Bad Kitty: How did you get into pole dancing?

Nadia Sharif: I was a YouTube addict and was constantly watching dance videos, so when I stumbled upon Felix Cane’s winning piece I was blown away and had to show my mom. My mama was the one that said “you need to do this” and that week I installed a makeshift pole in my bedroom. I would invite my girlfriends over, drink Sparks (a drink that is now illegal and consisted of alcohol plus energy drink lol) and would just try random stuff I found on YouTube. Karol Helms and Pantera were 2 polers that I studied from online.

NS: This is a really tough one. I would just say I’m married to the music. Whatever is on will inspire what I do. But recently I saw a thread of people listing their favorite polers and when people listed me it came with descriptive words like “vicious”, “classic crazy” and “fun”. I think that suits me well.

NS: I used to compete but don’t plan to do so anymore. I perform often, most commonly at Pole competitions as a guest/judge, but also at studio based shows like Luscious Mavens show and Pole Show LA or for Pole Expo and Pole Convention for Bad Kitty® or Black Girls Pole. I perform around 6 times a year.

NS: I have been a full time pole artist since 2012! I used to be an Electrical Engineer but that didn’t last long because too many opportunities came up within the pole world. So for the past 5 years I’ve been traveling the globe teaching, performing, and judging. I also run a movement camp in Seoul called Insight Movement Seoul Pole Camp in South Korea.

NS: Yes! I created an 8 hour, 2 day movement intensive named Twisted. I did this because I wanted to be able to give students more than just a couple combos during a 90 minute session. Tricks and combos are so arbitrary in my opinion, I wanted to dig deeper and share movement theories that would help students grow no matter what their level. As of now I have 2 upcoming intensives. One is sold out in Carmel, IN and the other will be available for sign ups taking place at Luscious Maven in North Hollywood Dec 2nd and 3rd.

NS: Mina and I began our doubles journey because in 2010 there was the first doubles category, Bi-Poler, introduced by East Meets West. Mina approached me and wanted to work with me, as we were already in a pole dance troupe together, and boom! We did our first doubles competition and won! We then went on to do 2 international competitions as a pair and placed 1st at Pole Masters Cup 2012 and claimed Pole Art Champions at International Pole Championship in Singapore 2013. Since then we have continued to play, teach and explore other doubles movements such as doubles acro and doubles Lyra.

NS: I’ve been an Offical Bad Kitty® BA since 2012, but an unofficial one since 2010. Bad Kitty® is more than a brand to me, they are my family and my friends. I could reach out to Bad Kitty® for guidance, insight and advice. They have helped me grow into the person and poler I am today. They always have my back and constantly support me in every way they can.

NS: My favorite pieces are the Starburst sports bra and the Showgirl sports bra because they both have magical powers to give me cleavage AND support. When I’m feeling in shape I also love the bitsy bottoms and when I’ve had too much fun eating and drinking beer, I love my high waisted shorts

NS: Both! I obviously love me some heels but I have no problem throwing on some sneakers and getting funky too!

NS: I love that the pole community is open minded and supportive of various movement styles and backgrounds as well as being a place of self love and healing. To be honest, I think our competition scene could be improved on. We need something fresh, something more exciting. I am thankful for Pole Theatre since this is the direction I really want to see pole go.

NS: Well, in my dreams we have some epic, high energy, crazy pole competitions that get the type of hype the X games gets!

BK: Words of advice for Polers out there?

NS: Stay true to you. Do what males you happy. Life is too short to not enjoy yourself.