Pole for U aNd I Inter University Pole Competition

We're excited about the Pole for U aNd I Inter University Pole Competition this weekend. Read our interview with organisers Amadea, Anna and Vici to find out more..

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1.Tell us more about the Pole for U aNd I Competition? How and why did you start the event and what makes it different from other events?
Pole for yoU aNd I is an inter-university event which allows polers to come forward and represent them selves and their university on a competitive level which has not been available in the past. Other university sports teams can compete so we felt it was time for pole to have a go too! We had our first competition in 2011 and so this is our second event! The difference between us and other events is that all of the competitors are able to perform and compete on their own (allowing them to win individual prizes) as well as being able to represent their university and take home the Best University award. All of our competitors are current university students (whether they are under graduates, post graduates, master or PHDs), which means that it is more of a niche event with the potential to reach hundreds of polers!

2.What are your judging criteria? What will the judges be looking for from the competitors?
Our judges will be looking for technique, choreography, timing, execution of a routine and tricks (depending on the level being entered!). The scores will be calculated on an individual basis and then an average score for each university will be obtained to decide who can take the trophy this year!

3.How has the standard improved since you first started the event?
We've had a lot more people enter the advanced category this year than last year! We know some of the competitors from last year’s event and have seen their pictures on social networking sites and we cannot wait until the routines get performed! For us things have got much more serious, with more sponsors and support from great companies like yourselves who want to encourage the amateur pole scene to flourish! A bigger venue, more competitors and more stress but we're loving it!

4.How and did you first get interested in pole dancing and what made you become an instructor/performer?
All of the organisers started poling through a university society! We all met when performing a routine in a showcase and hatched a plot after entering our first external competition together to help bring that kind of team spirit to university polers. We have all had backgrounds in performance with dance, music and theatre, and so making the jump to pole performances was thrilling and a great way to express ourselves with music and dance along with strength and flexibility. Teaching others has been so rewarding as we can share in their excitement at their first spin and invert!

5.What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?
The freedom it allows you to perform and show what you have been working towards. Your music can be a real reflection of your personality and combining that with your favourite moves and a costume too... what is there not to enjoy?!

6.What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why? 
Amadea: my favourite pole move would have to be allegra!
Anna: Extended butterfly is a favourite.
Vici: extended cupid for me!

7.What are the main fitness benefits of pole dancing and how have pole dancing improved your fitness, strength or bodyshape? We've all noticed that we've become fitter (Vici: the walk to campus gets easier and easier!) and a definite improvement in upper body strength as well as more control over our bodies. As you progress further you not only build your strength, but you learn how to apply that strength in a way that lifting weights in the gym just doesn't seem to manage.

8.What's your favourite move for strength training on the pole?
Hang toughs are always good for strength training as you can work on your arms, grip, core and legs all from one hold! 

9.What pole performers do you admire or inspire you?
Amadea: Suzie Q is an inspiration for me
Anna: my inspiration is Jenyne Butterfly!
Vici: Karol Helms, I met her at a master class last year and was in awe!

10.If someone has never tried pole dancing before how to they get started?
Looking around for local pole schools is the best place to start, and most will offer an introductory lesson or course to try it out. You can start at home teaching yourself but you're probably better off going and learning from someone who will be able to teach you the correct techniques for things as learnt mistakes are hard to let go of! (the voice of experience!).

11.What's next for you in the coming year? We're all graduating in the summer (hopefully!) and so we will all be looking for jobs but I think it's safe to say that we will all definitely keep poling and keep an eye out for us next year for the competition again!

For more info and tickets click here