WHEN DID YOU START POLE AND WHY?
I started my pole journey around Jan 2020. An instructor made me after my absolute resistance to it for over a year haha. I never felt like I would fit in or there was a place for me. When I originally started in my studio it was in hammock and silks. I'll always give Sarah credit as she is the reason I started pole.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE POLE TRICK/POSE OR POLE FLOW?
My favourite trick is the pole whip kip! I feel like I'm flying every time I do it.
WHAT IS YOUR POLE NEMESIS?
Dangerous bridge - I always feel like I'm about to eat the floor when I even attempt getting into it
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC TO TRAIN/DANCE TO?
I love all genres. I think as a poler, your taste in music expands significantly and you learn to have an appreciation for all kinds of music. I particularly love old school hip hop. Missy Elliott tracks always get me in the mood.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST ABOUT THE POLE INDUSTRY?
I think anyone who steps on the pole—regardless of skill level—deserves credit for their dedication, bravery, and authenticity. The way that pole dance empowers people to overcome personal challenges, express themselves, and embrace their own strength and confidence is what truly inspires me.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE POLE RELATED ITEM YOU HAVE BOUGHT THIS YEAR?
It's the blaze set duh :D However if you ever release a set like Nyala, I'll just be flinging my money at y'all.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE KEDEYAHKO KWEEN?
To me, being a Kedeyahko Kween means embracing strength, resilience, and community. It’s a reminder that we lift each other up and celebrate our unique qualities. It inspires me to be confident in who I am and to contribute to something bigger than myself, all while empowering others to do the same.
SHARE A TIME WHEN YOU WERE NOT SO PERFECT ON THE POLE?
I had incorrectly installed a pole at home with my friend and took it for a test. While spinning and inverting off the top of the pole came off and went straight into the wall putting a hole above the cupboard. Thankfully my friend who was with me did not try to catch it while I was falling cos it would have been over for the both of us hahah.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS MISSING/NEEDED IN THE POLE INDUSTRY?
I could write War and Peace on this section but to not bore you, I'll break it down into three main sections.
There needs to be more POC instructors. I genuinely do not think there's enough of us and beyond that I would also love to see more inclusivity of our LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities. I think they're not platformed in the way they should be so I'd love to see more spaces, where they are centered. There’s definitely room for more representation.
As pole dancing has become more acrobatic, injuries are a concern and I think there needs to be more education particularly at the beginning stages of a pole dancer's journey. Once we form those habits, it's hard to unlearn them. There should be more emphasis on proper technique, injury prevention, and recovery to help pole dancers progress safely.
I also think pole dancing still remains inaccessible for a lot of people, because frankly, it's not cheap, and this I believe ties back in with the issue of being more inclusive of different diverse backgrounds of people. From competitions to workshops to equipment to clothing to accessories, so even though it has grown in popularity, it still will only attract certain backgrounds of people who can actually afford to participate.
RANDOM / FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF
I can open up bottles with my teeth (I know, don't judge me, but an auntie taught me to do this)
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE?
The goal I've set for myself this year is mastery (growing as an instructor, helping others on their journey and hopefully, to compete for the first time). Pole is an ever evolving journey and feeds my curious little Gemini heart! There's always more to discover and learn even if you feel you're already advanced.
You can follow Dawn on instagram @dawnie_aer