Interview with Erica Riartes.
“Intensa Madre”
Erica Riartes, Pole Sport and Pole Exotic instructor, shares her 10‑year journey in this discipline that blends strength, sensuality, and personal transformation.
How did your connection with pole begin, and what motivated you to start?
I started pole ten years ago, mostly out of curiosity. I saw the activity as something very feminine, sensual, and powerful, and personally, I was on that kind of search. Pole helped me — it was the driving force that sparked a fulfilling life and self‑growth.
You mention that pole was a turning point in your life. What personal transformations did you experience through this discipline?
From my own experience, I know that anyone who starts will undergo a personal development they can’t imagine. To put it simply, I’d say it’s an express lane to self‑love, confidence, and self‑esteem — and that brings huge changes to your life.
From your beginnings until now, what changes have you noticed in the activity and in the way pole is practiced and perceived?
The discipline has become much more professionalized, safer, and more accepted. Today it’s taught with a strong focus on technique, biomechanics, and specific training.
How would you describe the internal impact pole has on first‑timers?
It’s too deep to fully explain, but I can say that whoever starts will undergo personal growth they never expected. It’s like a crash course in self‑love, confidence, and self‑worth.
You teach both Pole Sport and Pole Exotic. What differences do you see between these two styles, and what would you say to those who still associate pole only with sex?
For me, the discipline is excellent in both its athletic and sensual facets (Pole Sport and Pole Exotic). Each person chooses the style they want — or both. The truth is, people who don’t know any better only link it to sex, and ignorance is dangerous because it stops you from experiencing and enjoying life.
If you had to give one piece of advice to pole instructors to ensure safety and progress in their students, what would it be?
Always teach with proper technique and follow an evolutionary process — that way you avoid unnecessary injuries.
We know pole has provincial, national, and international competitions. Could you tell us about your experience as a judge at various events?
Yes, there are provincial, national, international, and even world championships. There are national and international federations. Personally, I’m an international competition judge and I had the pleasure of judging at the 2025 Argentine and Brazilian nationals of the IPSF international federation.
What did it mean to you to be an international judge at competitions like the 2025 IPSF Argentine and Brazilian Nationals, as well as local events like the XPRESSIVE Pole Championship in Córdoba or EPIFANÍA Show Exótico in 2024?
It was a pleasure and an honor. Here in Córdoba I was a judge at XPRESSIVE Pole Championship 2025 and EPIFANÍA Show Exótico in 2024. But like I said, naming every competition is impossible because there are so many.
What message would you like to share with people who are thinking about starting this discipline?
Go for it — because pole is so much more than a physical activity. It’s a tool for personal transformation, self‑love, and growth that can change your life.
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📸 Instagram: @intensamadre
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