Bake and pole??

Spinnesque started this discussion · 12/28/2012

For one of my new years resolution I am considering entering the next series of The Great British Bake Off (a TV baking competition in the UK) - I absolutely love baking and have got as far as downloading the application form. One of the questions is 'any other hobbies?' - the million dollar question, do I put pole?! Obviously it's one of my main hobbies and I've taught classes for nearly 3 years now but what's the best way to phrase it ('pole dancing'? 'pole fitness'?) and will it be too out there for the traditional british bakers?! Who knows...maybe it would work in my favour and make me stand out :)

17 replies

Karencanclimb · 12/28/2012
List it! It might be a tad unusual, but it's also something to be proud of especially since you teach it as well. That show sounds great! Can I find any episodes online? (I'm in the US so I couldn't really watch it on TV.)
Dwiizie · 12/28/2012
I would say list it. I'm American though, I don't know if "British bakers" would feel differently lol. If you feel more fitness, go for vertical fitness, if you feel like a dancer, you could put pole dancing, or just dancing if you really feel shy about it. It could be the thing that gives you an edge in competition, not as a novelty exactly, but just something unique about a contestant that would make the show more interesting, which means more money, and those $$$s are what producers are looking for when screening apps for any reality show. I hate to call it a gimmick, but it could act as such to advance you past preliminary screenings.
Dwiizie · 12/28/2012
Mainly basing this opinion off my experience with the American Idol audition process....
Veena · 12/28/2012
I say add it! It may give you an edge if they are at all like the US reality shows. They love anything that makes someone seem scandalous! Just be aware they could make it sound like a negative thing....but I may give you a chance to set them straight as to what pole dance is. That is what we need to continue to grow, spread the word :)
Dancing Paws · 12/28/2012
you could call it pole fitness or aerial pole
sdewhizzle · 12/28/2012
I say do it, I love love LOVE that show! I think writing about your "unusual" hobby will make you stand out, particularly as you also teach. Good luck!
PlatinumAni · 12/28/2012
I am on the band wagon! List it!
zoeyxxxx · 12/28/2012
Pole is listed on my C.V I'm very pround of my hobby :):)
Runemist34 · 12/28/2012
You could also just say "dancing," and leave the Pole out of it. Technically, it is correct, and it may help those British Bakers be a little more accepting. But... I am with everyone else! List it however you feel describes what you do best, and be yourself! I always think that people are going to figure it out eventually, so why not just be right out in the open about who you are and what you're about? ;) I wish you lots of luck! I also looove baking!
darling dearest · 12/28/2012
I like to use the term aerial arts for people I'm not familiar with to gauge their reaction. If they ask for more, I'll tell them I pole dance and experiment with lyra. If this is a TV show, I think you should go ahead and use it to your advantage. TV people love this kinds of stuff, it makes you more interesting!
Old Lady · 12/28/2012
I just moved back to the US, after living in Europe for 15 years. I'd say list it. The Brits are a lot more open minded. And don't forget that they are further ahead than the US when it comes to embracing pole dancing as a competitive sport. The world championships were just held there 2 months ago, and a lot of pole champions come from Europe.
Old Lady · 12/28/2012
Google "World Pole Sports Championships London 2012".
nichtooks · 12/29/2012
As a fellow brit and also lover of baking and the show i too say, put it down. I would maybe put pole fitness or aerial arts though, like someone has already suggested. But i think it would give you a little edge - I'd wanna see you bake anyway!! Good luck, and let us know how you get on!
poledanceromance · 12/29/2012
I say put it on there! I think as a pole dance instructor you could be a great representative to the community at large of what the "professional pole dancer" often looks like, exactly the kind of representation we need!
Debss · 12/29/2012
I LOVE the bake off!! I think you should definitely include it in your application, although perhaps put pole fitness instead of pole dance - may encourage a more open mind set! Good luck with the application x
Spinnesque · 12/30/2012
Thanks for all the suggestions :) I think I'm gonna put down pole fitness & aerial arts and see how it goes!
Lee lee · 12/30/2012
Regardless of how you list it, if they are interested, they will ask further questions. I think it would give your application an interesting edge. As a previous poster wrote, it is plausible that they might give it a negative connotation when brought up in the show, but if you are proud of what you can do, then who cares! FTR, I would probably list it as Pole Fitness.