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Pole dancing is a form of performing art, a combination of dancing and gymnastics. It involves dancing sensually with a vertical pole and is often used in strip clubs and gentlemen's clubs, A similar pole (Chinese poles) is used in cabaret/circus and stage performance in a non-erotic environment, the style and moves are very different.
Advanced pole dancing requires significant strength, flexibility and endurance. In a strip club setting, pole dancing is often performed less gymnastically and combined with striptease, Go-Go, and/or lap dancing between performers. The dancer(s) may simply hold the pole, or use it to perform more athletic moves such as climbs, spins, and body inversions. Upper body and core strength are important to proficiency, which takes time to develop.
Pole dancing is now regarded as a recognized form of exercise and can be used as both an aerobic and anaerobic workout. Recognized schools and qualifications are being developed as pole dancing increases in popularity, with the overall sex appeal toned down.
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The pole
Standard pole
The standard dance pole typically consists of a hollow steel or brass pole with circular cross section, running from floor to ceiling. Affixing at the ceiling gives more stability, but is not always realized, especially at night clubs with higher ceilings or at transportable devices. In the United States, the diameter is usually around 5 cm (2 inches), allowing it to be gripped comfortably with one hand. In Asia, the diameter is usually slightly smaller at 45 mm or less.
Another common pole is the spinning pole; as its name suggests, it is similar to a standard dance pole but spins using ball bearings. The purpose of this pole is to create better momentum and higher rates of speed, in order to have a greater dramatic effect.
Home versions are available which may be used for practice or aerobic exercise. Materials include polished stainless steel, chromed steel, powder coating, acrylic "glow poles" with LED lighting effects, Titanium coated and brass. Each material allows for different gripping ability. Polished steel is one of the slickest materials, which provides for a faster, more fluid dance; brass poles provide more friction, allowing for an easier hold with hands or thighs and creating a slow, sensual dance style.
Poles can be held in place by using threading to brace them against a ceiling joist. There are also poles that do not require construction and can be set up using tension. Stationary, rotating, and switchable versions are available.
Show pole
There are now poles available for use in clubs that provide visual effects. These poles are made with clear plastics and contain water, glitter, and special reflective materials which stand out when used in conjunction with strobe lighting, as well as lighting hidden in their base joists. Although, these poles are not favorable to a dancer wanting to achieve better pole tricks, as they bend slightly and have a tendency to create a friction burn when you slide down them with any sort of speed.
Pole dance as exercise
Recently, pole dancing has caught on as a new and increasingly popular form of exercise, in which women (and sometimes men) use the pole as a workout prop.[1] This form of exercise increases upper body strength (by using the body itself as resistance) while toning the body as a whole. Pole dancing as an exercise is very similar to Mallakhamb, an Indian men's sport with no erotic component, but there is no evidence of a link.
Pole dance competitions
Although the most common pole dance competitions are still amateur nights at strip clubs, there is a growing world wide community who are trying to get pole dancing taken seriously as a sport and art form.
Pole dance competitions have attempted to shy away from amateur nights at strip clubs. These events are strictly non-nude and non-stripping with the focus placed on the athleticism and artistry of the performer rather than on pure sex appeal.
History
It is probable pole dancing started in America in the 1920's depression with dancers in traveling shows using a tent pole as a prop. The relationship to Chinese poles is unclear, Chinese troupes performed in Barnum and Bailey's circus from 1914 but they did not perform on poles.[2]
See also
References
- ^ Stripping Off The Weight, CBS News website, retrieved on 8/20/2007.
- ^ Barnum Bailey Circus opens in Madison Square Garden 1914
External links
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