Get To Know The Pole-Dancing Goddess That Is Kitty Velour

Although traditionally an art that has carried a stigma regarding a woman’s choice to over sexualise herself, pole dancing has grown to capture the eyes, and minds, of our generation, with dancers such as Kitty Velour enlightening us on both the skill and glamour of the art. 

Residing in Manchester, Kitty, 24, began her journey into pole aged 16 through the help of exotic dancing on YouTube, after lacking connection to the traditionally taught classes of tap, ballet and contemporary. “I was really inspired by strippers and showgirls at the time” she reflects. “I loved their glamorous costumes and powerful movements.”

Eight years on, Kitty has successfully created a career that has seen her tour the USA as well as work the poles at a speakeasy bar in Tokyo, where some of the finest of Japanese burlesque dancers perform. “I remember telling my Dad I really wanted to be a pole dancer when I was 18, and he was like, ‘well if that’s what makes you happy, then you should do it’” she says. “I started doing a lot of gogo dance gigs, dancing in circus bars, fetish nights, and teaching workshops. It's crazy how the time has flown.” 

Reminiscing of her career highlights, Kitty speaks fondly of her time at Manchester Pride. “Performing last year for Manchester Pride was a magical experience, the audience was just so electric and so here for it” she says. “But, sometimes it’s the little things, getting a message from someone saying that I’ve helped them feel more confident or comfortable in their body, that’s always a highlight.”
 

Describing herself as a mix of kawaii pastel princess and freaky fetish bitch, the idea of self-expression and acceptance remains at the heart of who Kitty Velour is. “She is a pole princess, a bouncy, glittery, sexy femme fatale” she says. “Kitty Velour is like the aspirational version of myself, she is entirely comfortable with herself and gives zero fucks.” Naturally a shy and introverted individual, Kitty uses a pole to ignite the elements of herself that prefer to stay in the shadows. “Being on stage brings out a completely other side of me where I get to be wild and free. I get inspired by so many things: strippers, festival fashion, drag queens, cabaret, and the kink scene.”

A peak onto her Instagram only confirms the above, with her posts an inspiring array of uncensored routines, nipple tassels, and undeniable skill, all capturing the life of a circus performer who has switched nightclub stages for quarantine bedroom performances. “Social media has played a huge role in my career, it’s the best way to showcase your skills to as many people as possible and helps inspire me to create interesting content” she says.

Most recently, social media has been vital in spreading the word of Kitty’s online ‘Twerk for the NHS’ classes, where all funds raised are donated to Masks 4 NHS Heroes. “I was inspired by Captain Tom doing the laps of his garden, and I was thinking, wow, he’s amazing, and if he can do that, then there must be something I can do” she says. “I also thought the classes would be something fun to help brighten people’s isolation.” 

The future for Kitty looks to continue the sprinkling of her glitter and sass globally, with hopes of travel around Australia and South America. “Putting on more of my events is definitely on the agenda” she says. “I was so gutted that my very first show, The Pxssy Parlour, got canceled, especially after it was sold out. But the next one will be even more fabulous!

With her sell-out classes raising money for the NHS, and an energy that is so reckless and pure that we should all take notes, we think Kitty is the strong independent female we all need in our lives this lockdown, don’t you?

You can become your own pole dancing goddess this quarantine too with the help of Kitty’s Patreon here.

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