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Pole Art 2012
Had a look and was surprised to see no thread already started on Pole Art 2012 – so here is a place for us to "oooh" and "arrhh" over those amazing, elite pole dancers and to debate our favourites 🙂 You can watch all the performances here: http://new.livestream.com/Poleranking/PoleArt/videos/2949738?fb_ref=2949738%2F1078989%2F1329938%3B2949738%2F1078989%2F1329938&fb_source=home_oneline
My impressions so far:
Anastasia's performance (1:20hr) was beautifully fluid and gentle and sweet… I like that she started at the top of the pole. I LOVED her white cut-out sparkly one-piece. That move she ends with always blows my mind. (name?) So flexi! I just find her so relaxing to watch… her lines are perfection.
I know Oona is incredibly strong and controlled and precise in her movements, but I wasn't as enthralled with her performance like I have been in the past… maybe I'm just becoming used to her awesomeness!? 😛 I did like how she was in sync with the music, she expresses changes in tempo, instrumental peaks etc
Lauren Hilsum – (1hr:40min) – the first half of her dance BLEW me away… so fast and smooth, strong and flexi, loved her music choice as well…. sounded like a classical dubstep remix! She had some killer combos that suited the music perfectly. The second half of her performance seemed to have less energy and drama to me though… but still, wow.
Pink Puma – I love her flexibility and individuality, but sometimes her transitions can be a bit jerky. That move she does where she hangs from one foot and one hand while in a split…. awesome. I like that she didn't dance to classical (why does everyone in pole art seem to dance to classical??? Is there a rule about this? Would have loved to see some rock n roll or indie or something a little funkier), but I don't think her song choice was emotive, fast or powerful enough for her movement…
I love how expressive Maria Luz Escalante's performance was – and I love her song choice – "Falling Slowly" Glen Hansaard. (15:00min)
Seven Retchless – (20:00min) – SO captivating and dynamic! I love the dark, spooky, gothic tone of the music and his costume and body language…. SO fluid and graceful! Loved his performance – that inverted drop was perfectly timed.
The group performance (couldn't catch their name, but there were four dressed in yellow with masks) – I found it kind of uncomfortable to watch actually… maybe there were too many things diverting my attention, but I just couldn't warm to the style of their movements… kind of tribal/acro-balancing/contemporary…. I just didn't get it… and the music… nope… not enough high and low/ passion. (1:00hr)
Saulo Sarmiento (1:08hr) – ok so I think he deserved to win – SO strong – those dead lifts were awesome, hanging from the rigginf with his feet terrified me! And fluid… sigh it is so nice to see that blokes can be just as fluid and graceful and can ALWAYS point their feet as women… I love that jump backwards into SM that Edouard Doye does also…. I wonder why he didn't compete this year? Obviously previous winners can enter because oona has…
Natasha Wang – (1:14hr) – LOVED it! She commits to her performances totally – she was in character the whole time, I loved the intensity of her movemetns and the music – flexing her feet – funky – I really liked it. I think I saw her struggle to extend herself in the splits at one point mid-trick…. maybe that's what cost her a few points?
There were other performances but I need a break from watching and writing! I think it's so great that people organise these pole events and competition as a way of highlighting the unique styles and incredible talent and skill of elite pole dancers around the world… Just wondering… is there a rule insisting on bare feet? I just find it interesting that not one dancer wore heels…
Anyway, hope you all share your own thoughts and perspectives – I hope I didn't come across too critical… These guys are all inspirational to me and it is a testament to their dedication and training that they made it to this level. So if I do say anything negative about their performances it's just me being honest and reflecting for my own learning purposes… much as I do on my own videos. 🙂 xo
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5 Replies
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Thanks for the post Scarlett. On the page you linked they also put another one for youtube
http://www.youtube.com/user/PoleRanking/videos
I still have to check out the performances you mentioned but so far I'm really liking Saulo Sarmiento. I think he is looked so graceful.
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I was there. It was amazing! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif
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Scarlett- I agree with almost everything you said!!
Anastasia often starts on the pole and I love that! She is soo dreamy 🙂
Oona always amazes me! But this performance, I felt, was lacking in…Oona. Maybe she is trying to broaden her style…even my boyfriend said of all the performances of Oona’s he has seen, this was by far the most tame.
Natasha’s performance had me from the very start. It was themed and beautifully executed. It totally reminded me of a cirque show. I truly felt she deserved the win…
Steven is UNBELIEVEABLE. I loved how he plucked the pole like an instrument. I had to rewind a few sins and especially the last invert like 3 times. Unreal.
But Saulo. Saulo freakin Salmiento is aaaaamaaaazing. His “crazy” routine was just so fitting. I was so enthralled. He was spectacular.
Rafeala’s performance also captivated me. I LOVE her style! She’s so alive and so precise.
Lauren looked as though she was dancing underwater (the light blue lights helped!) Her costume was so flowy and lender itself effortlessly to her performance. Really enjoyed her performance as well.
The group performance confused me as well. It was a little…much for me. Don’t get me wrong. I love artsy, interpretive dance just as much as the next person, but I felt it was a bit out of place for such a prestigious event…
Pink Puma- I enjoyed it as well but definitely saw some jerkiness. I do like her style. I think the reason most people dance to classical music at Pole Art is because it is considered to be the most prestigious pole event. Now that doesn’t mean it’s always the best, but I think they expect more “classy” performances, if you know what I mean.
Did you enjoy Phoenix Kazree’s performance? I really enjoyed it. She has a ballet style that I’m drawn to. Not to mention she is just downright stunning!!
Jenyne’s guest performance was GORGEOUS! God I love that woman. She is a pole goddess! I can’t remember we I’ve missed…
Anyway- a brilliant display of the art of pole. Thoroughly enjoyed it, even the performances that didn’t adhere to my particular style of choice. Love the expression of each individual that performed!
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Ugh so many typos (damn iPad!) sorry- hope you get the gist 😉
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SashaMae I agree with what you said too! Yes Laurence did look like she was made of water or dancing under water! Just watched Michelle Stanek's performance – I love that it was sensual and erotic – as you say, this is a classy pole event, so unfortunately sensuality and sexyness often go out the window…. so I love that she brought that back, it was exciting!
Oh my gosh Jenyne's performance was stunning. I love her song choice – it's emotive and dynamic…. I didnt want her to stop!
I still have to watch Phoenix's, will get back to you soon! 🙂
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