[Georgia Forrester | Stuff]
“For me, it’s opening people’s eyes. It’s getting people to be confident in their bodies.”
A Palmerston North man has been recognised for his commitment to New Zealand pole dancing.
Douglas Seivers Jarrett was 15 when he joined the circus, and 18 when he first danced in an amateur pole dancing event.
Now, the 33-year-old’s contribution to pole dancing has been acknowledged, with Jarrett taking home the pole stars award at the New Zealand Pole Industry Awards at the weekend.
Jarrett said the award recognised his work over the years in dancing, teaching, judging, promoting pole dancing and volunteering his time with charities in Palmerston North.
After his first amateur pole performance, at Firecats strip club in Palmerston North, the keen dancer found he loved the atmosphere and being up on stage.
Jarrett has run Circo Acrofit Studios in Palmerston North since since 2013, where he teaches pole dancing in a range of genres including, sexy, sporty, yummy mummy, acrobatic and silk aerial classes.
He said pole dancing had evolved and grown in popularity over time, with more people taking part to lose weight or build muscle.
It also helped instil confidence and empower men, women and transgender people, he said.
“For me, it’s opening people’s eyes. It’s getting people to be confident in their bodies.”