Interview with Sadie Hollinsworth

Sadie Hollinsworth was the winner of the first heat for the Pole Factor competition. We talk to the mum of two and find out more about her love of pole dancing and how she feels about winning...

1.How and when did you first get interested in pole dancing?
I had just seen Pink in concert in 2009 & she was performing with Silks, I really wanted to try it but there wasn’t a class in our area at the time. My stepdaughter mentioned there was pole dancing classes in Sudbury, I thought that was something different instead so we went a long to try it and I fell in love! After 4 months I had to give it a break as I fell pregnant with my 2nd daughter, but I got back to it in January 2011. 

2.What is it about pole dancing that you enjoy the most?
I love the fact it doesn’t feel like exercise because you love doing it so much! The buzz you get when you nail a move you’ve been trying for ages is the best feeling. I also love the social aspect; I have made some great friends and met some lovely people through Pole Dancing.

3.You recently won the first heat for the Pole Factor. How do you feel being a winner and will you be entering any more competitions in 2012?
It felt great especially as it was only the night before I decided to enter so I had no routine planned and I had to make it up as I went. I was so shocked I won as I had watched the other contestants and they were really good and far more advanced than me! I don’t have any more competitions coming up in 2012 just lots of training.



4.What are your 3 favourite pole moves and why?
There are so many but I’ve chosen 2 simply ones I love to perform because they look pretty and one advanced move I am working towards....

1. Straight-legged fallen angel (crossed ankle release) – just looks so pretty especially on a spinning pole.
2. Reverse grab into attitude
3. Iron X – just looks awesome, I will be so happy when I can do this one!

5.What are the main fitness benefits of pole dancing and how have pole dancing improved your fitness, strength or body shape?
Pole dancing is great for an all over work out. It has especially increased my arm and core strength and helped me get back into shape after having my little girl. I am a lot more toned in my 30’s after having kids than I ever was in my 20’s!

6.What’s your favourite moves for strength training on the pole?
After recently having a lesson with Hanka Vanselaar, she showed me a great strength exercise to do, you box split and then lift your hips and pelvis slowly up and down, this helps you improve your inverting enabling you to have the strength to lift yourself with ease over your hands. Other wise I do Pull ups for arm strength, I like to do a set of slow pull ups and holds before each practice and V leg raises to for abdominal strength. 

7.What pole performers do you admire or inspire you?
There are so many but my favourites are Jenyne Butterfly, Hanka Venselaar and Felix Cane. They are just amazing performers.

8.If someone has never tried pole dancing before how would you advise them to get started?
I would suggest they start by looking for a school where the teachers are either Reps registered like Gym instructors are or PDC (Pole Dance Community) Approved. Many schools give taster lessons, book one and give it a go! You find it’s a bit like marmite, some never come back and some get hooked like me!

9.What’s next for you in the coming year?
I have a lot of training to do for the Pole Factor final in May 2013 and before I’m ready to enter any more competitions. Competitions like Pole Factor are great for any level to enter, as it’s about your whole performance not just the difficulty of your moves. I’m still only at intermediate level but I’m hoping to improve on my pole tricks and performance style over the next year and I will look to enter some more competitions next summer.

Watch Sadie's performance at the Pole Factor here