Pole Dance
Fun Fitness Upside Down!
Pole dance combines dance and acrobatics centered around a vertical
pole. The origins of pole dancing can be traced back to the sport of
Mallakhamb. This performance art form takes place not only in
gentleman's clubs as erotic dance, but also as a mainstream form of
fitness, practiced in gyms and dedicated dance studios. Pole dancing
enthusiasts are of all ages; although many who perform this dance and
acrobatic form are adults, that does not stop younger children from
learning and performing in competitions. Amateur and professional pole
dancing competitions are held in countries around the world.
Pole dance requires significant muscular endurance, coordination,
strength, flexibility, upper body and core stability, as well as
sensuality. As such, proper instruction and rigorous training are
necessary to attain proficiency. Since the mid-2000s, promoters of pole
dance fitness competitions have tried to change peoples' perception of
pole dance to include pole fitness as a non-sexual form of dance and
acrobatics and are trying to move pole into the Olympics as pole sports.