Stephanie - AdvanceD Pole (She/Her)
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN POLING?
I've been doing pole 10 years on and off, (a lot of it self taught) but I was never really able to reach my potential in the past since I always had other things that I needed to put first in my life that would make me leave my training aside. It wasn't until 2022 when I actually started training the way I always wanted to and started feeling like I can finally reach my potential. I would say it's been a new version of my pole journey since 2022. I feel stronger and more confident now.
IS THIS YOUR FIRST PERFORMANCE?
Yes.
IS THIS YOUR FIRST COMPETITION?
Yes.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PERFORMING POLE?
The way it makes me feel so empowered, beautiful and proud of myself for how hard I work and everything that I can do. It has helped my relationship with myself, to love me when I succeed and also when I don't; to be patient and gentle when things don't go my way and not to be so hard on myself.
WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THIS PERFORMANCE?
Myself and my journey. The song is about wanting to feel good and enjoying this moment, which is why I'm competing in the first place, to feel good doing this sport that I love so much.
HOW DID YOU PREPARE FOR THIS COMPETITION?
I put together different combos I've done before since I started preparing with little time left. I would've loved to try new and more challenging combos but I wanted to feel as comfortable as I could so I wouldn't get too nervous. I've been doing my routine everyday in the middle of my living room.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SKILL/MOVEMENT THAT YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR YOUR UPCOMING PERFORMANCE?
My spin combo, I'm not very brave when it comes to spin pole so I'm excited to perform it in my routine and prove to myself that I can do it.
WHAT GOALS ARE YOU AIMING TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT YEAR?
I want to keep working on my strength and flexibility. Would love to finally be able to do some more challenging moves like the Phoenix spin or Bird of Paradise with beautiful lines. I also want to feel more comfortable on the spin pole.