Deirdre is our Vixen of the month! Thanks for sharing your story and being a Vixen!
1) What do you do when you’re not in pole dancing/lyra/aerial classes?
I’m an outdoors girl, so long walks are my thing. You’ll often find me in the ravines, no matter what the weather.
2) How did you first discover pole dancing?
My friend back home Arlene Caffrey is a pretty amazing competitive pole dancer and she inspired me to try it. My first time wrapped around a pole was at her studio back in Ireland, where I’m from, about five years ago. I’ve dropped out of pole numerous times in those years and have always ended up coming back.
3) Do you have any previous dance, fitness or sports experience?
Before pole, I had tried a little bit of burlesque dance, but as a whole, I was not a dancer growing up or in any way athletic. I struggled through my first-ever few pole classes and took about four weeks before I was able to master a very basic fireman spin (yes, I was that student!). I have also dabbled a little bit in other aerial apparatuses, like silks, trapeze, and lyra, but pole is my favourite.
4) What appealed to you about pole dancing that made you decide to try it?
Gymnastics and figure skating is always something that’s fascinated me and as a kid I would always tune into the Olympics just to watch these two sports. Pole dancing reminded me of those disciplines in so many ways.
5 ) How did you come to be a member at Brass Vixens?
I had taken a long break from pole when I moved to Toronto from Dublin. During a period of homesickness, I realized I needed something to connect me to people. Luckily Brass Vixens happened to be one block down from where I worked and that’s how the story begins!
6) What were your first impressions?
Honestly one of the first things I noticed (and loved) was that the instructors came in all shapes and sizes. This isn’t something I was used to at other aerial studios. I also loved that from the get-go, Pleasers were encouraged. It says a lot about a studio.
7) What keeps you committed to pole dancing?
Without it, I feel so weak – mentally and physically. Once you get past the very tough bits at the beginning it becomes crazy addictive, but in a very positive way. The people keep me coming back too, the instructors, in particular, are honestly such wonderful people!
8) What do you feel is a crucial element for a successful class
experience?
Hydration before class is key, as well as avoiding sugar the day of the class! Without proper hydration, my toes cramp when I point my toes and things just hurt more the next day, and too much sugar before makes me crash mid-class. I also struggle to perform when I haven’t had good carbs that day, so make sure I get those about two hours before class.
9) What has been an exciting moment for you on your pole journey?
Just becoming stronger in a basic chopper invert has been a big moment for me. I’ve never struggled with my invert but I’m finally at a level where I can slowly and in a controlled way crunch into a chopper and hold it.
10) Do you have any pole goals you’re working towards?
Spin pole! Specifically inversions on spinny. I’ve finally ordered my own X-Pole in the hopes of achieving this goal.
11) How has pole dancing and taking classes at Brass Vixens affected the rest of your life and sense of self?
As someone newish to the city, it’s opened up a whole new community to me which I didn’t have before. It’s my main outlet now too and without it I feel my anxiety creeping in. From a wellbeing point of view, it’s made the world of difference to me.
12) What has surprised you the most?
Believe it or not, you absolutely CAN do a split – even if you never could as a kid – once you train the right way.
13) Heels or no heels?!
I love the look of heels but I’m not much of a heel gal when it comes to doing tricks. I find it messes with my toe point when I wear them, so prefer to go without.
