The First Pole Now Eisteddfod is on Saturday
Guest Post by Pole Now Eisteddfod
After many years of competing in the pole industry, I find myself in the same circle of events that I do each year when preparing for a competition.
I would make up a routine (or usually half a routine) pick out what I think is a fancy theme and add a sparkly costume to match. I train the tricks again and again, and try to show as many people as possible before the big day. But when my feedback audience is my close friends and beginner students, it is sometimes hard to get a fair critique, other than “wow, you can do the splits!”
And that is when I reminisce to dance eisteddfod days. I didn’t do many as a child, but when I did them, they became my world. I got to do my hair and make up, perform my routine and get a cool costume.
Once my section was over and I had watched other competitors’ sing and tap dance to “Bye Bye Black bird” at least 5 times, I would collect my score sheet from the Adjudicators. The sheet was filled with critiques and one score out of 100. It was unbiased feedback, given by professional performers. This was something I found very hard to gain after pole dance competitions, so whenever I judge pole comps, I find myself scribbling unreadable notes down the side of the scoring sheets, hoping that each competitor will get the chance to read those notes and help with their future routines.
And that is how Pole Now Eisteddfod was created. I found there to be a gap between Amateur competitions and end of term shows. Students wanted to perform but kept saying, “When I’m better” or “next time.”
Pole Now aims to bridge this gap, where students can present their routine they have made for the next amateur comp, their end of term show or even make up a routine (or half a routine) to get some feedback. The eisteddfod is for all pole dancers, from any studio, from and level. You can even make up a duo, trio or group routine. This way, students can be ready to perform at the next amateur comp, pub show or professional level performance.
Held in studios, students may do whatever they feel like and gain honest feedback. There will be prizes too, however the emphasis is on having a fun time and gaining some stage experience before actually hitting the big stage. For more advanced students, this can be a way to get some feedback on their performance skills and technique.
For more information and to join Pole Now Eisteddfod, please visit www.facebook.com/PoleNowEisteddfod and click on the “about” section.
The first Eisteddfod is held on Saturday May 19 at Pole Dance Academy. Open to ALL students.
