Today I competed in my first pole competition. The South AfricanPole Sport Federation (SAPSF) was founded by Karin Nicklin, Tracy Simmonds, Lindi Gyökösi, and, finally, a woman who is very close to my heart, Julie Swart. The federation, previously known as the Pole Fitness Association of South Africa, is designed to develop and uphold the standards of the pole sport industry in South Africa.
The federation holds the league four times a year in different provinces.
It’s intended to be as easy entry into competitive pole sport for new comers
such as myself. There is no “winner” as each dancer is competing against
themselves. They can enter into the Bronze (beginner), Silver (intermediate) or
Gold (advanced) division. Each division has its own required moves and
obviously they get harder as the level goes up.
I’ve only performed once before at my studios annual
showcase last November so this was only the second time I’ve ever danced in front
of an audience. When I compare my first performance to today’s performance the
difference is astounding. But as for it being a perfect performance, it was far from it. I
ran into problems such as too much spin on a spinning pole and a double knee
hook that just wouldn’t go in.
So if you’re going to be competing in your first pole comp
anytime soon, here’s what I advise:
1.
Test your spinning pole before you start. I
under estimated just how spiny the one at this comp was today and it showed
in my performance.
2.
If you have to hold a move for three counts
practice holding it for six. Nervous will almost always make you go faster than
you should so what you count as six in your head is three in reality.
3.
Use really go grip. With good grip aid you can
hang onto almost any kind of pole.
4.
Smile during your performance, there’s nothing
worse than a dancer who doesn’t look like they’re enjoying dancing.
Thanks to support, encouragement, inspiration and care of
the wonderful Julie, my instructor and pole role model, I have grown in leaps
and bounds. The fact that I was able to do what I did today after only a year
and four months of pole is partly thanks to the amazing teachings of Julie. So Julie, and
my other Vertical Vixen instructors, Brenda and Rory, thank you! Thank you for being part of
changing my life. Through all of you I have discovered a mental, emotional and
physical strength I never knew I had. So thank you for helping my reach this
point.
I can’t wait for the next league and I’m going to keep doing
them until competing feels as natural as breathing.
This is the official SAPSF video
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