From Ancient Roots to Modern Fitness
What is Pole Dance?
Pole dance is a fascinating and dynamic art form that combines athleticism, grace, and creativity. This discipline involves the use of a vertical pole to perform acrobatic movements, spins, and elegant poses. In recent years, pole dance has gained popularity as both a fitness activity and a form of artistic expression, attracting people of all ages and experience levels.
Pole dance is not for everyone. It’s a sport that requires many components of fitness: strength, flexibility, agility, and mobility. In addition to these components, it requires a good deal of patience, creativity, courage, and perseverance. It has been several years since this discipline became popular and practiced in almost every country in the world, predominantly by women. However, there remains an aura of illegitimacy around this discipline due to its presence in strip clubs and often confused with lap dancing.
For some, this factor carries no weight; in fact, more and more women, who have no intention of approaching strip clubs, decide to start this pole dance practice in the most sensual style they can. This helps many women, and even some men, to gain a deep sense of self-esteem, to rid themselves of frustrations and judgments from others, and to live a fuller life.
Pole dance can be a way to break the routine, challenge oneself, and discover new possibilities. But how did this modern fitness trend originate? Let’s take a journey through the fascinating history of pole dance, from its ancient origins to its current popularity.
Ancient Roots
It is said that pole dance dates back thousands of years in ancient cultures. One of the earliest forms of pole dance was the Indian sport called Mallakhamb, which dates back to the 12th century in India. Mallakhamb, which means “pole gymnastics,” involved men performing acrobatic and yoga-inspired movements on a wooden pole or rope. This practice was a way to improve strength, agility, and flexibility.
In China, a similar tradition known as Chinese Pole developed during the same period. Chinese pole acrobatics were performed during festivals and circus shows, showcasing incredible feats of strength and balance as performers climbed, spun, and flipped on tall, narrow poles. This discipline is still practiced primarily in circuses on a thicker pole, covered in rubber, which allows practitioners to wear clothes during practice.
Pole Dance in Modern Days
The modern version of pole dance began to take shape in the 1920s and 1930s in the United States. During this period, burlesque and exotic dance scenes began to incorporate poles into their performances. Dancers used the pole to enhance their routines, adding a sensual and athletic element to their shows.
The first burlesque shows where pole dance began to be seen date back to the 1920s and 1930s in the United States. During this period, burlesque was becoming increasingly popular as a form of entertainment that combined satire, comedy, and provocative dance.
One of the iconic venues where burlesque and later pole dance developed was Minsky’s Burlesque in New York City. The Minsky brothers founded a series of burlesque theaters that became famous for their bold and innovative performances. Although there are no specific records identifying a precise date when pole dance was introduced in their shows, it is known that Minsky’s Burlesque played a significant role in the evolution of burlesque. The integration of new dance and acrobatics elements.
Another influential figure in burlesque and the transition to using the pole in performances was Sally Rand. In the 1930s, Sally Rand became famous for her fan and bubble dances, performances that combined sensuality and acrobatic skill. Although Sally Rand did not use a pole, her style of performance inspired many dancers to experiment with more acrobatic and physical elements in their routines.
In the 1950s and 1960s, pole dance began to become more common in strip clubs and nightclubs, but its roots can be traced back to the burlesque shows of earlier years. In these environments, pole dance further evolved, incorporating increasingly complex and athletic movements, becoming a recognized art form and fitness discipline worldwide.
As burlesque evolved, so did pole dance. In the 1950s and 1960s, pole dance became more associated with strip clubs, where it was primarily seen as a form of exotic entertainment. This period played a significant role in shaping the public perception of pole dance, often stigmatizing it as purely erotic and intended for adult entertainment.
Emergence as a Fitness Trend
In the 1990s, pole dance began to shed its image of exotic dance and gained recognition as a legitimate form of exercise and artistic expression. This transformation was led by dancers and fitness enthusiasts who recognized the significant physical benefits of pole dance, including improvements in strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness.
Pole dance studios began to spread, offering classes focused on the fitness and artistic aspects of the discipline. These classes attracted a diverse group of participants, from athletes to ordinary individuals looking for a fun and challenging workout.
Here are some of the pioneers in the world of pole dance studios:
Polecats Manila (Philippines)
Founded by Christina Dy in 2009, it is one of the first pole dance studios in Asia. It is known for helping to bring pole dance out of the realm of nightclubs and promoting it as a form of exercise and performance art.
Bobbi's Pole Studio (Australia)
Founded by Bobbi in Australia in the early 2000s, Bobbi's Pole Studio is one of the most well-known and respected pole dance studios in the world. It played a significant role in making pole dance accessible and accepted as a fitness form.
The Art of Pole Dancing (United States)
Founded by Fawnia Mondey-Dietrich, one of the early pioneers of pole dance in the United States. Fawnia began teaching pole dance as fitness in 1994 and produced one of the first instructional pole dance videos, helping to spread the discipline worldwide.
Pole Fitness Studio (United States)
Founded by KT Coates, one of the first internationally recognized pole dance instructors. KT Coates is also the founder of Vertical Dance, one of the first organizations dedicated to promoting pole dance as a sport and art form.
Pole Dancing School (United Kingdom)
Founded by Elena Gibson in 2005 in London, it is one of the first pole dance studios in the UK. Elena Gibson is a pole dance champion and has helped raise the profile of the discipline in the UK.
These studios played a crucial role in redefining pole dance as a respectable form of fitness and art, offering structured training programs and promoting the discipline through competitions and shows.
Competitive and Artistic Pole Dance
Today, pole dance is widely recognized as both a sport and an art form. Competitions and shows are held around the world, with athletes performing intricate routines that combine gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics. Organizations such as the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) and the Pole Sport Organization (PSO) have been instrumental in promoting pole dance as a serious athletic endeavor.
In addition to its competitive aspect, pole dance has also become a respected form of artistic expression. Many dancers use the pole to tell stories, express emotions, and push the boundaries of traditional dance forms. This artistic evolution has further legitimized pole dance in the eyes of the public.
Today, pole dance is widely recognized as both a sport and an art form. Competitions and shows are held around the world, with athletes performing intricate routines that combine gymnastics, dance, and acrobatics. Here are some of the most famous championships, competitions, and shows in the world of pole dance:
- World Pole Dance Championships: Organized by the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF), this championship is one of the most prestigious in the world of competitive pole dance. Athletes from around the world compete in categories such as Pole Art, Pole Sport, and Para Pole.
- Pole Theatre World: This event, organized by Pole Theatre World, celebrates art and creativity in pole dance. Athletes perform in shows that combine dance, acrobatics, and storytelling to compete in categories like Classic, Drama, Comedy, and Pole Art.
- US Pole Dance Championship: This is the national pole dance championship of the United States, where the best pole dance talents compete for the national title in categories like Amateur, Professional, Masters, and Doubles.
- Pole Art Italy: This event is one of the most important in Europe for artistic and expressive pole dance. Artists perform in original and creative routines, blending technique with narrative to create engaging performances.
- Exotic Generation: One of the most influential competitions in the world of exotic and erotic pole dance. Artists compete in sensual and provocative performances, demonstrating technical skills and entertainment abilities.
These are just a few examples of the numerous competitions and shows held worldwide to celebrate pole dance as a form of athletic and artistic expression.
Here is a list of shows that have included pole dance as a discipline:
- “Cirque du Soleil“: This renowned contemporary circus often includes pole dance in its productions, blending acrobatics, dance, and theater to create extraordinary shows.
- “Pole Show LA“: One of the most well-known shows in the world of pole dance, Pole Show LA features some of the best talents in the discipline in spectacular and engaging performances.
- “The Art of Pole“: This traveling show features a variety of pole dance styles, from pole sport to pole artistic and erotic. It is a celebration of diversity and creativity in pole dance.
- “Pole Con”: This event brings together pole dance enthusiasts and artists from around the world for performances, workshops, and demonstrations. It’s an opportunity for the pole dance community to share their passion and talent with others.
- “Pole Art Cyprus“: An annual festival celebrating pole dance as a form of art and expression. Artists perform in exciting shows that blend technique, choreography, and storytelling.
- “Pole Theatre UK“: An event that celebrates creativity and innovation in pole dance. Artists perform in original and engaging routines that often include theatrical and narrative elements.
These shows offer an opportunity for pole dance artists to perform in front of a wider audience and for the public to appreciate the beauty and art of pole dance in a theatrical and spectacular context.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Strength and Beauty with Pole Dance
From its ancient roots in Indian and Chinese cultures to its transformation into a modern fitness phenomenon, pole dance is much more than just a discipline. It’s a journey of self-discovery, a path that leads you to explore the depths of your inner strength and authentic beauty.
Pole dance is not just a series of choreographed movements around a pole; it’s a life-changing experience. It’s an opportunity to free your mind and spirit as you challenge the limits of your body. It’s an invitation to embrace yourself with compassion and confidence, to celebrate every curve, every movement, every moment of growth and achievement.
Today, more than ever, we need tools to cultivate self-discipline and self-esteem. Pole dance offers a path for both. Through consistent practice and dedication, you will learn to overcome physical and mental challenges, to confront your fears, and to embrace your unlimited potential.
Whether you’re a girl from a big city or a small village, whether you have experience in dance or are approaching this discipline for the first time, pole dance is for you. It doesn’t matter your age, your fitness level, or your background; what matters is your desire to grow, learn, and transform.
Yes, pole dance can seem intimidating at first. It can challenge your strength, your flexibility, and your endurance. But it’s in those challenges that you will find your deepest strength and your most authentic beauty. Every little progress, every new move conquered, will bring you one step closer to the best version of yourself.
So, girl, don’t wait. Take your courage in both hands and venture into the magic of pole dance. You’ll find a community of strong, supportive women ready to welcome you with open arms. You’ll find a world of possibilities waiting for you, ready to make you shine.
Pole dance is not just a dance; it’s a transformational experience. It’s time to rise, shine, and embrace your strength and beauty with pole dance. Your adventure awaits.
