By Esther Lauaki
Dancing has turned Jennifer Squire’s world upside down since she took it up more than a decade ago.
Squire, a doctor in chemistry, turned her back on a career in science to pursue her passion for pole dancing.
“I have a PhD in synthetic chemistry,” she said.
“When I finished my PhD, I realised that the culture of academia didn’t suit me.
“I was turning down job opportunities because I wanted to pursue my passion for dance.”
The 31-year-old instructor at En Pointe Aerial Academy in Melton is now a national champion and qualified for the Pole Theatre World Championships in London next year – but she’ll need a leg up to get there.
Pole Theatre competitions showcase different styles of pole dancing including comedy, drama, art and “classique” categories.
“I have been dancing since I was four years old,” Squire said.
“When I eventually got too old to do calisthenics I tried to find another form of dance.
“I found pole to be such a great workout … I thought I was a strong dancer before but nothing compares to this.”
At the world championships, Squire will be up against competitors from 20 countries, performing her comedy pole routine by her stage name Le Chatelier – after a chemistry principle as a nod to her “old life”.
“I’m really excited to bring my humour and my unique performance to an international audience,” she said. “It’s been well received everywhere I’ve performed.”
She’s launched an online crowdfunding campaign which has already raised more than $1000 towards her expenses.
Donate: bit.ly/2SjX41K
