Students of Vile Pole Arts are being taught by the Canadian Champions.
Owners and instructors of Vile Pole Arts studio Joel Kolenchuk and Jenny Phillips faced the competition at the 2014 Canadian Pole Fitness Championships in Mississauga and won.
The duo placed first in the doubles division out of four competitors.
This served as the first major competition for the duo after their try to the Worlds stage in London, England.
Unlike Worlds, the Canadian championships did not require a certain number of compulsory movements or other restrictions, leaving more room for creative expression in the choreography.
The process of creating the choreography can take anywhere from two to three months. The music is the first thing to be decided on, from there the team lets the music guide them in building an intriguing story line. Within the final three weeks before the competition is when the choreography is solidified.
Phillips noted this ability to add a story line without restrictions enabled the pair to play more to their strengths.
“We’ve always taken our inspiration from cirque de soleil performances,” said Kolenchuk.
“So always when you watch something like that its got a bit of a story to it.”
The team’s performance spliced three songs together for an endurance-testing six-minute long display, depicting Phillips as a wind-up doll and Kolenchuk as a puppet master of sorts.
By the end of the six minutes the duo could felt the strain of their efforts, leaving them thinking a shorter song may have been in order.
But their efforts were well rewards as the pair walked away with a first place win.
Though even before this win, Quesnel pole fitness duo have been receiving recognition amount the pole community.
Several competitors took a page from Koenchuk and Phillips books, using moves the duo have created in their own choreography.
This was not the first time a team had used the Quesnel pole arts duo for inspiration, even during Worlds Kolenchuk and Phillips were being recognized.
“Its flattering,” Phillips admitted. “But the move they did we one-upped.”
Each new competition Kolenchuk and Phillips attempt to improve on their previous moves or develop new moves, ensuring that their routine is ever-changing.
As much as possible the duo attempted to develop their own moves.
“When we go, one of the best compliments we can get is ‘I’ve never seen anything like that before.’” Kolenchuk said.
Apart from the competitive side of the event Kolenchuk and Phillips held two seminars the following day.
The competition and seminars are all part of the Canadian Pole Expo.
Vile Pole Arts instructed a dance and acrobatics seminar as well as a doubles seminar.
Though the duo often teaching classes, this was the first time Kolenchuk and Phillips had travelled to teach at an official event.
With the competition currently ended, starting up again come spring, Kolenchuk and Phillips were given the time to focus on Vile Pole Arts Studio.
The classes range from Pole fitness, aerial silks yoga, HIT and much more. For information on how to get involved with Vile pole Arts visit www.vilepolearts.com or find them on Facebook.
