Pole Dance Community Feature - Oona Kivela.

Oona Kivela has shot to fame since her recent win at the first ever Northern European battle of the pole competition in Stockholm, Sweden on 23rd January 2010. The video from the battle of the pole event has flown around social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook and one of her videos on YouTube has already had nearly 25,000 views since it was posted.  Her athletic style and perfect timing on the pole impressed many people and her signature move, the flying K, marked out her talent for pole dancing. Aside from competitive pole dancing Oona runs her own gym called Gymi and her own pole dancing classes called PowerPole, these classes include jumps on trampolines, tricks on bars, beam and rings. Gymnastics and pole together.

Click here to watch Oona in action at Battle of the Pole 2010.

The PDC Team interviewed Oona to find out a little bit more about her and her passion for pole dancing.

What first got you into pole dancing?

I saw an article of pole dancing in NYC, so I went to Crunch to try it out.

What are your favourite pole moves?

I love spins and spin combos. The Flying K (see picture below) is one of my favourites and fast acrobatic combos too.

Do you prefer spinning or static pole?

Both, spinning pole is much more challenging.

Do you use 38mm, 45mm or 50mm poles?

45mm suits my hands, my competitions are always 50mm.

What sort of poles do you use?

There is only one pole, X-pole :).

Do you have a favourite grip aid?

I don’t use any at practice. I use Gorilla Gold at competitions.

What is your pole dancing nemesis?

Competing against stripper style contestants, because I will lose if the judges prefer the cheap look and way of moving.

What do you do aside from pole dancing?

I own a gym for kids and youngsters in Helsinki.

Have you ever had any injuries from pole dancing?

Never had any.

Do you get performances nerves?

I have always got quite nervous about competing for example in gymnastics but never in pole dancing. We are a perfect match!

Who do you admire within the pole dancing world?

Remi Martin and Felix Cane. But basically Felix is the only pole dancer who makes me say woooow.

Do you have any pets?

I have a dog : ), A westie who is the real diva “ Sandra”.

Oona is clearly devoted to keeping fit and healthy and ensuring that others do the same, Power pole student Anna, 18 said  “In Oona’s classes we’re never allowed to slack off. No matter how advanced you are, she motivates to work towards your personal goals with the right techniques”  

The PDC team would like to congratulate Oona on her recent win at Battle of the Pole and for being a great role model for the fitness pole dancing industry.