When I first told my mum I had started pole dancing, her eyebrows looked as though they would reach space, they were raised so high. She tried to be cool, but slipped out a “Oh, I see…”
Since pole dancing became the latest craze amongst young women, the taboo has just sky-rocketed. Look, sure, it has become the stripper’s art. So why wouldn’t our mothers be worried about us dropping our day jobs and gallivanting off down the flashy, ‘cash-y’ streets with our newfound skills? But, I’m here to tell you all that your interest in pole dancing is not something that you should be ashamed of, nor should you repress it!
What people need to understand, is that not only is pole dancing a fantastic way to tone, improve strength, flexibility and fitness, it is an art form.
Generally when I tell people I pole dance, the very first reaction I get is a deep swallow on their count and a nervous laugh. Later on, I hear that I have, apparently, gone from your everyday redhead, to a conniving, shocking slut. So, I decided it was time to stand up to this and stop feeling guilty when bringing pole dancing into conversation. Sometimes, I’m made to feel like Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman, the way people judge me when the words ‘pole’ and then ‘dance’ come out of my mouth.
First of all, let’s address this: Pole dancing originated as a traditional art form in China and India. Mallastambha, which is a form of pole dancing is an ancient Indian sport. It actually was and still is more popularly performed by men.
Mallastambha took the form of a true discipline, whereby the artist would work relentlessly on their strength, dexterity and agility, in order to compete and perform on an iron pole, also known as the ‘stambha’.
Pole dancing origins trace back through African tribal dances.
Despite this form of dance taking its roots from mating rituals, pole dancing in African tribes was designed to show off the beauty of the woman, who would dance to her betrothed. She would dance in such as way as to tell her future husband how she wanted to make love on their wedding night. Ok, sure, it was essentially, the way to hook up, but it wasn’t like the women did this for every guy. I think girls of today parading around clubs with next to no clothes on, and drag queen make-up is far more scandalous than one who wants to show her beauty through dance.
Pole ≠sex
At the end of the day, anyone can use basically any object and make it sexy. Chairs, beams… other people, you name it! But, the pole is simply a pole. No matter what some people say about phallic imagery there. It’s a tall beam thing, not a sex accessory, nor was it created for that purpose.
Challenge yourself and get fit
I’ve been doing pole dancing privately and with a couple of friends for over a year now. Since I started, my self esteem has improved even more, because I’ve proven to myself that I can conquer my fears; from upside-down tricks, to just being me. I no longer feel awkward and jittery. Every woman has the right to feel sexy and beautiful and proud of herself. Dancing has always made me feel beautiful. So, haters gonna hate, but who’s got the flat tummy?