Oona Kivelä
Oona K. has changed the world of pole dance. Unbelievable musicality, flawless technique and unique moves are her trademarks which together has created a new form of art.
Oona K. started doing gymnastics at the age of 9 and continued until the age of 24. In 2008 she visited New York and read an article about pole dancing. From that moment she knew she would have to try it. It really was love at the first spin. Oona K. comes up with her own moves and it seems like nothing is impossible for her. She tries. She succeeds.
From Pole Art 2009 Oona K. found a choreographer Marko Keränen. She trains everyday and once a week with Keränen to correct every ankle position and hand gripping on pole. They want to create a perfect show: Every rhythm has its own set of movements and every movement is made from perfect lines. The primary goal is to mesmerize the crowd.
Oona K. works daily at her own Fitness Club for Kids and Youngsters called Gymi. The training along the work includes gymnastics, ballet, parkour and pilates. She teaches PowerPole -classes specially designed for pole dancers to improve their skills on pole.
When we ask her what is the best thing about pole dancing she immediately answers: “Flow”. This means to her attitude, musicality, creativity and surprises. Oona and the pole together creates a flow like no other pole dancer is able to do today and that makes her the most interesting pole artist at the moment.
Marion Crampe
Born in 1983 in Lourdes, France, Marion started her career with classic ballet & ballet jazz. Later she discovered street jazz and hip hop with BENAMARA Tayeb.
In 2004 she graduated with a master on sport education while continuing her dance training in the famous school James Carles. She also participated in many shows (cabaret, hip hop as well as musical comedy such as “West Side Story” with Gilles Ramade)
In 2005, in Paris she joined fitness centers like Fitness First, Club Med Gym, Moving & Forest hill as a private trainer & fitness instructor.
The year 2006 was a revelation for her since she took her first pole dance class at Pink Paradise pole school training with pole dancer Laurence Hilsum. She fell in love instantly with this art. Her mentor Liana, one of Australia’s pole dance pioneer has shared everything and trained Marion to build the dancer she is today. They worked together as a strong team to build the Pink School.
In 2009, she entered the first French Pole Dance Competition where she won the third place and the sponsor choice award.
In the 2010 French Pole Championship, she won the first runner place.
In September 2010, she was guest performer in the showcase of Pole Art Competition in Stockholm organized by Nelle Swan and Tanja Suni.
Since October 2010, she is the leading teacher at Milan Pole Dance Studio contributing to pole dance expansion in Italy and in the World.
Marion is now working on her acrobatic skills with hoop and silk. She also does contorsion. Her pole style is a mix of Burlesque, circus and sexy Australian touch.
She is an active member of the French Pole Dance Team, a group of the best French pole dancers Prana Ovide Etienne, Manuela Carneiro and Doris Arnold.
Anastasia Skukhtorova
Anastasia was born in Moscow. She began pole dancing when she was 18 years old, in December of 2008. She trained at Moscow School and fell in love with pole dancing. The first videos Anastasia saw were of Jenyne Butterfly and Felix Cane. They were a huge inspiration for her and she began training from watching their videos.
In the beginning, this Russian talent, trained 3 days a week for about 6-7 hours. After a couple months, her instructors suggested she become an instructor!! She trained all week for many hours, paid close attention to detail with choreography, basic tricks and stretching. Her back flexibility is natural and is extreme!
In July 2009 Anastasia began preparing for the first Russian Pole Fitness Championship, which was held in August. She won second place in the professional category. But, at the first Russian Pole Dance and Fitness Competition, held by Elena Shihkova, winner of RPFC, Skukhtorova won first place!! Next for her is Russia on World Pole Dance Championship 2010.
Words from the enthusiastic pole dancer…..
“POLE DANCE is my life! I hope that this beautiful and strong kind of sport will be in Olympic games. I try to advance pole dance forward in Russia. I wish good luck to all pole dancers!”
– 2nd runner up in Pole World Cup 2011
– 2nd runner up in Pole Art 2011
The Finalist
of the World Pole Dance Championship 2010/2011
The Best Russian Pole dancer 09/10
UPA’s Pro Pole Dancer of the June 2010
Aeralist, aerial silk and hoop
Michelle Stanek
I live in a fabulously small studio apartment in Manhattan with a view of the Empire State Building and a lucky 12-minute walk to Body & Pole, where I train, teach, sweat, cry and laugh most of my days away. A little over a year ago I won the PFA’s East Meets West “Pole Drama” competition with a modern, angsty, sassy and dramatic performance to “Veronika” by Tricky. This was just a few months after I won the inaugural Polesque competition in Brooklyn with a gender-bendery performance to Leonard Cohen’s “I’m Your Man,” complete with a hat, vest, pasties, Groucho Marx mask and the not so subtle phallic use of a cane. It’s hard to believe that at this time I was also the program director for AIGA, the professional association for design and an art history professor at Pratt Institute and for the Assisi Conferences in Italy each summer. Following the devastation of a lay-off (that lasted about a day) in December 2009 I picked up the pieces and channeled my energy into what has always remained my true passion, although often suppressed by the “American Dream”—dancing. And this time, pole dancing.
I started taking pole dance classes with my best buddy Kyra Johannesen at Crunch Gym about 4 years ago after work on Friday nights (thank you Kelly McLaughlin for dragging me into class). That simple, one-hour class one night a week awoke something deep inside—something that was, sadly, almost entirely abandoned—my love of dance. I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, where I took advantage of the best ballet programs I could. I danced almost every role in the Nutcracker from ages 8-18 and loved learning a new traditional story ballet or original piece each Spring. Then I hit the proverbial wall and swore off ballet to focus on contemporary movement in college, where I was so lucky to work with incredible choreographers in the contemporary dance world every semester. But I majored in art history and then went on to graduate school to get my MA in art history as well. I dabbled with a small modern company in NYC in my early twenties. But, once the burden of student loans and the desire to earn more money and advance in my design/art world career (which I did love!) became the priority, everything else fell to the wayside. But it was dance that has always made me feel complete and alive and honest. When pole dancing came back into my life and I lost my job (funny how things happen, isn’t it?) my life took a dramatic turn into something even I couldn’t have even dreamt up.
I moved to Stockholm, Sweden as the lead instructor for a pole studio there for 4 months. Upon my return I took a chance and applied for the USPDF National Competition. I got accepted (eeeek!) and then trained. I trained my butt off for 4 months. USPDF stress nearly killed me. Seriously. The pressure of that competition was for some reason, terribly heavy. But, the hard work paid off and I won (again!). That moment may very likely be the best moment of my life. My friends showed me the most amazing support, holding up light-up signs (I can’t tell you how much that meant to me to look out into the dark audience and see “We ❤ Michelle!») My mom and dad were there to see me pole dance for the first time too. My first, compulsory, was routine to «Hang on St. Christopher» where I *had* to wear stripper shoes and I was able to serve up some sass, smack my things and flirt with the audience. Then I was able to sort of release a bit of my soul into the theater during my optional routine to «Ballad of a Paralyzed Citizen» by The Faint.» Again, this piece was modern and aggressive yet soft and defeating.
Right after USPDF a new, unknown competition called Pole Dance Universe was accepting applications so I threw a video into the mix (why? this still remains a mystery!). I was accepted and immediate stress ensued, again! The theme for this entire competition was «Film and Movies,» since the venue was a historic movie theater in Denver. Films that immediately came to mind as inspiration were films like «A Clockwork Orange, and «Pulp Fiction,» but then I realized I didn’t want to go so obvious or literal and pick one movie. So, I decided to pick a class film genre, Film Noir. I played the sultry, flirty and dangerous femme fatale. I had my brother and good editor friend create a movie montage of classic film noir footage to show on the screen behind me. My costume was designed by Carolyn Peters, a student of mine and extraordinary designer. ANd I had a friend remix the theme song to «A Touch of Evil.» While I was stressing and preparing for this competition, someone gave me one of the best pieces of advice ever: «Competition performances go by so fast that all of a sudden it’s over and you’re like, what did I just do?» So, I decided I did not want that feeling. I wanted to be 100% present on that stage and live in and enjoy every single moment, spin, smile, gesture, kick, handspring, jade, climb and step! And I did. I *lived* up there on stage for my 4 minutes! And I won. I didn’t have the most mind-blowing strength or flexibility tricks in the world. But I performed and danced my heart out. And that’s what made the difference.
Now I cannot believe it is already October. And I am the UPA Pro Poler of the month! This summer brought me to Sweden, LA and Rome, through the awesome X-Pert pole instructor certification program, and Dubai, where we were the first to bring pole dancing to the UAE! Next up: Competing and performing with AERA in Pole Art in Helsinki, Finland, with a few of *my* personal pole idols! (Stress ensuing…)
I have a BA and an MA in art history. I once had a nice office job with a desk, 401k, dental insurance, yearly bonuses, and conference calls. But returning to my love of dance has literally opened up the entire world to me; it challenges me every day; and it brings so much excitement and love into my life. I am very curious to see how the pole dance industry will grow and what jobs are created, other than studio owner and instructor. I am curious to see how standards and ethics (staples of any profession) are developed, codified and applied in studios, competitions and events in the pole profession. And I am very curious to see where my life takes me next and how I can keep contributing to this remarkable community of pole dancers. It is an honor to be among all of you!
María Luz Escalante
I’m 31 years old from Argentina, South America . I started taking ballet lessons at the age of 5 and never stopped! From 1997 till 1999 I played various key roles in Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Corsair, Carmen, Paquita, La Fille Mal Gardée,etc.
I have a Degree in Human Resources. At 23 years old I became a fitness instructor specializing in spinning, stretching, cardio strip dance, gymnastics, reggaeton, Latin rhythms, pilates mat, etc.
In May 2007, I finally met the pole dance world and soon started to teach beginners level in the first school of Pole Dance in Argentina.
A year later I earned the title of “Best Pole Dancer” at the Pole Dance Championship Argentina -2008
In 2009 I won again in Miss Pole Dance Argentina 2009 and became the first runner up at the Miss Pole Dance South América 2009. Last year I took 2nd place at the Miss Pole Dance World in Zurich, Switzerland.
Pole Accomplishments:
Finalist Pole Dance World Budapest 2011
Finalist I World Cup Rio de Janeiro 2011
Finalist Miss Pole Dance Argentina 2011
Finalist Miss Pole Dance South America 2011
Pole Artist .Pole Dancing Universe. Denver 2011
1st Runner up Pole Dance World Zurich 2010
1st Runner up Miss Pole Dance South America 2009
Miss Pole Dance Argentina 2009
Best Pole Dancer. Argentina 2008
Karol Helms
Growing up in the Charlotte, NC area, Karol Helms loved rollerblading, dirt bikes, and climbing trees. Typical “girly” activities were just not appealing to her. Her mother tried to get her interested in gymnastics or dance, but neither lasted for very long. She was a fearless tomboy and never let the boys out-do her in anything! Always into sports and athletics, Karol was on the track team in Junior High and most of High School. Her love of movement started when a friend talked her into trying out for the new High School dance team with her, and after venturing outside of her comfort zone, she went to tryouts with her friend. To her surprise, she secured a spot on the dance team with her friend and soon discovered how challenging dance actually was. She was immediately hooked! Soon she discovered that she loved performing and dancing was a fun way to express emotion.
Karol soon discovered pole dancing at 19 while visiting a friend who worked at a strip club. There was one lone dancer who did a few easy moves on the pole and being the first time she had ever seen “pole tricks”, she was amazed! She immediately researched online to find lessons or instruction and was astonished when she finally found Fawnia’s Pole Work Vol 1 DVD. She constructed a home made pole, self taught from the DVD at home, and immediately fell in love with pole dancing. “Its challenging, scary, and feels like flying!!”
A couple years later, after YouTube had become popular, Karol was online searching again for new pole dancing moves and people who shared her infatuation with pole. To her surprise she found a couple videos of women pole dancing. One of those women was Alena Downs. After stumbling upon her videos, Karol realized there was so much more she could learn and so many more possibilities for pole dancing. She purchased an XPole, self taught from Alena’s videos, and started posting her own videos to share. Karol diligently answered questions about moves, provided feedback to others, and showed support to new polers in any way she could. She never knew that she would inspire so many women (and men) to discover pole dancing as exercise as well as a beautiful art form.
Karol quickly became famous in the pole dance community for her incredible pole stunts and unique dance style. Attending the first USPDF National Championships in March 2009, she was inspired by so many talented ladies, and excited to meet so many fellow polers that she shared this passion with. Karol made a promise to herself that she would try out for the next competition, and put in a lot of work to be the best she could be. In the fall, she entered the USPDF East Coast Regionals and was selected as a competitor. She was so excited to have the opportunity to showcase her skills and share the stage with so many talented ladies. Training for weeks on end paid off when Karol came in 1st place and was awarded pro-status with the USPDF and the title of USPDF East Coast Champion 2009.
A couple months later, through Alethea Austin, Karol was offered a chance to design pole specific clothing catering to polers of the non-exotic persuasion with a new company by the name of Bad Kitty. In February, Karol, Alethea, Mina Mortezaie, and Estee Zakar traveled to Arizona to develop the first line of workout clothes FOR pole dancers, BY pole dancers and the PoleFit line was born! Karol is a Brand Director of the new PoleFit line by Bad Kitty as well as her own line by Bad Kitty to debut in the future.
In March 2010, Karol geared up to compete in the USPDF Pro National Championship in NYC. Taking the stage with so many talented ladies and friends in the audience, Karol was honored to be one of the competitors in this huge event. Again, her training and preparation paid off when she was awarded runner up and the title of USPDF Miss Sexy 2010.
Karol travels all over North America teaching workshops at pole dancing studios and performing at various events.
As an attentive instructor, Karol loves teaching others to find confidence and strength through pole dancing!
Michula Nuñez
Michula Nunez is a native Californian who grew up doing competitive gymnastics. She developed her love for teaching/coaching quite early when she began instructing gymnastics at the age of 12. Michula soon found that teaching was her calling and found that motivating and believing in the potential and achievements of her students was fulfilling and sought other ways to achieve
In her early 20s, she was head of the mathematics department at a private school in Ojai CA, where she instructed the 4th – 12th grades. She later went back to shool to earn her her credential to make her love for teaching official. While earning her certificate, she was also teaching elementary school science at The Pegasus School, Huntington Beach, Ca where she created a highly-regarded science curriculum for the lower school science program for grades K – 3.
Never forsaking her love for fitness, Michula discovered pole dancing 11 years ago and soon began instructing it in the evenings in 2002. With the trained and natural ability of a teacher, she was able to break down and teach the most difficult elements to her clients. For six years, Michula continued to teach science during the day and instruct pole dancing, Pilates, and Spin in the evenings. Yet she soon realized that she preferred teaching pole dancing due to its creativity and its potential to be recognized as a legitimate sport/art. It was then that Antix Fitness Studio was born in July 2006 with her studio opening soon thereafter.
Antix Fitness Studio opened in February of 2007. Michula, as a master-instructor, sets the bar and maintains the highest of standards in pole dancing for fitness. Antix Fitness is a world-renown pole dance studio with an international-based following. At Antix, pole dancing classes are student-centered. From step-by-step instruction to a more hands-off approach, each level offers students unique opportunities to gain increasing skill, confidence, and competency as a dancer. Classes are designed such that with each
increasing level, the student experiences a new level of independence in designing the choreography and implementation of their own character. Ultimately, the goal at Antix is for the student to perform as a skilled dancer whereby she successfully designs a routine from choosing the music, tricks/spins, transitions, poses, and floor work!
Michula in so doing has also set the bar for showcasing pole dancing in its proper light as an athletic art. Her clients monthly showcase their talent at The Underground in Redlands, Ca which helps to raise the awareness that pole dancing is indeed an art and sport. Most recently, Michula, produced and promoted the biggest showcase on the West Coast during the summer of 2009, Rock the Pole where 13 of the nations top dancers performed at each venue! Michula won the title of Californias Most Athletic in the recent California Pole Dance Championship. As the West Coast Representative for the United States Pole Dancing Federation, Michula helped to organize this regional competition “ from organizing the stage, crew, volunteers, media, sponsors and travel arrangements, and after-party. Michula is also a performing member of Emilee Wilsons VertiGirls, a traveling troupe of elite aerialists that perform at various venues, from the Virgins Ball, Aqua Club, Beverly Hills, CA, and including for the first time ever The House of Blues, Hollywood, Ca! The VertiGirls were featured in November 2009s issue of Pole 2 Pole Magazine and are planning international venues in 2010!
Finally, Michula is also a founder member of the newest non-organization, East Meets West Pole Events. As East Meets West (EMW) hosts events across the country, the organization also will partner with other dance studios and representatives. Additionally, EMW will promote open dialogue between individuals interested in pole dancing as a fun, entertaining, and awe-inspiring art form for personal enjoyment. East Meets West Pole Events is proud to announce, the inaugural events to take place during the summer of 2010. The first event will occur on the West Coast, the Ms. Spinster (35 and up age category) and BiPoler Challenge (open to men and women, for doubles competition), and will be hosted by Antix Fitness of Redlands, CA and to be held at the Fox Theatre. And on the East Coast, the Tri-Pole Challenge, incorporating Ms. Spinster, BiPoler Challenge and the Pole Am (amateurs competition), hosted by E-Fit Dance @Shergold Studio, and held at the Jefferson Theatre in Charlottesville, VA. As a sponsor of these unique events, we invite you to share in this very powerful and inspiring display of strength, flexibility, and artistry by both local and national dancers.
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