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Malinda Thirlaway
Specialty: Pole Fitness
Malinda has been trained by world renowned pole performers and instructors from the UK and Australia . She has performed at a number of venues including the Oxford Art Factory, Sydney and has taught pole fitness classes in the UK and Australia . She advocates pole dancing as fun way to get fit. A cross between gymnastics, circus skills and traditional dance methods the classes are extremely enjoyable and suitable for all levels.
Pole dancing has many forms such as exotic, empowering and pole fitness. Malinda specialises in pole fitness. Classes are taught on x-poles, they begin with a warm-up, then the moves will be explained and these will then be incorporated into a routine. During the routine section you will learn and develop moves specific to your level, this allows beginners to advanced students to work together in the same class.
Malinda also runs Hens Night Out: Pole Dance Parties.
Come prepared to have lots of fun!!! See you there!
Pole specific FAQs
Who can attend a pole dance class?
Absolutely anyone, male or female, size or shape can join in a pole exercise class, but all students must be over the age of 18 or over the age of 16 with parents consent and the participant must be healthy and NOT anti-natal or post-natal. Everyone is shy at first so you are all in the same boat, but if you really can’t join in a group fitness class then why not have a one to one class.
What will the class involve?
The class begins with a dance warm up to increase the bodies temperature, mobilise the joints and prepare the body for the next part of the class, the routine, this includes spins, transitions and floor work designed for each students level. To finish there is a cool down to improve flexibility.
What should I wear?
There is strictly no striptease however you will find it easier to have bare arms and legs to perform the moves. This is because the pole requires skin contact to cause traction or a break, if you do not have bare skin traction to the pole is not possible and the body part can not grip causing too much slide, so we recommend sports shorts that are tight fitting around the upper thigh area (cycling shorts are too long) and a singlet, how ever if you feel uncomfortable please wear loose fitting tracksuit bottoms or leggings that can be rolled up.
Please do not wear any body creams, oils or lotions on the day of your class.
Cream coats the skin in grease which transfers to the pole making it slippery and dangerous. Ballet flats or toe thongs can be worn on the feet to help prevent chaffing on the balls of the feet. Classes are usually performed in bare feet unless it is a specified “heels” class.
How do I prevent bruising and chaffing?
Bruising and chaffing is generally caused by lack of body strength. The arms are not strong enough to support the bodies weight so the legs over compensate by gripping on to the pole too tightly, alternatively the hands grip the pole too tightly allowing the lower body to spin but the lead hand to stop, this will result in chaffing of the wrists and arms. As your strength and technique begins to improve your bruising and chaffing becomes less and less. For wrists and arms we recommend placing sweat bands on the offending areas, for knees and legs, you should buy dance knee pad or use rolled over leg warmer and for feet you should try jazz shoes or yoga trainers.
What are the fitness benefits of pole dancing?
Like all types of dancing, pole dancing gives you a cardiovascular workout, which raises your heart rate and burns fat. What you also get from pole dancing is improved muscle definition and toning all over especially in the arms, back, abs and thighs. This is because pole dancing incorporates resistance training. It also improves your balance, your stability and your posture.
How many are in a class?
It is very important to me that each student gets ample time on the pole so pole dancing classes are limited to 3 students to a pole. We currently have 5 poles therefore places are limited to 15 students per class.
Where can I buy a pole and do I need one?
You can purchase your pole from
X-POLE. Like anything new: you learn you need to practice it to reach a good standard. Participating in one class a week will, in the beginning, be enough to increase your strength, however as you get stronger you may want a pole to practice on a home or attend more than one class per week.
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