Heidi Hildersley - Pole queen of scots

We love meeting new people from the pole community and this time we bring you the queen of pole dancing in bonnie Scotland, who was a winner at the 2011 British Isles Pole Dancing Championship and featured on the cover of the January 2012 issue Pole2Pole Magazine. Who are we talking about?  It's Up Yer Poles Heidi Hildersley of course. 

1.How and did you first get interested in pole dancing and what made you become an instructor/performer? I’m a full time aerobics instructor and have been since I was 19, so when I heard there was a pole dancing class in my area I wanted to go and try it. I loved it and it was something new to me and different for me to learn. I went to a class once a week for 6 weeks and at the end of that I was asked to start training so I could then teach it too.

2.What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most? The challenge is what I like best. I love trying out new moves and having to work hard to master them. When you finally get them it’s such a great feeling. I can do aerobics all day so I really need a challenge!

3.Is Pole dancing gaining in popularity in Scotland? Is it becoming more mainstream? We at Up Yer Pole run many classes in our area and surrounding areas, which are really popular. Most city centres in Scotland have pole schools too.  

4.You recently won the professional category at the British Isles Pole Dance Championship. How do you feel being a winner and will you be entering any more competitions in 2012?
It was amazing to win. I couldn’t believe it when they called out my name. I was totally buzzing (you probably noticed if you were there. Lol!). I will definitely be entering more competitions in 2012, I love taking part and it also gives me a target to work towards and push myself further.

5.What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why?
Twisty grip handspring, Iron X and shoulder mount. You can do so much from a shoulder mount and handspring and Iron X show off your strength and look cool.

6.What are the main fitness benefits of pole dancing and how have pole dancing improved your fitness, strength or bodyshape? For me it’s improved my overall fitness and toning.  Since I started doing pole I have become much stronger with better muscle tone and definition.

7.What’s your favourite move for strength training on the pole?
I do a few things in the gym for strength, but I enjoy doing a wee circuit on the pole, like sit ups, leg lifts, spinning chins etc 

8.What pole performers do you admire or inspire you?   
I admire performers with strength and flexibility, Felix Cane, Rebecca Butcher, Jenyne Butterfly and many more. I know how hard they work to achieve what they can do and their flexibility inspires me to keep doing my stretches everyday and not give up.

9.If someone has never tried pole dancing before how should they get started?
I'd say go to a class for a few sessions before trying it at home. You will learn the basics at class, a few spins and moves, plus most classes will have crash mats just in case. Better to be safe than sorry.

10.What’s next for you in the coming year?
This interview for starters! I was well chuffed when I received the email about it and hopefully I'll do well in some competitions this year too. 

Find out more about Heidi and Up Yer Pole here