The Flying StudioTM

Pole Dancing

To read the original work on Pole Dance History by Genevieve Moody (2005), click here.

Pole dancing is a form of dance that involves dancing on and around a highly polished metal pole. It incorporates gymnastic moves with freestyle movement, ballet and modern dance in different dimensions which include static and moving positions on the pole and dancing free of the pole.

A form of self expression that empowers you through movement, pole dancing offers many fitness and health benefits. As a cardiovascular exercise, pole dancing increases the heart rate to a healthy level and so increases overall fitness. Stamina is improved over time and lean muscles develop, creating the toned dancers body. Most importantly, it is a thoroughly enjoyable activity. Exercise through dance has shown to increase well being through release of endorphins from the brain. Learning and socialising while exploring an intimate side of your personality in a supportive atmosphere is not usually recreated elsewhere.

There are a number of ways of performing pole dancing: acrobatically biased, danced biased, fitness orientated or a fusion of all elements. All types contain an element of sensuality. A great pole dancer combines all elements in performance, but this takes many years of training. As a beginner, you will soon decide which elements you favour to find out what kind of pole dancer you will be. It is an exciting journey! Watch these videos and see which category they might fit into. Video 1. Video 2. Video 3. Video 4.

Photo by Danielle Dunbar 2006

Skills to be gained
Pole dancing requires and combines co-ordination, confidence, flexibility, concentration, athleticism, skill, dexterity, grace, femininity, gymnastics, strength and sensuality. If you would like to acquire or improve any of these elements, then pole dancing is for you.

Every woman has the potential to be able to pole dance. Although particular moves are defined, no two pole dancers are alike and you will be encouraged to develop your individual style of movement. The pole dancing of today is far removed from what is featured in many film productions. Try your local studio to find out. Recent events include the development of national pole dancing competitions and pole dancing being included in fitness DVDs.

Photo by Danielle Dunbar 2006

To read an article describing a Typical Pole Dance Class, click here.

To access an article and interview featuring a Typical Pole Dance Class, click here.

To read A Brief History of Pole Dancing, click here.

To enter The Flying Studio Facebook group, click here.

To check out the Timetable, click here.