Local dancer has dreams of competing in Amsterdam

Pole dancing athlete Embeth McMillan has dreams of competing in the International Pole Sports Federation World Championships.

The championships are planned to be held in the Netherlands later this year.

The Edenvale resident said she became involved in the sport six years ago while surfing the web.

“I found vouchers for pole dancing lessons on Groupon and thought it would be interesting to try,” said Embeth.

Six years later the 25 year old is still involved in the sport.

“When I qualified for the world champs I was both nervous and excited,” said Embeth.

She said it will be a privilege to interact with other world class athletes.

Embeth finished second in the elite category at the nationals in April this year.

“What I enjoy most about the sport is the training itself. I get bored quickly and it is nice to have something to focus on and stay busy,” said Embeth.

“Pole dancing is a challenging sport. It is constantly evolving and growing,” said Embeth.

She believes because the standards of the sport are constantly improving, training is vital.

In order to be where she is today Embeth trains daily.

Embeth will practice at the studio six days a week, for three and a half hours each time.

“You train to perfect your routine and to become better at it. I should actually be training more,” said Embeth.

She said working full time makes training difficult.

Although she lives in Edenvale, Embeth practices and instructs pole dancing at a Benoni dance studio.

She said she moved to the Benoni studio four years ago.

When Embeth is not training at the studio she is an instructor and helps other dancers.

“Embeth picked up on all the corrections and could convey instructions really well. She has potential,” said dance instructor Benita Bouwer.

Embeth said at the moment the biggest challenge for her to reach her dreams of competing overseas is funding.

She said although she is doing her own fundraising she is in need of donations.

The trip to the Netherlands has an estimated cost of R20 0000.

To get in touch with Embeth contact her on embethm@gmail.com