Image via the US Pole Dancing Federation Competition 2009
***Semi-WARNING: This post does NOT contain nudity,
or any scenes, photography or material of an
explicit nature. However, due to the history
of the content associated with "pole dancing,"
you have been warned.***
Not your normal {Pinkalicious} post, but I had to share this with you because I was stunned…just not in the way you think…
Back in 2008, the United States Pole Dancing Federation was formed:
… as the interest of pole dancing grew significantly in the US.
Today’s pole dancing is a sensual athletic art form, where creativity meets physical strength. This modern form of pole dancing started internationally in the 90’s. In the beginning of 2000, an inspired US introduced pole dancing in dance studios and fitness facilities.
It’s significant to understand that pole dancing is not stripping. This misconception prevents pole dancing from becoming something every woman should be able to enjoy. Pole dancing is a sensual athletic dance form that demands coordination, flexibility and physical strength.
For my entire life, and probably yours as well, pole dancing has been associated with strippers and other acts of a dubious nature. Never would I have imagined, especially as someone with a degree in dance from a four-year university, that I would come across something like this. Therefore, I had to share it with you.
The thing is, when I was looking at this highlights video, perhaps because I am a heterosexual female with a background in professional dance, I wasn’t exactly paying attention to the “pole” aspect of what I was viewing, but rather the sheer strength and structure of the performances.
On that same note, I didn’t see anything raunchy either.
What do you think about that?
Can pole dancing ever move out of it’s back alleyway history and hit the non-stripper main stage, without words like “whore,” or “nudity” attached to it?
Could you see pole dancing, as the USPDF associates it, in say a Broadway show? Or an addition to a ballet at Lincoln Center?
Or will it forever be a part of the life for those “women of the night?”
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Sasha Muradali runs the ‘Little Pink Book’ . She holds a B.S. in Public Relations from the University of Florida (’07) and an M.A. in International Administration from the University of Miami(’08). She loves Twitter and all things social media, so you should find her @SashaHalima.
Copyright © 2009 Sasha H. Muradali. All Rights Reserved.
As a professional Belly dancer and teacher, I do have full respect for Pole dancing as the athletic art form it is. If you think of Cirque du Soleil type productions and Chinese theatre where dancers/gymnastics/athletes are using vertical pieces of fabric to move through the air and show an elegance beyond belief, is pole dancing so different?
I have to still on occasion remind my students that belly dancing is also “not stripping” – cause folks get caught up in bizarre hollywood depictions of it! It is a blending of ancient cultural dances touched with modern influences that allow us to be creative, and powerful in a very feminine way.. so there!
The respect of the female dancer flows with the society and generation. All forms of dance require some skill, and I think we have the strength to remind people of that.
Just try to support your body weight and flip yourself around, then some awareness can be granted
Thanks for the thought provoking post!
I think there is a certain artistry to pole dancing. As Tracey said, I don't see a huge difference between that and the Citque du Soleil productions using fabric. When presented in an artistic manner, pole dancing showcases strength and artistry. When coupled with clothing removal…not so much.
I could see it becoming a part of larger productions however, I think it will always be stereotyped. We are hard pressed to change our initial perceptions of things; especially something that has a long history or being cliche.
Do you remember the final production in the movie “Center Stage”? When I think about pole dancing being part of dance I see it being in a show like that.
In my most vivid imagination I never thought I would say this…I wan't to be a pole dancer! I have never seen anything so athletic and beautiful at the same time. Thanks for pointing this out.
I took a pole dancing class with a few girlfriends when I was in Vegas in June and it was INTENSE. My abs were crying for days and my arms felt awesome. I should also state that the instructor, a former “exotic dancer” was about 5'9 and had the most ridiculous body I've ever seen IN MY LIFE. Oh and a HUGE rock on her finger. She was retired.
If location and money was not an option, I personally would LOVE to take weekly pole dancing classes. It kind of reminds me of a toned down version of the artistry and stunt from Cirque de Solelil – beautiful.
A male perspective: As a native of East St. Louis, the adopted home of the late, great Katherine Dunham, I know what it takes to dance: stamina, elegance and grace. I watched the dancers daily as I suntered my way through J-school. I would venture to say that stamina, elegance and grace are also required to dance on a pole — with a heavy emphasis on stamina. As for the appropriateness of dancing — on a pole — let's not get it twisted: if it's a part of a $65 ticket to a Vegas Show or a $10 cover charge to a gentlemen's club, it's still just entertainment. The dancers are to be respected and appreciated irrespective of the venue.
I can certainly see how the art of pole dancing can become a legitimate part of a play or ballet. Question is, where should you leave the tip!
ab
A male perspective: As a native of East St. Louis, the adopted home of the late, great Katherine Dunham, I know what it takes to dance: stamina, elegance and grace. I watched the dancers daily as I suntered my way through J-school. I would venture to say that stamina, elegance and grace are also required to dance on a pole — with a heavy emphasis on stamina. As for the appropriateness of dancing — on a pole — let's not get it twisted: if it's a part of a $65 ticket to a Vegas Show or a $10 cover charge to a gentlemen's club, it's still just entertainment. The dancers are to be respected and appreciated irrespective of the venue.
I can certainly see how the art of pole dancing can become a legitimate part of a play or ballet. Question is, where should you leave the tip!
ab
That is a great move on the pole there.
That is a great move on the pole there.