Jun 10 2014.
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I have interviewed the likes of models, fitness women, actresses, politicians and more. Today I meet an extraordinary Sri Lankan girl who has quite the unusual hobby - pole dancing!
Before your mind wanders, let me stress, this is not THAT kind of pole dancing. Nadya Rauff-Nisthar enjoys pole dancing as a fitness regime. In fact pole fitness is a growing trend around the world. It combines acrobatics and gymnastics in graceful sportiness.
I caught up with this youngster who lives in Lancaster UK and is currently studying for a PhD, whose dream is to join a travelling circus some day!
Full name: Nadya Rauff-Nisthar
Nickname: Some call me Natty
Education in brief: Primary school education in Germany. GCSE's and A/Level's in England. BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with Forensic Analysis at Loughborough University and MSc in Environmental Studies at Loughborough University.
Age: 28
Training: About 18 months
Life's motto: 'A clean home is a happy home'
Achievements in life: Graduating with a doctorate next year will be my biggest achievement!
Nadya, people usually enjoy swimming, dancing or football as fitness regimes. What is your fascination with pole dancing?
It was first suggested to me by a good friend who is a pole instructor. I was hesitant at first as I thought only skinny and beautiful girls would do it. I wasn't very confident about myself. I did however sign up for the pole fitness society at University as I was curious and I've never looked back. It's been a huge confidence boost for me, it's great for fitness and you meet so many lovely girls. And do you know that even boys that do pole?
Do people easily mistake this form of dancing for anything else?
Yes it is often mistaken with pole dancing in strip clubs. At the beginning I did often get teased for it. The great thing about pole fitness is that you learn how to master all the spins, moves and tricks. You can also put your own style to it. You can make it sporty, ‘dancy’, ‘gymnasty’ or even sexy if that is what you are going for. It is entirely up to you and what you feel comfortable with.
What is the difference between strip club pole dancing and pole dance fitness?
The main difference is that at most dance studios it is called pole fitness rather than pole dancing. We get taught how to do different moves at different levels. If you want to go off and dance in a strip club then that is entirely up to you, but during lessons all we get taught is how to execute moves safely.
Is pole dancing all about strength or testing concentration?
Yes, doing pole fitness requires immense strength which you build up over time! Think of it as doing gymnastics on a vertical pole rather than on a horizontal one.
Where will this sport take you in the future?
I have so far taken part in two university competitions. I hope that with further training I will soon be ready to compete at national competitions too! Apart from doing pole fitness I also train in aerial hoop every week, so who knows, maybe I will join a travelling circus some day!
Would you like your significant other to join you in this form of fitness?
Anyone that has watched a pole performance will appreciate how much hard work and dedication goes into it. I wouldn't waste my time on anyone that was too narrow-minded to see it.
Interview by Jayantha Fernando
Images courtesy : www.denyer.pro
0 Comments
Soma says:
Jun 10, 2014 at 12:00 amNice to read something different. We real about models and model and more models all the time. Not surprised though, Jayantha always does things differently. Good article. Great work!
wazzdawg says:
Jun 12, 2014 at 12:00 amMy wife and I are from Australia and here pole dancing is a big hit, especially in the fitness area. my wife is a professional fitness pole dancer and we always wondered what it would be to open a studio in Sri Lanka. However, I think because of the cultural back ground and religious back ground this would be an issue.
Want to learn pole fitness says:
Jun 12, 2014 at 12:00 amWish we have Pole Fitness classes in Sri Lanka :(. Would love to learn... :)
Sume says:
Jun 12, 2014 at 12:00 amThere are more models in SL than motor vehicles. In an impoverished country like SL how many wannbe try hard models actresses and designers can you have???
Mahesh says:
Jun 12, 2014 at 12:00 amFascinating stuff. She should open a studio for this in Colombo. It would be a great work out in the evenings after work.
Want to learn pole fitness says:
Jun 17, 2014 at 12:00 amWazzdawg please open one. A load of people living in colombo want to learn.
Nadya Rauff-Nisthar says:
Jun 17, 2014 at 12:00 amOh wow it's so great to have such positive feedback about pole! Thanks guys! And yes wazzdawg, I totally agree, if you are considering opening a pole studio with your wife in Colombo then you definitely should! There is a first for everything so if you take the first step then others will follow! I would love to help you promote it if you do decide to go ahead with it :D