Hi everyone !
We continue our series of interviews with our Pole & Me Fairies !
Together we’ll discoure the Universe of beautiful Claire Francisci, ex professional dancer, artist and owner of the studio Pole Spirit Paris. If you think that it’s difficult to be a studio owner, pole teacher, athlete, mom and at the same time manage to travel and participate in the shows, just read the interview. 😉
Nom : Claire Francisci
Age : 41 years
Vient de : France
Métier : pole dancer, athlete, pole teacher
Can you tell us some words about you?
I have 3 children, triplets who are now 12 and a half years old. I always wanted to be a dancer, I did a conservatory in sport-studies and danced, among others, Crazy Horse for 6 years before I started pole dancing.
When and how did you start pole dancing?
I discovered pole quite late, I already had my kids and a dancing career behind me. It was a real 2nd wind for my professional life and my life in general.
What is your pole story?
I started because I felt a little curiosity, I liked it right away but I was not brave enough to hurt myself … I took 2 years to really get started. It was 7 years ago.
Did teaching become your full time job? Or you have a regular job?
I have no other job than pole dance now. Teaching plays an important role, especially in my school “Pole Spirit Paris” but also in workshops in other studios. I also participate in TV shows and competitions on a regular basis. I was, for example, pole performer for the “Mugler Follies” Show at the Comedia in Paris.
So you have your own studio? Can you tell some words about your experience as a teacher and studio owner?
I decided to set up my own studio, a bit on a whim. I knew it would be a lot of work and sacrifices, but I am passionate and don’t regret that I’ve got in this adventure. I don’t get tired of meeting my students and sharing my passion day after day for almost 4 years.
Claire Francisci – Photo credits Annie Photographies
Where do find inspiration?
Looking at others, mostly on Instagram. I also go very regularly at the shows, it’s a great source of inspiration.
You have such a perfect shape. Do you want something special? Maybe a special diet?
Perfect, certainly not! But thanks for the compliment. I have no special diet, I am a gourmand, surrounded by convivial people and I follow the movement! I think it’s the exercise that keeps me in shape, and when I stop, I feel it right away … I imagine that the balance between moments of relaxation and work is automatic. On weekdays, I am very busy, so I don’t need to pay attention, I just don’t have time for any excesses.
What about special exercises? Do you have a special program?
I worked with a contortionist some time. Today I work my flexibility mainly during my stretching classes with the students. I do nothing but pole trainings.
I know you’re a mom of 3 kids. How do you manage to combine teaching, traveling and being a mom?
It’s not always easy to manage everything, you have to be organized. Sometimes I have the feeling of missing some things, having to sacrifice a bit on both sides, but my children are proud of me (at least that’s what they tell me) and it’s our reward, to them and to me. I travel a lot but I arrange my planning to spend time with them outside of the everyday speedy life that is quite stressful for everyone.
Claire Francisci – Gala des Champions, Paris – Photo credits Franck Col
What attracts you in pole dancing?
What attracts me in pole dance is the constantly renewed challenge of surpassing myself. It’s a combination of art and sport, strength and grace … at least that’s what I aspire to.
Did you practice other sports before pole dancing?
I was a professional dancer, it has always been my only job. I also taught ballet a little, I have a state diploma. I practiced some indoor sports.
And now, do you practice other disciplines?
Today I practice only pole dance. I would like to continue classical dance lessons but I don’t have enough time.
Can you give us an example of you weeks’ activities / trainings?
Generally I prepare my classes on Friday for the following week, sometimes on Mondays. I give private lessons during the day and groups in the evening and some afternoons. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, in addition to classes, I try to work on my choreography. At the moment I am preparing a TV show in which I am invited to participate from time to time. This is a great chance, I am aware of it.
I try to do nothing on weekends, I manage to do so when I do not have any internships, shows or open doors day with students … in this case I do not do any sport.
How did you manage to find your own style? How do you work to make your flow so smooth?
Thank you ☺ I have never looked for my style, I try to take pleasure, to do things as “clean” as possible. I must admit that I am very rarely satisfied. But the public inspires me and makes me continue despite the difficulties. My dancing experience probably influence my choreographic and artistic choices.
You have participated in different competitions. How many? Do you enjoy competing? What does it give to you?
I do not know exactly in how many competitions I participated … a dozen I would say? I don’t particularly have the spirit of competition, I always participated mostly to be on stage. Obviously, winning is a great reward but it has never been a goal in itself. Today I want more shows than competitions and even if I miss it already (the last one goes back to 5 months), I do not have the project to compete soon.
You’ve Got Got Talent show in Italy. How was this experience and what did you feel when you became the winner?
I agreed to participate in “France Has an Incredible Talent” the year I opened the studio, I thought it would give visibility to my project. Just after that, I was also offered to participate in the show “Tu Si Que Vales” in Italy and step by step, without really realizing it, I continued the adventure up to the victory. These are experiences that have given me a lot, professionally and personally. I learned to work in emergency (which is not in my nature), to create a performance sometimes in a few days.
It’s always a pleasure to receive the encouragement of people from outside of the pole community and a pride to present pole dance to a wider audience. I like the idea of surprising and I try to show that the pole has many facets, sometimes far from the idea that some people could have.
Winning made me particularly happy to discover that this audience could be touched by our art.
Claire Francisci – Photo credits Florence Gallez
How do you manage to stay motivated?
I never lose motivation for teaching. With the students, I always have the desire to share, despite the tiredness or problems.
For me, it’s something different. Motivation is a mystery … it disappears to reappear … there are days when I wonder why I inflict it to myself, while I do not feel like doing what I do. It can appear thanks to a nice message that boosts or just a better day that gives the strength to try new things.
Do you have any favorite pole dancers that you follow for inspiration?
There are so many! But it’s not necessarily the most talented that inspire me the most … But to name just two, I’m particularly admirative of the work and artistic personalities of Anastasia Skukhtorova and Marion Crampe.
Do you have a pole dream?
To be pole dancer, you must have only dreams … which are realized every day when we do the job we love. I have no particular dream in terms of success, except to live and make my passion live as long as possible.
You’re now one of the Pole & Me fairies. What did you make to accept our partnership offer? Are you satisfied with it? What do you think about Pole & Me clothes?
I accepted the partnership with “Pole & Me” because I find the clothes very comfortable, which is important to me. I am completely satisfied with the design, the adjusted cuts and the qualitative materials. It is a pleasure to wear these outfits and an honor to represent them.
Long life to Pole & Me! 😉
Claire Francisci in her studio Pole Spirit Paris
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