Interview with Lindsey Kimura - X Pole US

We talk to X Pole US Director of Marketing Lindsey Kimura, to find out more about her role at X Pole and her love of pole dancing. 

1. How and when did you first get interested in pole dancing? 
I first became interested in pole dancing through a mutual friend of Leigh Ann Reilly, owner of BeSpun.  After watching her YouTube videos, I decided to visit the studio and was hooked after a week! 

2. Tell us about your role at X Pole?  How long have you been working there and how did you get the job etc?
I have been the Director of Marketing at X-Pole US since January 3rd, 2011.  Prior I worked at ESPN in Digital Sales and Marketing.  I love sports and wanted to narrow my focus solely to pole fitness.  

3. What's an average day for you at X Pole?
I handle all of the event planning/marketing, social media, and sponsorship at X-Pole US.   

4. What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?
The ability to express yourself in whatever way you desire is what I most enjoy about pole dancing.  One day can be light and lyrical while the next is intense and filled with rock n' roll. 

5. What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why?
My three favorite pole moves are the fireman spin, ayesha, and jade split.  You can vary and do so much with each one making each variation look like a different move.

6. What are the main fitness benefits of pole dancing and how have pole dancing improved your fitness, strength or body shape?
Upper body and core strength is the main fitness benefit of pole dancing.  I always had lower body strength from playing soccer through university.  Pole fitness helped balance my body by training my upper body so that it now matches my lower.  I have noticed great improvement in my upper body strength, core, and flexibility.  I also have much more self-confidence and improved body image.

7. What’s your favourite move for strength training on the pole?
Continuously alternating outside leg hangs on both sides is my favorite and the most difficult strength exercise. 

8. What pole performers do you admire or inspire you?
Marlo Fisken, Nadia Sharif, Leigh Ann Reilly, and Annemarie Davies most inspire me.  

9. If someone has never tried pole dancing before how do you advise them to get started?
I advise a new pole dancer to be patient and take everything slowly.  Come in with an open mind and know that strength and flexibility will come over time.  One of the beauties of pole, however, is the ability to accomplish multiple moves per class no matter what level you are at.  I also recommend finding one's own style over time whether it's more fitness or dance based. 

10. What’s next for you in the coming year?
My goal is to continue building my performance experience with Girl Next Door - a pole dance soiree.  I will also be guest performing at X-Pole Presents: the North American Pole Dance Championships and the Midwest Pole Dancing Competition and Convention this year.  Furthermore, I would like to work on silks and hoop and develop my flexibility with contortion classes. 

11. What are your hopes for the pole dancing scene/industry in the UK for 2012?
I hope that each avenue of pole dancing whether it is the birth of new studios, showcases or competitions continues to grow and be presented in a professional manner.  I also hope that each country can host a professional championship in which a grand Pole World Cup can be held with the national champion of each country.  Additionally I would love to see more and more people try pole dancing whether it's teenagers in physical education class or parents at the gym.

Find out more about X Pole US here