The Pole Dancing Shop

The first time I met Emillee was at "Medicinal Mondays" at the Good Hurt in Venice,CA . I went there to see what "Medicinal Mondays" was all about. I heard about this "no tipping, no stripping, professional pole show. I though to myself, "its not a strip club, how could this be?" After seeing the dancers I was inspired. I think it is great that she has created a night where those who like to perform can do so on a weekly basis. Since pole classes are private, "Medicinal Mondays" is a place where family & friends can come see you dance. I recently had the experience to work back stage with Emille at East Meet West pole competition. I have the utmost respect for her. She is Professional, energetic and inspirational.

[TPDS] How did you become involved as Stage Manager at the APFC?

[Emilee] I volunteered as a stage manager for USPDF in 2009 and at East Meets Wests Tri-Pole Challenge weekend. Initially the organizer  for APFC wanted my pole dancing troupe, The VertiGirls, toeast perform, but without compensation or travel, they couldn't do it so I offered to help out instead on my way back from Europe. I believe she found us on Facebook;

[TPDS] You are a staple at local (Los Angeles) Pole Dancing related competitions/events. Is this the first time you will travel across the country for a pole competion/event?

[Emilee] No- The VertiGirls and I raised funds to travel to Washington DC for the 1st Annual Pole Dancing Convention in late May. It was a very condensed trip, but well worth it!

[TPDS] Have you ever been a judge at one of the competitions?

[Emilee] No and I would love to, but there seems to be somewhat of a conflict of interest since I am seen as a talent manager/coach. Although, I will probably never officially manage pole dancers for my career, I always do what I can to provide opportunities for women who want to dance in public with my no tipping and no stripping standard. Since I manage my VertiGirls as a performance troupe, if and when members of VG compete, there is always a possibility of a biased opinion. Who knows though- eventually we will have to search for a new member and that will be exciting!

[TPDS] How do you feel about Pole Dancing/Fitness in the Olympics?

[Emilee] When I started my "pole" itical movement,  I felt very strongly about it, but after careful consideration, I don't think it belongs in the Olympics. It is not a family sport, it is alternative and the graceful hip circles that men consider sexy may not be appropriate. I believe in safety standards, but I don't want pole dancing to get over regulated, especially be the wrong people. I do think it could be an X-Game or if one of the members of VG got an ESPY award, I would be thrilled!

[TPDS] How were you introduced to pole dancing/fitness?

[Emilee] I was looking for ways to get in touch with myself. I moved to L.A to pursue an acting career and after all the rejection and plastic surgery, I was depressed and I felt stagnant. I even lost my period and then I really didn't feel sexy. I came across Sheila Kelly's S Factor program and joined. It did wonders for me. I used to cry in class and pleasure myself on the way home. I continued dancing up to Level 5 and interned at the studio for a bit. I was 25 and super empowered. I removed my breast implants and started pole dancing at a burlesque bar in Hollywood.

[TPDS] How did you come up with "Medicinal Mondays"?

[Emilee] I was starring in a play called Strip. I played a dominatrix stripper. The club down the street from my house, Club Good Hurt was closed on Mondays so I asked the owner if he would open it one night for me and the other actresses to promote our play and we would pole dance. I created an event called Medicinal Mondays because it is a themed bar. The place was packed, it was a lot of fun and the pwner asked me if I wanted to do this every week.  I decided to continue doing it, but I would find other girls who wanted to pole dance with a "no tipping" " no stripping" standard. Every week, 3 pole dancers perform to live music they have never heard before and it really is magical.

[TPDS] How did you come up with the idea for "The VertiGirls"?

[Emilee] After only a couple of months promoting at Good Hurt, I started meeting so many amazing women and watching the most advanced moves. My newest pole dancing friend at that time was the lovely, Estee Zakar,  and we had recently did a photoshoot for Xpole. She also opened up for my play and I was also still dancing as "Ruby" at  the burlesque bar, Jumbos Clown Room and she would come out to support me.  I asked her if she wanted to perform more in public  and she said YES!  A majority of the really advanced dancers are extremely petite and I had what I call my crazy horse vision of  the same small body types together on stage doing synchronizedd pole and thought that it would make a great show. Some people might not know this, but there is a height maximum to be a VertiGirl and it is approx  5'4"- no taller. The one exception is Leigh Acosta who does Tissu, Hoop, and Trapeze as well. I remind people, the  VG are similar to jockeys on a horse, except they're really gymnasts on the pole. The funny thing is, some people think I choreograph, but I am not advanced at all. In fact, after I formed VG, I gave it up completely. I would rather leave it to the pros anyway.

[TPDS] Tells us about your montra "Follow your heart, Lead the way".

[Emilee] It reminds me to stay humble. Everyone has to follow something first before they can lead. I was bartending when I got offered the role to play Samantha, the lesbian dominatrix stripper. Something deep inside me wanted to become the character so badly. I felt pressured because tending bar was very lucrative and my boss said he couldn't accommodate my rehearsal schedule. I quit my job to become a pretend stripper! I practically did the play for free. The point is that I let go and I followed my intuition. Since then, I feel like the pole dancing industry has swallowed me whole. I know there are people that consider me as some sort of Impresario or  pioneer. I like the sound of leading lady. More importantly, I have an amazing creative force that comes to life on stage and there is nothing sweeter than sharing my little gifts with the world.

[TPDS] What's next for Emilee Wilson?

[Emilee] Ah, thats a loaded question in my world. Who really knows? I tend to be spontaneous and unpredictable.  Although,  a national tour with The VertiGirls would be nice. I'll continue challenging them to get stronger as artists and I'll do my best to make them happy. I also created a safe sex campaign called "Protect Your Pole" and I dream of leading an awareness program for teen girls discussing the importance of using condoms. I see myself moving into Motherhood eventually. I joke that I will be the worst stage Mom ever because by the time I have a daughter, pole dancing will probably be recognized internationally as an official sport and of course, I will re-live my pole dancing days through her...all the way to the top!

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