Pole dancing: sport or striptease?

Pole dance has always been associated with eroticism. However, in recent decades we can observe the division of pole dancing into two trends: go-go and pole dance. These trends should not be confused. We tell you when pole dancing originated and how pole dance became a full-fledged sport.

Where and when did pole dancing first appeared?

The first wooden pylons appeared in India at the end of the XI century and were used for yoga called Mallakhamb. Initially, only men practiced at the pole. They developed physical strength, endurance and agility. Subsequently, wooden poles were replaced by iron poles, which made the technique more difficult. Yoga with an iron pole received a new name – Mallastambha.

A big role in the formation of pole dance played, oddly enough, circus performers. Traveling around the world, they adopted the traditions of different nations and based on them put new numbers. Pole dancing was no exception. Spectacular performances of acrobats on wooden or cast-iron pylons delighted the audience. Even the Cirque du Soleil, founded in 1984, which almost immediately became the world’s most popular circus, still uses pole dance in almost every of its productions.

In the 20th century, when the erotic industry began to gain momentum, go-go dancing appeared. It is this direction and eclipsed the centuries-old history of pole dance, because now the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of pole dancing is half-naked girls with a languid look.

Pole dance as a sport discipline

Although with the emergence of go-go dancing society almost ceased to perceive pole dance as a serious occupation, true fans of pole dancing did not give up, and since 2003 began to be held championships and competitions.

According to the official rules of pole dance, it is forbidden to expose the body and show elements of eroticism. This is done so that people realized – pole dance is not so much about sexuality, but about physical preparation and hard work on their bodies.

The first world pole dancing championship was held in 2012.

There is also the International Pylon Sports Federation (IPSF). Its president, Kathy Coates, spent 11 years trying to get this discipline recognized as an independent sport. After the first success Coates plans became much bigger – now she is fighting for the pylon dancing to be included in the Olympic Games program.

SportAccord – the World Association of International Sports Federations – has already granted pole dancing the status of an official professional sport, although only for two years. During this time, Kathy has to solve all the problems with bureaucracy, and then, quite possibly, we will see pole dance among the Olympic disciplines.