*Disclaimer* – in light of recent events, Holly and I want to clarify that this interview was conducted on the morning of Saturday 11 May, prior to the Fierce Friday Freestyle competition taking place.
Entering the world of pole dance competitions can be a minefield at best and a right royal headfuck at worst. In a rapidly expanding industry with competitions popping up left, right and centre, it can be overwhelming trying to work out which competition you want to enter, and if you even want to enter in the first place.
But fear not pole dancers of the world, help is at hand! I caught up with the fabulous, multi-competition winning legend that is Holly Baker to give us the full run down about any and all things pole competition related. Seriously people what Holly doesn’t know about competing you could write on the lid of a bottle of Dry Hands.
First off, how many years have you been competing for?
Phew that’s a hard one. I entered the first ever Kent Pole Championships (KPC) and that was my first back in 2014 – the videos were all put on DVD! I dabbled on and off a bit until 2019, and then came back in 2022 after Covid.
What made you want to compete initially?
It was more just a ‘why not’ thing back then and at our Uni society we all decided to enter KPC that first year. I came last, being in Advanced category after like 1.5 years of Pole with NO experience on making routines or even doing trick combos 😂 When I came back into doing more in 2022, I had gained more confidence in my abilities and settled into actually liking how I looked on the pole as I was doing more heels work. Barefoot dance Holly was dead 😂
These days, I compete as I love a challenge, enjoy the process and usually have a song already in mind I want to use.
What should people be prepared for when entering a pole competition?
Be prepared to be critiqued. Be prepared to feel emotions you haven’t anticipated. Be prepared to react to those critiques in a way you didn’t anticipate. And all of these feelings are ok! They’re all valid. You can prepare as much as you can but until you’re used to the process, you might still be surprised by your feelings in regards to it.
Realistically, how much graft does one need to put in in order to expect to place in a competition?
This isn’t something I can answer, as placing at a competition isn’t guaranteed and depending on how hard you work (I know, I know). I’ve placed in a comp freestyling. I’ve also won comps grafting and choreographing down to the nines. Working hard doesn’t guarantee a placement, everyone works hard. Those who have won comps freestyling worked hard to get to the point to be able to do that, and those who choreographed it all to every beat worked hard too. Competing is at the forefront subjective, criteria can be as detailed as you like but how it’s interpreted is subjective.
Graft so YOU are happy in how your piece looks and feels.
What are the green flags to look for when choosing a competition to enter?
A specific/detailed criteria, good communication/organisation and categories that are inclusive AND clear on the category requirements. Sharing the competition dates and process in a timeline from the beginning makes a big difference in my opinion.
Similarly, what are the red flags?
Shit communication. Empty or unclear criteria, then in addition an expensive entry fee and additional fees for things like feedback. Big no go! Charging an entry fee PLUS additional for feedback on a video round is unacceptable. The entry fee should cover the feedback already, same goes for a live final.
Additionally, any comp that doesn’t have an appropriate rig for the poles. For example, if your comp is on pressure mounted poles or stage poles that is a red flag!
Can you list any competitions which you would recommend people enter and why?
Eden (London, UK) for artistic freedom, impeccable organisation and communication, high quality photography and venue, reputable and experienced judges and affordable entry fees. Eden is very well located too.
I also recommend London Pole Championships for great communication, good location, inclusive categories, lovely, lovely organisers throughout the day and before/after.
I haven’t done a You Filthy comp (yet!) but I do hear good things about them from others who have competed there too.
What advice do you have for those who make it through to the live final of a competition?
Be proud of your achievement so far!
Have a think about what YOU want to present, how YOU want to move. Do you have any inspirations? Listen to ALL the music (if you don’t already have some in mind to use), and spend time just dancing to it, closing your eyes and listening and freestyling.
If you are looking to actually compete – then review the criteria and adhere to it. If you’re more looking for the fun and putting out a piece you want to do, rather than looking to place, then do what you want! Oh, and review the rules 😉
What sort of mindset do you need to have in order to compete?
The thing is, you can think you’re ready but you’re not going to know how you react until it happens. I definitely had my confidence knocked in the beginning too! It takes a lot of learning, and that’s ok.
My advice would be to prepare yourself mentally as best you can. Understand that it really is not a reflection on your skills, you as a dancer and what you’re capable of – it is based off what is presented on that day. Criteria, subjectivity, it all comes into play.
I’d always advise to not take it personal. Utilise the feedback because having someone else’s perspective and advice is valuable if you want to improve. If your mindset is winning and only winning then you need to understand this is not guaranteed no matter how hard you work or how many tricks you do, prepare yourself for that.
What are your top tips for anyone thinking about entering a pole competition?
Think about your why you want to enter and build around that. Do you want to improve or challenge yourself? Do you want to get your name out there and get the attention from it? Do you want to win? Then, are you prepared to not place – and are you prepared to hear criticism?
What life lessons has entering pole competitions taught you?
You can take and leave feedback. If there’s some you find helpful then take it – if there’s some you’re not in agreement with – leave it. Nothing is ever predictable, and for me personally – I will never be satisfied with the performance, I will always want and strive for better in what I present, and that’s ok.
Do you have any words of advice for those who don’t make it through to the final of a pole dancing competition they’ve entered?
I’ve been there, so many times. You’ll find that in the same year you may not get into two comps but then win another! All comps are different and it isn’t a reflection on your skills or capabilities. You will have been one of many entrants, and it just so happens that the other entrants suited the criteria more. You can’t expect the same result from every comp.
Have you any plans to retire from the comp scene anytime soon?
I have some more I want to do in the UK and abroad at the moment. I’m not someone who wants to do ALL of them, I do choose particular comps to do which I like. It’s also unlikely that I will do the ones I have won previously (except Eden, in a different category though). So I want to tick a couple of UK ones off then I have my eyes on ones in America, Canada and Australia.
Not only is Holly a fountain of competition knowledge, she also runs the The Pole PA , an efficient executive assistant service for businesses within the Pole Industry. Pole PA covers a wide variety of services for everyone ranging from competition organisers to studio owners, so do click on the link above to check them out.
Disclosure: The link above is an affiliate link, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn commission if you click through and make a purchase.
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