Interview with Shelley Egholm - Lincoln Pole Championship winner

After the success of the first Lincoln Pole Championship, we talk to one of the winners Shelley Egholm. 

1.How and why and did you first get interested in pole dancing?
I used to work as a cabaret dancer when I was younger and when I settled down and had my son I missed dancing so much.  It was my hairdresser who suggested I try Pole Dancing, so went along with her and fell in love with it.  I wish I had found it years ago. 

2.What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?
I love it when I crack a move have been trying to do for ages, it’s the greatest feeling of achievement ever.  Right now I'm working on the Iron X (I hate it, I hate it, I hate it).  And I also love meeting up with other pole dancers and exchanging moves, it’s great to talk to other people who share the same passion as me.

3.You recently won at the Lincoln Pole Championships winning the Advanced Amateur category and being named as the Organisers Favourite. How do you feel about winning and will you be entering any more competitions in 2012?
Well to say gob smacked is and understatement, luckily I don’t think there was any photographic evidence of my face when they said my name, but I remember thinking to myself 'Shelley close your mouth.  It was such an amazing feeling to win the organisers favourite, but to then go on and win my category. I was totally stunned and it didn’t really sink in untill a few days later.  One of the prizes was entry into the British Isles Pole Championships in October, so it would be rude not to do that. I'm also doing a few charity shows, but no more competitions planned at the moment.

4.What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why?
This is hard I've got loads of favourites.

1.I love the Jade drop, I have yet to try it on a really high pole though. 
2.Another favourite is Allegra, which I think looks fab on a spinny pole.
3.And The Inverted Dove (I think that’s what its called). 

5.What are the main fitness benefits of pole dancing and how have pole dancing improved your fitness, strength or body shape?
For me I have always been lucky enough to not have to worry about my weight, but since I started doing pole dancing I have toned muscles up I never knew I had.  I find that my strength improves from one lesson to the next, and to make it through a full piece of music gives your cardio system a great workout. 

6.What’s your favourite move for strength training on the pole?
The Chinese flag is something I’m working on at the moment, although there is room for improvement yet, but it works on my arm and stomach strength. Hopefully once I’ve mastered that, the Iron X is only round the corner.

7.What pole performers do you admire or inspire you?
Justine McLucas is fabulous to watch you can certainly tell she used to be a Ballet dancer.  I also love watching Sally Ann Giles, she always puts on a fabulous performance and makes a real show out of it.  And I have to say my favourite is Jenyne Butterfly, I can watch her over and over again, the grace she has and the way she uses the pole she makes it look as easy as walking.  If I could be half as good as them I would be very happy!!! 

8. If someone has never tried pole dancing before how to they get started?
I would recommend they go to a local class to start with, this way you are shown by someone who knows what they are doing and can help if you are struggling with a move.  It is also great to be around other people who have been doing it for a while, as it gives you something to aim for and generally you get encouragement from them, as everyone has been in the beginners shoes.  Then if you are able to have a pole at home you get chance to practise between classes.

9.What’s next for you in the coming year?
I would love to say training like crazy, but been a working single mum, I don't get enough time on the pole as I would like.  I am planning on working on my flexibility, which will enable me to get a few moves that are out of reach at the moment.  Hopefully going to get myself to a few workshops and I would like to try silks and the aerial hoop.

I also have a couple of local charity shows coming up.  One of them I am organising myself, which is a first for me as I have never organised an event in my life, but hopefully it will go smoothly. I will be just training hard for the British Isles Pole Championships in October.