Angelique Picanco: Tell us a little about yourself, Ross.
Ross Lourens: I originally studied in film but switched over into fitness. I had been focusing on becoming a personal trainer. I got kind of bored of just doing the whole 'gym five times a week thing' and decided to try a class of...something, anything. Originally I thought about trying Pilates or Yoga...but then I found out about aerobic pole dancing and figured I'd give it a shot. I grabbed one of my girl friends to come with me and she didn’t care much for it, but I fell in love. Long story short(ish) I became totally obsessed and now I'm teaching at 'Alternative Fitness' as well as performing shows here and there.
AP: What’s the best part about being an ‘Alternative Fitness’ instructor?
RL: So many things! It’s hard to pick! I guess it would be seeing the students improve, seeing them become more confident and doing things they never thought they could do. Plus I get to train with Maiko Starr the studio owner, the best pole dancer in Montreal by far. If it wasn’t for her I probably wouldn’t have even gotten into pole dancing. She just made it look so cool!
AP: Usually, when people think of ‘pole dancers’ - they think of women. How has the reaction been to a male pole dancing instructor?
RL: So far so good! When I introduce myself as the instructor the girls usually get pretty excited… ‘ah cool, I get a boy teacher’ is a pretty common reaction! Plus I’m just awesome... that helps too.
AP: Do you think you bring something different to the table? If so – what can women (or men) learn from you that they wouldn’t from women instructors?
RL: Yeah, I’m less graceful and not as flexible (haha.) I think it’s just a different vibe - all the teachers at the school are awesome, each with their own unique qualities. You’ll just have to come to a class and see for yourself!
AP: ‘Pole dancing’ - as exercise - has been quite the trend in recent years, why do you think people are so interested in learning how to pole dance?
RL: Because it’s sexy! Before discovering pole dance I always thought the results of exercising is sexy, but the actual act of exercising...not so much. Pole dance looks great and is a fantastic workout. Deep down everyone wants to know how to work a pole!
AP: Some people might be turned off by the idea of taking a pole dancing class - explain to them why they should give it a try.
RL: It’s just loads of fun! A lot of people are apprehensive at first (myself included) but when you show up for a class, see the studio, see the different types of people in the class, you’ll realize it’s a very relaxed atmosphere and the primary goal is to have fun...second goal is to give yourself a good workout.
AP: Give me a break down of what people will learn in class with you.
RL: Well I mostly teach the drop in and level one classes. We learn some basic spins and floor movements which really anyone can learn. You’ll then learn how to put all the moves together to a song and just become more comfortable with the pole.
AP: I have weak upper body strength. What’s the one move I’m guaranteed to be able to do on the pole?
RL: There are tons; even the invert (going upside down on the pole) doesn’t require much upper body strength. It’s only when you get into the more acrobatic aspects of pole dance that upper body strength starts playing a big part.
AP: Do you have a favorite pole dancing move?
RL: I have loads...it’s hard to choose! There’s one move the owner of the studio Maiko Starr does, it’s called the Spatchcock, it’s awesome! I’m still not able to do it yet...one day!
AP: Spatchcock, sounds intense. Moving on… In your professional opinion, what celebrity would you like to see pole dance in one of your classes?
RL: Awesome question! I’d love to see Lady Gaga, in fact, I’m surprised I haven’t already. Maybe she’ll read this article and get inspired.
AP: What do you think is the biggest misconception about pole dancing and pole dancers?
RL: Guess! haha
AP: Do you have any other upcoming projects – videos on youtube perhaps?
RL: I just had a show at Mado’s with the drag queen Kitana in July and I have a show coming up at Le Bal Erotic in August. I still need to upload my first Mado on YouTube, for now it’s only available on my Facebook and Kitana’s [the drag queen], so if you aren’t friends of ours...too bad! Or you could just add me!
For info about fitness classes visit Alternativefitness.ca