Polina Volchek was born in 1985 in Moscow, Russia. From a young age she wasn’t afraid of hard work and eventually graduated as part of the Youth Sports School of Olympic reserves in Moscow. She went on to be awarded the international Master level of Sports, and became a Triple Crown Champion of Russia in Group Rhythmic Gymnastics exercises in 2002.
She also is a graduate of Maslukof’s Variety arts Studio in Moscow and holds the title of ‘Winner of the 20th and 22nd Russian National Contemporary Dance festival “Black Cat” in 2007 and 2009. She has also worked for many circus production shows. In her repertoire she has hula-hoops, aerial gymnastics, contortion, acrobatics, manipulation and contemporary dance. Polina Volchek also did an acrobat act from Season 3 and Season 5 of America’s Got Talent.
She is also known as Pink Puma. She has more than 20 years of experience in the sports and show business industry. Since she was a child her qualities like hard work, patience and stamina helped her move forward and succeed. In August 2011 this young artist decided to integrate her performance and competitive skills, dedicating her craft to Pole Dance and pursues new heights under the name of Pink Puma. Her main goal is to bring into Pole Dance even more artistry, athleticism, grace and to promote it as an Olympic Sport.
Achievements of Polina Volchek “Pink Puma” in Pole Dancing
- World Pole Dance Championship – 2nd place and holder of Special Award “Best Entertainer” (London, 2014)
- International Pole Championship – 3rd place and Pole Fit Champion (Singapore, 2013)
- World Pole Sports Championships – 3rd places (London, 2012-2013)
- American Pole Fitness Championship – 1st Place (New York, 2012)
- International Pole Masters Cup – 3rd Place (Los Angeles, 2012)
- Pole Sport International – 2nd Place (Saint Petersburg, 2012)
- Pole2Pole Cup USA, Champion of Champions category – 1st Place (Huntington Beach, 2012)
- Russian Pole Dance and Fitness Competition – 1st Place (Moscow, 2012)
- “National Aerial Pole Art” Championship – 2nd Place and holder of special award “Most Flexible” (Las Vegas, 2012)
Pink Puma moved it even further and performed her special Pole and Aerial Acts in headliners of production shows such as “Zumanity” by Cirque du Soleil (Las Vegas), “Fata Morgana” by Dream Cast Entertainment (Biloxi, MS), “ChiSo 4102″ by Sky Concert Hall (Sochi) and “Le Noir” by Asia Live Network (Japan, China).
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Polina Volchek “Pink Puma” is American Pole Fitness Champion 2012 and winner of Pole2Pole Cup USA in Champion of Champions category. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Your practice in dance and sports at an early age was a catalyst that in August 2011 you fell in love with pole dance and reached the pinnacle of success by winning the American Pole Fitness Championship 2012 and 2nd place in World Pole Dance Championship 2014. What factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Pink Puma:
I think one of the main factors is experience that I’d already had before entering these competitions. So far I’ve been in sports and shows for 20 years. Second key factor I’m sure was determination. From the very first pole training I had a goal. I knew what I want to achieve and what I need to do for that. There were many things that I needed to learn in order to succeed on such apparatus as pole.
Compared to aerial props that I’ve been working on before there were different muscles engaged, contrary body grips and technique. It took me 6 month before I entered first professional pole dance competition, a little bit over a year before winning American Pole Fitness and 2,5 years to become 2nd on World Pole Dance. Third main factor that I think was important is discipline.
At the time when I started practice pole I’d worked with Cirque du Soleil. I was occupied from 2pm to midnight with rehearsals and 2 live performances daily. There was no time for messing around. I had to use morning hours for personal pole trainings. Since then my timetable hasn’t changed much. When you are on your own you have to be strict to yourself but at the same time careful and responsible.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have training and experience in rhythmic gymnastic exercises, hula-hoops, aerial gymnastics, contortion, acrobatics, manipulation and contemporary dance. You also have International Master level of Sports certification. How this knowledge and conditioning helped you in competitive pole dancing ?
Ms. Pink Puma:
As I said above experience means a lot. I was competitive gymnast for 10 years and performed in cirque style shows for 10 more. All together it gave me a strong physical base and moral advantage. By the time I started pole I was already flexible, strong and mature artist. My previous achievements and ambitions did not allow me to step down. That helped a lot at the beginning.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Pink Puma:
One of the most essential things in my regime is an alternation of a good workout with rest. When you are constantly training your body needs to produce lots of energy. I’m trying to make sure that I have enough hours to recover after each show, rehearsal. Another important thing in my daily routine is warm up. I can spend 40 minutes to 1 hour a day to make all my body parts warm, flexible and ready for the exercises. After I finish my practice I let myself to cool down and make sure that my back, legs and shoulders are covered. Drafts and sudden change of temperature might harm muscles and joints.
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Pink Puma on WomenFitness: Womenfitness.net is a very interesting and cognitive source for women. It contains many useful tips and actual health, beauty, fitness information.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Pink Puma:
There was time when I was partly vegetarian. I allowed myself only fish. However when I got into an incident 2 month before major competitions I had to get back to the normal menu in order to help my body to recover as quick as possible. Since then I’m back to normal. I eat everything without any limitations. The overall amount of exercises that I have in most of my days is big enough to burn all the calories out.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding pole dancing girls who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in field of pole dancing ?
Ms. Pink Puma:
Pole dance is a very fast developing type of sports. The level of it is growing every couple of month. There are lots of competitions and videos that you can watch online. Learn from the bests. Do not afraid to explore new elements, be creative. Go above the boundaries and try to find your personal unique style and movements. Improvise. Develop multilateral but stay purposeful and don’t forget about routine and boring basics. Remember – practice makes perfect. Those would be the fundamental things to build your future success.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How did you feel before and after winning 1st Place in American Pole Fitness Championship in New York?
Ms. Pink Puma:
The victory on American Pole Fitness Championship was the most valuable and unexpected for me. Around 15 competitors – the best from United States – gathered to compete in New York in fall 2012. It was a long day. We all worked hard and fought for the best results. I performed my routine the way I’d trained it. I didn’t have any major expectations though. My 1st place was a shock to myself more than to anyone else, I’m sure. As a Russian born and raced athlete I wasn’t expecting to receive the highest evaluation on one of the National American Championships. This achievement gave me a blast of energy and enthusiasm.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about your experience of performing at “Le Noir” by Asia Live Network?
Ms. Pink Puma:
I started to work with the company in summer 2013 when I’d received an offer to include my pole act in the show. That’s how I became a part of the Le Noir family in Tokyo in November. Now we are touring around China and will continue to Singapore, Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Le Noir is a very special show for me. Nice intimate stage, best performers from all over the world, amazing technical team and direction.
It all makes this show a pleasure to work with. I perform my act on a 17 ft high pole accompanied by sensual tango from the movie “Scent of a Woman”. The show is full of wonderful characters, unique ideas and vivid transitions. It’s definitely a must-see production. I am very thankful for everybody’s support in relation to my constant competitions too. For example, during the Tokyo run I was given leave of absence to fly to Singapore where I competed on International Pole Championship. After three days I got back to Tokyo with Bronze medal and Pole Fit Champion title. That was awesome!
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Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Who has been your greatest influencer and motivator in your success in the field of your career in competitive pole dancing?
Ms. Pink Puma:
When I started pole dance there were two main stars – Felix Cane and Jenyne Butterfly. I’ve always got inspired by them. At the same time my surroundings are full of amazing artists and acts. Some of my favorites are Vertical Tango performed by Stone Gossard and Hank Khoir, Dima Shine with his extraordinary hand balancing-contortion-pole act, fascinating Aurelia Cats on trapeze, of course Sylvie Guillem in field of contemporary dance and many others. Mature male pole is also very inspiring with its strength and acrobatic works. I love watching them perform and take their classes. Live energy exchange is the best motivator ever.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
At London, World Pole Sport Championship Olympic Exhibition Event you secured 3rd Place. What efforts you are doing to promote Pole Dancing as an Olympic Sport ?
Ms. Pink Puma:
I take a part in many competitions, shows, give lots of workshops and travel the world promoting pole dance. It is very important to deliver a right message for those who haven’t explored this type of sport yet. When I talk about women’s pole dance there are still many people who haven’t got the difference between sport and striptease on the pole. Really often it happens because of ignorance and unwillingness to accept an alterations in stereotypes. What we do in pole sport is a marvelous and fun workout that develops grace, strength, plasticity and flexibility.
I’ve done a lot of different exercises and can say that for women’s body pole dance is one of the bests. It has many fans around the world. There are also many international federations and associations that develop rules and regulations that help athletes to evaluate their abilities and progress on different championships. Federations and athletes are all support each other. We are like a big family. One of the main organizations based in London – International Pole Sports Federation.
This federation hosted World Championship – Olympic Exhibition Event in 2012. This Event continues to grow. Within 2 years World Pole Sports Championship became one of the most significant annual tournaments with the highest standards and the best athletes from all over the world. I’m planning to go there for the third time this year and will be
fighting for Gold.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?
Ms. Pink Puma:
Womenfitness.net is a very interesting and cognitive source for women. It contains many useful tips and actual health, beauty, fitness information. To all the readers and visitors of Womenfitness.net – do not afraid to go from the theory to practice. Make sure that all the knowledge that you got works for you, works for good. Move forward, motivate yourselves, stay healthy and beautiful from the inside out. Enjoy your live and yourselves, then others will do the same.
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Women Fitness Team thanks Polina Volchek “Pink Puma” for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and made this interview happen.
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All content on this site is copyright of Women Finess and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.