The NSPDS (National Synchronised Pole Dance Squad) ‘Routine for the Nation’ 2010 - The review.

The NSPDS (National Synchronised Pole Dance Squad) was founded in 2009 and includes the majority of key influencers within the UK Pole Fitness industry as part of its Management Team. The Team’s vision was to create a synchronised 'Routine for the Nation' to roll out to pole dance enthusiasts all over the Country to learn, enjoy and perform together. Everyone who takes part and completes the learning of the ‘routine’ qualifies to become part of the National Synchronised Pole Dance Squad.

On Sunday 23 May 2010 the NSPDS, by way of an extra-ordinary competition held in Plymouth, hailed Sarah Scott and Amy Williams of Studio22Dance, the winners and creators of this routine which would be rolled out publicly for anyone to learn, in preparation for a synchronised group World Guinness Book of Records attempt in 2012, the year of the next Olympic Games.

The aim of the Competition was for the panel of nine Judges (Pippa Caesar (PDC approved pole dance school Pole-nastics), Miranda Goldring (PDC approved pole dance school Pole Affinity), Cat Denning and Jenni Gooch (PDC approved pole dance school South Pole Akademy), Jo Greer, Nia Pearce (PDC approved pole dance school I would rather be pole dancing), Caroline Edwards, Jo Ellis (PDC approved pole dance school Pole Confidence) and Alex Wood and Jennifer Gooch to decide upon the most suitable ‘routine’, that would be easy for instructors to teach, students to learn and enjoyable to watch. The skill level criteria limit was set at Amateur level, to suit the majority of students, with consideration that the routine could in time be adapted to suit all levels from beginners to advanced.

Variety was definitely the order of the night with different genres of music used from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’ to the Black Eyed Peas’ ‘Boom Boom Pow’. Penny Howarth and Anna Chisholm (from PDC approved pole dance school BodyBarre)wowed the audience with their Thriller routine as did Penny Howarth and Clare Markham (from PDC approved pole dance school Bodybarre - pictured above) with their amazing ‘Phantom of the Opera’ routine. The audience also witnessed street dance, burlesque, circus performance and all in all some excellent creativity and beautiful works of art were created by these dedicated ladies.

 Jemma Perry, Debbie Gaskin and Samantha Gomershall from Derby University (c/o PDC approved pole dance school the Flying Studio) performed a most entertaining Circus Compilation and brought much colour and life to the event, which would not have been the same without them.  

A well choreographed simple but effective ‘Fever’ routine was well performed by PDC approved pole dance school Pole Affinity ladies, Charlotte Broad and Lucy Barrow.

Tanya Green and Stephanie Bishop JLN Fitness (PDC approved)were the first of the Competitors (and youngest) to perform their routine but they rose to the challenge and performed a very pretty, well choreographed routine which was to set the Judging standard for the rest of the Competition.  

A most creative ‘burlesque’ type performance was created by Pole Confidence (PDC approved) ladies Hannah Curtis and Vicki Edwards.  It was clear that these ladies were well rehearsed and nailed all objectives set within the Judging criteria. It is no surprise therefore that Hannah and Vicki achieved 3rd place, irrespective of the fact that they are relatively new to Pole Fitness.

Claire Nott and Rochelle Hayward of Pole Affinity (PDC approved) were delighted to take 2nd place with their ‘en vogue’ street dance routine. Whilst dressed in yellow tattered hoodies, this bore no resemblance to the quality, effectiveness and overall entertainment value of their routine, which was well received by the Judges. 

Sarah Scott and Amy Williams of Studio22Dance (PDC approved and pictured above)) in Taunton impressed the audience and Judges considerably. Their beautifully executed ‘routine’ fulfilled Judging criteria across all parameters.

If you are interested in being part of the NSPDS and learning Sarah and Amy’s ‘Routine for the Nation’ you can;

-    Learn through your local Pole Fitness School (Click here to find a PDC approved pole dance school in your area)

-    Learn online via video

-    Attend workshop training days to learn the routine in a day at Taylors Farm Retreat, Capel, Surrey from October 2010

-    Refer to the NSPDS website and join the Facebook group to keep update of ‘training’ events in your area

-    Create your own charity training event by contacting one of the NSPDS Management Team

Pre-orders are being taken for the Event DVD which will be available to purchase for £13 plus (£1.50 p+p) directly from DVX video productions.

Michaela Roberts – Event Organiser

All images courtesy of the NSPDS.

The Pole Dance Community would like to thank Michaela and the management team of the NSPDS for organising such a great event, we will all look forward to the 2011 NSPDS competition!