OneMetal.com INTERVIEW:
Dominic Lacasse talks to OneMetal

Back in January, we brought you what you needed to know about Pole Dancing. Due to the huge interest in this article, we thought we would give you another look at the world of Pole Dancing, and again present aspects of the sport you might not have expected.

One very easy mistake to make is to assume that pole dancing is solely for girls -- something that Peep Show’s David Mitchell has recently been found guilty of. Male interest in the sport is ever-growing, and some of the guys are really damn good, too.

Part of the driving force inspiring men to take to the pole is Dominic Lacasse; a record-breaking artist from Quebec who has accumulated a whole host of achievements. Not only is he a two times Guinness World Record holder but he has a gold medal at Wuqiao, bronze medal and special prize in Izhevsk, Russia, and a special prize for Incredible Talent at Monte Carlo in 2008. Dominic also dabbles in parkour, instructing, gymnastics, figure skating, synchronized swimming, circus diving, acrosport, dance, Chinese pole, martial arts, trampolining… and the list goes on!

OneMetalHow would you describe your act?

DominicIt’s a unique circus act that I began performing three years ago. It is unique because the whole act is based on the human flag technique. I also designed my own equipment, which consists of a rotating free-standing pole. The act is centered around a show of strength and is carried out to smooth piano music using choreography and control. However, it is not just an act of strength, but one that conveys nice emotions also. I also always smile!

OneMetalWhat is your dance background?

DominicI have had training with both the circus and in tango.

OneMetalHow long have you been practicing pole-related fitness?

DominicFor three years.

OneMetalHow often do you practice?

DominicI try to practice everyday, except when I am on a plane or if I’m in a show!

OneMetalWhat other sports do you take part in?

DominicI like all sport and enjoy volley-ball, tennis, soccer, hockey, jogging and hiking among many others.

OneMetalWhen was your first competition?

DominicI was about 6-12 years-old playing soccer and hockey.

OneMetalAnd your last?

DominicIn Russia at the beginning of March 2010. It was a circus competition and I won the Bronze medal.

OneMetalDo you have plans to take part in any more soon?

DominicNot at the moment, but I will be looking to take part in one or two in 2011 and 2012.

OneMetalDo you teach?

DominicTeaching was my main job. I went to university to become an acrobatic trainer in gymnastics, trampoline, diving, circus skills and other sports. But now there is no time for that.

OneMetalTell us a little about your Chinese pole.

DominicThis is the act that bring me the most success in my career. I first started travelling all around the world with Chinese pole and began to do a lot of TV shows. It was the reason I had to stop teaching because there was just no time and have now been doing this for a living instead.

OneMetalWho are your inspirations?

DominicI carry out my pole act alone and so I find it is the influence of the sport, my competitive spirit and always wanting to do the best I can that inspires me most.

OneMetalDo you have a favourite trick?

DominicI have two: my air moon walk and my new Guinness World Record trick for most chin-ups in human flag.

OneMetalWhen did you first start performing with the circus?

DominicIn 1996.

OneMetalYou do many different performances ranging from the Flag Man, hand-to-hand to Duo Straps. Which one came first and what do they involve?

DominicThe straps and hand-to-hand were the first and I moved on from there.

OneMetalYou also perform as part of a trio with the Russian bar and acrobatics. Tell us about that.

DominicThis is a little side project. I have been learning Russian bar for a year and I just want to continue using what i have learnt as an act. We will be taking our act to Japan at the end of April!

OneMetalThere seems to be nothing you can’t do! You also do parkour, martial arts, trampolining, diving and breakdancing! What is your favourite sport?

DominicI really enjoy parkour but have had to stop practicing as it is a bit too dangerous and I could easily injure myself. I also don’t really have time anymore. When I do parkour for publicity it takes me a month to train to be ready.

OneMetalYou also advertise yourself as a stuntman. What projects have you worked on so far?

DominicI started getting involved in doing stunts some years ago. I did a few different projects and advertisements, but my success with the circus was beginning at the same time and took priority.

OneMetalWhat is the worst injury you have had?

DominicMy ankle. It took me one and a half years to recover from it completely.

OneMetalYou got your Guinness World Records for the longest human flag and the most flag chin-ups. How long did you hold them for and what was your experience?

DominicMy flag was for 39 seconds, but my best overall hold is 45 seconds. I completed 10 flag chin-ups and my best count is 13.

OneMetalHow long did it take you to train for?

DominicTraining has been a lifelong experience. I began with gymnastics at 12 years-old, which set me up with some good basic skills to reach that kind of goal, but my specific training for the flag began three years ago.

OneMetalWhat made you decide you wanted to compete for the world record?

DominicI got a phone call from the TV show, the German Guiness World Records, and they asked me to compete for the record.

OneMetalWhat are your favourite films?

DominicLove, Actually, Avatar and Lord of the Rings.

OneMetalWhat is your favourite type of music to perform to, and what do you listen to in your spare time?

DominicIn my acts I prefer soft music. In my spare time I listen to the radio. I like all types of music and enjoy discovering new music styles.

OneMetalWhat was the last gig you went to see?

DominicI think it was Bryan Adams quite along time ago.

OneMetalYou’re an inspiration to many pole dancers out there, including myself. What advice would you give to those wanting to follow in your footsteps?

DominicFirstly, train a lot and reach a good level. You cannot be doing it just for fun. You have to invest all your life in it and it needs to be top priority. You need knowledge on how to train, including the physical training of conditioning and stretching and how to organise yourself. You need to take dance classes and maybe theater class to improve the way that you act on stage. It’s not just about technique or strength. Pole dancing is really new and I think people need to be be trained by professionnals from other disciplines like circus, physical fitness, gymnastics, dance and choreography.

OneMetalDo you have any upcoming events or performances we should look out for?

DominicI have just filmed with the TV show "Le plus grand cabaret du monde". It is going to be broadcasted on May 8th. After that it will be on TV5 Monde in the middle of May.

You can find out more about Dominic Lacasse on his website or YouTube channel.