Worlds
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Ritalin ·
I was not talking about the actual performance, I was talking about everything else. You have to be this "personna" from the moment you step foot on the property (if not as soon as you apply) for the competition. Personality, on and off the stage during the length of the whole competition with judges, spectators, friends and other contestants. Appearance, clothing, costumes, hair/makeup on and off the stage. I also find this part laughable considering all of the issues that they had with performers slipping during the competition: The head judge reserves the right to stop any performance at any time, due to either: a candidate's or spectator's health and safety is at risk and/or the explicit nature of the candidate's performance But this is my take on it. I have been in beauty pageants when I was younger and the part about how you look and act the entire weekend played a big part of how well you scored. Forget being yourself, you had to be this plastic person in order to place. I understand what you are saying, Chem, but if I may add my 2 cents... I don't believe the judges were looking for a plastic barbie doll type person at all, but the best person to represent pole dance and fitness to the world. This was the World Pole Dance and Fitness Championships... the winner will gain a lot of attention from within the pole community, and from a more widestream audience, too. She represents pole dance, and pole dancers to the world. Given how hard all of us in the pole community work to gain greater recognition and acceptance of our performance art, we all have a vested interest in requiring high standards from the performers who are going to represent us to the world. In no way am I suggesting that performers or competitors should be anything but who they really are. But, I think it's fair enough that the judges are looking for someone who is naturally gracious and well presented. Think of the competition like a job interview - the candidate that gets the job is the one that shows the best performance, the most appropriate presentation, and the most valuable personal attributes. A performer may be able to do the most amazing, mind blowing tricks combined with perfect grace and movement on stage, but if offstage she is haughty, arrogant, selfish, and nasty to other people then she is not the best ambassador for pole dance to the world (because the overwhelming majority of us are so kind, supportive and empowering 🙂 ). Similarly, she may put in one great performance on stage, but if she's the sort of person who staggers around blind drunk in a beer-stained thong bikini trashing the hotel and stealing stuff for the whole competition weekend (Haha, not that ANY of the performers would do that sort of thing!), she is also not the best person to represent the pole community. So I can see why it might seem like the judges were making the competition more of a beauty pageant, I think they were sincerely looking for a great performer who is gracious and graceful, commands respect and respects others, is fit and healthy, is strong in body and character, and presents herself well so she can represent all of us.
I was not talking about the actual performance, I was talking about everything else. You have to be this "personna" from the moment you step foot on the property (if not as soon as you apply) for the competition. <SNIP> But this is my take on it. I have been in beauty pageants when I was younger and the part about how you look and act the entire weekend played a big part of how well you scored. Forget being yourself, you had to be this plastic person in order to place. I can understand why you might feel that way, but I don't think a pageant wants you to be a plastic person, they just want you to show your best qualities. Pageant queens represent those organization at public functions, and the organizations want to be sure they won't be embarrassed. Appearance (and demeanor) also count heavily in a competition that is considerably less glamorous: I'm a soccer referee, and when we are assessed, appearance is 15% of our total score. That means having our uniform and grooming according to standards. Our responsibility begins when we arrive at the venue, and ends when we leave, which is well before and after the game. We are taught how to present ourselves in a manner that instills confidence in our abilities; yeah, there's some theater involved. At the professional level, the pre-season clinics give a fair amount of attention to appearance & presence, because the Federation certainly does not want to be embarrassed on national TV! We might be at peak fitness and have all the knowledge & ability in the world, but we still have a role to play, we need to look as competent as we are --- slouchy posture and scuffed shoes means reduced credibility, that is the reality of it. Thank you, Eva, for sharing that information ... the competition not only presented the judging philosophy, they even gave tips to the competitors for how to show well. One of the things referee assessors tell us is to be sure to sprint in the first & last few minutes of each half, whether we need to or not, because it enhances our credibility. Presentation is truly our most powerful tool. We know these presentation elements to be part of the judging process in Olympic skating and gymnastics, so it's reasonable to expect it for this sport as well.
I was at Worlds, and at first really surprised that Oona didn't get in- but when I watched her prelims on youtube, I realised that her performance was just over 4 minutes, where it should have been between 5 and 6! maybe that's why?
blueeyes ·
Oh man... I think a few of us will have the guts to admit we were waiting and pretty much expecting Jenyne to steal the title this year. I am so disappointed (NOT IN HER!) with how things went. Those poles were WAY too short for starters, I mean damn, they might as well have done the competition in my living room... Felix's routines are pretty much the same, but I did like how she got a little edgier this year. And yeah what was up with Oona?!?!? Crystal beat her into finals? I'll say it if no one else will! haha... And I have been a fan of Rafaela for a long time now, so glad to see her place! She's phenominal! either way, they were all beautiful performers who all gave outstanding performances. It was a joy to watch.
Crystal not only beat Oona, she also was presented the award for Best Entertainer, and the Peoples Choice award, so she was deserved of getting into the finals. I do agree though that Jenyne was on my list for winning top billing this year.......as Felix's routines are very much the same each year, where I find Jenyne to be so inventive with her routines. But alas, she had some technical difficulties, so it was not to be.
