41-year-old Capetonian, Chantal Cornelissen, has just grabbed first place in gold at the World Pole Art Championship hosted in Italy.
Gone are the narrow-minded days of pole-dancing being associated with distastefulness. Today, it’s a worldwide competitive sport and art. Chantal continues to prove it.
Chantal boasts a solid background in aerial sports having started her acrobatic career age 9. She’s performed on cruises and in international circuses, which even saw her living in a caravan in France for a period, says News24.
View this post on Instagram
Chantal’s acrobatic history led her to founding the Aerial Sports South Africa Federation (ASSAF) earlier this year. Chantal along with four other women in ASSAF then took a leap and entered the tournament, jetting off to Cesenatico in Italy for the championships.
View this post on Instagram
Chantal reigned in a gold metal within the artistic division at the World Pole Art Championship for her Mary Poppins inspired act. Speaking about her act in an interview with News24, Chantal says:
“Think of the umbrella, the big bag and the pot plant that came out of the bag. It was a super fun experience, which I think helped me get that gold medal.”
Lindsey Appolis
Other South-African pole dancers including Amy Leibbrandt and Naa-ilah Jassiem participated in the amateur division, whilst Hedwig Shackle competed in the elite section, and Chantal in the Elite Masters 40+.
Lindsey Appolis
Chantal continues to inspire and guide South African pole-dancers at her pole-dancing studio opened in Edgemead upon returning to SA after the big win.
Why do we love her? Chantal is all about breaking stereotypes when it comes to pole-dancing. It’s not an activity associated with skimpy clothes and strip clubs anymore. The athleticism that goes into pole-dancing requires physical and mental stamina, and is a taxing sport.
View this post on Instagram
“You have bad days where everything goes wrong. You can’t get up. But usually, it’s just being able to fight through those bad days, keep training and remembering that nothing’s perfect the first time.”
Says Chantal, as quoted by News24. She goes on:
“The pole community is about empowering people and uplifting each other — literally and figuratively. I would have never been able to get that gold medal without the input and help of our community.”
ALSO SEE:
Aunty Merle’s Things Get Real comedy receives standing ovations from audience
Feature Image: Lindsey Appolis
