Pole dancing, to many, is still considered taboo despite our society’s liberal views. I confess that I was once one of those people, until about a year and a half ago. A friend and I curiously signed up for an introductory class on pole dancing, and it is safe to say that it was love at first spin.
Pole dancing, or “pole” to the pole dancing community, was something I never would have dreamt of loving, let alone taking seriously. Pole gives me a sense of feminine empowerment and peace that all the ellipticals in the world failed to deliver. The deeper I got sucked in, the more my understanding of this infamous sport has changed.
To my surprise, what many think pole dancing consists of barely scratches the surface.
With the establishment of US Pole Dance Federation (USPDF) in 2008, pole dancing has slowly begun re-instituting its reputation, by taking the performance out of sleazy bars and onto higher and more artistic platforms, such as Cirque du Soleil. USPDF hosts a yearly, professional pole dancing competition that attracts many athletes with extensive gymnastics, dance, fitness, and yoga backgrounds.
Natasha Wang, the 2011 USPDF Champion who earned the title earlier this year in New York, is known for her unusually elegant and dramatic pole performances. With no dance background and a Cirque du Soleil type of approach, Wang is arguably challenging those who see pole dancing as strictly stripping. Having appeared on The View after her success, Wang is one of the first pole-fessionals to mainstream the art of pole.
The success of USPDF resulted in an enormous amount of interest from women who are curious to try the art of vertical fitness.
Bel Jeremiah, owner of Twirly Girls Pole Fitness in Pleasanton, CA highly encourages women of all shapes and sizes to try pole dancing.
“The biggest misconception about pole dancing is that the women who participate are all exotic dancers,” Jeremiah said. “You need to stop looking at the equipment and focus on the transformation.”
With years of experience as a professional body builder and fitness instructor, Jeremiah recognizes pole dancing’s ability to keep women in shape, while helping them to build confidence.
“I have seen the change in women’s attitude towards themselves. Pole forces women to step out of their comfort zone.”
Shelly Lamb, a pole instructor and professional competitor, believes that pole dancing is more than just dancing around a vertical, titanium rod.
“To me, pole dancing is an athletic art form,” Shelly said. “I like the challenge it gives my upper body strength and that I can combine my dance background with aerial art.”
Unlike Wang and Lamb, I am not a professional nor do I have any sort of dance background, but pole is the only sport I have ever seen that does not judge or discourage its curious beginners.
“I’ve seen tears and laughter and a tremendous amount of support and camaraderie among the women in pole,” Jeremiah adds.
Despite pole dancing’s erotic and taboo background, more and more women continue to satiate their vertical curiosity. You need not purchase sky-high heels to enjoy the art of pole dancing. Grab a girlfriend and take a spin. Just be sure to leave your inhibitions at the door.