Interview with Fawina Dietrich

At the recent Pole Convention in LA we were lucky enough to meet Fawina Dietrich one of the pioneers of pole dancing. We chatted to her to find out more about how she started in pole and her new ventures...

1. How and when did you first get interested in pole dancing? 
I started pole dancing in 1994 when I began working as a stripper in Canada. I was fascinated by the exotic dancers and their skills on the pole. I had to find a pole dancing school right away. The problem was, there wasn’t one. (crazy hey?!, that’s what I thought)  So I started the world’s first pole dancing school.

2. Tell us about your pole school? 
Pole Fitness Studio has two located in Las Vegas. We offer 160 classes a month specialising in pole dancing striptease, burlesque, cardio cabaret, boot camp, yoga, ballet, ballroom, salsa, kick boxing, gogo dancing Zumba, mat Pilates, and flexibility classes. We offer co-ed classes in pole dancing and stretching.

We also offer pole dancing parties for all occasions, including bachelorettes (hen parties) , birthdays, girls night out and we even celebrate bachelor parties. What would that be called in the UK? A cock party? Lol

I personally offer a Pole Dance Instructors Certification program for those interested in opening their own studio, or just want to enhance their pole dancing knowledge. We offer certifications in Lap Dancing and Booty Camp as well.

3. What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?
Pole dancing is fun and challenging so there is always the desire to pole dance again. I am going to stay 25 forever!

4. What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why?
I have five: I love handsprings because the strength needed in the arms, and balance from your core. Crouch spins are fun for both the viewer and the doer. I enjoy flags because they are hard and make people’s mouths drop open. The “Kennedy” which is a handstand from the floor being walked in a circle around the pole. And lastly I would say Superman because it was an accomplishment when I finally achieved it.

5.What are the main fitness benefits of pole dancing and how have pole dancing improved your fitness, strength or body shape?
There are three main fitness benefits from pole dancing.
1) Excellent anaerobic exercise do to lifting your body weight on the pole which helps build muscle.
2) Excellent aerobic exercise because you are using large muscle groups repetitively and your arms are often above your heart, which improves cardio and endurance.
3) Flexibility is improved because many moves are enhanced with flexible joints and lengthened muscles.

The first four months is when I saw the major changes in my body. I lost 30 pounds, and my strength improved drastically. It took me four weeks to be able to lift myself off the ground and do the ‘fireman spin!’

6.What’s your favourite move for strength training on the pole?
I have found alternating outside leg climbs to be great for building both strength and endurance.

8. If someone has never tried pole dancing before how do you advise them to get started?
If someone wants to try pole dancing, I advise them to visit a pole dancing school in their area and try a level 1 class, yet keeping in mind that not all pole dancing schools are the same and they should try a few to make sure they settle on the studio that fits them, and their personality best. If there isn’t a studio in their area, they can buy a pole for use at home and check out my first instructional DVD “POLE WORK”, and start with the beginner section.

9. What’s next for you in the coming year?
POLE EXPO!  Meet me in Las Vegas Sept 6 – 9^th 2012 at THE PALMS HOTEL for the largest pole dancing event Las Vegas has ever seen. What is super cool about pole expo is that all seminars are FREE, and there are FREE workshops and FREE breakfast in the main expo space with all the vendors. There will be non-stop action from the minute they enter the opening reception at SIMON restaurant (which we have all to ourselves), till the winners of the POLE CLASSIC are announced after the POLE STARS perform at RAIN night club. Check out: http://www.PoleExpo.com
2013 – you will have to wait and see!

10. What are your hopes for the pole dancing scene/industry in the UK for 2012? 
I was just in London for the World Pole Sports Championships and I was so impressed with the pole dancing products and athletes. It was like being in a parallel pole world. UK – just keep bringing it!  I love the sexy leg warmers from Wink, I love the book of moves from IPDFA and Pole Dance Community and above all I love your passion for pole dancing. Thank you!

Photo credits:
Same Green and Adam Jay