US Pole Dance Federation Announces Dates For Championship

Pole dancing as a mainstream athletic art form and sport continues to rise to new heights with the US Pole Dance Federation (USPDF) hosting its 2019 championship in New York City, Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13, at Symphony Space's Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street.

The competition will feature elite athletes possessing sensuality, grace, power and enthusiasm. The event is divided into three levels of competition: Novice, Amateur and Professional.

Professional competitors include:

• Little Snipper of Downers Grove, IL
• Jenny J of Milford, CT
• Von Brianna of Gainsville, VA
• Ziva Lynn of Clawson, MI
• Hali Quinn of Charlotte, NC
• Jordan Mazur of Columbia, MO
• Elizabeth Tuason of Chicago, IL
• Liz Jorgensen of Rancho Cucmonga, CA
• Brittnai of New York, NY
• Victoria Finehout-Vigil of New York, NY
• Patricia Yndigoyen of New York, NY
• Andrea Rosales of New York, NY
• Sara Joel of Syosett, NY
• Svetlana of Miami, FL
• Joscelyn of Miami, FL

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top contenders. Judges for the professional level competition will include 2017 Champion Lara Michaels, Jenny Hanover and Antoine du Pole.

The amateur women's, doubles and the debut of the Men of Pole competition will be April 12 at 7:30 p.m. (tickets, $50); Novice Level 1, April 13, at 9:30 a.m. (tickets, $15); Novice Level 2, April 13, at 12 p.m. (tickets $35) and Professional, April 13, at 7 p.m. (tickets $65).

Multiple ticket packages, including one general admission ticket to each event, start at $127, a 15 percent saving. Other packages are available with 20 percent savings.

Founded in 2008, the USPDF has elevated pole dancing to a competitive sport which brings together women and men passionate about this form of fitness.

"The USPDF is the leading organization in the country to promote pole dancing as a serious athletic art form as well as a competitive sport," USPDF Founder and President Wendy Traskos said.

Pole dancing formerly was associated primarily with gentleman's clubs. The USPDF has led the way in helping eradicate that stereotype through education and inspiration. "We showcase pole dancing in a very positive manner and focus on safety, technique and the encouragement of physical strength and artistic expression," Traskos said.

All competitors are chosen by the USPDF governing board based on submitted videos. Finalists are selected based on the competition requirements, including performance techniques, transitions, flexibility and musicality. Each level of competition also has sexy and artistic categories, showcasing the two most universal popular styles of pole. The special "spirit" awards will be given in each level.

Since the USPDF's inaugural championship in 2009, dance studios, fitness facilities and entertainment shows, such as Cirque de Soleil and the "Michael Jackson Immortal Tour," have showcased pole. In addition, millions of fans view US Pole Dance Highlights on YouTube. The USPDF website www.uspoledance.com has thousands of hits each month.

Tickets for the US Pole Dance Federation's 2019 Championship can be purchased at www.USPoleDance.com

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