Loic Lebret Interview

We don't get to interview male pole dancers very often, so we jumped at the chance to grab a few words with the amazing French pole dancer Loic Lebret who has a string of awards to his name and will be judging at this weekends British Isles Pole Dance Champion competition. 

1.You’re judging at this years British Isles Pole Dance Champion Competition. What will you be looking for from the competitors performances?
Well, controlled performance, good level of tricks and combinations and a good notion of dance (all types of dances are welcomed).  Creativity in the choreography, new tricks, new combos and a good self control when they are on the stage (It is very important to be prepared mentally and manage the stress) and the feeling/perception that they will give the best of themselves on the stage.

2.What do you think makes a good judge?
A good judge must be impartial, right, the integrity is very important when you judge respecting the rules and regulations of the competition. Another important element among the judgement criteria is to have a good global perception of the performance of each competitor while you are judging.    

3.How and did you first get interested in pole dancing and what made you become an instructor/performer?
Three years ago when I saw for the first time a training session of pole dance, I was fascinated by what you could do with the pole. At that time I was a Professional Dancer and I thought it would have be interesting to combine the strength of the body on the pole with the grace of the dance routines that I perform in my shows.  

4.What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?

5. What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why?
The FLAG, the STAR FISH, the SHOULDER MOUNT FLAG FLIP 

6.What are the main fitness benefits of pole dancing and how have pole dancing improved your fitness, strength or bodyshape?
The endurance, the flexibility, the strength. Since the last 3 years I have been practicing pole dancing, my body has become stronger and more athletic and helped me to be more selective in what I eat. Having the right nutrition you can be lighter on the pole and have more energy in your daily life. For example it forces me to drinks 3 litres of water per day.    

7.Pole performers are athletes like in any other sport. What is an average day’s training for you?
On a normal training day, 3 hours a day and when I prepare a competition 5 hours everyday. 

8.What pole performers do you admire or inspire you?
Felix Cane and Jenyne Butterfly are the top polers and a reference for me. I like their creativity in always finding new tricks and new combinations, and their strength and flexibility. They always look for perfection in what they do including their choreography.   

9. If someone has never tried pole dancing before how do they get started?
I always suggest to take a lesson in group when it is for the first time because the new person can also exchange with the others in the group what he/she expects from pole dancing and understand that it is fun, but also a real sport that needs a lot of resistance and constant training in order to get the best results.  

10. What’s next for you in the coming year?
The PCI Competition in Hong Kong next March 2012. Having won in Tokyo last year the prize of Pole Fit Champion Runner up, I am automatically selected for the semi-final.  Hoping to be selected among the top 6 men for the final.  

And we wish Loic the very best of luck in his future competitions. Find out more about him here 

Find out more about the British Isles Pole Dance Champion here