Alessandra Marchetti Interview

Attending the recent Pole Sports Championship it was great to see so many talented European pole dancers coming through the ranks. One of our favourites was Alessandra Marchetti from Italy, we caught up with her to find out more about her and how she got into pole dancing...

1. How and when did you first get interested in pole dancing?
I started practicing pole dance for the first time in September  2010, because I found that the in the gym where I work, there was a school of pole, the Polexgym by Titty Tamantini. Thanks to her, my teacher, I found this great passion and it was love at first sight!

2. What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?
The thing I like best about the pole dance, is its artistic and gymnastics content at the same time. I studied dance and gymnastics and in pole dance I find both of these disciplines.

3. You recently won the silver medal in the Pole Sports Championship event in London. How do you feel being a winner and will you be entering any more competitions in the future?
The silver medal at the Pole Sport Championship was one of the greatest emotions of my life! For the first time I really believed in myself and in my abilities and I was rewarded! Now put the same effort into my next competitions: the European Championship in Rome next 29th of September and the World Pole Sport and Fitness Championship in Zurich next November. Then, I’ll try to participate again at the next IPC.



4. Where do you get your ideas for the routines and costumes when you compete?
When I build my routine, I always start with the music: it all starts with the first inspiration of all, the music! Then from there start choreographic ideas, with the help of my teacher Titty Tamantini and my husband Davide Lacagnina and the costume comes from one of my drawings, which is then made ​​by my seamstress.

5. What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why?
My favourite tricks are: the russian split, the extended handspring (with both legs straight) and the rainbow marchenko but this is only a dream for me!!!!!

6. What are the main fitness benefits of pole dancing and how has pole dancing improved your fitness, strength or body shape?
Obviously physical activity brings many health benefits: pole dance improves coordination, flexibility, strength, and above all self-esteem! The students are having fun with the program Polexgym Tamantini patented by my teacher and can practice pole dance at any level, competitive or amateur.



7. Pole performers are athletes like in any other sport. What is an average day’s training for you?
I am and have always been an athlete, so I always trained about two hours each day. That's what I keep doing in pole dance. Nothing more! I start with a good warm-up, then old and new movements on the pole, and stretching. I wish I had more time to train but unfortunately I have to work!

8. What are your favourite moves for strength training on the pole?
Tractions and push ups are the best strengthening exercises: in pole dance you have to lift your body, so the best functional training for the pole is work in which you lift your body.

9. What pole performers do you admire or inspire you?
I have a lot of “muses”! My favourites pole dancers are: Jenyne Butterfly, Natasha Wang and Ona Kivela.

10. What’s next for you in the coming year? We’d love to see you in the UK again.
I hope to be back soon in the UK! Next year will be, as always, full of work and training, but my doors are open for any new, wonderful event of pole dance!