Lismore’s Chrissie Jackson placed first in the Miss Pole Queensland professional pole dancing competition last weekend where she was awarded the coveted sash, tiara and flowers at the high level competition.

This is the first time someone from the Roxie Rose Burlesque and Pole Dancing studio has taken out this honour, and Chrissie couldn't be more happy.

“It's a massive achievement. I've watched videos of Australian pole dancers years ago when I was back in the UK, and I was just absolutely in awe of the talent here.

“Australian pole dancing is some of the best in the world. The standard over here is really, really high. I never expected to win one of these comps.”

(Chrissie - image provided by Chrissie)

Dancers use two types of poles - spinning and static. Chrissie loves to make the static pole look like a spinning pole, using strength and flowing movements to achieve a seamless dance.

Chrissie’s choreography went for 4 minutes and 15 seconds. “It doesn't sound very long, but I can guarantee you when, when you're on stage and you're having to do tricks and floor work and put it all together with a smile at the same time - it's a long time!”

Getting this far wasn't easy, “It is about determination and focusing on being the best I could possibly be. It's true that you get out what you put in. It has been my sole passion outside of work.”

Training for competition-level pole dancing requires cardio and strength fitness. But Chrissie doesn’t feel like it's a hard workout and much prefers it to the gym.

“I fell in love with the sport years ago. At my very first class, I bought a pole, which is really unusual. I knew this was for me. It's so much fun. I love it. 

(Chrissie - image provided by Chrissie)

“There aren’t many sports where you can dress up - wear nice heels, do your hair and makeup, wear a lovely costume. And it keeps you fit as well.”

Chrissie was competing against 14 other women, one other, Natalie Wilesmith is also from Roxie Rose’s and trains closely with Chrissie.

(Chrissie and Nat - image provided by Chrissie)

“Natalie is my training buddy at the studio. She was in the competition as well. I want to give her a shout-out because she is such a legend.

“She is my heart girl. She really supports me and everything that I do, and her routine was amazing.”

Megan Phillips and Cherie Small have been running Roxie Rose Burlesque and Pole Dancing since the end of 2016 and have stuck it out despite multiple floods and the Covid pandemic.  

“It’s great to have Chrissie and Nat compete. We couldn’t be happier for Chrissie and her win. They trained so hard, they both deserve to be up there! It brings the training up to a whole new level.”

Nat said, “It’s such an honour being able to compete on stage with the best in Queensland. My first goal was to qualify to be able to compete in that competition. My second goal was being able to do my routine well and be entertaining. And I'm pretty sure I achieved that."

(Nat on the pole)

Both Chrissie and Nat teach at the dance studio. Chrissie advocates that this is a great way to work out.

“It doesn't matter how old you are, what size, shape, your gender, anyone can do it and it will. It really increases your confidence. 

“There's a saying that the longer you pole for, the smaller your pants get, and the higher your heels get, because you just become so much more confident. 

“It's lovely to see how the students evolve over time. They become more - themselves and they flourish in the sport.”

(Chrissie and Nat and their students at a showcase at the end of term)

Chrissie and Nat would also like to give a shout-out to Cherie and Megan for the supportive space they provide and the friends, students and partners who came to support Chrissie and Nat on Saturday night.

“It's always great to have a really good cheer crew in the crowd because it really fires you up. It's lovely to hear the support from the crowd.” 

What does this win mean for Chrissie? “It means I go to the national finals in November. Other than that, I'll just continue training the way that I am training now. I might teach a few more classes, some more workshops. I'm proud of myself.”

The next term of dance starts Monday 22nd, and there are 20 classes with different styles and levels. And two male students! So, if you are interested, check them out on Facebook, or send them an email at [email protected]

You can also follow Chrissie’s dancing career on Instagram @chrissiejacko.