Tag Archives: cross training

A Week In the Life of a Pole Dancer and Crossfit Athlete, Part Two

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One thing I’ve learned in my time as a professional pole artist is that as creative as we are, we are also athletes. And being a successful athlete is as much about how you feed, mobilize and rest your body as it is about your tricks and achievements on stage and in the studio. There is no health, no longevity, without balance. I mix up my pole training with Crossfit and Strength classes at CrossFit Max Effort here in Las Vegas, along with as many flexibility classes as I can manage at Shine Fitness and Pole Fitness Studio. Pole and Crossfit BOTH require a level of commitment to achieve and maintain a high level of performance. The last year or so has been all about finding the balance of both, plus mobility, plus nutrition, plus rest. I can honestly say that what I have put myself through is only enriching what I have to offer as an instructor (I can’t wait to get back on the road again!). Here is a taste of my last week, which brought its challenges as well as its victories. But no matter what, each new day is a chance to take on the world yet again, and each evening is a chance to reflect on how damn lucky I am to be living here, surrounded by so much talent and passion, living my dream.

I am available for specialty workshops at your studio! For all tour bookings, please contact my manager Kristy at Poles on Tour.

Happy New Year!

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Where were you when the clock struck twelve? This time around I saw in the New Year doing what I love: performing on pole at an event in the Bellagio’s Grand Ballroom, right in the midst of the Las Vegas Strip. A dream come true!

With gratitude for the awareness and adventures that 2014 brought, I am welcoming 2015 with open arms. I am both more settled in my new home of Las Vegas, and also excited for my next tour stops; having the opportunity to travel so much makes me appreciate home all the more. This year I will continue touring throughout the US, Australia and Europe, commence teacher trainings, perform at Ink’n’Iron in LA and Nashville, and I will also be teaching and performing at Pole Expo here in Vegas, in September. Lots more is yet to be announced, and you can see all my confirmed adventures on my Events Page, or check out my workshop menu and contact Kristy at Poles On Tour to book me for your studio or event.

Jamilla Deville, as shot by Christopher Donald Photography

Jamilla Deville, as shot by Christopher Donald Photography

Finally, a thought or two for the ending of one year and the beginning of another:

“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” ~ Socrates

“Bring it on!” ~ Jamilla

 

A Window into a Pole And Crossfit Athlete’s World

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Over the last week I recorded some of my pole classes and Crossfit training sessions. I have mixed highlights together over a short video clip for you to have a glimpse into a pole and Crossfit athlete’s world.

I have been a professional pole artist for over 14 years. Crossfit is relatively new for me, as I have barely a year of experience under my belt so far. This one year, however, has made a world of difference to me as an athlete on many levels – not just physically (though the changes in my body have been incredible too). I find the parallels between the two intriguing: both have a “reputation” in the media and broader public, a myth as it were, that not everyone is willing to explore or search beyond. The myth is EXACTLY why I stepped into these worlds and a big part of why I love them so much. Stepping outside what’s deemed “safe” inevitably brings more scope for growth on so many levels. Doing “just sports” is not for me. I don’t just want to excel at a particular movement. I want to be able to take that movement, and a whole bunch of others besides, and make them into a story of their own. I’m an artist at heart, with a love for physical expression. Along with that is a fascination for the possibilities and marvels of the human body, and how the mind and body are intrinsically connected. Both pole dancing and Crossfit challenge my mind every bit as much as my body. If my mental game isn’t on, my body won’t be up for breakthroughs that day. But if I can find that groove, that zone, that focus, then game on!

I hope you enjoy this minute and a half or so of my two happy places! If you’d like to see more of my adventures, please Follow me on Instagram and Facebook.