PoleRiders

Brookelyn does the Brooklyn Bridge!

2012-01-23T08:05:00.002-05:00

Photo: Anna Fisher

Pictures by Oren Ritterband unless noted otherwise.

Photo: Anna Fisher

4th of July weekend with Carolyn Chiu

2012-01-23T06:27:00.002-05:00

We stopped by the Bicycle Film Festival street party.

Photo by Bilenky Cycle Works

A bite to eat, some drinks and more poling in front of the restaurant which quickly filled up .

Pride '11 with Dykes on BiCycles and Body & Pole

2012-01-21T06:16:00.012-05:00

Americas Got Talent finalist Steve Retchless on the pole with Candice of Dykes on Bicycles in the saddle. Photo: New York Times

Lacing up

Never a shortage of photo-ops. B&P dancers posing with my Kish titanium cruiser.

Roland

Roland Rolling

Lian Tal with pedicabber Mark Stringer who loaned transportation support for the dancers on deck so they wouldnt have to walk in heels.

Pedicabber Ben (pictured center, playing it cool) also provided Human powered transportation support. Thanks Mark and Ben and Revolution Rickshaws!!!

Steve working the parking meter sporting his signature look.

Rebecca Starr getting ready to pull some insane moves.

Hoopers Jordana Rollerhoops (top) and Sophie Isadinosaur (bottom) out in front and leading the way! (When are we going to see this move taken to the next level?)

Dykes on Bicycles!

Kelly McLaughlin

Steven Retchless

Steven's performance on America's Got Talent with PoleRiders Kyra and Marlo.

Rebecca

This kinda freaked me out. I didn't design the top piece to be weight bearing but it held up. See it on film at about 1 minute.

Kyra Johanessen

Lian Tal with Jim in the saddle.

Some new fans. I'm pretty sure they were all wearing diapers.

You can claw your eyes out now.

Slutwalk NYC 2011 With Brookelyn

2011-10-24T00:00:00.007-04:00

Two pictures in Life Magazine from Slutwalk NYC 2011

LIFE photos: Zoran Milich

NO ONE has the right to touch you without your consent. SlutWalk NYC is part of a worldwide grassroots movement challenging rape culture, victim-blaming and slut-shaming, and working to end sexual and domestic violence.

All of the following Photos are by Oren Ritterband

A little more heel please.

Curb your slave

Mermaid Parade 2011

2011-07-06T11:17:00.003-04:00

Carolyn Chiu as The Mermaid

The Hoopers: Jordana Rollerhoops, Ska Jenny and Sophie Isadinosaur

Jill Anne as the Pirate

Roz The Diva Takes Polesque!

2011-06-06T10:07:00.013-04:00

On May 22 Kyra Johannesen and Kyle McBeth hosted and directed Polesque 2011, A night of burlesque performances and a pole dancing competition at Galapagos Art Space in Dumbo Brooklyn. Here is the interview with winner Roz Michelle:

Where are you from originally?

Huntington, New York. It is a suburb on Long Island.  

I know Huntington. I lived in Woodbury and Huntington for a while as well. What is your pre-pole dance background?

My pre-pole athletic background consists of 8 years of softball and soccer (this was in middle and high school . . . does it still count, lol?) and 4 years of hip hop dance class.  

Of course it counts! What inspired you to start pole dancing?

I was inspired to try pole because it was the funkiest class on Crunch’s schedule. I became addicted to it because I loved the combo of strength and sexuality. I was hooked from the first class. It was so much fun and helped me build so much strength!  

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as bold, sexy and confident. I do everything I can to live up to my name, The Diva. I love drama, over-the-top personality and making the crowd go wild. My #1 goal is to turn everyone in the audience on.  

What other kind of dancing or exercise do you do besides pole?

About four years ago, I turned into a gym rat. Besides pole, I take hip hop, ultimate conditioning and occasionally hit the elliptical.  

Do you ride a bike? If not, why not?

I don’t ride a bike on a regular basis . . . don’t hate me! I think bikes are awesome, but I just never thought of riding one in the city.  

No hating here! You should try it. You can borrow my guest bike and take it for a spin in the park anytime. Please describe your experience competing in Polesque.

Competing in Polesque was very special to me. I’m not one for big fancy tricks, so a show that focuses on stage presence and performance quality is perfect for me. I cannot tell you how much my heart soared when I won. It was the culmination of years of hard work and lots of bruising.  

Would you like to see an Olympic pole team?

I would be in the front row cheering everyone on!!  

Tell us about pole classes you take and/or teach.

Crunch will always hold a special place in my heart for introducing me to pole. Additionally, I love Body and Pole for their terrific workshops. However, nobody beats my new family at Sacred, the studio where I teach every Sunday 2:00-3:30 (197 Clifton Place, Brooklyn; www.sacredbrooklyn.com). Teaching pole is my new favorite way to enjoy the sport. Unlike a regular office job, this atmosphere allows my vibrant personality to thrive. I love watching my students develop a stronger relationship with their bodies and their sexuality. I’m in talks with other studios to start teaching there, too . . .  

What are 3 or more cool websites you would like to share with readers?

Lindsay Mays’ blog is freakin’ hysterical:http://thebutchersgotbeef.blogspot.com/ 

Believe it or not, I do have a day job. I’m a career coach:www.RozMays.com 

I’m a huge foodie and love Serious Eats:http://newyork.seriouseats.com/  

What is your ideal vacation activity and destination?

When I vacation, I believe in totally spoiling myself. When I went to Sydney last year, I did two really awesome things: 1) took a class at Bobbi’s Pole Studio, and 2) went diving with sharks. Next, my sister and I would love to take a trip to Antarctica (no lie, we really want to go)!  

Sounds cool and cold! What are your current favorite songs to dance to?

Nasty Naughty Boy by Christina Aguilara, my winning Polesque song, is my favorite pole song of all time, followed by Pony by Genuine. In general, I am a big R&B and Hip-Hop girl.  

If you could spend a few hours with any person from past or present history who would it be and what would you do with them?

I would love to give Michelle Obama pole lessons! Have you seen those incredible arms?!  

I think America is ready for that. What do you do for fun when you're not working?

When I’m not working, I’m in the kitchen cooking. I love cooking as much as I love pole. My favorite thing in the world to make is ricotta pancakes from Bisquick.  

What advice do you have for someone who would like to take pole classes but are intimidated?

Pole dancers are a diversified as the rainbow. I am living proof of that. I guarantee that if you take one of my classes, all your inhibitions will be out the window in no time!  

Anything else you’d like to share?

Thick girls rock!

Thanks Roz! Here is a review of the event http://www.sacredbrooklyn.com/

And here is a review of the show by Michelle Stanek originally published on the X-Pole blog:

Polesque, once again lived up to its reputation of the most fun and wildly entertaining pole dance competition out there. Held for the third time on Sunday, May 22 at Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn, 16 competitors from New York, Pennsylvania, DC, Virginia, North Carolina and even Sweden performed to a sold out and very rowdy crowd who came to be entertained! People lined up over an hour in advance, some still seeking tickets to get in. During the show, the floors were shaking and the walls were vibrating with thunderous applause, screaming, stomping and chanting. There were guns, flips, breakdancing, crystal balls, glitter, tatas and tassles a plenty.

Judges included California Pole Dance Championship runner up and "Most Artistic," Flying Laura (Martin) from San Diego, UPSDF Pro Alison Cox from Orlando and Ben, a tax attorney from New York. Sprinkled throughout the show were performances by some of NYC's best Burlesque artists including Sapphire Jones, Go Go Harder and Nasty Canasta who always deliver performances combining the sexy, hilarious, risque and beautiful. This unforgettable evening was hosted by TV Personality and host of the Fuse Top 20 Countdown, Allison Hagendorf, who is also a pole dance student.

The 16 competitors each had three minutes to tell a story, utilize the pole, but most importantly, entertain the crowd.

"Polesque is a pole dance competition, but it is all about performance art and entertaining the audience," says Kyra Johannesen, producer of the show. According to Flying Laura, "concept, costume, performance quality, connecting with the audience and emotional expression are scored higher than technique and level of difficulty." And it was not easy to judge!

Tracee Kafer seemed to channel all the ferocity from the depths of her soul for her thrashy, angsty, emotional and riveting piece about not wanting to let go yet.

Roz, The Diva, seriously worked the pole, her curves, the audience and even Roland, one lucky pole cleaner, to Christina Aguilera's "Nasty Naughty Boy." This performance left the audience chanting "Diva! Diva! Diva!" it was that good. She was truly a crowd-pleaser.

Cyd Sailor, dazzled the crowd with her rendition of "Singing in the Rain." She one-handed-climbed the pole, with an umbrella in her other hand, naturally. She exhibited her amazingly flexible back and picture-perfect poses, made even better by her cute yet intoxicating smile. She truly seemed happy on the stage. Ending in a recliner, swinging her tassles wasn't bad either!

Ryssa served the sass in pink fringe, sequins, feathers and sparkles as she shimmied, kicked, hip bumped and leg switched right on queue to "I am a Good Girl" from the Burlesque soundtrack.

Jill Anne fully committed to her Clint Eastwood-Spagetti Western-cowboy-character during her routine to the theme song from "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly." She wore a cowboy hat, slid off her chaps, shot her gun and smoked a cigarette the ENTIRE time.

Meritza Chang's piece to Muse's "Feelin Good" had everyone feelin good! She was sharp, smooth, soulful, super sexy and mesmerizing. I could barely take notes as I watched. My pen just made incoherent scribbles. She was on fire.

Lauren Goldstein opened her piece sweet and girly and ended with smeared make-up, messed up hair, one shoe on and exhausted! She told the story of breaking expectations, how we are seen versus who we really are and the dualities that exist within us.

Lucille Holmes closed the show as a sultry Jessica Rabbit. She had dim lights, long hair, luscious curves, long legs, sick tricks and even flips!

All the competitors offered something unique and each one was incredible.

After all the competitors performed and the judges were busy tallying, debating and finding it very difficult to pick three dancers who would make it to the final battle round, the audience got yet another treat—the premeir of Aera Dance Foundation Inc. Aera is an aerial dance company that is redefining pole dance and performance art. Set to "Monster" by Nicki Minaj, the 2 silk artists and 4 pole dancers (Kyra Johannesen, Steven Retchless, Marlo Fisken and Rebecca Starr) emerged from a large, black, ominous monster-like structure and continued on to destroy the stage with a dynamic and visually complex work of art. The all-star cast, powerful choreography and creative composition brought the house down.

After much debate, the judges finally chose the three finalists to battle it out for the title of Polesque 2011 champ. And those three were...Tracee Kafer, Lauren Goldstein and Roz, The Diva! During the battle round each dancer had 30 seconds to work the pole and entertain the audience one last time. It's their time to pull out all the stops, show their best tricks, shake their booty like they've never shook it before and get the most reaction from the audience! The final winner was chosen by audience response. And the audience spoke, chanted, screamed, stomped and clapped the most for...Roz, The Diva! The crowd roared and the Diva cried!

She said, "Winning Polesque was a dream come true. This is, by far, the biggest accomplishment in my pole career. I have wanted to claim this title since the very first Polesque. I couldn't help but burst into tears on stage when Allison called my name. Never has my heart wanted something so badly. Tonight was the culmination of 3 1/2 years of sweat, tears, late night practices and tons of Dry Hands."

She also adds, "Believe it or not, I struggle with self confidence and accepting my body for what it is. However, something happens when I hit the stage. The Diva is addicted to the roar of the crowd! I will do almost anything to keep the cheers coming. This competition is special to me cause it is a safe, supportive environment for me to let my sexuality come out in full force. Nothing is sexier than a strong woman with a pole by her side. I was floored by the outpouring of support I received. Being a thick woman, I have to constantly remind myself the I belong on the same stage at everyone else. Tonight proved that sexy knows no size." Amen!

Congratulations to Roz and all the amazing competitors! Polesque was a raucous, entertaining and inspiring evening of pole dance, burlesque, creativity and artistry at its best.

If you are a pole dancer and live to entertain an audience, have a story to tell through your pole dancing, or just don't want to miss this show (and you shouldn't!), stay tuned for more information on the fourth Polesque in October 2011!

-Michelle Stanek, Polesque 2010 winner and UPSDF Pro

(Thanks Michelle!)

Dance Parade 2011 with Body and Pole- Opening Day

2011-05-27T17:33:00.007-04:00

Ariel Iasevoli

Introducing our new rider: Nicole Raab

Pole bike shiatsu. You saw it here first.

Kelly McGlaughlin

Flying Laura

Brookelyn

Big thanks to the whole crew at Body & Pole and to Nicole!

Happy Holidays From PoleRiders!

2010-12-19T11:04:00.001-05:00

Happy Holidays to all of our friends, fans and sponsors and a big thanks to all of this year's PoleRiders who are (in order of appearance): Ariel Iasovoli, Pantera, Lian Tal, Kyra Johannesen, Diane Passage, KellyMcLaughlin, Christianne, Brookelyn, Austin Lee Dylan, Roland Brown, Marlo, JillAnne Ohana, Tokyo Dolores (Aloe, Cay and Alk), Nicole, and RicaVeeka de Ocampo.

Special thanks to: Nina B., Sathya, Josh at Bern, Jack Gaffney and Bad Kitty, Ken Stanek and NYC Bike Polo, Dykes on BikeCylces, Damon and The Hog Pit, Everyone at Bicycle Renaissance, Julia Wheeler in the Pratt furniture shop, Gregg, Rob, Julian, Revolution Rickshaws, Cycles Maximus, Chris Longo, Ben, Matt Godina, Alexa Castle for the web design and logo, my legal team Doug Secular, Dave Rankin and Mark Taylor, Bobbie and Donna from the insurance co., Julian, Aaron, Michael Green, Transportation Alternatives, Larisa Fuchs, Jeanne Flemming, Dick Zigun, and all of the other parade directors and marshalls, all of the bloggers, media people and photographers (especially Color and Light) that covered us and an extra special thanks to my family all of my friends, all of our fans, New York City and the NYPD for being generally very cool with us. Sorry if I missed anyone, please let me know.

We will be back next Spring. Look for us in Dance Parade on May 21!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-22T09:02:00.001-05:00

All of the photos on this post were taken by Color and Light Photography The video below was shot and edited by Grand Illusion Films. Both have been been helping to document PoleRiders.

Here we are showing up for the parade lineup. Our papers are in order but they don't want to let us in without a demonstration. Austin Lee Dylan is on the pole and you may remember her from the Gay Pride Parade. Not only is she a pole dancer but she is also a pedicab driver and will be pedaling the trike when she isn't dancing. This means that I will be walking most of the parade. Thanks Austin Lee.

We spent forever in the lineup trying to keep warm and trying to not go crazy listing to 4 bands playing at the same time.

The cave person theme was conceived by Lian who also managed the costume design and sewing. I loved my costume and wore it to bed and the next day. The fur kept everyone relatively warm. Any animals that were used were cooked over our campfire and eaten.

We ended up rolling behind the Central Park Dance Skaters Association/ DJ Julio Estien float who provided enough sound that we had no need for our system. They run NYC's longest running party every weekend in Central Park which goes back to the 70's. In the early years before they had a DJ, everyone would bring out their boom boxes and tune in to KTU or BLS simultaneously stopping to switch stations when ads came on. Pauli is still out there tending bar out of his panniers and talking about the revolution.

Lian Tal

Ariel Iasovoli

Austin Lee Dylan

Kelly McGlaughlin

Roland Brown

Jillanne Ohana

RicaVeeka de Ocampo

Me

Interview With a Pole Dancer: RicaVeeka de Ocampo

2010-11-09T21:13:00.011-05:00

Rica is the winner of Polesque 2010. Here is a clip of her performance.

Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Northern Virginia and went to high school in DC. :D

What is your pre-pole dance background?
I took Tae Kwon Do as a kid and I got my black belt when I was 12. I grew up in a family obsessed with martial arts. We competed in Sport Karate and Olympic TKD. In high school, I was in a show choir that had an emphasis on modern dance. And I don't know if this counts but I'm a singer. I sing everything from pop to opera. :D

It all counts! What inspired you to start pole dancing?
I was in a long term relationship with this guy, who broke up with me for the dumbest reason. So instead of crying, whining and obsessing about it I told myself, "F*ck him. I'm gonna be sexy as hell." 2 days later I took my first pole class at crunch.

I like how you turned the situation around and I bet he is seriously kicking himself now; way to go! How would you describe your style?
Sensual and silky. A bunch of body rolls with a lot of hair tossing. :D

What other kind of dancing or exercise do you do besides pole?
I'm not doing as much as I used to. Right now I'm just taking flexibility classes at Body and Pole. But normally I run 3 miles a day. I take as many group fitness classes at my gym that I can. And I love training in mixed martial arts especially Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

OK we got it, dont mess with Rica! Do you ride a bike? If not, why not?
Hahaha. No, I don't ride a bike. In fact, it's been a long time since I've even been on one. When I was 12, I fell off my mom's bike while going down this huge hill in front of my house and skid down the rest of the hill on my chin. I got 9 stitches and joke that now I'm afraid of bi-wheel contraptions. ;D

As long as you're ok with tricycles... As a pole dancer what did you think when you first heard about PoleRiders?
I honestly thought it was genius. A great way to advertise/get attention and so much fun. I wanted to get up there too!

(Did everybody catch that she said "genius"?) Please describe your experience competing in Polesque.
Oh my goodness it was so much fun! And it was really nice cause all of us competitors are friends and basically one big pole family. We're all really supportive and loving of each other. I was pretty nervous (and excited) the day of mainly because this was my first real, solo pole performance. But i loved it!

Would you like to see an Olympic pole team?
I think getting pole into the olympics would be ground breaking and really change a lot of peoples misconceptions about the pole world and our sport. But in all honestly, I do have a slight fear that it could be seen as just another gymnastic apparatus. Pole is so much more than simply that.

Tell us about pole classes you take and/or teach.
I work-study at Body and Pole so I take ALL the classes there! I LOVE it! All the instructors are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, fun and they really push you to grow and get stronger. And all the other students are really hard core and addicted to pole as well so it's a really productive environment. I haven't started teaching, YET. But I'm planning on starting soon. I've been asked to do privates before but scheduling just hasn't been working. But I'd LOVE to do privates and i'd love to start teaching. :D

It was great seeing all that hard work pay off with your outstanding performance at Polesque. What are 3 or more cool websites you would like to share with readers?
richndelicious.tumblr.com (that's my tumblr :D )
leloveimage.blogspot.com
CagePotato.com
and just one more: http://www.stockholmblogholm.com/ this is Michelle Stanek's (the last polesque winner) blog from stockholm :D

What is your ideal vacation activity and destination?
Oooo my fantasy vacation is to go to New Zealand and do the LOTR tour. (yes i am a BIG geek) My other ideal destination is Fiji. I dream about it often. And of course Costa Rica....cause it's my coast. :D As far as activity, my favorite thing to do is to find a pole dance studio where ever i am and take a bunch of classes and/or privates. Other than that I like experience the city I'm in. I love to eat and drink and just have fun with friends.

What are your current favorite songs to dance to?
I'm really into playing with songs from broadway musicals. I find that I'm really drawn to dance to them. But right now my pole playlist consists of this: E.T. - Katy Perry Sexy Silk - Jessica Cornish Breathe Again - Sara Bareilles Lil Freak - Usher and a bunch of Dubstep stuff :D basically anything with a hard hitting bass, some sass and soul.

If you could spend 24 hrs with any person from past or present history who would it be and what would you do with them?
Stephen Colbert. I love him. He's hilarious and is musical. Plus I bet he radiates this positive energy that I'd love to be around. :D but 24 hours? Gosh that's such a tease. I wanna be friends. :D

What do you do for fun when you're not working?
Wow i don't know when that is? Haha. I basically have 5 jobs. But yea when i'm not working, I pole a lot. I sing all the time. But other than that I watch a lot of movies. I like to drink beer and wine. I really like to clean my apartment. And i steal people's change. D ♥ ♥ ♥

Marlo and Steve Take the Gold at APFA

2010-11-08T13:15:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to PoleRider Marlo and Steven (Princeton) Retchless both of Body and Pole Studio on their outstanding performances! Look for Marlo and Princeton dancing with PoleRiders in the Spring of 2011 For more information about APFA click here

Polesque 2010 Review

2010-11-07T03:33:00.012-05:00

On October third I had the supreme honor and pleasure of judging New York City's top pole dancing competition created by Kyra Johannesen of Body and Pole Studio. Music was provided by DJ Thunderkunt a.k.a Eeah Kaiju - NYC DJ/Producer, dedicated to progressive underground dance music for 15 years. The event was held at Galapagos Art center in Brooklyn.

Polesque was Won by RicaVeeka de Ocampo. Rica has always been a performer and an artistic person. She is a classically trained singer and a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Pole dancing found her 2 years ago and she has been addicted ever since.

The runners up were Ariel Iasovoli, Carolyn Chiu and Amy Kim.

The other competitors were Jillanne, Kat Freeman,Alicia Heaney, Cyd Sailor, Gigi, Tracee Kafer, The Diva (Roz), Alice, Kelly McLaughlin, Meritza Chang and male competitors Roland Brown and 2010 American Pole Fitness Champion Steven Retchless.

Additional non competitive pole performances included 2010 American Pole Fitness Champion Marlo and Kyra.

And Tokyo Dolores

In addition to pole dancing, Polesque would not be complete without burlesque which included musical act Molly Does Not Approve, a high-energy, burlesque-inspired ensemble playing original tunes rooted in vintage American music, like jazz, rock, and roots. Also performing were The Silky Sirens are a musical burlesque company that was started in 2008 by founder and choreographer Ashley Monroe. Not only do they dance while stripping, but sometimes sing and or perform spoken word striptease. janecarbo@yahoo.com

The Show was hosted by Sultana and the other judges were:

Lauren Goldstein who first discovered pole dancing when she was invited to a bachelorette party,and it was love at first swing! She took second place in the USPDF East Coast Regionals in 2009 and has performed with Pole Superstar. She has served on the advisory board of the APFA, and has judged Miss Xpose.

Marty E. (accompanied by burlesque performer Arden Leigh)isa 100% New York City Rock N' Roller, Drummer for the Dirty Pearls, writer, dj, occasional singer, occasional actor, frequent drinker, and a very avid wiseass.

Kimberly Prosa is trained in classical ballet and modern dance and is a graduate of the Purchase Conservatory. She has performed works by Dance Theatre of Oregon, the Eugene Ballet Company, Purchase Dance Corps, Stephanie Tooman, Bettijane Sills, Angela Harriel, Pascal Rioult, and as a company member with HT Chen and Dancers. Kimberly has served as a teaching artist and choreographer throughout the country and can be seen in the upcoming film the Black Swan.

Odessa was the pole tech for the evening and performed the task with expert precision.

Everyone did an amazing job and huge thanks to Kyra for letting me be a judge!

5th ave With Tokyo Dolores

2010-11-05T23:58:00.032-04:00

Tokyo Dolores is a burlesque/ pole dance team that visited New York last month to do some performances. They were one of the acts at Polesque and they asked if they could do a PoleRide while they were here. We settled on a rush hour ride down 5th ave. beginning at the Plaza Hotel.

The performers are: Aloe Cay and Alk

Aloe

Note the woman with the busted noggin in the back of the ambulance being completely ignored by the EMT's

Cay

Alk

Our film and photo team for the day. Thanks for the amazing pictures! Also a huge thanks to Mark Walkow our esteemed translator.

Tokyo Dolores will be back next year. In the meantime check out their Facebook page here.

PoleRiders on Late Night Republic

2010-10-29T08:57:00.008-04:00

Here is our clip from Late Night Republic. This is a new show seen in smaller cities across America on FOX and the CW networks. My friend Erin (and Her Cello) were also on the show recently along with genius public party organizer Kevin Braken creator of Newmindspace I am working on figuring out how to keep videos from getting cut off in blogger. Click on the clip to go to YouTube

The Bachelor

2010-10-25T16:45:00.007-04:00

Nicole is an aerialist and acrobat in a performance group called Voler- Thieves of Flight from Kansas City. I met her at the PoleRiders clubhouse where she took a couple of pole classes from Ariel. She was going to tag along on her bike with me and Ariel on the PoleRider trike for a bachelor party gig but when Ariel got sick at the last minute Nicole volunteered to fill in!

Prior to her lesson with Ariel, Nicole had no pole dancing experience yet she pulled off a spectacular performance.

Nichole Lorraine Raab has performed as a professional dancer with the Kansas City Symphony, The New Theatre Restaurant, Storling Dance Theatre, The Shoji Tabuchi Show (Branson, MO), Project Bandaloop (Oakland, CA) and Diavolo (Los Angeles). Nichole teaches throughout the city and in the past at Missouri Western University.

She studied dance at UMKC while receiving a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Other Dance education includes; The Ailey School (NY, NY), various company workshops through out the country and where it all began… Hilltop Dance Studio and Nallia School of Dance (Shawnee, KS)!

Nichole trained in Tap, Ballet, Point, Jazz, Modern, Floor Tumbling/Acrobatics, Aerial Acrobatics, Musical Theatre, Yoga, some Stunt Work and various Martial Arts. Nichole is grateful for all the support she has received along the way in her 26 years of learning to be a “mover” and strives to continually give back the so many gifts she receives daily from friends, family and the community. She strives to continually learn and to share gained knowledge. She thanks all her students for teaching her in return without even trying!

“I enjoy movement arts for many reasons. I enjoy them for the artistry/imagery aspect of they create… to basically create a painting in motion for the eyes to get lost in. I enjoy them for their entertainment purposes; to make people smile, to make people laugh and want to move themselves. And… I enjoy movement arts for their story telling purposes. I like to tell stories, hear stories, be a part of stories and share and I think the body is such a great tool to utilize for such a purpose. With out any words, what can it say? To me movement is a gift in all forms and my greatest pleasure of the movement arts is to inspire! The body is a gift and I’m quite amazed to see what it can do. I strive to push the envelope and find new horizons. As a six foot tall woman I face many professional rejections but my ears do not fall short on such words as “categories” or “limits,” to me they are rules to break.” “Tell me I can’t… I dare you!” thievesofflight.com

Contact: aerialfabrics@gmail.com / (816) 668-62921331 Union Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64101

Tokyo Dolores

2010-10-11T08:36:00.003-04:00

Rush hour ride down 5th avenue with pole dancing trio Tokyo Delores. Grab your bike and meet us in front of the Plaza ready to roll at 4pm this Wednesday (rain date Thurs). We might stop and do a little window shopping along the way!

World Champ Felix's Winning Performance

2010-10-08T21:32:00.000-04:00

BiPoleR: A pole dancing and video art joint @ R-Bar NYC – October 15th, 2010

2010-09-30T04:00:00.010-04:00

Kyra Johannesen, Marlo, Lian Tal
Sumseen
Eeah Kaiju

Curated by Virginia Villari

Friday October 15^th from 7:00 to 10:00 PM
@R Bar
218 Bowery, New York, NY 10012

RSVP

Contaminate NYC is pleased to present BiPoleR, a project that intertwines two different art forms: performance and video art. A group of pole dancers – Kyra Johannesen, Marlo, Lian Tal – and a video artist – Sumseen – will meet on the poles of the R Bar, creating a dialogue between video projections and pole dancing. The show is structured in three acts, each one with a different theme: the city, the nature and the contamination between the two. The audience is dragged into a sequence of different moods and atmospheres: a glamorous, glittery metropolis; an instinctual, sensual animal world; a primordial, watery, postmodern future.

Videos will be projected on the performers, so that digital images and dancing bodies will be moving together as a bipolar fusion. In their encounter, these two discourses enhance each other’s qualities: dance gives dynamism to the projections by becoming an unusual moving screen; videos intensify the performance’s visual aspect by wrapping the dancers with other shapes and colors. BiPoleR is a platform where the collaboration of diverse media and artistic expressions unfolds new and unexpected narratives.

The music for BiPoleR has been selected and mixed by New York –based DJ/Producer Eeah Kaiju.

Kyle McBeth a.k.a Sumseen was raised in Vermont. He moved to New York six years ago to work as a photographer and video maker. He lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. Kyle creates videos and pictures under the name of SumSeen. He doesn’t remember what Sum Seen means but that it was funny when he did visuals for raves, now he just likes the way it sounds. He creates images that he wants to see, ones he can’t find anywhere else.

Kyra Johannesen began dancing in Phoenix, AZ, at the age of four and later moved to Los Angeles to study at the Edge Performing Arts Studio, under Christina Woodard, Eddie Garcia, and Doug Caldwall. In 2005 Kyra discovered pole dancing. She quickly embraced this new form of dance, and shortly after was asked to develop the pole dancing program for Crunch gym. Since then Kyra has appeared on national television, and numerous media outlets, to show and discuss her style. In 2009 She was one of the 12 finalists for the US East Coast pole dance championships. In 2010 Kyra placed 2nd in the USPDF Amateur Division. She has taught in Europe at different pole events and workshops and in December 2009 she joined the forces of Body & Pole in New York City. Her own company has received acclaim for the shows Out Through Her, Women in Their Bedroom, The Dream, and Remote. In the summer of 2010, Kyra
choreographed a series of performances to accompany the architectural installation “Pole Dance” at PS1 MoMA. www.bodyandpole.com.

Marlo is a nationally-known media personality, teacher, and performer. She has 23 years of dance training and 9 years experience as a personal trainer with certifications in nutrition, yoga and pilates. Her pole fitness skills have landed her features in New York Times, the New York Post, an AM NY cover “From Risque to Ripped”, Pink Floyd/Roger Waters 2010 world tour, and a SoBe Adrenaline Rush commercial. She has toured as hip-hop dancer with Nike and BMG Latin artists, performing in the Caribbean, Mexico and South America. She has performed in the MTV Video Music awards, VH1 fashion rocks, music videos, and industrials with Diddy, Pharell, Fabolous, Nelly and more. At the National High School Dance festival she lead a course on conditioning for dancers entitled “Strength & Grace” and presented club dance styles at the South Beach International Fitness festival. She has modeled for Hanes, Fitness Magazine, Shape Magazine, Nike Golf, and Runner’s World Magazine’s “Women’s Complete Book of Running.”

Lian Tal founded Body and Pole Studio in 2007. In February 2009, she was selected to compete as one of the top 12 finalists for the 2009 US Pole Dance Championship held in New York City. As a finalist, she received the recognition and exposure to put her on the map as one of the top pole dancers in the nation. Lian is a Board Member of the Pole Fitness Association (PFA), the leading representative for the pole fitness community worldwide. Lian is also the East Coast Event Ambassador and is on the Terminology and Olympic Committees for the PFA.

Eeah Kaiju a.k.a. DJ Thunderkunt is a DJ/Producer originally from the Seattle club & rave scenes of the mid 90’s. She came to New York in 2000 to learn from the best techno and electro djs and producers. She has been throwing events in the New York City area since 2005. Eeah has collaborated with legends like Lenny Dee and has been opening act for industrial bands like Slick Idiot (former members of KMFDM). She was also a DJ regular at Diesel’s Flagship Shop. Eeah Kaiju is an outlaw & underground aficionado on the outskirts, pulling obscure hot new genres together to bang it out on the dance floor or to subtly accentuate a stylish artistic scene.

R Bar is a no-attitude, no-pretentious spot with a glam rock bar feel, dig the crystal chandeliers, blood red walls, and 3-D holographic images of Sin City-ish leather-clad models over the bar and classic rock icon photos to inspire your evening. Go for the real stuff with their impressive collection of whiskeys and bourbons (apparently the Basil Hayden’s 8 Years will make your night go down as hard as early Johnny Cash). The sexy back room is where it will be at, with a separate bar, blown up black-and-whites of Mick Jagger in a bathtub, and (in a move deserving of some accolade) under-lit tables with tall brass poles. We are excited about the possibilities of what might happen here.

Polesque 2010!

2010-09-17T11:45:00.007-04:00

Polesque is back again this year, Sunday October 3, 7:00-11:30 pm at Galapagos Art Space, 16 Main Street in DUMBO. This event is produced by Kyra Johanesen of Body and Pole who also did the show at MOMA PS1 Here is a link to last years Polesque and an interview with last years winner Michelle Stanek pictured above.

This year's Polesque will be hosted by Sultana:

Queen of Denial, Queen of the Middle East Village.

Sultana is a New York City Night Life Celebrity.

No Party is a party without Sultana.

She put the belly in Belly Dancing.

The Only Queen that can sing in Arabic, English and French.

With Regular performances at Lips restaurant, She is part of Bitchy Bingo with Ginger Snap.

She Wrote her first original track Mix it Up on You-tube.

As well as working on her next song No-show Lover.

Film Appearances: Studio 54, My Super Ex-Girlfriend .

TV Appearances: H B O, Sex and the City, Season 5, Boy Interrupted.

Reviews:
New York Times, Sunday Styles 2010 and Thursday Styles 2009

New York Post: Cindy Adams Column 2008

Village Voice: La Dolce Musto.

Summer Streets NYC 2010

2010-09-10T02:38:00.006-04:00

I'm a little late posting but PoleRiders did Summer Streets 2010 with Jillanne and Ariel to promote Jill Annes new store slated to open Octoober 1.

Jill Anne established her company 'JILLANNE' in 1998. The initial cards were hand-painted in a square off 49th Street and 8th Avenue in New York City. Jill Anne has lived in many wonderful places and with her training as a NYC actor, she is able to tap into each community and its needs. Her designs and sayings have a way of touching the heart in a large, yet simple way. Originally, her company started with 6 hand-painted card designs, JILLANNE now has over 800 designs to choose from as well as calendars, and invitations.

JILLANNE's greeting cards have been bought by: The Kennedy Center, The Smithsonian Freer Gallery of Art Shop in DC, The Symphony Store of the Chicago Symphony, The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, The Skirball Cultural Center in LA and The Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. JILLANNE has also been commissioned to create designs for New York Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center, Nathan's Famous, Road Runner Sports, Specialty Foods Group, Inc., as well as artwork for various musicians and private individuals.

Below is an example of Jill Anne's artwork available on T-shirts, cards etc. The model pictured is Ariel. Join PoleRiders for the Grand opening of the store on October 1!

Body and Pole perform at PS1 MOMA

2010-08-16T13:13:00.006-04:00

In conjunction with the MoMA/MoMA PS1 Young Architects Program installation Pole Dance, designed by the architectural firm Solid Objectives - Idenburg Liu (SO - IL), a series of performances created by choreographer Kyra Johannesen will take place in the MoMA PS1 courtyard beginning July 24 at 2:30 p.m. The performance series, Body & Pole, will further expand the interactive qualities presented in the architectural installation Pole Dance.

In addition to offering a backdrop for MoMA PS1’s annual summer Warm Up series, the urban landscape Pole Dance was conceived as an interactive environment questioning the relation between the human body and the structures that they inhabit. In order to further the idea of the participatory environment and in homage to Oskar Schlemmer’s famous Bauhaus dance, which examined the relation between geometry and bodily figure, Kyra Johannesen has choreographed a performance for her company Body & Pole to illustrate the structural and sonic potentials of the architectural installation.

Ms. Johannesen has drawn from New York City's most innovative pole dancers who challenge the perception of pole dancing and explore its artistry to form the company Body & Pole. The performances will draw from many different styles including ballet, jazz and modern. For each performance, there will be a focus on the relationship between the bodies of the performers versus the structure of Pole Dance.

“This series of performances renews a vital connection between choreography and architectural design that marks some of the most innovative moments in the history of avant-garde architecture,” says Barry Bergdoll, the Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design at MoMA. “Combined with the acoustical engineering of the poles created by sound engineers from Arup Associates, Johannesen’s performances mark this as one of the most collaborative and interdisciplinary of the Young Architects Program installations in the program’s 11-year history.”

"Pole Dance, already as a word, as a quote, connects MoMA PS1's summer architecture project with one of the new programmatic emphases of our institution, which is performance art, by referencing Oskar Schlemmer's Ballets Mechaniques, which was just on view in our 100 Years of performance exhibition. SO-IL made the architecture participatory, activating the audience as an instrumental part of their installation," adds MoMA PS1 Director Klaus Biesenbach.

Our Most Appreciative Fan

2010-07-31T16:21:00.003-04:00

Thanks Saul!

Gay Pride PoleRide With Dykes-On-Bike-Cycles

2010-06-26T06:07:00.049-04:00

All photo's by Color and Light Photo unless noted otherwise.
We made all three papers on the same day! Thanks to the New York Times, the New York Post (not posted online) and The Daily News for the coverage!

Photo Piotr Redlinski for the New York Times!

Photo Helayne Seidman, NY Post

Photo Handschuh, Daily News

Photo by Reuters

Roland is our first male PoleRider making his debut at Gay Pride. Welcome to the team!

Gay Pride '10 stars on the pole (in alphabetical order) are Austin Lee Dylan, Kyra, Lian, Marlo and Roland. Kyra Lian and Roland are from Body & Pole. Special guest PoleRider Lee Dylan is also a pedicab driver and she pedaled the PoleRider trike along with me. We had pedicabs for the dancers "on deck" provided by Waterfront Bike Shop on Christopher Street. Thanks Christian from all of the dancers!

Austin Lee

Lian
Kyra

Roland

Marlo

One lucky paintbrush!

Lian demonstrating why Marlo needs two bras.

Lian and Marcello from Waterfront Bike Shop cruising in the side-by-side tandem trike.

PoleRiders gets rolling with Austin lee in the saddle... (you might want to flip that mirror around)

...and Marlo on the pole!

Quote from Amy H.K.: "Marlo looks like a sexy ass piece of watermelon and her rind is looking pretty juicy!"

Marlo-On-A-Stick

Marlo with flag. (I thought this looked funny)

I am supervising.

Austin Lee Dylan takes the stage on 8th street. The crowd goes wild!

Austin Lee performing the one handed back handspring stage dismount for the first time! Remember folks you saw it here first and don't try this at home!

Kyra turned the trike into a sexy rolling flagpole!

Roland shows his moves!

Sham-Wow!

Group shot at the end with Dykes-On-Bike-Cycles who invited us to join them in the parade! A huge thanks to Candice and DOB-C for letting us join them again this year. We all had a great time!

See Color and Light Photo for more pictures.

Mermaid Parade 2010

2010-06-23T07:37:00.010-04:00

Photo Prof. Jas. Mundie
Pirate Booty!

Photo by one of my favorite photographers Tod Seelie aka Sucka Pants

Brookelyn, Christianne and I did the Mermaid Parade on Saturday. I used a different route to get there and back which bypassed Park Slope. The hill on the trip home last year was really hard and the new route on 4th ave added a few miles but was totally worth it. The whole day was over 35 miles and the trike weighs at least 500 lbs without a dancer. After you finish up here, check out more fantastic shots of the parade at Color and Light Photography.

I cant't have the PoleRiders sporting ink with car wheels. Christianne is going to have to get that garbage removed and replaced with a proper PoleRider tattoo if she is gonna roll with us.

That's our trusted booty guard Shane following in the pirate hat. We got swarmed at the end of the Parade and were very glad to have him along even if he did beat up a few paparazzi.

We were # 306

The swarming happened a few minutes after this shot and we had to call in the cops to get us out before a fight broke out or someone got hurt. It could have been much worse. Thanks to the NYPD for crowd control minus the sound cannons this time! :)

Photo's by Color and Light Photography unless noted otherwise.

Bicycle Film Festival Part 1

2010-06-21T00:21:00.008-04:00

This is the first set of pictures. The Thursday ride began at Revolution Rickshaws . As the sun set we rode along the river bike path down to the Bicycle Film Festival's Joyride Bicycle Art Show.

We were greeted by a large crowd already hanging out outside and more people poured out to watch Kelly and Christianne dance.

All photos in the post are by Marina Galperina and first appeared in Animal New York

The cops showed up with their anti-riot sound cannons to break up the crowd and end all the fun. I'm not exactly sure why. They claimed that they had several noise complaints but my guess is the complaints began when they showed up. More on this story here: BikeBlogNYC. and more pictures coming in the second installment.

Kyra Johannesen and Lian Tal of Body and Pole

2010-06-17T10:58:00.009-04:00

This interview is reprinted with kind permission from the always adorable Jennifer at Pole Skivies

Meet Kyra and Lian of Body and Pole!
How did you get started pole dancing?

KYRA:
I met some dancers that worked at a local strip club in New York City that asked me to choreograph some of their pole routines. The next day I bought my first pole.

(photo of Kyra by AM New York)

LIAN:
I went to my gym, Crunch, to take my first hot yoga class. I hated every minute of it. When the sweat was dripping into my eyeballs, I had enough and walked out of class right in the middle of it. As I was heading back into the dressing room, I walked by the other fitness room and saw a pole dance class going on. I was very intrigued and told myself I HAD to come back the following week to give it a try. I had no upper body strength, so it was really hard, but I had so much fun and was immediately hooked.

(photo of Lian by AM New York)

How did you decide to join together and start your own studio? What’s that been like?

KYRA:
Lian was a super-talented and passionate student of mine at Crunch, and started teaching pole out of her home. As my popularity grew, Lian’s did also. We decided to join forces and create the ultimate pole dance fitness program, Body and Pole.

LIAN:
Kyra has always been an inspiration to me. She is the main reason why I started pole dancing, and she was the one who kept pushing me to become who I am today. It was a no-brainer to me when I decided to open a studio, to bring Kyra in as my partner. I would never do this without her. We make a great team and compliment each other on so many levels. Kyra has become so much more to me than just a business partner. She is my best friend.

Kyra, you started the pole dance classes at Crunch Fitness. How will your own studio be different from those classes? Will you continue working with Crunch?

KYRA:
Crunch Gym has a fantastic group fitness program, and pole dancing is one of its many that rock. I developed the program for Crunch that works wonderfully for its members that want to have their Yoga, Pilates, Hip Hop, and Pole Dance all located at one gym. I look forward to continuing to grow the pole program at Crunch and to be involved in its future.

Body and Pole is the ultimate pole studio. We designed classes for all levels that are small and very hands-on. All our classes are an hour and a half. They have a focus on dance technique, flexibility, and strength training. It’s a place that pole dancers have been waiting for!

What is the first thing you teach students just starting to take pole dancing classes?

KYRA:
The first thing I teach students when they start pole dancing is that they need to leave all their preconceived notions at the door. Soon as the music starts, it’s all about having fun with dance and fitness. Then we move on to a basic walk around the pole with pirouette.

LIAN:
I let the new students know that we all had to start somewhere, even I was really bad and weak when I started. Then I start with some basic strength training on the pole, and continue with some basic walks and spins to become familiar with the pole and their bodies.

How do you take care of yourself, given all the pole dancing you do?

KYRA:
To keep my body happy and pole dancing, I make sure I’m cross training with ballet, pilates, and yoga. I visit my chiropractor every other week, and take a hot bath every night.

LIAN:
I stretch every day. I take long, hot baths almost every night with Epsom salts to soothe the muscles. I eat healthy foods and listen to my body. I have my boyfriend rub my feet and back, too … he is great when it comes to pampering me and making me feel better.

Favorite makeup tip:

KYRA:
Glitter. I don’t think you could ever use too much glitter.

LIAN:
When I go out on the town (which is rare these days …), I love putting on red lipstick and black eye liner. Kind of like the pinup girl look.

Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?

KYRA:
I love pole dancing barefoot. It makes me feel connected to the floor and my movement, but I do love my silver 6-inch heels on days that I just need to be fabulous.

LIAN:
Depending on the mood. When I teach, I am always barefoot. Sometimes I feel like putting on my high heels. These days, it is much more barefoot, though, than heels. I say, to each their own, whatever makes you happy is ok with me.

Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:

KYRA:
Every day I’m working towards my pole technique, but, I have to say, when I completed my first Phoenix “one handed body spiral into the twisted grip handspring,” I was so out-of-my-mind excited, I never thought my body could do that!

LIAN:
Every new move I learn, I am really proud of; it is always an achievement. I was particularly proud when I finally got the Aysha correctly, with my body away from the pole. It took me a really long time to feel safe to pull my body away from the pole.
Pole dance pet peeves:

KYRA:
I really only have one pet peeve when it comes to pole dancing, and that is when people say that they can’t. Half the battle to achieving goals is believing in yourself, and only you can do that.

LIAN:
I have a really hard time with people who don’t point their toes. I also don’t like when people hang on the pole, without engaging their shoulder/back muscles.
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:

KYRA:
For sore muscles, I take a bath. As for my bruises, they are my battle scars; I embrace them.

LIAN:
Arnica gel works great for bruises, but, honestly, I don’t really care if I bruise; it just shows me that I conquered a new move and my body is learning how to position itself. For sore muscles, I usually take a long, hot Epsom salt bath and drink a lot of water. Advil helps, too, if you are REALLY sore.

Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?

KYRA:
I love having my husband in the audience when I perform. He is one of my biggest fans. He gets more nervous than I do.

LIAN:
Having my boyfriend in the audience makes me feel safe. I know how much he loves what I do and is so supportive of me.
Who is your hero or role model?

KYRA:
I have had many role models that have guided me through, from teachers, to family, and friends.

LIAN:
My role model is my mom. No doubt about that one. My pole hero? I would say there are so many who inspired me to do what I do. Leigh Ann Reily was one of the first I found on Youtube. I was completely obsessed with her … she and I are friends now and laugh about it all the time. She is still one of my favorites; she is so sexy and creative.
What are your favorite words of encouragement?

KYRA:
Apparently, my students tell me I use many different phrases and words of encouragement, but my most used is Work Diva.

LIAN:
You can do it! Never say I can’t!

What do you like to do when you’re not pole dancing?

KYRA:
I have really been getting into bowling these days. Lian and I are thinking of starting a team Body and Bowl ….

LIAN:
I love having time with my man or my girlfriends to just go have a nice dinner and go to bed early. I’m kind of boring these days … lol.
Anything else you’d like to share:

KYRA & LIAN:
We are super excited about joining the PFA (Pole Fitness Association). We believe this is the perfect group of people who are really there for our community and we are honored to be a part of such an amazing group. Lian is now the East Coast Event Ambassador and we have some exciting things coming up in the future!

B&P student Tracee (photo: AM New York)

To get more information on classes with Kyra and Lian, go to Body and Pole !

P.S. Join the PoleSkivvies group on Facebook! :)

The Hog Pit

2010-06-13T06:18:00.014-04:00

Ariel and I went to Madison Square Park for the BBQ festival yesterday... Too many meat jokes to know where to begin. We got hassled a bit, first by park security and then by the cops but still managed to put on a good show, rolling around the outside of the park.

We also managed to jump into the Hare Krishna Parade for few blocks! I couldn't stop thinking about this.

If you like BBQ, check out The Hog Pit at 37 west 26th street. I will be out again on Tuesday night with new dancer Kelly starting on the west side bike path and again on Thursday with Christianne who danced in the Halloween Parade. Look for us at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade on Saturday with Christianne and Brooklyn! If anyone wants to do the ride out there with me, please let me know.

Alesia Vazmitsel- Britains Got Talent

2010-06-05T13:39:00.008-04:00

NY Dance Parade With Diane Passage and Ariel

2010-05-24T23:07:00.016-04:00

PoleRiders was honored to have the creator of Pole Superstar Diane Passage join the team for the 2010 NYC Dance Parade. Her 2009 Pole Superstar dance competition benefited S.P.I.N. (Single Parents In Need) and NYC’s Single Parent Resource Center. Check out her blog and her column in the Huffington Post and if you missed it last October, check out this clip from the Post with Ariel and PoleRiders at the competition.

Ariel also danced on Saturday and introduced her new concept in minimalist pole footwear. Remember folks you saw it here first. I think this is the most innovative use of vinyl electrical tape since Wendy O'Williams of the Plasmatics. If you recall, Ariel tore up her foot pretty well in the 5 Borough Bike Tour.

I love parades!

Diane was stunning as usual.

Defying gravity.

Thankfully the (always amazing) parade marshals had us lined up with the the Burners and the Hoopers this year. (We love you guys!) Last year before we moved, they thought we were Polka dancers and had us lined up in front of a Mormon marching band which I believe is the universal polar opposite to the Plasmatics.

Thanks for joining us Diane and please come back anytime. You were fabulous!

Ariel just texted me and said she had an "awesome time". She also said that she "loved dancing with the electrical tape on her feet" and it made her "feel like a pony". Stay tuned for our next surprise appearance...

DC Pole Convention

2010-05-22T05:26:00.002-04:00

PoleRiders wishes all those attending the pole dance convention in Washington DC this weekend great success and good times!

PoleRiding on Sunday with Body and Pole

2010-05-10T21:56:00.006-04:00

We took a spin with Kyra and Lian from Body and Pole on Sunday around Union Sq. and the Meatpacking District. Body and Pole is the #1 Pole Studio in NYC and it was a great show! I stopped by the studio last night to pick up a T-shirt for Ariel to wear in Dance Parade and stumbled into a pole dance bachelorette party. (Actually I think they just got tired of me watching them through the letter slot and invited me in) Thanks to everyone for explaining so clearly what booty poppin' is and I promise next time I am around for a booty pop workout I will join in.

PoleRiding with Pantera

2010-05-08T23:57:00.011-04:00

Pantera couldn't wait to go PoleRiding!

Thursday night I met up with Pantera at the Intrepid. After shooting some pictures we rode along the Hudson River bike path for a while so she could get used to the motion.

Lian from Body and Pole was there taking pictures. See Lian and Kyra PoleRiding on Sunday.

After a few blocks on the path we turned east and hit the streets.

I can't really explain why but this was one of the best nights of my life. Everything was perfect and I felt like I was more a part of the whole dance rather than just the "chauffeur" Riding the PoleRider trike is always exhilarating. PoleRiding with Pantera was somehow surreal...

Nice shot by Ariel; great color!

We eventually ended up in Union Square where someone in the crowd threw a burrito at Pantera. Anyone with information that might lead to the capture of the Burrito Bandito should contact me immediately. Below is a rough police sketch of the suspect.

Our original suspects, these guys (via bikesnobnyc) have been cleared on all charges.

5 Borough Bike Tour '10

2010-05-03T05:05:00.018-04:00

Ariel warming up for the PoleRiders 3rd season opening ride in the 5 Borough Bike Tour.

When I first met Ariel she told me she was very bikable...

When the little foot is on the 8 and the big foot is on the 1 it must be time to start the ride!

I took the first shift and made it to around Radio City when my knee started bothering me. It's doing better, thanks for asking.

So effing cute!

Matt Godina took the second shift in the saddle.

I Love this shot in front of Radio City! I entered it in the 5 Boro photo contest.

Cruising through Central Park...

...and into Harlem

PoleRiding on the FDR. Ben took the last shift.

PoleRiding on the FDR was amazing. The looks on the faces of the people stuck in traffic on the Northbound side was priceless!

Once we got to the Queensboro bridge we were at the back of the pack. With no one to dance for through the remaining boroughs and with the sweeper car egging us along, we decided to call it a day and go to the park.
Ariel lost a big patch of skin on her foot but that didn't stop her! After numerous expenses for signage, backup riders and entry fees we raised close to $500.00 for SPIN, Single Parents in Need. The donations will go to the Single Parents Resource Center of New York as soon as y'all mail me those checks! Thanks to all of our sponsors and everyone who participated in the event: Ariel, Matt, Ben, Diane, Rosalie, Lindsey, Heidi, Fritz, Yvonne, Wendell, Chris (Nick-a-day) Long (even though you flaked out you still inspire us) Rahr Breweries, Pole Superstar/ SPIN, Bad Kitty, Weathergal, Fastsigns, Body & Pole and Bern Helmets.

Yay Team PoleRiders!!!

5 Borough Tomorrow!

2010-05-01T22:48:00.002-04:00

Ready to roll for PoleRiders opening day 2010.

Because of my injured knee I have two volunteer special guest pilots to ease the burden. I want to stop by the Toga tent at Church and White to get a signed copy of Bike Snobs new book so that might be a good place to catch up if you want to roll with us. Feel free to give us a little push on the hills as you pass us! A little help goes a long way.

Thanks to All of our amazing sponsors for contributing!

Pantera Workshop Coming to NYC!!!

2010-04-28T07:02:00.001-04:00

Bad Kitty: Kicking in for 5 Borough

2010-04-17T00:28:00.005-04:00

Bad Kitty Exotic Wear has been a strong and supportive presence in the pole dance world and they have a line of pole specific dance outfits and I suppose the ensemble below could be considered cycling specific since the model is sitting on a bike and appears to be content. I have run into Jack and his crew at several pole events and competitions and they have been big PoleRider fans from the early days. Bad Kitty will be sponsoring PoleRiders in the 5 Borough bike tour on Sunday May 2. THANKS!!! There is still time to make a pledge and get your logo placed on the trike. Proceeds go to Single Parents Resource Center via SPIN Single Parents In Need; A Pole Superstar/ Diane Passage charity.

Check out the Bad Kitty website... Their stuff is much hotter than anything else out there.

Intersection Mag Shoot:

2010-04-14T00:57:00.009-04:00

Intersection is an quarterly glossy transportation (mainly car) magazine that occasionally does a bike story to be cool. Here are a couple of pictures from last Summer by Daniel Glazer.

Bern Helmets/ Lids for Kids

2010-03-23T10:32:00.007-04:00

I just heard back from Josh at Bern who is sending a very cool Nino helmet for my son. For those of you that don't know Bern provided PoleRiders with lids last year for me and the dancers.

For more on these excellent all sport/ all season helmets click here. for a full review.

Thanks Josh!

U.S. Pole Dance Federation Championship 2010

2010-03-22T13:57:00.003-04:00

By Diane Passage re-posted from Huffington Post.

March 19th, 2010 marked the second annual U.S. Pole Dance Federation Championship in New York City. Competitive gymnast and pole dancer Alethea Austin of California took home the grand prize winning $5000, the opportunity to perform in Australia, a Pole Skivvies gift certificate, a gift bag, make-up and more. Mina, also from California, won the amateur division, earning her 'pro card' to compete in the pro division of future USPDF competitions. Both ladies were finalists in my Pole Superstar 2009 competition -- watch their videos here: Mina, Alethea. The top five USPDF winners will be sent to America's Got Talent for producer's consideration.

The USPDF, founded and run by Wendy Traskos and Anna Grundstrom, held preliminary competitions in the past year to determine their twelve pro division finalists. Amateur division finalists were selected by video submissions prior to the competition. Friday's competition required both amateur and pro division finalists to participate in a 60-90 second compulsory round where the women must perform various maneuvers including 20 seconds of continuous floor work, two spins, one upright static pose, one inversion, one inner thigh hold, one split, and more. The finalists wear shorts and sports bras for this round. For their final performance, the women can participate in an optional round with no requirements where they can get more creative with their performances. Some highlights of this round included a ballerina-turned-pole-dancer and a handcuffed pole routine.

The compulsory round is reminiscent of gymnastic floor routine competitions -- something you might see in the Olympics. So with all the recent hype surrounding various pole dance organizations' efforts to get pole dance approved as an Olympic sport, I asked Grundstrom if this was a goal for the USPDF. She said there are other ways for pole dance to gain world acceptance such as credible competitions. Looking into the future of USPDF, Grundstrom says the organization would like to continue to set standards and guidelines for competitions and push pole dance as a competitive sport and credible art form. They would like to expand the pro division and host several national competitions each year.

In conjunction with the USPDF's competitive events, they also host workshops and panel discussions. This weekend's workshops featured classes from Australia's top pole dancer Allegra, USPDF judge Brook Notary and current winner Alethea Austin.

Visit www.uspdf.com for more information on the organization.

Follow Diane Passage on Twitter: www.twitter.com/HotTubGoddess

Rickshaw USA With Sean and Cooper

2010-03-17T13:29:00.002-04:00

NAHBS 2010 Part Deux

2010-03-14T20:41:00.015-04:00

Apologies for getting so far behind on my blogging. If it is any conciliation, I am also far behind on just about everything else and the only reason I'm doing this now is so that I can put off cleaning and paperwork. I actually wrote a NAHBS follow up earlier in the week but it got lost in the aether before I was able to publish it and I am only now sufficiently over my loss to attempt a rewrite.

As some of you may know, I have been on a mini velo binge for the last couple of months after I sold my mountain bike and cyclo-cross bike and purchased a Cannondale Hooligan which I have been slowly customizing. As some others of you may know, I have a background in plants and agriculture from years in the landscape biz so the idea of using bamboo to make frames is in intriguing to me.

Calffee Has makes some of the cleanest bamboo bikes and this adaptation of an Alex Moulton space frame design seems to be a natural application of the material. (Smaller tubes creating multiple smaller triangles)

Check out this bottom bracket that manages to simultaneously be both vegan and beefy.

Kimora from Japan had another variation on the Moulton style space frame. They also make a track bike and a quasi-mt bikeHere is a close-up of the stem showing the front suspension injection port, which looks a bit dangerous placement wise; one feature I really did not like on this bike.

They also had a number of really nice parts especially these curvaceous stems.

Brew Bikes also had a dual suspension mini folder where the back triangle flips under the rest of the bike on a pivot at the bottom bracket.

Velo Orange had a some sweet randonneurs.

They also make some parts like these TA style cranks and...

These gorgeous hammered fenders/mudguard/wheelbrows in the Rivendell style.

Igelhart was there with some fine examples out of New England This (stainless?) urban cross bike features a Yo Eddy style fork that harkens back to Igelharts earlier days as a welder for Fat Chance.

Alchemy showed this bike.

I especially liked the organic shaped lugs.

I didn't get a full shot of this bike. Speedvagen is the brand name adopted by Vanilla Cycles to represent their collabo's with other frame builders; in this case Pegoretti.

Note the paint job, cut dropouts and beautiful fillet brazing

as well as this seatpost arrangement that I saw on several bikes. It makes a lot of sense because it greatly reduces the chances of water entering the frame and moves the stress area of the bolt away from the frame. The disadvantage is that it is far less adjustable.

Cheribum made this road bike for the show.

It had a reach down (as opposed to reach around) front derailleur...

...and this saddle. If I could have anything from the show it would be this!

Pole Superstar: Starring Ariel of PoleRiders!

2010-03-08T20:20:00.015-05:00

Come out and see Ariel, one of the original PoleRiders, starring in the Pole Superstar presentation of Dreams and Fantasies. I have seen her rehearsing her routine at the clubhouse and I cant wait to see the show live!

Diane Passage at the Imperial during the last Pole Superstar event. Diane is the woman behind Pole Superstar.

Ariel working on her moves at the PoleRiders clubhouse.

Pole Superstar presents Dreams and Fantasies

Friday, March 12th at The Imperial NYC {17 W. 19th St, NYC}

Doors 7pm, Show 8pm

Must be +21 yrs of age to attend

Starring Ariel from Poleriders!, Diane Passage, Lauren Goldstein & Ryssa.

Featuring Mai Yee, Michelle Stanek & SKATE.

Michelle Stanek

Diane Passage

Pre-sale tickets are $35 for general admission and $65 for VIP seating. Door prices are $40 GA, $70 VIP. Call 212-213-8020 or visit www.polesuperstar.com to purchase tickets or for more information.

Photo of Ariel by Ellen Stagg.

An Olympic Sized Debate

2010-03-07T20:21:00.002-05:00

Originally posted at The Pole Story

MSNBC recently posted an article in their “Weird News” section about the possibility of Pole Dancing becoming an Olympic sport. There have subsequently been a number of other news sites, blogs, and websites that have reposted this article and it has generated quite a buzz. The article was interesting enough, but the comments were what really fascinated me. After having read hundreds of comments on dozens of different websites (and commenting a bit myself) I think the public’s reaction to pole dancing becoming an Olympic Sport falls under a few different categories. One popular response was to ridicule the idea, based either on a lack of knowledge for how much athleticism pole dancing actually requires, or based on the exclusion of other sports (i.e. cricket’s not a sport, why should pole dancing be a sport?). Another common response was to immediately confuse what happens in a pole dance competition with what happens in a club thereby resulting in snarky comments about judges shoving medals into dancer’s thongs. A few applauded the idea, citing the hard work it takes and making comparisons to gymnastics, etc. However, the overall response was negative and the negativity, in my opinion, stemmed from our culture’s overall discomfort with overt displays of female sexuality. One commenter actually said that it would be fine to have pole dancing as an Olympic sport as long as it was stripped (haha) of every sexual overtone. Um, ok.

Let me be frank and straightforward for a moment here. I know absolutely nothing about what it takes to qualify as an Olympic sport. In fact, I know very little about sports, period. I have never danced competitively and it does not interest me to do so. I dance because it connects me a deeply feminine, sexual part of my self. I dance because it feels good in my body. The fact that it gets me fit is just a bonus. So I’m not really sure how important it is to me personally that pole dancing gain Olympic standing. With that said, I support the women who feel that it is important, and, I think that this very public push has done something excellent for the pole dancing community, which is to put pole in the public spotlight. And pole dancing, because of it’s sensual and erotic roots, holds up a mirror to our culture’s sex phobia.

The overall response from the general public reflects a real discomfort with women dancing sensually and evoking the erotic. Whether this discomfort is reflected by third-grade comments about women taking their clothes off (nudity! yeah!) or flat out misogyny from both men AND women (those skanky whores need to find a real job!) the message is that we have a long way to go before people begin to accept that an erotic, sensual expression of the female body is worthy of respect. Pole dancing is, and hopefully always will be, a sensual form of movement, and I think that is why most people balk at it being in the Olympics. Because in our culture, rather than celebrating the sensuality of the female body, we censor it and we shame it and we denigrate it. If we could change how we view a woman who chooses to celebrate her sensuality through dance, if we could look at this movement as a celebration of the female body, of its innate sensuality, of its sexual power and beauty, then maybe pole dancing, and even stripping could be integrated into the mainstream and viewed as a practice that is worthy of respect.

So I want to know what you, the pole dancers think. Should it pole dancing become an Olympic Sport? Why? Should we sacrifice the sexiness for mainstream recognition? Do you think if our culture were more sex-positive, the perspective on pole dancing would shift? Is it possible for stripping and pole dancing to gain the respect of the general public as a legitimate sensual expression of female sexuality and power?

Samurai Pole Dancer Rebecca Butcher

2010-03-01T18:03:00.002-05:00

NAHBS 2010 Part 1

2010-03-01T16:30:00.004-05:00

This past weekend after digging my car out of the snow, I drove down to Richmond to catch the 2010 North American Handmade Bicycle Show. This show differs from Interbike in Las Vegas which I attended in the fall. Interbike is at least 10 times bigger and takes a couple of days to get through and by getting through I mean sailing past miles of crap to find something new and/or interesting to look at. At NAHBS, nearly every booth has something that warrants further scrutiny. Some of my fellow bike bloggers have already done a fantastic job covering the show (when do they sleep?) and some were able to have their favorite bikes professionally photographed with backdrops before the visitors arrived. For more images check out Jeff's post at Urban Velo, Maurice's coverage at Dirt Rag. and the coverage at Cycleicious I am just going to discuss some of my personal favorites and in trying to decide the best way to organize them I settled on descending shoe size as being as good a way as any.

I will begin with the Snoots snow bike from Moots which features custom painted Large Marge Rims with Endomorph 3.7" tires mounted to an impeccable titanium frame. Moots is an old company out of Steamboat Springs CO. that began making bolt on rack mounts in the 80's and has been welding titanium frames for many years.

Banjo Bikes owned by Ahren Rogers in Madison WI used the same tire/rim setup on a more utilitarian work bike that had the character of an old loved pickup.

Note the handmade, laminated fenders/mudguards/wheelbrows and bottle cages made in house as well as the extraordinary hand tooled custom leather Brooks Saddle made by artisan Kara Ginther.

The suit on the left told me that the large tires provide a degree of flotation in deep water and snow.

A little further down the aisle the folks at Kish were also strumming a 5 string. Kish makes super clean titanium frames.

Pictured is a safety orange ti single speed cruiser featuring Paul brakes, Paragon dropouts and a Fat Chance Yo Eddy style fork.

The dropouts and the fork are exactly what I would choose if I were in the market for a mt bike. I love the clean lines and simplicity of this frame.

While I can fully appreciate it, I dont generally care for the look of super fancy ornate lug work on a modern bicycle. I do however like it when a builder creates traditional lugs with a slick look and clean fastback stays such as these. Also check out the mitered bridge which was a nice detail.

Check out this beautiful 29er titanium machine from Engin which also incorporates a Yo Eddy fork.
Black Cat Bicycles has a well designed adjustable dropout that they make and use on this bike. The lugs are difficult to see in the image but they had some nice modern looking cuts. I am not generally drawn to bikes with curved tubes, but sometimes, as in the case of a Schwinn beach cruiser, an old Raleigh Camelback, or this bike, it just works visually. Even the stem has a slight downward curve that nicely follows the line of the top tube.

Seven Cycles offered to build me a titanium PoleRider trike. My guess is that It would probably cost as much as a new car. Not much to say about these, other than they are other than they are exquisitely made race bikes. You cant go wrong with Seven and if you ride one you will be the envy of Serotta riding dentists everywhere.

What I really liked was this bar and cable routing arrangement on their road bike.

These new brake levers seen on a number of bikes at the show seem to make a lot of sense but in practice I found the ergonomics were off. The action a bit awkward because my index finger did not pull the the lever in a natural direction. It's hard to describe but I would not recommend these levers in their current incarnation.

Groovy Cycles known for their paint work had a similar bar in a psychedelic pattern.

They also had a nice adaptation of a classic old school cruiser in 29" with a nice triple stack fork.

Ted Wojcik is a frame builder from way back in the day (I first met him at Interbike when it was still in Philly) with a strong form follows function philosophy. He builds beautiful mountain bike frames primarily and had this pedal powered recumbent 5 wheel rider mower at the show.

Another interesting show bike was from Ground-Up and featured a flame thrower to keep people off your back wheel.

Here you can see the details and a small photo of the bike in action (on the rear axle)

Right about the time that I had worked up a powerful thirst I glanced over to the Rapha booth and saw this gleaming cooler beckoning me like a great Monolith.

When I got closer I discovered it was merely a sham. They did however have plenty of expensive cycling clothing for sale. More to come in part 2.

Mini Interview: Kyra Johannesen

2010-02-24T19:07:00.008-05:00

Where are you from and what is your pre-pole dance background?
I'm from Phoenix, Arizona. My first professional dance gig was when I was fifteen years old, dancing in the Super Bowl half time show with Diana Ross.

How did you get into pole dancing, how did you learn?
One crazy night in NYC I ended up at the Hustler Club drunk as ever. I convinced one of the dancers there that I could make her more money by choreographing her stage routines. So the next day I ordered my pole, and taught myself how to pole dance.

How would you describe your style?
I think I have a unique style because I try to bring emotion and a narrative into my dancing.

What inspired you to become an instructor?
I have always enjoyed teaching. I like that I give my students the opportunity to step outside their busy lives and have something just for them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have a show coming up, next week March 5, 6 and 7 at Galapagos Art Space in Dumbo Brooklyn called Out Through her. I put this show up with Jen James, and Kyle McBeth last October and it was a great success. We brought it back better than ever, with more pieces, and live music. It has amazing pole dancing and silk aerialists as well as beautiful contemporary dancing.

Here is a video of our last performance:

You can get your tickets at:
http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showcode=OUT31

I'd encourage anyone who loves pole dancing to come.
Thanks,
Kyra