UKAPP Finals Preview with Dan Rosen
Posted: Oct 28 2013
With the heats being the best ever, It's only a few weeks until the UKAPP grand final in Luton. We talk to host and judge Dan Rosen to find out more about this years event...
1.The UKAPP finals will take place next month. How did you enjoy the heats and what can we expect from the finals?
Well the standard was just so high and the atmosphere was just amazing. It’s always so nice to see a group of people come together as one and support the amateurs who love pole so much.
Well the standard was just so high and the atmosphere was just amazing. It’s always so nice to see a group of people come together as one and support the amateurs who love pole so much.
This is also the last ever UKAPP so make sure you check out the newsflash from Stacey Snedden at the end of this interview.
2.Tell us about the categories and competitors.
Performer: This is for the beginners who aren't at a level to be doing advanced tricks but still want the opportunity to perform. This is judged on performance and its all about giving a good show.
Performer: This is for the beginners who aren't at a level to be doing advanced tricks but still want the opportunity to perform. This is judged on performance and its all about giving a good show.
Intermediate: This is for people who are working their way up to the more advanced categories. However this section is limited on what moves they can and cant do so they have a list of moves which they aren't allowed to do to keep it fair.
Expert: Anything goes in this category. Get prepared to be amazed by some amazing pole dancing.
Doubles: This category is for 2 people who just love to do pole and love it so much they wanted to do it together!!!
Hoop: A new category to UKAPP but with the growing interest in hoop UKAPP couldn't imagine a better platform for the new art to be showcased.
3.As well as all the amazing competitors you also have a panel judges. Tell us about your judges and how the competitors will be marked.
Daniel Rosen
Donna Gant
Pippa Ceaser
Sam Ames ( stepping in for Sarah Brown )
Nicole Pearson
Jo Dandridge
Yes there are a panel of judges as well who have varied throughout the competition depending on location. The judges will be looking for a performance. Pole has become a bit to tricksy over the years and UKAPP pride itself of being about the PERFORMANCE element. The judges will be looking for a performer who can really entertain. And of course a performer who knows how to point their toes ;)
4. How have you enjoyed hosting the competition? Any favourite moments/performances so far?
Yes I have loved hosting. UKAPP means a lot to be obviously as a previous winner and its the biggest competition that I won as an amateur and I worked so hard for it. And it is just an honour to be a part of it this time around. I have had a couple of favourite performances, too many to name and I wouldn't want to seem biased haha.
5.As a previous winner, how is UKAPP different and why is it such a good event for people to enter and take park in?
The best part is that UKAPP isn't different. It still holds the same values that it did when I last competed. Creating a platform for amateurs to compete in a nice friendly and supportive environment. Its a fab competition and still has that great supportive environment. If you want to enter a competition UKAPP is a great start as its a really nice one to do. Everyone is so friendly and everyone is in the same boat as you i.e everyone is nervous as hell. So you all support each other. Its a great place to meet new people from all over the UK as well.
6.You’ve gone from strength to strength in the past few years with more competition titles under your belt and you also run your own pole school. Did you ever think this would be possible when you first started pole dancing?
Its hilarious isn't it. Who would have thought it. I just fell in love with pole and I haven't stopped since. I am always trying to better myself and it has just lead me to some amazing places and meeting some amazing people. Its presented me with some amazing opportunities and I have been lucky enough to win a few competitions now. Its not been easy I must say, I have had to work my little bum off for it but its been worth it. My pole school means everything to me now and my girls are my pride and joy. I just love watching them develop as pole dancers and they love the bruises I give them as presents. hehe!
7.Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?
Retired? No in all seriousness in 5 years time I would love to have my own premises to run my pole school from. However my main aim is to compete internationally and travel the world teaching. I will visit Australia in the next 5 years if it KILLS me!!!
8.What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?
8.What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?
The strength benefits, the feeling you get after a session where you really feel you have achieved something, the bruises, my girls, my pole school, that feeling of being a superhero because you can do a cool move at 3 meters high and your mates cant, and most of all the lovely pole community who have welcomed me with open arms since day one.
9.What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why?
Russian splits because of the beauty of the move and the flexibility required.
Fonji because its crazy and I just love doing them.
Rainbow marchenko as one day I intend on being bendy enough to do it.
10.What are your favourite strength training moves on the pole and why?
I would probably say pull ups are a good one because you can never train pull ups enough to gain some hard core strength. And also training inverts on both sides with ankle weights, Its why my inverts look so much more effortless now than they did 3 years ago. Ankle weights are the way forward!
11.What pole dancers do you admire or inspire you?
Marlo, Derick Pierson and Anastacia. Just purely because Marlo has such a creative edge. Derick is just crazzzzy bendy and Anastasia because she just has it all.
Marlo, Derick Pierson and Anastacia. Just purely because Marlo has such a creative edge. Derick is just crazzzzy bendy and Anastasia because she just has it all.
12.Three words that mean pole dancing to you.
Hardcore, confident, art - I chose the word art because I love that pole can be what ever you want it to be. whether it be strength moves and tricks, sexy style, contemporary etc. Its all pole and we are all pole dancers. We all share the same passion for the art of pole.
And the last word goes to Stacey Snedden with some exciting pole competition news. :-)
"This will be the LAST EVER UKAPP !!!!!! We will no longer be running UKAPP. After 5 years we now feel that UKAPP has run its course. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in everyway, sponsors, hosts judges comperes and competitors. UKAPP has been an emotional roller coaster for me personally this year and I feel that now is a great time to start a FRESH new project." Say Stacey.
But DON’T WORRY!!!!!! Next year they will be launching our NEW series of Competitions in partnership with Michelle Shimmy and Maddie Sparkle from Australia. 2014 will see the launch of POLE THEATRE UK! This is an off spring of Pole Theatre Sydney. There will be BOTH Amateur and Professional, with Amateur having Heats in Manchester, Hertfordshire and Bristol. The Professional will be video heats and BOTH Finals will be taking place on the 26th and 27th July 2013 at The Forum Hatfield Hertfordshire. More information to be announced soon. The new competition will be open to both national and international pole dancers. www.poletheatreuk.com Email poletheatreuk@gmail.com for more information.
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