History of Pole Dancing and Other Relevant Facts

Dancing with the pole is a crucial form of performing art that actually needs no introduction! This dance form is, invariably, linked to seedy strip clubs and thus, it was considered as a massive taboo in the society in the bygone times. In a thorough change of perception, which is no less dramatic, inherent stigma attached to this form of dancing has been erased, for once and for all. The art and the science of this form of dancing have been widely recognized in the contemporary society. The act of dancing has been unanimously appreciated as one of the most effective recourses to enhance physical fitness. Consequently, scores of health and fitness conscious individuals, cutting across age groups, are eagerly enrolling into pole dancing classes that have sprouted around almost every nook and corner of the city. 

Poles and varieties

Usually, dance poles are hollow inside with a circular cross section. These are mostly made of steel or brass. These run vertically from the floor to the ceiling.

There are also spinning poles that come with ball bearing. The mechanism enables these poles to spin, which in turn, facilitates greater dramatic effect to a performance. 

However, other versions of the dance pole are also available. Some of the more popular products are made up of

·         Polished stainless steel

·         Brass and

·         Chromed steel, etc.

Even poles made of acrylic glass are seen in the market. These are usually called “glow poles,” as these can facilitate LED lighting effects.

Polished stainless steel is ideal to spin around and this facilitates faster and more fluid dancing. Brass poles provide more friction, making the performance more sensual. In order to help dancers remain stick to the poles, talcum and chalk dusts are used more than often.

Diameter of the pole that is used in dancing varies from 4.5 to 5 cm.

The origin and influences

·         The origin of this strenuous dance form has a history, which is much striking than what most people can imagine. The Indian version of modern pole dancing is Mallakhamb, (where, ‘khamb’ means pole) is about a thousand years old.

·         It has already been mentioned above that the dance form was exclusively popular in strip clubs. In fact, the act of pole dancing is invariably linked to the act of striptease. According to the ancient Sumerian tradition, the first striptease was performed by none other than Inanna – the goddess of love. She is said to have danced her way and remove a piece of her clothing and jewellery at each of the seven gates of heaven to earn her passage through, to find her lover Damouz.

In fact, this incident finds its mention in the Bible, in the chapter, ‘Dance of Seven Veils.’

As such, historians are of the opinion that this particular dance form, in its modern avatar, has been undeniably influenced by other contrasting cultures, as well. One notion that is particularly strong for obvious reasons is as follows.

·         Ancient form of belly dancing, which evolved in the Middle East, reached the ever-eminence   city of Paris. It was during the time when Moulin Rouge was setting the city’s unlimited cultural space on fire. The traditional art form, thereby, underwent a fusion to some extent. Traits of Latin dance styles of Rumba and Tango blended with it and thus, the earliest form of pole dancing gradually came into being.  

Outsourcing and the US

·         However, pole dancing in the modern times has been outsourced from the United States, tentatively, around 1920s. During the Great Depression, it was common that various circuses used to travel across the country, travelling around with tents. It was in these shows, girls started performing the act of dancing around the tent poles. They would dance along, as well as slide up and down the pole in suggestive gestures.

·         This was a unique sort of entertainment and naturally, gained ample popularity, almost in no time. At that point of time, the dance form was referred to as “hoochie coochie” dancing. Gradually, its popularity swelled and the dance form travelled to neighbouring Canada. There, the local red light district of Vancouver adapted this style of dancing, making it exclusively popular across the strip joints   

·         Gradually, themed costumes and other flashy attributes went on adding to it. Interestingly, the first recorded event of dancing with the pole dates back to 1968, in Oregon. The performer was a female, known by her pseudo name Belle Jangles. The venue was the Mug Wump's strip club.  

·         As late as in 1990, a Canadian – Fawnia Mondey – introduced the first ever instructional video on pole dancing. The launching of this video took the entire world by the storm. Pole dancing, in its modern form, became instantly popular around the world, including Australia and the UK.

Benefits of this dance form

Immense health benefits that this form of dancing provides are simply undeniable. It is effective in

·         Toning up muscles and attaining muscular flexibility

·         Building up muscular strength

·         Maintaining medical ailments like diabetes and high blood pressure under check

·         Providing excellent cardio vascular workout

Especially, for females, it is helpful in making natural curvatures of the body more prominent. Interestingly, this dance form is ideal for both males and females and moreover, has no age bar. Thus, just anyone and everyone can pick up the skills of this form of dancing at any phase of one’s life.