The 1st ever North Wales Pole Competition was a huge success.  As the first of it's kind in North Wales we were dubious as to the reception it would receive, but we had a great turn out in the Theatre and so many spectators commented that they could now see why pole dance is an art and the physical effort involved in each routine was impressive.  The competitors had worked extremely hard and we thank each and every one of them for their marvellous performances.   The dressing rooms were full of nervous ladies, however each and everyone of them was offering support and encouragement to the others, demonstrating again how the pole dance community resembles an extended family.  Our 2 performing judges were spectacular as always with Karen Chaundy aweing the audience with her strength and flexibility while Sally- Ann  Giles  entertained  the crowd and was a true inspiration to all the girls.  The Break n Spin dancers and Polly Lagdon were brilliant, and we feel privileged to have had them open our competition, along with the fantastic Zara Grove who gave us a 'sparkling' aerial hoop performance.  All the girls really were amazing, the vast majority of them had never performed in public before and they all did themselves proud and their schools must also share in that pride.   We also thank all our sponsors: Pagans Pole, X-Pole, Sharp-Shooters, Candy & Chrome, Mighty Grip, Glyn Davies, United Kingdom Amateur Pole Perfomer, pole2pole magazine, Katie Thomas (our lovely pole cleaner) and Katrina Collins (our lovely compare) who each helped to make the NWPC a success.

The winners in each category were:

Performer:

1st Place Katie Davies (school = Lovespin)

2nd place Melanie Stott (school = Pagans Pole)

Intermediate:

1st place = Heather Walker (school = Pagans Pole)

2nd place = Ellie Humphreys (school = Sharp Shooters)

Advanced:

1st place = Rhian Burrell (school = Sharp Shooters)

2nd place = Sam Sinfield (school = Sharp Shooters)

Professional:

1st place = Sonia Allcock (school = Sharp Shooters)

2nd place = Emma Boutet (school = Pagans Pole)

The UKAPP and BIPDC places were awarded to:

Intermediate level of UKAPP = Nikki Lines (Pagans Pole)

Advanced level of UKAPP = Heather Walker (Pagans Pole)

BIPDC Professional level = Sonia Allcock (Sharp Shooters)

Our after party was a huge success with girls jumping straight back on the poles in the club and Sally-Ann spent most of the evening demonstrating moves and helping a very celeb-struck crowd of girls pull off their tricks.  Also our masterclasses went swimmingly and I know the girls worked hard and felt they had come away with a touch of Sally- Ann magic to play with!  And of course lots of aches and bruises!!

All in all the North Wales Pole Competition 2010 was a giant success and the schools that participated ought to feel very proud; however, we are now looking forward to an even bigger and better 2011 Competition with two more schools expressing a desire to compete!

Tracy Huckfield.

Pagan's Pole & North Wales Pole Dance Competition.