Up the pole

In addition to orienteering, ultra trail running and AR (and related disciplines - mtb, paddle trekking etc), I also do pole dancing. Hahaha - you can stop with the jokes now (I'll do parties if you have enough R200 notes to tuck in my hot pants).

I attended my first class a week after Swazi Xtreme in May 2008. I woke up with stiff shoulders and arms the next morning and decided to sign up. It's a fantastic upper body conditioning workout that made me feel great. I caught on quickly (it helps going into pole fit and strong already) and in January 2009 I started teaching. I teach an advanced pole class on Wednesday evenings.

Split grip invert. Only her
hands are in contact with the pole.

When I say 'pole dancing', people immediately think strippers, bump & grind and sleazy clubs. But, the sport is quite different to this stereotype. There's a big different between gyrating around a pole and the sport of pole dance. Sure, pole dancing can be super sexy, but it is also a gymnastic discipline of strength and grace. And it's a very popular sport - thousands of women attend pole classes in South Africa and dozens of countries around the world.
Most countries have a national pole dance competition and there are also bigger competitions like European Champs and World Pole Dance Competition. And, incase you're wondering, men can also pole dance (there's a mens category at some events) - it's usually a display of strength with tricks like those horizontal flag moves.

Pole dance isn't just about 'ho heels and skimpy outfits. Ja, 'ho heels are popular because of pole's roots; and the skimpy outfits are part and parcel - skin sticks to the pole, fabric doesn't (unless its PVC/latex). Not wearing little shorts for pole dancing is like going to a tennis match without a tennis racquet; and you'll land on your pip too!

Last night we had the Miss Pole Dance Fitness SA competition at the Lyric Theatre at Golf Reef City. The first part of the show was the amateur (less than 6 months of classes) and intermediate entrants. The girls were awesome. We had two from our studio in the intermediate category - one placed second. The professional (many of them pole teachers) and pairs competition started later in the evening. It was an inspiration. We've got some really talented dancers in SA.

Tracey Simmonds, former Miss Pole UK, now living in Pretoria. This move is called 'Jade'.
Her 'attachment' to the pole is waist and inside of thigh and under her arm.

One of the night's highlights was a pole demo by Jenyne Butterfly, the first World Pole Dance winner and multiple Miss Pole Dance US winner. She lives in Las Vegas and is also an aerial silk performer and instructor - now that's something I'd like to try! Jenyne is known for routines that incorporate a lot of strength moves and holds. She makes lifting and moving your own body weight look so easy but it really is not. While I can do a good number of fancy-pants tricks, I have neither her flexibility nor strength so some moves I just cannot get... yet. Her routine last night was... unbelievable, but also motivating to see the technical moves that can be done if you have the strength and flexibility. I've got a lot to work on!

This clip below is from 'Pole Show' in LA. The first part of her dance is very sexy; the second part is more strength moves and proper 'pole dance'.



This video below is also awesome. The dancer is Oona and the competition was 'Battle of the Pole 2010' - she won. All the girls wore the same outfits (black hot pants and crop tops) and no 'ho heels. Most competitions allow any costumes and the girls choose outfits to suit their theme and music - there's usually lots of sparkle and big heels. Oona's routine is excellent and she also does some amazing strength and balance moves.



If you want to check out more pole dance clips on YouTube, just search for Pole Dance and names like Jenyne Butterfly, Felix Cane, Susie Q and Tracey Simmonds.

* Pics from wikipole