Who's Grooving?
Lola
In this exclusive interview,
Groove is delighted to interview our overseas pole instructors from Viva Vertical, Kuala Lumpur.
Interview
First of all, we like to thank you for the opportunity to interview you...
Groove: Tell us about your views on Pole Dancing. There must have been raised eyebrows when you mention that you practice and teach this exotic art form?
Lola: Personally, I find pole dancing an excellent way of expressing femininity and sensuality that you never really get a chance to express them anywhere else, legitimately *wink. I’ve always been into sports and weight lifting so grace was not part of me. Since I’ve picked up Pole, I find myself discovering new ways to move my body through this art and be fully comfortable with it. True, there were raised eyebrows when I mention my practice to certain group of people – either because they were completely unaware that this exotic art form is a globally recognized sport or because they KNOW it’s an amazing sport and are in awe of it.
Groove:
What advice would you give to ladies who are afraid to try out pole dancing (for fear of difficulty and lack of both strength and flexibility)?
Lola: First step: try it out with an open mind. Everybody starts out somewhere – the START line. No one is born to be a pole athlete; you start and train to be one. No one learns how to swim the first time they hit water, they have to start with guidance while in fear of drowning and lack of breathing coordination.
Groove:
What makes your teaching style unique?
Lola: Coming from a fitness instructor and personal trainer background, I incorporate a lot of body weight exercises and cues in my lessons, making it a more fitness focused class at times. Of Course, if the class type is specified to be exotic dance, I switch my teaching mode =)
Groove: Which pole trick is your favourite?
Lola: I have different favourites during my journey. It used to be the Knee Hold, then the Chinese pole handspring. The latest one is the Starfish!
Groove: What is your advice to those who just cannot master that one frustrating pole trick? How do not give up and is there REALLY light at the end of the tunnel?
Lola: I know most hate hearing it over and over but it’s just to KEEP TRYING! Not saying you should heavily bruise yourself in a single session. Our body takes time to adapt to every new trick that our muscles are under demand in performing for. Some lucky ones get it on the first go, some take a while longer. Just keep one thing in mind, that nothing is impossible! Don’t let it stress you. After a frustrating practice session, move on to something else. Come back to it and sometimes it’s VOILA!
Groove: What can we look forward to at your pole workshops during your workshops in Singapore?
Lola: The good ol’ bruising fun with great opportunities to learn and experiment with participant’s fellow pole buddies under professional guidance =)
Groove: Words to live by?
Lola: My favourite since I was a very young teen traveling cross country in the US. “Carpe Diem” – Seize The Day!
Thank you once again !!
To experience workshops by VivaVertical, join us on our Duo-Pole Choreography Workshops on 20th February 2010! More info
here.
