Pole dancing - a sensual, exotic artform
June 19th 2006 07:23
I was telling a friend from my Wing Chun martial arts class how I'd been looking around for a pole dancing studio but wasn't sure where to go. She mentioned how she had just finished the advanced course over at Bobbi's Pole Studio which was just up the street and around the corner from my Wing Chun training place.
I signed up straight away and have since completed beginners and intermediate 1 levels. I plan to get to advanced and beyond, but not going pro.
My pole dancing experiences:
My first teacher had a classical training background, and it certainly helped her move with such grace and poise on the pole. The classes had a really relaxed, fun and friendly atmosphere with all the women exposing as much skin as they were comfortable, sometimes with a cute outfit and stiletto pumps. You have students ranging in age from 16 to 50 years old, all shapes, sizes, and nationalities.
Why the bare skin on poles?
What most people don't realise is that it's a lot easier to do intricate pole moves with less clothing, because bare skin grips well (sometimes you would put hair spray or shaving cream on your hands and between the thighs for even better grip). This is essential if you want to hang upside down or horizontally using only your inner thighs to grip the pole.
Why pole dance?
Besides the technical stuff and helping to develop your strength and flexibility, the courses teach you how to dance sensually, how to work the pole sexily, gracefully, showing minimal effort. It promotes confidence, celebration of your sexuality and womanhood. I'd say 14 out of the 16 people in each class are there for fun and fitness, for themselves or their partner; the other 2 may actually want to get into it professionally.
At the end of the 8 week course, they have 'graduation night' which takes place in the last class for the term, but encourages students to dress up and bring family and friends where they put on a performance, showcasing each student and the entire class with a common routine. A lot of people freak out at the thought of performing in their underwear, but it's completely optional.
The pole dancing studio
Bobbi's pole studio is found in Sydney, Miranda (NSW) and Perth. They have a variety of other courses (pole groove, latin pole grooves, lap dancing, gogo dancing, fantasy striptease, conditioning) to compliment the main pole courses.
They're having an amateur night at Pure Platinum (Sydney), "Bobbis Pole Studios Wild Amatuer Pole Dancing Competition" and tickets available from the studio.
The professional pole dancer: Miss Pole Dance Australia & Miss Nude Australia: Jamilla
There's footage of Jamilla HERE pole dancing, and Katie Coates who does some advanced type stuff too.
Here is an article that Jamilla wrote about pole dancing as an artform.
Jamilla
Get your own pole:
I want to get a pole, but am undecided on whether to get Bobbi's pole or the X-Pole. Both are great in that you can convert them to a spinning or stationary pole which is what I was looking for, but titanium vs. brass? And Bobbi's pole is a few hundred dollars more expensive. If there's anyone out there who can help me decide, please let me know, I'm really undecided.
Pole dancing resources:
For those who want to try pole dancing, here are some sites you might find helpful:
NSW
Bobbi's Pole Studio
Jamilla
Studio Verve
VIC
Poledivas
Pole Princess
SA
Lady Love
QLD
Logan Pole Dancing
Pole Fitness Australia
WA
Bobbi's Pole Studio
All around Australia
Pole Stars
International
Seriously, there's a whole bunch of links that you can find on Jamilla's links page.
*Image used in reference to featured person and qualifies as fair use.
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Comment by Jacqui
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Comment by Trina
Hiphop
Confessions of a Serial Dancer
Competitions
Clubbing
I'll change it.
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Comment by Trina
Hiphop
Confessions of a Serial Dancer
Competitions
Clubbing
Comment by Anonymous
I'm an advanced Bobbi's student in Perth, and I've been thinking the same thing - do I get a Bobbi's brass pole or a 45mm titanium X-pole. What did you decide?
Claire
Comment by Trina
Hiphop
Confessions of a Serial Dancer
Competitions
Clubbing
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Trina
Hiphop
Confessions of a Serial Dancer
Competitions
Clubbing
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by Trina
Hiphop
Confessions of a Serial Dancer
Competitions
Clubbing
I think it's a great idea to start up your own business - I think there's a growing demand for all sorts of dance classes, pole dancing being one of the popular ones. If it's something you really want to do then go for it because you can really succeed if you're passionate about it. Take a small business course, certificate IV or Diploma from TAFE and that should help you get started
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