- Maëlys Renaud
Words of wisdom • PoleforPlanet edition
When I was preparing my talk How to grow into an Environmentally Conscious Pole dancer for PoleCon 2022, I wanted to hear from my peers what they had to say on the topic. I wanted to feel energized by the growing movement to care for our planet. I asked 5 soulful and beautiful pole dancers from all around the world: Joana Silva, Marion Crampe, Natasha Wang, Kira Noire and Victoria Velasco to share with me a quote or a message for the audience. I was overjoyed when they all responded positively, and I am now overjoyed to share their wisdom with you.
Joana Silva •
Pole artist, Instructor, Physical therapist/Osteopath, Joana Silva is the founder of Imo Studio, a dance movement studio in Lisbon. She offers an incredible 10 months Pole Dance Instructor Course, like you've never seen anywhere else. We haven't met in person (yet) but we connected thanks to Instagram over the last two years! I was first attracted to her being thanks to two series of photographies that resonated very strongly with me: one series of nude photographies taken at the beach by @analog_avocados and a series taken by @tiagoxavierphotography with organic and ambient visuals beautifully projected on her (see below). Joana chose a quote that has a very special meaning to her. In this context "strong" refers to beliefs and principles, and "seed" means "the beginning of bigger things". This is your reminder that everything starts with small steps.
Marion Crampe •
She inspires me on every level. Marion is one of the very first pole dancer I discovered 8 years ago, at the beginning of my pole journey. Her profound artistry and human expression vibrates through her practice as an instructor and movement artist. She is a stunning performer who explores pole movement and hair hanging. She has a kind of strength that is whole.
She shared with the PoleCon's audience the following poem about her father's love for the Earth and the teachings he passed on to her. Thank you for your wisdom.
Natasha Wang •
Natasha Wang is a renowned LA-based pole dancer and instructor who won many titles. I have always appreciate her style: emotional, graceful and with strong creative storytelling. Natasha often shares yoga-inspired pole shapes and she created the Pole Poetry Flow class whose focus is on fluidity and presence to guide the dance. In the message she picked, she reminds us the primitive origin of dance.
Kira Noire •
Known for her Russian exotic and sensual style, Kira Noire received the International Pole Champion title four times! Since I started pole dancing when I was learning how to surf in Australia, I always loved to follow her journey as a pole dancer and surfer. Her message is a reminder that mind, soul, body and nature are connected.
Victoria Velasco •
I met Victoria last year for a fun backbend class over Zoom thanks to my friend Lola! Based in the Philippines and multi-skilled, Victoria teaches pole dance, aerial silks, heels and flexibility at the Polecats studio. Conscious movement with our body, awareness, is directly connected to our intentions and choices in daily life:
Thank you for joining Words of Wisdom poleforplanet.com edition! What resonated the most with you? Should this become a series Words of wisdom from pole dancers, movement artists and climate enthusiasts? Would you like to see more of this in the future? Who would you like to see being featured on the platform? Let me know in the comments!
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