Pole Dancing Evolution
Entertainment
Originating in the strip clubs of Canada in the 1980's, pole dancing is now recognised as a valid form of dance and more recently, a highly effect form of excercise.
Throughout history many dance forms have tried to strive to gain the recognition and respect that each deserves. Before they were widely accepted the 'ballet', the 'waltz' and the 'tango' came under servere scrunity. Ballet originated in Italy during the Renaissance from the 1200's, at that time women were not permitted to work so men played the womens roles. The Waltz also came from the time where the only phsyical contact allowed betweem non married couples was an occasional handshake and a lot of blushing! The tango emerged from Argentina as a form of self expression and rebellion which had links to brothels! So when your family, colleagues and friends turn their noses up at you pole dancing, smile gals - it's just history repeating itself!
Evolution
Pole dancing is now a recognised 'performance art'. Competitions are held both at National and International Level and has evolved from strip club entertainment to mainstream cabaret, theatre and corporate entertainment without nudity. The more it is seen in this capacity the more it has been recognised as a credible form of dance and exercise. The first time I saw pole dancing in the early Nineties it wasn't the semi nudity of the dancers that struck me. As someone with a professional sporting background, it was the muscle tone, co-ordination and core strength of the performer that impressed me. It was incidentally, a documentary about the New York underground pole dancing gay scene, so while it was gymnastically impressive, I didn't think it was remotely sexy!
It's now evolved even further, crossing over from the entertainment industry to the fitness industry and is globally recognised as a highly efficient form of exercise. Pole dancing is a complete body workout. It requires and combines: co-ordination, confidence, flexibility, concentration, athleticism, dexterity, grace, gymnastics, strength, femininity and sensuality. It takes strength of mind as well as physical strength to perform many of the spins, inverts and climbs.
Everyone has the potential to be able to pole dance. Although particular moves are defined, no two dancers are alike. Globally, pole dancing has evolved many different styles that reflect the dance history and personality of each country. Chinese pole is very gymnastic with very little 'dance'. Latin American and Southern European pole dance has more emphasis on sensuality and Latino dance moves. British, Canadian, American and Australian dance styles have strayed truer to it's strip club origins while constantly evolving on the gymnastic side. Ideally, pole dance is a balance between sensuality, athleticism, grace and an understanding of choreographing a routine that matches the pace and character of the song it is being danced to.
Exercise
Understandably, there are many people who have no interest in the 'dance' element of pole work. Hence the emerging trend for pole dance classes that emphasis the fitness element through strength training and climbing. PoleGym is on it's way. Formulated purely as a cross training exercise for other sports disciplines or as an effective alternative to the gym. It will prove invaluable as winter training for sportsmen and women who participate in many sports. Most of my current dance students have expressed a strong interest in PoleGym classes that concentrate on the fitness element of pole work. They know that if they improve their strength and flexibility it will improve their dance and I know, from sporting competition experience, that pole work definitely improves stamina, muscle endurance, heart rate, concentration and self esteem in other sporting disciplines. The format for PoleGym is now complete and I am confident that, as with the pole dancing classes, once the initial nerves and pre-conceptions are overcome, it will prove a very popular and effective way to exercise. PoleGym classes will be starting on Thursday January 10th 2008.
One particular aspect of pole dancing classes I've yet to mention is the 'fun aspect'. In the gym fitness industry the main focus is on persisting with training. The fun and satisfaction are measured from this and understandably many people do not find going down the gym 'fun'. In contrast pole dancing and has a huge 'fun' aspect. It is far more sociable than other training methods which are often done 'alone together with others'. While it's nice to be 'in the zone', it's also nice to interact with others, exchanging ideas, encouraging and having a good laugh at the same time has been the real attraction of pole dancing. I'm confident it will be the same for PoleGym .