Interview with Chalese Hathaway Stevens

We first met Chalese at the USPDF Championship 2011 in New York where she competed in the amateur category and are delighted to connect with her again for this interview. Find out more about Chalese and how she got into pole dancing....

1. How and did you first get interested in pole dancing and what made you become an instructor/performer?
I became interested after I saw a flyer for a class at my sister's salon. I thought it would be a fun way to use my dance and tumbling background- and I had been looking to take a dance class for myself for a while. 

2. What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?
When I dance I feel free, it makes me strong physically, mentally, emotionally. 

3. What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why? 
I love floor work and transitioning so I'm counting that as one, I also love drops and split grips....yes none of these are specific, but I can't favour one child.

4. What are the main fitness benefits of pole dancing and how have pole dancing improved your fitness, strength or bodyshape?
There are so many. I have never found any other form that makes a person so strong and it doesn't feel like a workout. I am horrible at going to a gym, so this is just much more my workout style.

5. Pole performers are athletes like in any other sport. What is an average day’s training for you? 
I'm just finishing up my last year in chiropractic school so training is a luxury for me. For a while I only got to practice once a week. I have been getting better about making time. I try to do hot yoga every day or every other. I have a pole up in my house so I have to do something on it each time I walk by it. When I am able to get to the studio I try to work for a couple hours straight.

6.What’s your favourite move for strength training on the pole?
Climbing variations and shoulder mount variations

7.What pole performers do you admire or inspire you? 
I find inspiration in every dancer, beginner, intermediate or advanced....each person has something special to offer.

8.Will you be entering any pole competitions in 2012? 
I am doing pacific pole champ in May and will be entering 2 others.. fingers crossed I make it. 

9. If someone has never tried pole dancing before how to they get started
When I first started, I took a private lesson first because I was so afraid. I began classes and watched a lot of youtube. I tell girls to just go watch a class if your interested, and I also tell them the first 3 months are the most difficult. It's not easy, but it is so worth it.

10. What’s next for you in the coming year?
I have no idea. I will let the cards fall as they will. All I know is that I want to continue to learn and grow as a dancer and a teacher