What is Pole Dance?

Where Exercise Meets Performance Art

Pole dance combines dance and acrobatics centered around a vertical pole.
The ancient origins of pole dancing can be traced back to the sport of mallakhamb from India and the acrobastic artform of Chinese pole of 12th century CE. Modern pole dance, however, has little to do with the male-dominated endurance sports of ancient times, and more to do with showgirls of the 1700s.
The history of modern pole dance is mainly atributable to the "Hoochie Coochie" dance performed by travelling "Little Egypt" circuses of the 18th centry CE in the United States and across Europe. This modern performance art form takes place not only in gentleman's clubs as erotic dance, however, 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.
You can learn more by visiting the Wikipedia page about pole dance or by reading Dr. Carolina Are's blog post on the history of modern pole dance.