There are NO other jobs like this in pole. I have new people in my life lately and I’ve been talking a lot with them about my work. Plus, the P+D staff offsite is coming up and we’re talking vision and why we do this. So I’ve been reflecting on my own work a lot this week and holyshit, I feel so lucky. Here’s what it looks like, and some of what I wrote:
I’m Iris Sparrow, Head of Community, Creative and Expansion at P+D. As Community Manager, I develop our Teacher Training Program and Curriculum. As CD, I help shape the visual design of the studio, from lighting to signage to promo postcards to the website. Head of Epansion involves researching new studio locations and project managing buildouts.
In Trainings, I’m working with new pole teachers to build a more diverse, thoughtful, playful student community. One that not just welcomes but actively calls out to nonbinary students, queer students, strippers, people of color, dancers and future dancers of all sizes and shapes. During buildouts, I strap on my toolbelt and get my hands dirty. When students tell me that they were awed, walking into the studio for the first time, I feel such a deep sense of satisfaction. I’m building spaces that make people want to move their bodies, that they’re proud to bring their friends to! I’m helping shape the curriculum so our instructors feel supported, and our students can progress safely. These are all parts of the pole community that, when I started out, I felt like we could do so much better. Every day, I get to do just that.
Pole is where we get to shake loose all of society’s expectations and pressures on us. It’s a place to sweat and laugh and cry and shake our asses, sometimes all at once. It reshapes how you look at your body, your ideas of what you’re capable of, and how you handle adversity. Sometimes it’s a stepping stone on a path to a new version of yourself. It’s a safe space to fail, to witness and be witnessed. Pole is a place where so many of us feel deeply ourselves in the lightest, most playful way. I love getting to be part of that journey.
I love you, Pole + Dance community ♥️
Five and a half years being a guide human for the springiest, screamiest, softest, most perfect little blind oracle. He made it to 18 years but it still feels cruel to have to continue living on this earth without his presence. What dense life we shared, what magical adventures were made more magical by his little tail nub wig-wagging out in front of me, brave little snoot pointing the way. I love you Trager, my bean boy forever.
Okay okay some caveats before we all freak out. This isn’t for when you’re learning something new, conditioning or working toward a defined goal like a comp. But for developing your movement quality? I’m just saying. “Drilling” never got me anywhere. I only progressed and found flow and expression and dedication and JOY once I started letting myself explore, wonder, sketch, noodle, play, fucking CAVORT! Curiosity and delight get you into the studio more often, and intentional playtime gets you to mastery. That’s the key. That’s the secret to success.
Raw audio. Raw freedance. Favorite lighting ever, maybe? Obsessed with this song. (raspberry - saje)
Hot Knife: Heels Sequences every Tuesday 7:05, Choreo + Heels Foundations 8:25. Tell ya friends. @beavertonpoleanddance
Ever put a song on repeat and just let yourself indulge in weird wild flow? Can recommend.
Hot Knife every Tuesday @beavertonpoleanddance 7:05p, we do this kinda stuff :)
Review of @jewelheels vs my rose gold standard, Pleasers Flamingo 808. I loved so much about these heels, including the color! But I guess I’m an 808 girlie for life.
New scans from the last Film Club. These are were the experimental ones, shot on a Diana, a “toy” 120mm camera - and resulted in some of my favorite double exposures, end-of-roll chemistry streaks and messy blurs of all time. Why not play a bit, if you’re shooting analog!? So many more to come.
STAY BROKE SHOOT FILM!!
@alloyimages
DM if you want in on the next Film Club jam :)
