Nickname: Some call me Natty
Education in brief: Primary school education in Germany. GCSE's and A/Level's in England. BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with Forensic Analysis at Loughborough University and MSc in Environmental Studies at Loughborough University.
Age: 28
Training: About 18 months
Life's motto: 'A clean home is a happy home'
Achievements in life: Graduating with a doctorate next year will be my biggest achievement!
Nadya Rauff-Nisthar enjoys pole dancing as a fitness regime. In fact pole fitness is a growing trend around the world. It combines acrobatics and gymnastics in graceful sportiness.
I caught up with this youngster who lives in Lancaster UK and is currently studying for a PhD, whose dream is to join a travelling circus some day! Nadya, people usually enjoy swimming, dancing or football as fitness regimes. What is your fascination with pole dancing?
It was first suggested to me by a good friend who is a pole instructor. I was hesitant at first as I thought only skinny and beautiful girls would do it. I wasn't very confident about myself. I did however sign up for the pole fitness society at University as I was curious and I've never looked back. It's been a huge confidence boost for me, it's great for fitness and you meet so many lovely girls. And do you know that even boys that do pole?
Do people easily mistake this form of dancing for anything else?
Yes it is often mistaken with pole dancing in strip clubs. At the beginning I did often get teased for it. The great thing about pole fitness is that you learn how to master all the spins, moves and tricks. You can also put your own style to it. You can make it sporty, ‘dancy’, ‘gymnasty’ or even sexy if that is what you are going for. It is entirely up to you and what you feel comfortable with.
What is the difference between strip club pole dancing and pole dance fitness?
The main difference is that at most dance studios it is called pole fitness rather than pole dancing. We get taught how to do different moves at different levels. If you want to go off and dance in a strip club then that is entirely up to you, but during lessons all we get taught is how to execute moves safely.
Is pole dancing all about strength or testing concentration?
Yes, doing pole fitness requires immense strength which you build up over time! Think of it as doing gymnastics on a vertical pole rather than on a horizontal one.
Where will this sport take you in the future?
I have so far taken part in two university competitions. I hope that with further training I will soon be ready to compete at national competitions too! Apart from doing pole fitness I also train in aerial hoop every week, so who knows, maybe I will join a travelling circus some day!
Would you like your significant other to join you in this form of fitness?
Anyone that has watched a pole performance will appreciate how much hard work and dedication goes into it. I wouldn't waste my time on anyone that was too narrow-minded to see it.
