Peace, Love and Pole Dance: An Interview with Katrina Skye

I first met Katrina Skye at my producer Dan's 30th birthday. As his surprise birthday present, she set up her 'travel pole' in the living room and put on a fabulous show of sexiness, strength and breathtaking pole tricks to tremendous applause. I was immediately taken with her glowing smile and beautiful nature, not to mention her pure talent. Going from the drastic transition of neuroscientist to aerialist, she is an inspiration to all those who run with their true passions in life. A petite, powerful and motivated young woman, Katrina seemed the most wonderful person to interview on some of the key topics Pippa and I have been addressing so far this month. 

It is my great pleasure to introduce her to you all as a guest speaker for our Strong is the New Sexy campaign.

(a soaring love for heights)

What sports and hobbies do you do? 

I am primarily focused on pole which I teach and compete in. Since starting around 4 and a half years ago, I have discovered other areas such as aerial hoop, silks, and contortion, as well as taking part in a few burlesque performances. I have also recently been drawn into calisthenics which helps a lot with pole flexibility and strength. Outside of this I enjoy loads of other hobbies, I love anything that involves nature; horse riding, rock climbing and snowboarding are particular favourites of mine.

So how did you get into such strength based activities? 

I've always been active (and pretty hyperactive)! I spent most of my childhood at the stables, but it was only around the age of 16 that I started becoming aware of health and fitness. I began by making small changes to my diet and working on cardiovascular fitness. It was only after starting pole that I got into strength and realised how fun it all could be.

What made you take up pole dancing?

If I'm honest I really wasn’t too aware of what it really involved. I thought it was this cool crazy thing and being upside down looked fun, but I soon found out there was a lot more to it than that. It has given me so much in terms of pushing me outside my comfort zone and leading me now to a better relationship with myself.

(Playing with some tricks)

Why would you encourage others to do burlesque and pole? 

It is a lot of fun! I love how strong pole makes you and in such a functional way, while also developing flexibility and endurance - it gives you such well rounded fitness. Although I only dabble in Burlesque, I find it really helps with your confidence. It also adds to any kind of performance by making you aware of the little details, such as where your eye contact is or your hand placement. I have also found a lot of really nice, interesting people in the burlesque scene.

Who inspires you? 

Pretty much everyone! I get inspired seeing beginners developing their love for pole, it reminds me of my journey into it. I also get excited watching the pros and looking at everyones individual take on pole. 

I have a couple of crazy free runner/rock climbing friends that motivate me to try more dangerous things, challenge myself and push harder. As for pole dancers; Felix Cane, Anastasia Skukhtorova and Jenyne Butterfly are my top 3 inspirations.

Where do you see yourself in the future? 

This is a hard one as I think it will constantly change as I find out more about myself and what I enjoy and want from life. At the moment I’m hoping to be doing a lot more travelling - finding a way to see the world and share my passions with other people is something important to me. I love teaching so I will definitely be doing that! I am hoping in the future to set up a snow and pole retreat, but that would be a long way off from where I am now.

 (Katrina above enjoying doubles outdoor aerial hoop)

What advice would you give to people who want to take up these activities?

Do it! Don't be worried about failing as the most certain way to fail is by refusing to try, and I do truly believe that if you keep trying you will never fail. Also very few people start off being good so enjoy the learning process. You will never be perfect so just enjoy doing what you can and be thankful for all the incredible things that your body can do!! 

If being self-conscious is a concern, remember that it is likely 90% of the class will be thinking the exact same thing. Being human means we just can't resist disliking ourselves when ever we try something new. I would also advise you to try your very hardest to not compare yourself to the people in your class as it isn't beneficial to anyone, take inspiration but never compare. Go for it and take pride in everything you do, even if it involves falling off the pole in the middle of a performance.

How do you keep fit and healthy? 

By viewing exercise and healthy eating as an enjoyable experience instead of a chore. I used to eat very badly, multiple cans of Fanta a day, pizza and pancakes were a regular dinner and snacks of chocolate throughout. I just started making small changes and adding challenges such as giving up fizzy drinks for a week with a friend, then after that pushing myself to go a little bit longer. I find allowing yourself to have anything but making the decision that you and your body is too precious to be consuming rubbish is a much nicer outlook on dieting.

(spreading some cheer)

How has pole dancing and fitness improved your life? 

It has made me much stronger and that has carried over into every sport I try and everyday life. I also feel like it has improved my confidence massively, previously I used to get so hung up on what my body looked like and how small I was but now I focus instead on what my body is capable of and that has made me a lot happier. 

How does 'Strong is the New Sexy' fit in with your personal feelings on body image?

I love the concept of strong as the new sexy! As a girl that spends a lot of time doing strength based sport you end up with a physique that is different from the magazines standard of attractive and it can be really difficult to deal with sometimes. I've gained a lot of muscle and so have had to deal with being larger than previously, as I used to be tiny, so initially that was really off putting for me. 

It did take some time to get used to having more muscle but now I love my body as it's capable of so many more things it would not have been able to do before. But as much as I enjoy being strong, I think love for your body should come just because it is you and your home to experience life in. The outward should only be changed as a result of a focus on health and performance, not as the primary goal.

(strength can be anywhere)

What has drawn you to competing with pole?

I think competitions are the best way to improve as they give you something to aim for with a deadline. It also means that you have to work on routines instead of just learning individual moves so really helps you come into your own style and express yourself completely. With performing you are often under the pressure that someone has paid you so it's lovely to just put a routine together entirely for yourself once in a while. 

It is also a great opportunity to meet other people with a similar interest and learn from each other, I've met some really caring people and had some of the best days at competitions. I can't wait to do more in the future.

You are off somewhere very exciting right now, can you tell me more about your trip?

Well, I am currently staying in Big White, Canada doing my snowboard instructor training. Snowboarding is another huge passion of mine and I love being outside in nature so I really needed to take this step. Hopefully in the future I can find a good way of combining my passions! So far it has been incredible and I am completely knackered, although I am hoping all the leg exercise will even me out as with pole I tend to train my upper body a lot more.

What are your plans for when you are back?

Well in the short term I will be setting up group lessons for pole and flexibility which will be held in Hove and continuing to teach private classes. I will also be performing more with the lovely Crystal King and hopefully soon in some other venues on a regular basis and am hoping to perform a new double act with my friend. After spending a few days here though I am almost certain I will be heading back next winter. When that happens I plan to give Skype pole lessons and look at teaching a few classes while I'm over here as well as snowboarding.

Is there any other advice you want to pass on to our readers?

I think the most important but also one of the hardest things to do in life is to not compare yourself to others; both in appearance and in ability. That goes either way, even if you are doing better, it's of no benefit to anyone to express yourself as superior or inferior to others. Just be happy with where YOU are with every new challenge and enjoy the learning process through all of your endeavours.

Peace, Love & Pole Dance,

K Skye xxox

(just beautiful)

At present Katrina is on a fabulous trip in Canada so won't be teaching again until April but feel free to message her on catherine@skye-pole.co.uk or alternatively via her website http://skyepole.wordpress.com if you are interested in signing up for group classes or booking private lessons with her, or maybe just to check out her gallery of yet more awesome pictures.

AKC x