“I’ve made a huge social sacrifice to be a competitive pole dancer, but I don’t regret it.”

Tehera Nesfield

Activities: Pole fitness, Pole competitor, Pole performer

Q: You are a Pole athlete, how did you get started?

I started to pole when a co-worker/friend asked me to take a class with her. She was new to pole as well and wanted a partner in crime. We took our first class at New York Pole Dancing.

Q: The sport of pole is growing rapidly, why do you think that is?

I think pole is growing rapidly because for people that hate going to the gym, it’s a great way to get a workout in. As it evolves into a more competitive sport, it allows those who are competitive by nature to have an outlet. It also has given women a voice that they may have felt was stifled up until the pole evolution.

Q: You recently competed, what was the competition, and how did you do?

I recently competed in Paragon – An International Pole Dance Championship in the International Amateur division and I placed 3rd.

Q: Was this your first competition? If not, what other competitions have you done?

This was not my first competition. I also competed in California Pole Dance Championship Amateur division 2013, National Aerial Pole Art Amateur division 2014, World Pole Dance Championships of Sports Standard 2014.

Q: When did you decide this was the sport you wanted to focus on and why?

When I moved to California I applied for The Choreography House 2013 scholarship program, a comprehensive program to develop pole athletes and performers. I got accepted and I really grew as a pole dancer in that six month time period. With all the opportunities in CA to compete I wanted to give it a try.

Q: Talk about your training, How many hours and days of the week do you spend training for pole?

My training includes a mix of dance, contortion, Chinese pole, and regular pole classes. Depending on how close I am to competition determines the amount of hours and type of classes I take. To prevent overtraining, I try my best to do my dance and contortion/stretch training days in between pole class/practice. I average four hours a day, six days a week of training.

Q: What is your athletic background?

I was a track athlete in HS and college. I ran 60m – 400m

Q: Do you feel you have made any sacrifices to be at the level you are with pole?

I’ve made a huge social sacrifice to be a competitive pole dancer, but I don’t regret it.

Q: Do you cross train and if so, what other things do you do to stay in shape?

I do crosstrain in the gym. I do resistance training and cardio.

Q: How hard is pole on your body?

Pole can be very hard on the body. When learning pole moves I make sure to do tricks on my left and right side to prevent any muscle imbalances. I tend to have muscle pains due to overuse. I do corrective exercises and get massages regularly to keep my body happy.

Q: What other hobbies do you have? How do you like to spend your down time?

Hobbies outside of pole… haha I don’t have time for much else outside of work than pole. Even in my down time I am watching pole videos.

Q: What do you do for a living?

I am a personal trainer at Equinox and I personal train privately. I also teach pole at The Choreography House and Infit Dance Studio

Q: Give 3 words to describe yourself?

Outgoing, loyal, impulsive

Q: Where did you grow up?

I am an army brat. I was born in NY then moved to CO -> VA -> DE (Germany) -> MD -> DE -> NY

Q: You live in California now, do you ever think you’ll move back home?

I can definitely see myself moving back to the east coast at some point.

Q: Is pole something you see yourself doing 10-15 years from now, why or why not?

I see pole being a part of my life forever, whether it’s teaching, taking a class, or just watching.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish with pole, short and long term goals?

Right now my focus with pole is to just continue teaching and performing. I’m not sure if I will return to competing.

Q: What do you say to women that think pole is too hard, or you have to be strong to take classes?

Pole is for women of all shapes and sizes and it doesn’t matter how strong or weak you think you are. You just have to start.

Q: Why did you agree to be a part of the MCBMI campaign?

I love what MCBMI represents.