"Mr.Pole Dancer 2013" Alex Shchukin, An Interview!

Haven't I always mentioned that I love being a blogger as I get to interact with many interesting people? Yeah so this time I had this what I like to call "a golden opportunity" to interview a male pole dancer and not just any male pole dancer but the World Champion of Pole Dancing 2013. He is called Mr. Pole Dancer.  I also had a dream of becoming a dancer, then it grew to becoming a pole dancer but the last time I tried it, the pole snapped and I fell flat on my face on the freakin ground (wooppss) but I still have not given up. I think I wont until I break a bone or two. 

So here he is- "Alex Shchukin"

After reading the interview, scroll right down to see him in action. Your jaws sure will drop. 

Hi Alex, thanks a lot for doing this interview with me. It has been my desire for the longes time to be interacting with a male pole dancer and my good luck that I found you. First of all tell us something about yourself? How old are you and how did you get into pole dancing?

I am 29. I am a professional dancer, choreographer. I worked (and still do) on TV, sometimes as a dance coach for participants of talent and reality shows and sometimes as a choreographer. Also, my wife and I, we have a dance school in Kiev, specializing in aerial arts-hoop,silk,pole and additionally-choreo and stretching, although I have done my diploma in railway engineering and I worked at the railway station for a while.... I also worked as a chef at a national restaurant and MC at weddings but dance was always my life. Pole dancing however was my wife's profession. She used to teach pole dance and was among the first ones in Ukraine who believed in this controversial sport. She tried to get me into it but it dint seem appropriate for me at that point of time then unfortunately she fell very sick and was hospitalized for several months. I was really frustrated at that time, din't know what to do to make her and myself feel better. There is not much you can do in such situations. So I trained a lot, decided to give her a surprise and started preparing pole dancing routine. I wanted to  participate in some championship and found one and applied by submitting a video and I got through. It was the "World Pole Dance 2013" championship in Zurich. She got out of the hospital, I took her there and I was placed third which is brilliant because it was just my second performance with a pole ever and that was the point of time when I thought maybe I could do something more?

Now, even though we do have similar kind of art forms here in India, the first thing that strikes a persons mind when he/she hears the term "Pole Dancing" is a stripper, erotic dance, something that is definitely not done by men. So far I have not come across even a single pole dancing club in India which is a pity because from where I see it, pole dancing is a type of yoga which definitely includes a certain type of sexual movement but it definitely benefits both mind and body. It's just a hybrid of athletic. Correct me if I am wrong and tell us the benefits?

This is funny because in many countries pole dancers claim that pole dance came from India. From "Mallakhamb". Well that reaction is normal for a country with traditional culture. It was the same in Ukraine. There was a point of time when in Australia pole dancers were called acrobats where as in Ukraine they were still called strippers but it did change and quite fast. Pole dance is fun, it is sexy just like any other dance forms. It gives people confidence, teaches how to control their body and discipline themselves, its an amazing workout. All the muscles created by pole dance are natural. they look good both on men and women. If you don't use additional booster and protein then be sure that your body will reach it's own perfection. No less, no more. When I go to the sauna in the gym, professional trainers often ask me what programme I train with to achieve muscles I have. When I answer "pole dancing"- they almost faint.

I believe you participate in a lot of championships? I bet you have your house loaded with awards. What are the other forms of fitness dancing lessons that you give at your dance school?

I have been into pole dancing for a year only, but I already have three gold medals-both in sport and art championship, two silver ones and one bronze and all thanks to my signature style- I do sporty crazy tricks but most important-I dance. I dance everything from ballet to jazz funk, and that's what I teach in my school and not to forget- aerial art as well. 

Seriously talking.... I really wish I could pole dance too. When I was a young boy, all I wanted to become was a pole dancer but it was such a hush hush thing to talk about here in India for boys that I could not tell this to anyone and besides, there are no male pole dancers in my country (not anyone that I know of) and now I think it's too late but I guess I could give it a try if I get a chance. Is there any age limit to master this form of fitness dance? I know it's much easier to learn it when you are young and flexible. Do you have grown ups who come to you for classes?

There is absolutely no age limit for pole dance. In London the World Championship is held in Master's category also. Last year it was won by an amazing woman Greta Ponterelli, who is 62 now. She started pole dancing only three years ago. There are older men competing as well and all of them say that pole dancing keeps them fit,fresh,young and attractive. Of course, it's easier for children but as a sport it is still quite controversial here as there are not many parents who are willing to take their children to a pole dance class, so the average age for starting pole dance is actually 23-25. I started pole dancing when I was 27 and I am World Champion. So it's never too late. You won't regret it.

You won the title of "Mr.Pole Dancer 2013", I have watched all your Youtube videos several times and I see that you travel around the world giving workshops. Till now how mnay countries have you covered? When are you going to grace India with a workshop? Trust me, I would be the first one to register.

Travelling is the most amazing part about my career, You are hosted by different people of different nation. I have actually never counted how many countries have I been to, my guess would be 30 to 40 and there are more exciting ones to come. Like this year I am visiting all the continents except for Antarctica. Europe+Asia,Sount Africa, Australia,US,Argentina and Chilie..... It's the best job ever! India is a country of rich culture and amazing nature and I definitely would like to conduct a workshop here on day. 

Thank You once again Alex for interviewing with me.

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SEE HIM IN ACTION HERE