PoleRiders Info
Q. How did this start?
A. PoleRider was
originally conceived as a NYC Halloween parade float to raise awareness
of the immense potential of pedal power and the imagination and
to promote cycling in New York City.
Q. Who
came up with this crazy idea?
A. Andrew Katzander
is the Owner and creator of Poleriders. Andrew is an industrial
designer and bicycle artist. Prior to Poleriders he was a partner
in a landscape design and contracting company and was owner of Indigo
Edible Gardens which designed, created and maintained organic food
gardens for homes and schools. Andrew has been an avid cyclist for
most of his life and has his cycling roots in the beginning days
of east coast mountain biking in the early eighties.
Q. This is very risqué. Isn't this stripping?
A. No. While pole dancing originated and continues in strip
clubs it has made its way into dance studios, gyms, and homes, then
international competitions and now the great outdoors. There is
no denying the sensuality of pole dancing nor its risqué origins
but like The Tango, Ballet and even the Waltz it is not the first
style of dance to raise eyebrows.
Q. Is
Poleriding dangerous?
A. Yes there is certainly
a degree of risk involved. While there are no statistics it is generally
felt that it is much safer than riding on the back of a motorcycle
and probably safer than riding a bicycle. The vehicle moves slowly
and every attempt is made to keep the ride smooth for the dancer.
Assuming there is no collision Its more likely that the dancer would
slide down the pole rather than fly off the Polerider so the danger
would be the same on a stationary pole. In a collision situation
both the dancer and rider are probably much safer than if they were
on a bicycle due to the size and stability of the vehicle.
Q. How is it that Polerider doesn't tip over?
It looks like there is a lot of leverage at the top of the pole.
A. It's a secret! Polerider was designed by three industrial
designers to maintain stability. Don't try this at home.
Q. Is there special training involved?
A.
Yes both pilots and spend hours training to get used to the ride.
Q. How heavy is Polerider.
A.
Without the pilot and fully loaded with a dancer, water, lights,
sound and batteries it weighs in at about 750 lbs Add a driver and
it's a little under a half ton. I have had 2 dancers on the back.
Q. Is it hard to pedal?
A.
Yes but there is plenty of inspiration to push on
Q. Is Poleriding choreographed?
A. Yes
to a degree. While the dancer does pretty much her own thing, there
are signals between pilot and dancer to coordinate the dancing and
the cycling around turns etc.
Q. Can I
start a Poleriders in my town or city?
A. Contact
the Polerider clubhouse about starting a Polerider outpost in your
area. We currently have dancers and pilots available in The USA,
UK, Canada, France, Netherlands, Japan, Australia, Germany, Brazil,
and the Carribean.
Q. Where can I see Poleriders
in action?
A. We will post our appearances on the
blog at poleriders.blogspot.com
Q. Can I join the Poleriders team?
A. As we expand we are always looking for skilled dancers
who are capable of performing advanced level tricks. We are also
looking for pilots who are professional, experienced and fit rickshaw
drivers.
Q. Can I take Poleriding classes?
A. Marlo and Ariel teach pole dancing classes here
at the polerider clubhouse and at Skybox in Brooklyn - both private
or group classes. Call: (646) 996.7958.
Q.
Can anyone jump on and Poleride?
A. No you must
be on the team or be invited to dance.
Q.
Are there any male Poleriders?
A. Although not
part of the original vision, we can probably arrange it.
Q. What is the plan for the future of Poleriders?
A. We want to expand our operations
into other cities around the world and we have other exciting plans
to be announced at a later time. |
PoleRiders are available for events, parties,
group rides, film and video.
PoleRiders are available for parades.
Advertising coverage can range from a bumper
sticker to polerider dancer clothing.
Being a PoleRider takes hours of dedication,
hard work, and sweat. |
