Interview with Tammy Frazier - A Pole New You

1. How and when did you first get interested in pole dancing?  
In 2006 I co-owned and operated a traditional dance studio with a friend.  A group of mommies in one of the affluent communities wanted us to bring fitness pole dancing into the studio.  After some research - to find out exactly what it was :o), and someone that could introduce it, we booked a 6-week beginner course.  I was hooked by lesson #2!

2. Tell us about your pole school?  
A Pole New You is Greater Frederick's original source for pole fitness and fun pole parties.  Our goal is to help everyday women get back in touch with themselves, have fun, get fit and feel sexy doing it.  We are proud to present a well-rounded program so that we can be a one-stop-shop for women's fitness.  We offer pole fitness, hula hooping, hip hop, Zumba, belly dancing, power yogalates, and our own line of group fitness classes.

3. What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?
It is the only form of fitness that instantly makes women feel different; the change is from the inside out, before there is time for any physical results to take place.  One of our clients, a 3-year breast cancer survivor, put it best when she said that after chemo, she participated in a Look Good, Feel Good day, which was the first time she felt pretty again.  I was moved to tears when she said, "I felt that way again after the first time I left your studio."

4. What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why?
1) Shoulder Mount - It's the first one I was able to do that required conquering fear
2) Handspring - It's the first move I saw that I thought I would NEVER get...when I got it, I knew that all things pole were possible.
3) Felix Cane's Spatchcock and Eagle (I know that makes 4 favorites) -  they are simply legendary.  

5.What are the main fitness benefits of pole dancing and how have pole dancing improved your fitness, strength or body shape?
Pole dancing improves muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and (if you build up to practicing routines) cardiovascular endurance.  As a physical education major and dance minor in college, and an 18-year physical education teacher, fitness has been my thing for a long time.  Pole has helped me maintain my fitness lifestyle, and muscular body tone.

6.What’s your favourite move for strength training on the pole?
Pulls ups for upper body, and controlled shoulder mount for core.

7.What pole performers do you admire or inspire you?
Felix Cane...she was my first pole hero, and Phoenix Kazree...her passion for her art is never absent from her performances.  As my roots are in traditional dance, it is no surprise that both are classically trained dancers.

8. If someone has never tried pole dancing before how do you advise them to get started?
If at all possible, take a beginner class.  It is so much more fun in a group atmosphere, and fellow novice are so supportive.

9. What’s next for you in the coming year?
Making my first trip to the Pole Convention, looking forward to training more professional and safety-aware pole instructors as a Discoveries Dance Certification instructor, working with Phoenix Kazree as her manager, and continuing to spread awareness about pole fitness.

10. What are your hopes for the pole dancing scene/industry in the UK for 2012?
I very much look forward to the growth of pole fitness and pole as a competitive sport.  I hope more women can participate without undue judgement, be proud to part of the pole community, and say "pole" without whispering.