AnthonyCollinsphoto.com
From pin-up modeling to pole dancing, Ariel is taking New York City by storm!
I understand your background is in modeling and pole dancing in NYC. What has that experience been like?
Pin-up modeling is fun and helps to pay the bills, and pole dancing is my passion. I was born and raised in New York City, so instead of seeing it as a large, daunting metropolis, I see it as my quaint, little home. Everybody does a little bit of everything in NYC. A lot of my pin-up model friends are also amazing photographers and journalists, and some of my pole dancing friends are lawyers and engineers.
How did you decide to take up pole dancing?
About two years ago, I was booked to go-go dance this show at a venue with these huge poles. I thought I would make a lot more tips if I learned just one or two things to do on those poles, so I started taking classes at Crunch gym about a month before the show. Pretty soon, I was hooked. I kept taking classes and noticed that I was getting stronger, more flexible, and more in tune with my body. Pole dancing has changed my life, it has given me mental and physical strength, introduced me to magnificent people, allowed to me express myself, and restored flexibility that was compromised from back surgery. I recently started teaching pole in order to share its benefits with others.
You are one of the PoleRiders pole dancers. How’d you land that gig? What’s it like poling down the streets of New York?
My friend PlayJoy was one of the first PoleRiders. After hearing about all of her amazing rides, I contacted Andrew Katzander, the genius behind PoleRiders, and arranged to take a spin. My first pole ride was last November; it was freezing, yet exhilarating. I love creating a spectacle in the streets of NYC, I love how everyone whips out their camera phones and asks, “What is THAT?!” when we peddle by.
What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?
Hip-hopping, go-go dancing, rock climbing, biking, yoga, lots and lots of stretching. I like to be moving all the time.
Favorite makeup tip:
Apply mascara with a mini-fan brush instead of a mascara wand.
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
Pole dancing in heels – I like to clap them together to make certain tricks more dynamic.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Dry-Hands.
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
Right now, it’s the twisted grip handspring, but I get excited when I learn anything new.
Pole dance pet peeves:
Cattiness and cliques among dancers. Let’s support the crap out of everyone we dance with, no matter where they are in their pole journey!
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Figuring out what animal my bruise looks like.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
Dita Von Teese!
Who is your hero or role model?
All of my friends and fellow dancers are superheros. They look damn fine in a cape, too.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
“Me, We” (Muhammad Ali).
Favorite pizza toppings:
Cayenne pepper, basil.
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Lychee ice cream.
Anything else you’d like to share:
NYCers: take my pole dancing class at TheSkyBox.org/Classes, or email me about private lessons.
I admit I’m a little crushed out on PoleRiders – it just seems like the coolest way to travel I’ve seen yet. If you want to know more about them, read these other interviews about PoleRiders.
AnthonyCollinsphoto.com
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