After the success of the petition in 2006, Katie “dropped everything” and began working with the global pole dancing community to turn it into a sport. Whether a sport moves from recognition to actually competing at the games is up to the IOC, and it’s evaluated based on factors like number of athletes, value added, youth interest, and popularity (i.e., ticket sales and media interest). Otherwise, a lack of mobility in the body can cause poor posture, cramping, and an increased risk of injury, eventually leading to chronic joint issues.
What comes to mind right away when you hear “Pole Dancing” is scantily clothed women dancing around a pole in nightclubs. But in fact it is a form of performance art, which requires a great deal of flexibility, strength and endurance, and is contested competitively. These competitions are meticulously judged on criteria that include technical skills, artistic expression, strength, flexibility, and choreography, emphasizing the comprehensive athleticism required. The judging standards are rigorous and systematic, ensuring that participants are evaluated on their physical prowess, creativity, and execution. These requirements closely align with disciplines such as gymnastics, where athletes are celebrated for similar physical attributes.
Increased flexibility:
- This was less for artistic reasons than functional ones — bars had tiny stages or no stage at all, and dancers needed something to hold onto.
- Furthermore, pole dancing as an activity has begun to diversify into multiple styles, some of which are moving away from the highly sensual expression of movement and further into dramatic or fitness-focused movements.
- The hashtag #polefitness will show you eye-catching posts of strong men and women from all over the world performing intricate and skilled routines on vertical poles.
- When you learn how to spin and climb on the pole, your upper body muscles will move simultaneously.
- It can help individuals to develop a more positive body image and sense of self-confidence and can serve as a fun and creative outlet for stress relief.
It can help to improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and circulation, leading to better endurance and energy levels. Whether you’re uncoordinated and can’t lift your own body weight or you’re an athlete with gymnastic capabilities, there is always a new trick or transition to learn with pole dancing. The process of growth never ends, and the possibilities can be as creative as your imagination allows them to be.
Is pole dancing a sport in Olympics?
As part of the move away from the negative perception of pole dancing, you will find it referred to pole sport or vertical dance. This is one of the biggest reasons I’ve stuck with pole dancing as long as I have. The physical benefits are great, but the feeling you get from mastering a move or expressing a particular emotion is indescribable. For example, when I am able to assist a student without any fitness background in their first pole climb, it is an honor to witness their feeling of accomplishment and resulting boost in self-confidence. Pole dancers must have their legs, arms and stomachs exposed to safely grip the pole. There are some grounded spins, poses, and floor work that can be performed while wearing pants, but in order to perform more advanced moves, we must have the proper amount of skin exposure.
The process of training is often full of awkward and unglamorous moments. Many of us end up with bruises, burns, and scrapes from trying new moves. And although we may wear sports bras and tiny shorts when performing, most dancers opt for comfort over fashion in between training sessions. At first, the idea of working out in a sports bra and tiny shorts may seem intimidating.
Challenges to Recognition
“We already have 15 federations approved, it will not be a problem to get to 40 in two years.” Engaging in physical activities is necessary to keep your joints and body flexible. American Pole League represents the pole and aerial athletes of the US, the and IPSF officially recognizes it. World Pole and Aerial Championships are held annually, where 25+ competitions are arranged, and more than 5,000 athletes compete against each other.
Pole dancing is an excellent way to develop upper body strength by utilizing muscles often neglected by conventional fitness activities like weightlifting or cardio exercises. Gripping the pole while performing spins or gravity-defying tricks engages your arms (forearms especially), shoulders, back muscles (such as trapezius), and even your chest muscles. Pole dancing is one of the most prevalent pole sports that are in practice today. It involves dancing and doing acrobatics like spins, climbs, twists, and body inversions using a vertical metal pole.
For instance, in 2017 the Global Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF) provisionally recognized the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) as the governing body for pole sports. Such recognition helps pave the way towards potential inclusion in international multi-sport events such as The World Games or even future Olympic Games. While some individuals still hold reservations about accepting pole dancing as a sport due to its association with adult entertainment venues in the past—modern perspectives have begun recognizing its athletic nature beyond stereotypes. Supporters argue that pole dancing meets the criteria to be considered a sport, thanks to its physical demands, competitive events, and dedicated practitioners who undergo rigorous training regimens.