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Pole Dancing...A Brief History

Originating in the strip clubs of Canada in the 1980s, pole dancing is now being recognised by many as a valid form of dance. It is thought that the chaste Victorians rebranded May pole dancing as something of innocence as previously it had been a pagan fertility dance dating back to the 12th century.(reference1). The origins of Mallakhamb (meaning "man of power" or "gymnasts pole") which is yoga practiced on a wooden pole and on rope (mainly practiced in India), may date back to 12th century but the discipline is suspected to be formed as recently as 250 years ago. A second discipline directly relating to todays pole dance known as Mallastambha (meaning "gymnasts pillar") using a mainly iron pole was used by wrestlers to build up strength. Mallastambha seems to be no longer practiced. Today pole Mallakhamb is practiced by men and boys and rope Mallakamb (aka Indian rope trick) is practiced by women and girls. An example of Mallakamb in practice can be seen here.

It may also be the case that pole dancing was invented long before pagan times!(reference2).

It seems that throughout history, many dance forms (some with less tasteful roots) have had to strive to gain the recognition and the respect that each deserves. Before they were widely accepted, dance forms such as ballet, the waltz and the tango came under severe scrutiny. Delving into ballet history reveals that at first, females were not permitted to perform.(reference3). Many writings on the subject neglect to reveal this fact.

The waltz also came from such a time (17th century) where the only physical contact or self expression that was accepted in public was the occasional handshake or blush, respectively.(reference4; reference5). The tango emerged from Argentina. A form of self expression and rebellion, it had links to brothels.(reference6; reference7).

More recently, the Cirque du Solei have used Chinese pole acts. Click here to watch a clip. Spinning off from Cirque, a solo male performer uses Chinese pole. As with Mallakhamb and Pole dance, Chinese pole also uses the friction between the skin and equipment. The difference in Chinese pole is that skin must be covered as the pole is covered in a sleeve of rough rubber that allows grip. Many techniques are similar to pole dance, but the performance is less fluid. Recently there has been some tentative crossover.

Much of the aerial work in circus has crossover and uses similar techniques to pole dance. These include corde lisse (a decendant of rope Mallakhamb) and Tissu or silks.

What is interesting is that by not calling the act 'pole dancing', it is deemed acceptable by the general public. Pole dancing should keep it's name and move forward with artistic pole dance by women (à la ballet!). It may even have a suitable home in the Cirque du Solei.

©(Genevieve Moody, 2005).

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