Miss Pole Australia finalist Luci James opens up on how she got started
VIDEO: She’s the Central Coast woman who is in the running to become a national champion pole dancer. And now Luci James has revealed how she has ‘never looked back’ since taking up the hobby.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
She has made it to the NSW heats five times and last year won a wildcard entry to appear as a guest showgirl.
But this year the Central Coast’s own Luci James is gunning to be crowned Miss Pole Dance Australia.
The 29-year-old studio manager and pole dance instructor will be shimmying up a giant martini glass with a risky little ode to a bygone era.
“I’ll be doing a 1920s prohibition themed show, including some dance moves from that era and finishing up in my custom made, giant spinning martini glass.” she said.
Live at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on November 2, Ms James is among 22 finalists from across the country strapping on their stilettos to compete in the 15th annual competition billed as the pinnacle of pole dancing in Australia.
“Basically I used to go to another dance studio where I did Latin classes and the other side of the room had a couple of poles,” she said.
“I kept looking over every week I’d go to class and I would wonder about that and after a whole term I though `sod it’, book in, try a class and I’ve never looked back.”
Pole dancing since her early 20s, Ms James said she was chosen after the NSW heats last year by Miss Pole Dance Australia master of ceremonies Chilli Rox to perform a guest routine at the national finals.
But this year she has gone one better and booked her own place as a finalist.
“I think (winning) is a good few years off for me yet,” she said.
“One day maybe, that would be absolutely incredible to win that competition, it would mean an absolute lot that all your hard work has paid off. I’m just there for the fun at the moment, just to enjoy it and all the shows and enjoy all the process of making the routine up.”
When she is not teaching or competing Ms James, of Point Clare, is a regular performer in pole and burlesque shows in Sydney.
But the stunning brunette with the “girl next door” look admits some people get a little surprised by her unusual day job.
“Yeah, sometimes actually when I tell complete strangers,” she said.
“It’s a nice shock factor, a good conversation starter.”