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Current Category Pole Dance Courses > History on Pole Dancing

Pole dancing is a form of dancing/gymnastics that involves muscular endurance and coordination as well as sensuality. It involves dancing sensually with a vertical pole and is often used in strip clubs and gentlemen's clubs, although more recently artistic pole dancing (Chinese poles) is used in cabaret/circus and stage performance in a non-erotic environment. In a strip club setting, pole dancing is often performed less gymnastically and combined with striptease, and/or lap dancing between performers. The dancer(s) may simply hold the pole, or use it to perform more athletic moves such as climbs, spins, and body inversions. Upper body and core strength are important to proficiency, which takes time to develop.

Pole dancing is now regarded as a recognised form of exercise and can be used as both an aerobic and anaerobic workout. Recognised schools and qualifications are being developed as pole dancing increases in popularity. Pole dancing is also regarded by many as a performing art.

1 The pole

The standard dance pole typically consists of a hollow steel or brass pole with circular cross section, running from floor to ceiling. Affixing at the ceiling gives more stability, but is not always realized, especially at night clubs with higher ceilings or at transportable devices. In the United States, the diameter is usually around 5 cm (2 inches), allowing it to be gripped comfortably with one hand. In Asia, the diameter is usually slightly smaller at 45 mm or less.

1.1 Standard pole

Another common pole is the spinning pole. Which, as it's name suggests, is nearly the same as a standard dance pole, only it spins using ball bearings. The purpose of this pole is to create better momentum and higher rates of speed, in order to have a greater dramatic effect.

Home versions are available which may be used for practice or aerobic exercise. Materials include polished stainless steel, chromed steel, powder coating, acrylic "glow poles" with LED lighting effects, Titanium coated and brass. Each material allows for different gripping ability. Polished steel is one of the slickest materials, which provides for a faster, more fluid dance; brass poles provide more friction, allowing for an easier hold with hands or thighs and creating a slow, sensual dance style.

Poles can be held in place by using threading to brace them against a ceiling joist. There are also poles that do not require construction and can be set up using tension. Stationary, rotating, and switchable versions are available.

1.2 Show Pole

There are now poles available for use in clubs that provide visual effects. These poles are made with clear plastics and contain water, glitter, and special reflective materials which stand out when used in conjunction with strobe lighting, as well as lighting hidden in their base joists. Although, these poles are not favorable to a dancer wanting to achieve better pole tricks, as they bend slightly and have a tendency to create a friction burn when you slide down them with any sort of speed.

2 Pole dance as exercise

Recently, pole dancing has caught on as a new and increasingly popular form of exercise, in which women (and sometimes men) use the pole as a workout prop.^[1] This form of exercise increases upper body strength (by using the body itself as resistance) while toning the body as a whole. It is recommended that people give showings to other friends to build up confidence and get more experience.

Although the most common pole dance competitions are still amateur nights at strip clubs, there is a growing world wide community who are trying to get pole dancing taken seriously as a sport and art form.

3 Pole dance competitions

Pole dance competitions have attempted to shy away from amateur nights at strip clubs. These events are strictly non-nude and non-stripping with the focus placed on the athleticism and artistry of the performer rather than on pure sex appeal.

The first "Miss Pole Dance World" competition was held in November 2005, and Reiko Suemune from Japan won the 2005/2006 title. Miss Pole Dance.

Physical benefits

Pole dancing work the muscles of the arm, shoulder and torso in achieving the spins, poses, tricks and linking moves. As a result, pole dancing enhances:
- stability
- balance
- flexibility
- posture
- muscle tone and strength in the thighs, buttocks and arms

As pole dancing only uses the body itself as natural resistance, women do not need to fear ‘bulking up’ from gaining strength through weights.

Aerobic benefits

A pole dancing work out can be adjusted according to levels of difficulty. However, all pole dancing work provides for aerobic exercise. Generally, a session can burn around 250 calories in a 45 minute session. In addition to weight loss, pole dancing as exercise can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, increase bone density and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Self confidence

As with most forms of exercise, pole dancing releases the body’s endorphins to produce a natural high. In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, pole dancing allows women to feel more confident about their bodies.

Social interaction

One of the most appealing benefits of pole dancing is that pole dancing is a very social activity. Pole dancing classes are very interactive and there is a lot of group encouragement. As a result, pole dancing classes have become a popular activity for girls’ nights out and hens’ nights.