Author: Pagan

Tracey Simmonds, one of the UK’s top pole dancer’s, was my first ever pole idol. Indeed after my first ever pole lesson, I remember coming home and googling pole dancing and it was Tracey Simmonds that made me say “I want to be like that on a pole!”, she became my inspiration.

So you can imagine how excited I was top hear that Tracey was in the UK offering masterclasses. I promptly booked myself onto the nearest course venue: London, some 5.5 hours by train.

Although excited I also had the ‘just another masterclass’ feeling. Indeed each and every class has been an enjoyable experience but none has been quite as enjoyable or rewarding as this one. Tracey was keen to get the most out of each student, and seem to pick up on strengths instantly; she also gave so much of her time to everyone in the class. Thanks to the organiser’s of that class, numbers were small which enabled a huge amount of pole time and practice. This was the first masterclass where I was able to dictate what I wanted to learn, and was assisted in this matter no end, by a lady who had the patience of a saint and was stronger than an ox!

I came away from this class feeling a natural high that can only be achieved by doing something you love so much. My body bruised and aching but my soul in a very happy place! I would recommend this masterclass to any pole enthusiast of an advanced level. Tracey Simmonds truly is inspirational and just an amazing pole dancer!

The 16th April 2011 was a date that the Paganettes had been anticipating for some time. After rehearsals twice weekly, finally The North Wales Mardi Gras 2011 was occurring and excitement was stirring within the ladies preparing to get up and perform their magic to the crowds.

The dancer’s at this event were: Pagan, Mz KT, Heather, Nikki, Seren, Crystal, Rose and Liz. Each lady has a unique style and technique that can leave the audience smiling and in a state of awe. And indeed this would appear to be the effect upon the audience at this event. It was commented on by a few person’s at how the crowds just seem to appear from nowhere and congregate as soon as the ladies took to the poles and began their demonstrations.

Despite the extremely slippery poles (thanks to previous performers wearing oils and deciding to play with the poles!) the girls were able to pull off some amazing tricks and get the crowd cheering. I cannot help but feel extremely proud of them all for their persistence and ability, and send a huge thankyou for all the effort that every dancer put into their performance…you girls are awesome 🙂

Nikki represented Pagan’s Pole at The All Wales Pole Championships 2011 in The Advanced Category and was awarded 3rd place. Nikki’s rock chick performance to Bon Jovi’s ‘It’s My Life’ had the whole crowd cheering and clapping. In her usual style, Nikki smiled through the whole of her performance, cheering and screaming with the crowd as she pulled off the amazing noodle to end her routine. Massive congratulations to Nikki for her achievement 🙂

Heather Walker is no stranger to dance competitions and has now well and truly earned her recognition within the pole dance industry. Heather’s AWPC 2011 performance was nothing short of mesmerising, capturing the audience from the very beginning with her melancholy and dramatic routine to Marilyn Manson’s ‘Sweet Dreams’.

Heather faced some stiff competition within this category and we’re all so proud of her achievement. When asked how she felt Heather replied: “the AWPC gave me a huge buzz…but when stepped on the stage I was shaking like a leaf! … there were parts of my routine that went wrong yet I still loved the thrill of performing, and was overall very pleased with my performance. I watched the other girls in my category and was in awe of some of the things that they did, and they all were amazing. When it came to announcing the results, I wasn’t sure how I’d done, but I didn’t think I’d won. When it was announced I couldn’t believe it. As I received my prize the judges gave me some lovely comments and I was ecstatic” Heather continued to say ” I’m going to keep training to improve and become a lot stronger. I would like to thank my instructor Tracy, as I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. She is a fabulous teacher and deserves a lot of praise”.

Heather enjoyed a ‘pole-tastic’ 2010 and it would appear that 2011 may hold even more joy and achievement for her. We congratulate Heather in her latest title and look forward to seeing Heather perform and compete again soon 🙂

Liz made her debut onto the pole scene at The All Wales Pole Championships 2011, representing Pagan’s Pole in the performer category. The performer category is for those new to pole and therefore forbids all inverts and big tricks.

Liz choreographed a routine that was both unique and innovative, making the audience giggle as she chased a human banana around the pole, followed by some basic poi weaving and elegant pole transitions.

When asked how she felt about winning Liz said: “I was surprised…it was a great experience and I’ve never done anything like this before. The atmosphere was exciting and I actually enjoyed performing infront of an audience”.

The Pagan’s Pole team congratulates Liz on her success and we hope to see more of Liz in other pole events and competitions! BRAVO 🙂

Pagan’s Pole is so proud to announce that Beth has received her level 3 grade under the PDC syllabus. Beth has been a pole dance/fitness student with Pagan’s Pole for 18 months and has worked hard to achieve her new status. Despite nerves on the day, Beth’s examination demonstrated not only her confidence on the pole and during tricks, but also her ability to choreograph a dance routine that was pretty awesome!

We all congratulate Beth for her success and look forward to watching her progress to the next level.

I was so excited to get an opportunity to meet this leading lady in pole. Alethea is well known for her incredibly sexy and mesmerizing floor work, her amazing flexibility, and of course her fantastic tricks on the pole.

Alethea’s titles include: USPDF Champion 2010 and USPDF Miss Sexy 2009 and World Pole Dance Finalist 2010
I can honestly say I have never experienced a masterclass that made me want to sit and watch the instructor rather than join in, but Alethea truly is mesmerizing, and with a few incredibly sexy ripples and waves had the whole class spellbound.

After a thorough stretch session (the legs are still recovering) she showed us a few techniques both with and without a pole, that can enhance any pole dance 100%. Rolling around on the floor and rippling with Alethea Austin…I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Pagan’s Pole wishes to extend a huge congratulations to Nikki Lines for achieving her Level 4 Pole Dance Certificate from The Pole Dance Community.

Nikki has been working hard to achieve the more difficult and strenuous Level 4 moves, training regularly to improve both her flexibility and endurance. Nikki has also had to work on her dance technique to enable her to combine these difficult tricks in a fluid and graceful manner.

We now look forward to watching Nikki put her new skills and tricks to use in upcoming competitions!

For more information on The Pole Dance Community and the PDC grading system please click on the link below.

PDC Achievement and Accreditation

Emma Boutet represented Pagan’s Pole in The BIPDC 2010, at The Civic Hall in Essex. Emma was offered this fantastic opportunity to compete after her fabulous performance at The North Wales Pole Competition 2010.

Emma chose Chase & Status to perform to, and the music suited her intense style of dance. Emma looked fantastic in a melancholy based outfit, her clothing black, her face white, and the final most prominent item of costume…a blood red blindfold. Emma’s unusual style and interpretation of music were noted by audience members.

Emma thoroughly enjoyed her performance, and was later to report that she wished she could do it all again! We are extremely proud of Emma’s achievement and can’t wait to see her next performance!