Sunday 19 April 2009

Sunday blogging


I don't know how the weather is where you are but my courtyard is currently drenched in glorious sunshine so my mood is good. I had a great day of teaching yesterday including an hour on the pole with a hen party of10 ladies dressed in rock and roll costumes who were an absolute pleasure to teach.

Check out the fabulous picture (above) of the lovely Amy Tree performing an extended butterfly, very impressive.

The anti-pole dancing brigade have been rearing their ugly heads again with a petition to the BBC against the "mainstreaming of the sex industry through pole dancing". The petition has been made by extreme feminist group object who once again fail to see the fun or fitness side of pole dancing, perhaps the group would be happier if we all covered up and kept quiet? Anyway before I get to political and too controversial I will move to a slightly different subject.

Judging at pole dance competitions has always been controversial and as there is no nationally or internationally recognised judging guidelines or syllabus it will continue to be a tricky subject, however it seems that things are slowly moving forward. We are coming ever closer to a syllabus we all recognise even if there are still arguments over exactly what we should call specific moves. My thoughts are that we need to be very careful how we name certain tricks and spins, can you really see a judge at the Olympics saying "That competitor just did the most amazing ladygarden".

Looking specifically at judging I have thought for a while that it would be good to look at a few videos, get different people to judge them and then compare results. If you fancy a go at judging then why not have a look at the online platinum stages competition and vote for your favourite dancer and then see if the person you picked as the best is actually in the lead. I have to confess to being a little disappointed in all the entrants but will let you know who I picked as the best and why in a future blog.

As developments continue with the world pole dance committee we now see 18 countries backing the project and the production of a set of standard judging forms that we hope will be internationally welcomed and used throughout all professional competitions. I will post the link to the new world forum in the week and will keep you posted on progress. Hopefully all the work being put in by various individuals will have major positive benefits for the entire pole dancing industry and will result in a safe more professional environment.

Aside from the international scene the new pole dance community portal site for the UK pole scene is due for launch in May, I am very excited about all the new projects happening and hope that all the hard work pays off.

More news to follow but I have to dash off now to make the most of the rest of the day.

Stay Healthy,

Sam x

1 comment:

Glamourpuss said...

I really object to Object. I've tried to engage them in debate but they refuse to correspond with me. Funny, last time I looked, I was a woman, too, but it seems that what I do means I am not worth talking to. Hypocrites.