In keeping with the performance themed posts of late, I thought I would go a little bit outside the box and interview the lovely Anna Frost. Anna is no stranger to performing at many a pole event, however since 2015 she’s been a regular performer at the legendary Glastonbury festival- which is pretty fucking cool if you ask me. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to perform not only at a festival, but at one of the biggest festivals in the world, then now’s your chance to find out.
When did you first start performing at Glasto?
My first year was 2015 – I was so frightened! I felt super out of my depth and surrounded by incredible performers. We were taking turns on the pole and every time it got around it my turn, I was desperate to not go up. I’d only been poling for two years and had pretty much no freestyling experience – and no freestyle-tricks-on-spin-pole experience! I was amazed to be asked back again – I don’t think I’d have asked myself back! Obviously, I have worked very hard in the eight years since then…
What’s been your most enjoyable Glasto performance so far?
This year especially was great fun. In the past I’ve mainly done pole as go-go dancing for DJs, but this year I got to be part of a cabaret show for a ‘secret area.’ I got to speak with so many people who had been in the audience afterwards, and loads of them told me they’d always wanted to start pole and felt like seeing me there was a sign! I hope at least one of them signed up for a class afterwards, that would be the absolute dream.
photo credit – @andrepattendenpersonal
What is your favourite thing about performing at Glasto?
I love the atmosphere at Glastonbury. People look out for each other, they’re ready to *feel* things, and Glasto as a festival does a great job of making everyone feel connected and a little more spiritual for the week. I love walking around the site, seeing ridiculous things around every corner, and then getting to be part of creating that magic for people too. The crowds are generally super receptive to pole and excited to see it. A lot of them won’t have seen pole at all before (at least not in person) so it’s really cool to see their faces light up when you perform.
Similarly to the above, what is your least favourite thing about performing at Glasto?
My least favourite thing is the super late nights! When you’re performing at 3am or 4am most of the people you’re working with are awake and focused because they are, well, not sober. And as a pole performer, you are! Which means that as well as battling your own fatigue from late nights, early mornings, hours of walking, set up, training, general festival life etc., you also must be helping other people, watching your kit, and dealing with wasted people trying to talk to you about pole very close to your face! You then also have to pack down the pole and move it to safety – often long distances – and normally by yourself. Then you can go to bed.
How does performing at a festival differ from performing at a regular pole showcase? Do you prefer some elements of it?
Festivals are so incredibly different from performing at literally any other event, and they almost couldn’t be *more* different to a pole event! Firstly, it cannot be understated just what hard freaking work they are. By the end your body is absolutely broken – minimal sleep, staying in a tent on the floor for a week, packing up and taking down the pole over and over on your own, ferrying it about over uneven terrain (sometimes through mud baths) and that’s not to mention performing itself! You’re normally working with people who aren’t used to dealing with pole and the logistics of it, so you must be able to quite assertive (“sorry no, I can’t set up my pole then leave it outside in the elements for the entire week. No, you can’t just drag it onto stage by yourself. I know you’re drunk and it’s exciting but please don’t try and help me right now you’re covered in suncream”). The performance itself is different too – an audience who hasn’t seen pole before is much more impressed by you climbing the pole or dropping into the splits than they are by a trick you’ve spent months working on. They have to be able to understand what they’re seeing in order to appreciate it. They like spin pole, big shapes, and personal interaction. You need to be comfortable with freestyling too – both your performance, and your plans for the day! It may sound strange to say this after all of that, but I love performing at festivals. It’s my absolute favourite thing, and I have been so lucky to work with some of the most incredible, beautiful, creative, wonderful people over the years. They’ve become family.
photo credit – @andrepattendenpersonal
Have you met any celebs whilst performing at Glasto? If so who and what were they like?
I’ve met quite a few! I go-go danced with Groove Armada this year, and Andy was so sweet and friendly, he kept turning around to check on us and make sure we were okay which was lovely. Skrillex is also a genuinely nice dude. The people who stop to chat with the dancers and crew really stand out. I’ve also met quite a few who weren’t so nice, but I’ll keep those to myself!
Have you performed at any other festivals?
This year I’ll be performing at Boomtown, and I have a couple more in the works for next year. I’m quite particular about where I go – Glastonbury is my favourite place on Earth and it’s the honour of my life to be able to put on a show there. I like to work at events that have a similar vibe of love and creativity and nonsense.
Are there any festivals that are on your bucket list to perform at?
Definitely! I would love to do Download to perform with a rock band – I just need a band to realise what they’re missing!
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