

 

 

"My inspiration is Marlo Fisken she's awesome!"

 

"I love to be upside down and spinning, I think my favorite move is the extended butterfly and my nemesis is the handspring, that's my pole goal for September!! Because I'm going to pole expo Las Vegas, I'm so excited !!"  

 

She's the mother of two beautiful girls and an adrenaline junkie, she loves skydiving, gardening and of course her pole. "It's my life!"  

 

You can follow this Spanish beauty on Facebook : Lybassal and Instagram: @lybassal

 

 

Samantha Mellor - May Winner

The May Winner for our 

#mayinvert challenge

Nicole Ambrus

 

I would like to welcome Nicole Ambrus to the corner.

 

At 20 years of age, she wanted to keep herself busy and decided to try out a pole class, she never expected to love it as much as she did.

 

Nicole attends pole classes at Pole and Shape in Oldham, Manchester in the UK and has been actively involved for the past year and a half.

 

Having been on a gymnastics team for two years and also a year of dancing to her name seems to have its advantages even though it was 5 years ago.

She has not yet participated in a showcase or event but plans on doing so soon.

 

Her Pole role model is Amy Hazel, she saw her pictures posted on Instagram and is captivated by her amazing strength and flexibility.

 

One of Nicole’s favourite moves is the overhead Gemini and the move that she most likes to perform is the Iron X.

 

Pole goals for 2014 include perfecting her deadlift, she has only just managed to lift it, but will happily accept neat Janerio too.

Something interesting about Nicole: '' I’m participating in Tough Mudder this August to help raise money for charity.''

You can Follow Nicole's progress on Instagram: @Nicky.028

 

Bendy Kate Workshop

An awesome weekend of Pole is ahead for myself and some good friends. We are honoured to have the World Pole Sport and Fitness Champion for 2014, Bendy Kate here in South Africa.

I have been watching this woman’s videos for the past year, she truly is an inspiration for this sport. My particular interests lie in her acrobatics and hand balancing skills. She is known for so much more especially her flexibility.

I have two workshops booked with her for Saturday, an amazing birthday gift from my unbelievable boyfriend. Bendy Kate will also be doing a guest performance at our 3^rd National Pole Sports Competition as well as judging our participants.

I will try taking some pictures over the weekend and post an update when possible.

Have a great weekend Friends... x

May Challenge

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the athletes for the participation over the past few weeks, the corner has grown at a great pace to me.

I would like to propose a small challenge, I have started an instagram account for Pole Play Corner: @poleplaycorner, also a twitter account @poleplaycorner. I would like to put some pictures up and keep this a very interactive area for all pole/aerial athletes.

If there are video's, pictures, articles you would like me to feature please e-mail me: littlecaine@gmail.com and I will send a dropbox link your way if needed.

thank you for the support!

Joslin Phillips

 

This week I am featuring Joslin Phillips

 

 

 

This adventurous 22 year old found her way to her first pole class via a Groupon. Like most ladies on this blog she hated the ''normal'' gym setting. When she found a Groupon for her local pole studio, her and a friend decided it would be fun to try out. That was the start of her pole journey.

 

Joslin now trains at the Former Esteem Fitness in Virginia Beach, VA, USA and has been poling since August 2013

She has already participated in a Showcase with her studio Esteem.

" I dabbled in gymnastics as a child. I have always been very flexible, which helps me make some common moves even more beautiful. I love yoga and believe it ties in perfectly with pole fitness!
I not only do pole, but have recently started to gain a lot of interest and skills in circus arts (aerial silks, lyra, static trapeze, etc.)"

Role models and motivation:

"Samantha Star and Oona are my top favorites, but I love to see all the women online and locally who love to pole as well. I am inspired every day by everyone in the pole community."

 

Joslin's favorite move is the Rainbow Marchenko, which she just recently was able to add to her pole move repertoire! She also loves to perform handsprings, admitting she is obsessed with them since she first saw one performed. She has mastered all 3 grips for the handspring and is working hard to achieve a strong Iron-X.

Pole Goal for 2014:
She has plenty she would like to achieve this year but top of her list for now is the Phoenix and the Fonji
 

To follow this talented lady get onto instagram and follow @joslinrae

Travis Hornsby

I am excited to introduce to the corner, Travis Hornsby, our first male Pole Athlete.

Travis is passionate about performance art and poetry, at the tender age of 18 he plays the (unfortunate) role of the sex-crazed Boggo in the Spud series.

What made him consider a pole class? " A love of art, a hatred of gym and a stubborn belly" was the reply.
Travis attends Vertical Vixen, Linksfield in Johannesburg, South Africa and has been a pole student for 18 months now, with no previous gymnastic or dance history.
The year-end showcase that Vertical Vixen hosts was one of his first events, apparently a night of nerves and plenty of empty bottles of Dry-Hands.

Motivation and inspiration is provided by his teacher, Alicja Gralewska, his awesome classmates and Derick Pierson.
 

One of his favourite moves is the Rainbow Marchenko and the move he loves to perform is the Janeiro.
When asked what his pole goal is for 2014 the reply I received was very colourful.
"The Cocoon, I'm one step away from becoming a kick-ass butterfly"

Travis, thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself.
I have had an opportunity to see you perform live, you have an unbelievable personality on stage and at such a young age you have so many opportunities at your feet.

Keep us updated with your performances and achievements.

You can follow Travis on the following social media:
Twitter : @travhornsby
Instagram: @travhornsby

 

Nicole McDonald

 

I would like to introduce Nicole McDonald from Houston, Texas, USA

She is a creative 21 year old who is inspired by Julia Wahl, Marion Crampe, Sergia Loise Anderson and Natasha Wang.

Nicole bought a "Secret Dancer" pole at a boutique just for fun. "It felt so natural to be on it, I had to have more!"
She participates casually at a local fitness studio called Verticality Pole Fitness.
Of her 2 years on pole most of her pole experience has been self taught and can claim around 8 months as a student.

She has not yet taken part in any events. "I do plan to enter in Houston's Annual Melee on the Bayou at the end of 2014 and hope for the best!"

She participated in dance class for 2 years in her Freshman and Sophmore years in high school.

The move she loves is the Titanic, "It just looks so beautiful and graceful."
Nicole loves to perform the Ballerina, it's a challenging move and is also a beautiful and graceful looking move.

Her Pole Goal for 2014 is the deadlift.

Thanks to her creative nature she loves glitter, glue, stamps and paint...
To follow this creative lady you can add her on Facebook or Instagram.


https://m.facebook.com/clover.mcdonald.9?__user=100006881981489
Instagram.com/woodstocknation

 

Crystal Lai

This week’s athlete Biography is extremely interesting, I’m very excited to introduce Crystal Lai.

This Dynamic 29 year old, has a degree in Chemistry and has just started as a campus director for an after school math program for high performing children.

Crystal has been pole dancing for over 8 years and she has also been an active teacher/instructor at Tantra Fitness in Vancouver, BC, Canada for 7 years. When she is not on tour this is the studio she calls home.

Having discovered pole dancing 8 years ago gives Crystal an interesting story for how she came to consider a pole class. Looking for a new way to stay active in University she tried others sports and dance, never really being too interested in any.


On her 19^th birthday celebration she was taken to a strip bar and was instantly hooked on the art of pole dancing. She started searching for pole dancing classes and luckily came across Tantra Fitness. Tammy Morris left an unforgettable performance at Brandi’s and she signed up the next day and has been pole dancing ever since.

Crystal does not have any prior gymnastic, dance or yoga background and really is a true inspiration to girls that are new to the sport. Tammy Morris was un-doubtable her very first pole inspiration. Jenyne Butterfly is another one of her pole idols.

 

Crystal makes sure she introduces variation in her performances and loves to look for new moves to perform, however she really loves to perform her jade split. Other favourite moves are the Iron-X and Tik Tok.  Her 2014 goals are to focus on crazy flips and drops.

The list of Titles, Experience and Credentials can be found under her resume tab on her website listed below. I will mention the most recent being:

Finalist @ I World Pole Cup 2011 - Rio de Janeiro

World Pole Championship 2010, Zurich - 5th place

People's Choice Award 2010 - World Pole Championship, Zurich

Master Pole Trainer - recognized by the Canadian Pole Fitness Association

You can follow Crystal:

http://www.facebook.com/laicrystal85

and she has her very own webpage:

www.crystal-lai.com

 

 

Tarryn Holman

This week I would like to welcome Tarryn Holman

This fun loving 26 year old student is from Johannesburg South Africa, she attends a fitness studio in Benoni called Pole Physiques. She originally joined pole fitness to lose weight and found it more enjoyable than a gym environment. She has to date been involved in pole for 4 years but only recently joined her current studio. She also finds time in her day to train at home when she is not in the studio.

Tarryn has competed in the Pole sports league held in October 2013. This is a PFASA event. She has also participated in the Polesque 2013 and enjoyed it so much that she is counting down the days to the 2014 event.

“Before pole I had never done any form of exercise in my life.”


When asking Tarryn who motivates and inspires her in the pole industry she replied:  “My instructor Benita Bouwer, wow she is incredible, she is my mentor, my motivation and inspiration’

The move she likes to perform is the shoulder mount. “If I can get into a move from a shoulder mount I am happy.”

Her Favourite trick is The spatchcock and when asked about her 2014 goals she replied:
"The Iron  - x and aerial shoulder mount"

A little more about Tarryn:
“Apart from being addicted to pole fitness I love tattoos, funky hair and Lady Gaga”


To follow updates on this funky pole addict you can add her on the below social media:
Instagram: @Tazhols
Facebook: Tarryn Holman
Twitter: Punky_Spunky2

Join us next week and get to know Crystal Lai

Have a fabulous safe week ahead.

Yazmin Quintanilla

This week we visit Mexico.

I find it so humbling that ladies from near and far are willing to take the time to introduce themselves.

At a studio called Lili Salas Pole Dance, in Monterrey, we get to meet Yazmin.

Yazmin is 31 years of age and has only been involved in pole for 6 months, she is a former jazz/ballet dancer giving her a good base for pole.

"I have been a Dancer since I can remember, mostly Ballet and Jazz, but also Hip-hop, Salsa, Belly dance, commercial jazz, etc."

Her pole instructor is an old friend from a Dance Team she use to train with. The invitation was extended over summer to give pole a try.

"I honestly fell in love with it."
"I like mostly power and strength moves, those that leave you with your mouth wide open LOL! I think my favorite right now, is the Iron X, the phoenix and the Oona Spin combo (which I am working on right now) and my goal move, the top of the top, the one that I hope one day I could do is Fonji."

Following the strength and power trend Yazmin's pole role model is Oona Kivëla. Anastasia Skukhtorova and Jenyne Butterfly provide the softer forms of inspiration when needed.

The move she enjoys to perform the most is the Handspring with its variations, by the end of 2014 she would like to perform the Phoenix effortlessly, this is going to take some hard training but she is up for the challenge.

About Yazmin:

I am a very intense person. I like to give my best in everything that I’m passionate about. I like reading, cooking, dancing, crafts and DIY stuff, photography among others.

 

To follow this talented lady, join Instagram for some awesome picture and video updates: @yazminqc
Wishing you all the best in your journey in pole, keep us up to date on the blog with anything accomplished that you would like to shared.

We also have a twitter account that will inform you when we have new posts: @poleplaycorner

Have a great, safe and fun poling week.

 

Yvette Malherbe

This week Pole Play Corner would like to Welcome Yvette Malherbe.

 

 Yvette is a member of Vertical Vixen, Northriding in Gauteng, South Africa. She joined the studio 14 months ago when a friend finally managed to convince her to try out. Her main goal was to get her body back in shape after having her little boy.

Her studio instructor is one of her role model's in the industry. Julie Swart's before and after pictures are her big motivation.

Pole goals for 2014?

 "So many - but the aim is to be good enough to participate in the year end showcase"

Moves that motivate her to push a little harder are the inverted D, she also loves to perform her lean back.

"I work with numbers which is quite 'boring' however I have a very creative side. I used to love making bead jewellery and still do on the odd occasion, love being creative: sewing, photography, events and food-baking/cooking and seeing people enjoy what I make." 

Yvette can be found on Facebook and Twitter: Yvette Judo-Chop Mamalherbe and @Judo1Chop

Keep us up to date with any new achievements Yvette, best of luck with your goals.

 

Rose Kelleher

From my last blog, I extended the invite for all to send me a picture in exchange for my questionnaire.
First to reply was Rose Kelleher.

So my first week of feature will be for Rose.

"I’m at uni. Philosophy, French and Film are my favourite things to study. And I love pole doubles! Perhaps more than singles."
 
Rose is from Canberra in Australia , the pole fitness studio she attends is called FitSistas.

Her first pole dancing lesson was encourage by a friend who taught at a nearby studio. With no previous gymnastic or dance background she still gave pole a try. Additional Yoga classes have now been added to her fitness routine.
"It has made a huge difference"

She has now been involved in the pole fitness sport for around 2 years. Rose has suffered a few injuries on her journey leaving her off the pole around 6 months of these 2 years.

Her favourite moves include the eagle, the ragdoll and she also loves flips and drops.

The moves most fun to perform include the Oona spin, Janeiro and the shoulder mount flip. Her 2014 pole trick goal is the Eagle.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you Rose, I would also like to wish you luck for your year of training. Send us pictures of showcases and future events.

You can follow Rose on instagram:
@rosekemi