Age is just a number, proves Greta Pontarelli, the world's oldest international pole dancing champion. A tête-à-tête with Laveena Francis
At a time in life when people start making their retirement plans, 66-year-old, Southern California-based Greta Pontarelli thought different and leapt into uncharted territory – pole dancing.
The making of a pole-dancing champion
Fearing the onset of osteoporosis, which runs in her family, the then 59-year-old realised she needed to be active. Pontarelli, who has been a life coach for over 25 years, has always been flexible. But, due to the loss of cartilage, she couldn't continue practicing gymnastics and martial arts on cement floors like she used to in her younger days. Giving up an active life wasn't an option. While researching activities that strengthen bones, she stumbled upon pole dancing videos on YouTube. "I was impressed by the pole dancers' artistry, strength and flexibility. I knew this is what I wanted to do," says the world's oldest international pole-dance competitor.
"Aerial art has helped me develop muscles that support and take the pressure off my joints,'' she continues. "I have never competed against anyone older than me; my competitors are 18-year-olds who could easily be my granddaughters," laughs the five times Pole Sports Masters Champion, who has also won 12 US Championships and 20 medals.
Her 59-year-old husband, Louis, a retired CEO, and her 26-year-old son Antonio, a musician/producer were a bit sceptical about whether she would enjoy it, but seeing that she loves it, they've been extremely supportive.
The challenges are many, the first, obviously is her age. Recovery time is much longer than for younger aerial artists, nonetheless, she has never considered giving up. "My hip issue is the biggest challenge. However, I prefer to turn obstacles into blocks for growth," she says. "I work hard to bring more artistry and fluidity to my movements. The road turns left, you turn left," advises Pontarelli who celebrates the little victories which give her a turn a tide.
As a motivational speaker, she's learnt to practice what she preaches. She sticks to her routine, unaffected even by the cold weather. "It's easy to make excuses, however, procrastination keeps us from manifesting our dreams,'' she says. Around 20 minutes into her training, the endorphins kick in and motivation is no longer an issue. "I create choreography with inspiring music so the dance itself empowers me to move with artistry,'' she says, acknowledging all her mentors who encouraged her to excel.
Not just titles
Today, having won so many laurels, Pontarelli recalls that her first world championship was the sweetest. "Standing on the international stage in London and hearing the Star Spangled Banner was surreal. It brought tears to my eyes," she reminisces. But, what's priceless to her is when people write to her about how she's inspiring them to follow their dreams. "It's more important than medals."
Pontarelli plans to continue working in the international arena through performances, teaching master classes and judging. However, she wants to cast her net broader than the pole fitness community. She is an active motivational speaker who embraces connecting with people from all walks of life who have shelved their dreams. "My goal is to inspire people to not let age or any limitation keep them from following their dreams," says Pontarelli.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Pole-dance")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}