Interview with Greta Pontarelli - World Pole Sports Championship winner 2013

There were so many amazing competitors at this years World Pole Sports Championship, as well as some very inspiring people. One finalist who is both an amazing pole dancer and an inspiration is Greta Pontarelli, winner of the Masters 50+ category. Find out more about Greta in our interview...

1. You recently won the masters 50+ category at the World Pole Sport Championship. How do you feel being a winner and will you be entering any more competitions in 2013?
Winning the World Pole Sport Championship - Masters 50+ has been surreal. However, more important than the medal is the platform that the stage provides to inspire others to not let age or any limitation keep them from going passionately after their dreams... I will be competing in the US Championships, the North American Championships and the International Pole Championships (IPC) in Singapore later this year.

2. How and did you first get interested in pole dancing?
I was looking for a form of fitness that was artistic to ward off osteoporosis when I saw some amazing videos on YouTube and the rest is history!

3. What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?
A pole routine gives me the opportunity to tell a story that  connects with an inner muse that can empower our lives. A few of my past routines unfolded the muse of a chrysalis becoming a butterfly, finding our inner superhero and most recently fanning the flames of determination. It is when we connect with those muses that are daily lives are filled with meaning because we are motivated to go passionately after our dreams.

4. What are the main fitness benefits of pole dancing and how has pole dancing improved your fitness, strength or body shape? Pole develops core strength, flexibility, balance, grace and so much more. My main benefit besides being physically stronger and tighter is that my bones have become stronger.


5. Has pole dancing had an impact on anything else in your life?
Any time that you strive to become the best that you can become it sets in motion a magnetism that draws wonderful people and experiences into your life. Pole has cast the net broader of beautiful and empowering  people whose lives who I connect with especially through competitions and social media.


6. What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why?
I don't know that I have favorites because there are so many, but moves that embrace our artistry and are done with meaning, heart and intention are always my favorites. I love beautiful lines and flexibility, but note that uber flexibility doesn't necessarily make the move better. Refine each move so that it is done to the best of your ability and engage the audience and even simple moves can look eloquent.


7. What are your favourite strength training moves on the pole and why?
I love the aerial deadlifts, the Phoenix, the Passe Iron-X all of which develop ones core muscles, however the real beauty of these strength moves are when they look effortless and have seamless transitions. That moves me.

8. Where would you like to see pole dancing in the future?
I am behind pole sport becoming a part of the Olympics and World Games as long as it celebrates our artistry and maintains age groups. The beauty of pole is that pole artists have many body types and are all ages. It is my hope that it maintains the artistry and doesn't become all about uber-advanced tricks and contortion.

9. What pole performers do you admire or inspire you?
There are so many! Initially I was inspired by Felix, Jenyne and Oona and I still am.  I am also inspired by people who I train with such as Sergia Anderson and Natasha Wang. Actually all the artists in Pole Art, IPC and the IPSF winners are a huge inspiration to me.

10. What would you say to someone who is thinking of trying pole dancing for the first time to convince them to give it a go? It is a lot of fun and there is something in it for everyone. Pole fitness, pole dance, pole art and pole sport all have slightly different approaches. Everyone needs to step out of their comfort zones now and then and try new things that motivate them to become the best that they can become. If you allow yourself you may find that you can do things that you never thought that you could do and that you look and feel better than ever. Soon you just might be hooked like the rest of us, but there is nothing wrong with a positive addiction!

11. Three words that sum up pole dancing for you.
Empowering, artistic and inspiring!

Watch Greta's winning performance at the World Pole Sports Championship here