Finalists 2010

Winter Rainone, TX

www.zensualdance.com
www.youtube.com

Winter Rainone, a self-taught professional pole artist since 2002. She dedicated her time to teaching herself all she could and growing as a performer. One of Winter's favorite aspect of pole dance is the ability to share experiences and know ideas with others. Winter also teaches at Zensual Dance Fitness in North Dallas TX. Winter has placed Second in the Vertical Pole Challenge in Las Vegas. Most recently Winter has qualified for IPDFA and being a port of USPDF.

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Heidi Coker, GA

www.polewaxersuniversity.com

Heidi was introduced to pole dancing almost a year and a half ago, and has been hooked ever since.  Having an extensive background in gymnastics and dance,  she uses these skills on the pole as a creative outlet.  She is a strong advocate for confidence building through pole dancing and is currently teaching classes at Pole Waxers University. "I am both delighted and honored to be chosen as a finalist this year!"

Melanie Ollivett, NC

www.youtube.com/mmmelonade

Melanie found pole dancing while overweight and looking for a fun way to get in shape. She has been pole dancing for 1 year and has lost a total of 35lbs. After finding her new figure, she decided to begin Instructing and aspired to compete. Having a USPDF Pro as her personal instructor, has helped Melanie develop her own unique dance style incorporating unique transitions and a sensual flow. She is ecstatic to compete in USPDF East Coast Regionals 2010.

Crystal Harris, MI

www.youtube.com/charleyisagirl

Charley was born in January of 07 when I left my last radio gig and decided to focus on pole dancing. Pole Dancing to me is so unique to other forms of dance in that it is not limited to a few moves or to certain body types but all women can pole dance!  There are still tricks being invented today!  I am definitely a trick junkie - I am always looking to find or invent new tricks that take pole to it's limit.

Kristen Novosad, VA

www.divafitonline.com
www.youtube.com

Kristen, a Northern Virginia native and pole instructor at DivaFit, discovered and fell in love with the art of pole dancing in 2007. With no formal gymnastics or dance training, she loves athletics and feels she’s in the best shape of her life. After receiving her BS in Athletic Training, Kristen now works full time for a physical therapy clinic. At 29 she has completed one of her many
goals: to be a part of the 12 USPDF East Coast Finalists.  She’s extremely excited to share the stage with such an amazing and talented group of ladies!

 

Allison Cox, FL

www.OnlinePoleLessons.com
www.VixenFitnessOnline.com

Allison was a professionally trained dancer and competitive gymnast as a child. In 2005 she discovered the art of pole dancing, and instantly became addicted when she realized she was able to combine strength from gymnastics and grace with the expression of dance. Her new website: OnlinePoleLessons.com is an instructional site for those interested in learning the aerial sport and art of Pole Dancing! Allison loves teaching others to find strength and confidence through pole dancing.

Diana Nguyen, LA

www.polechamp.com

My name is Diana Nguyen, I'm 24 years old from New Orleans, LA.  My obsession with poling started about two years ago and it has been a passinate addiction ever since.   I am currently an instructor and student at PoleChamp, as seen on "America's Got Talent", in Clearwater Beach, Fl.  Today, I travel across the world performing full theatrical shows with dance, gymnastics, aerial arts, and of course high-level pole dancing.  I'm hoping to change the perspectives of pole dancing from just a "stripper pole", to a revolutionized and respected "sport".

Andrea Mickels, GA

www.verticaljoefitness.com

Ladybug- because she brings good luck, first fell in love with pole dance from watching Tara Karina on youtube. Ladybug was a natural on the pole but refused to pursue pole dancing because she wanted to focus on school and her baby girl. Now that she's about to become an accountant and her daughter is five Ladybug is ready to go vertical- just like her pole idols Bad Azz and Felix Cane. Ladybug proudly represents Team Vertical Joe's Atlanta Georgia.

Naamah Trone, SC

www.youtube.com/mrstrone

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Naamah currently lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Her background consists of gymnastics, dance, soccer and she was a competitive figure skater for 15 years. Naamah discovered pole dancing in 2008 after having her second child. She is predominately self-taught with the exception of having done workshops with some of the nation’s best pole dancers. She is being sponsored by The House of Pole.

Rebecca Starr, FL

www.vixenfitnessonline.com
www.youtube.com/starrstyles

Rebecca Starr was born in Los Angeles, CA. She started gymnastics at the age of 3 and later developed skills in the Circus Arts. Since 2004 she has been performing as part of an aerial duo known as “Lyralicious”. She recently discovered Pole Dancing and started training at Vixen Fitness in Orlando, FL. She has also studied with Kyra Johannesen at Body & Pole in NYC. Rebecca is excited to be joining the the world of pole dancing and is looking forward to combining her background in gymnastics, circus and dance to help change the public’s perception of pole dancing and promote it as not only a sport, but an athletic form of art. 

Sabrina Woods, NC

www.youtube.com/user/runnergirl365
www.aerialdancepolefitness.com

Sabrina Woods Certified Personal Trainer, Studio Owner & Pole Dance instructor, is enthusiastic to be performing with such talented women on the same stage. After discovering pole dance exercise in May of 2009, Sabrina most recently took up aerial silks and finds her certifications in pilates & yoga essential when conditioning on the pole. Her husband Dave and good friends Bridgette & Katrina have been monumental for her dedication, motivation and focus. Furthermore, Sabrina credits her friends within the pole community for her cheerful, positive outlook!

Vlasta Kudina, IL

www.facebook.com

My name is Vlasta and I'm from Chicago. I started pole dancing after accidentally coming across one of Felix Cane's videos on youtube last year. I joined a local pole dancing class and and started coming once a week. Ever since then I was hooked. It became almost like theraphy... my little "hideout" from everything else.