This past weekend was the Fourth of July, good old Independence Day in the US of A, a holiday celebrated with barbecues, lawn games, lots of hot dogs, and, most importantly, fireworks.
So last night, as I tried to comfort my wee canine beast who was cowering from the sound of the explosions, I started thinking about pole dance. Now this is hardly any surprise – I spend quite a bit of time thinking about pole dance, as you might imagine. And as you likely do, too. But, this time, my thoughts ran to how a good performance on the pole is exactly like a good fireworks display.
Think about it. There are three essentials in a good fireworks display. Three things that make them so amazing that we all stand around saying “ooh” and “aah” all night, no matter how many mosquitoes are feasting on us – and they are the exact same things you need to turn your pole dancing into something extraordinary.
1. Start with a Bang
A great fireworks display doesn’t start with some half-assed firecracker and a sparkler. Sure, there are the requisite practice runs, but no matter how distracted the crowd is, everybody there knows when the show begins. There’s no question which bangs are the warm-ups and which are the real deal. When the show starts, you can tell.
That’s how it should be with pole performance. I don’t mean an exhibition of pole moves (although those can be fun, too) – I mean a real performance, designed to make the audience sit up and take notice.
When you’re giving a performance, you structure your dance differently than you would if you were simply pole dancing for fun, and the first thing you need is a great first impression. Grab their attention, put ‘em on the edge of their seats. Give them no room to doubt that the show has started – and they better not miss it.
So, how do you make that great first impression?
Attitude
Start out strong. There’s a reason they call it “taking the stage.” Own it. You don’t need to be cocky, you don’t need to be aggressive – you don’t need to be anything in particular, at all. You just need to shine your personality for all to see. Whether your persona for that performance is sexy, sultry, playful, or sassy, strut your stuff on to that stage and make it clear that no one in their right mind would be looking at anything other than you.
Timing
When you start, move with the music – and be sure to choose something with a stunning opening phrase. It can be a loud explosion of sound, or a subtle, softer phrasing, but whatever you choose, it needs to be interesting enough to really move to, and you need to let yourself move with it. If you come out moving beautifully and expressively along with the music, all eyes will be on you.
Interaction
Unless you’ve choreographed a pole dance that tells a story like a play, the odds are you want some audience interaction. That doesn’t mean people jumping up on your stage or trying to pole dance alongside you. Rather, it means you look at them and welcome them to look at you. This can be done with a glance and a smile or a flirt and a wink, but it is absolutely essential as a way to draw the audience’s attention to your show.
2. Mix it up
Fireworks displays don’t do 60 different silver firecrackers in a row. They don’t do swirly star explosions over and over again. They mix it up. Red, blue, silver, gold, green. High and round, low with a second tier explosion, quiet with endless sparklers. You can’t take your eyes away because every second is different.
That’s what you need to create with your pole dance. This doesn’t mean you should throw in every possible pole dance move. Nor does it mean you should focus your energies on always doing something different.
No, the way you bring variety into your pole dance is by the way you blend your moves and your expression. Even if you only know two spins, you can do them with different hand gestures or different dismounts, or follow them with different transitions, and create a wonderfully exciting show.
There are lots of possibilities. You can mix up your moves, play with your transitions, use the stage around the pole, add floor work, or even – if the music is just right for it – go perfectly still. As long as it goes with the music, it will be stunning.
3. Big Finish
Fireworks displays always have a grand finale. They shoot up faster and faster, one after another after another, more and more at a time, building up to a huge and rousing crescendo that lights up the sky. People love a big finish, and that’s exactly what you want to give them.
In pole dancing, a big finish means lots of drama, and drama means excitement and surprise. It means you’ve created an emotional response in your audience. It can mean ending in an invert or a series of crazy poses. It can mean pulling your movement in towards your body, or ending with a languorous motion of the arm. Or it can mean finishing with a gorgeous spin that winds you down the pole in perfect time with the music.
A dramatic finish is really all about the timing. Whether you’re going for the big bang or a quietly emotive ending, you need to know your music inside and out so you can end perfectly in synch with the song, and bring your audience to a perfect close.
Light Up the Stage
There you have it – three essentials of giving a great pole dance performance, straight from the guys running the fireworks displays. Incorporate them into your pole dancing, and you’ll dazzle them every time!
It’s a little-known fact that I choreograph when I drive. Not like I’m Bob Fosse or anything, but it’s something I do. For a long time, I imagined mostly belly dance choreographies, but it can also be your basic sexy rock video-type dancing. When I’m in the zone, floating down the highway, my head is full of dance.
Pole dance visions
Getting my head to play with pole in these fantasies took awhile. It was like my inner self hadn’t quite caught up with what was going on yet. And more than that, I simply didn’t know any pole moves well enough to imagine fitting them together.
Then, a few months ago, that all changed. Now all I see when driving is pole (yes, I still manage to watch the road). It’s fantastic! And it keeps me in that excited-to-go-dance feeling, which is so vital.
But what’s even better is, at long last, I have gotten to the point where I can make a start at dancing the way I see it in my head.
The dream and the reality
I love the way belly dance and pole combine together, the way veil and hip movements can work so well with pole. I have visions of beautiful spins, with a veil streaming behind me.
Of course, the first time I tried to bring this vision into reality, I found that veils and poles are … tricky. I also found that I wasn’t strong enough for one-armed spins, which was a problem. Let’s face it, spinning on the pole with a newbie’s death grip does not give you a lot of options for gracefully floating with a veil.
So, I worked on my strength and my spins. I pushed myself … and learned I don’t do well with that. I stopped the pushing and tried, instead, to let myself naturally dance and see what would happen. I paced myself and built strength in my arms.
Progress, at last
Then, this weekend, it finally started coming together! Not anywhere close to my vision – yet – but at least it’s on track. For me, I find I do best when I let myself dance and not worry about which pole move I’m going to do, or even if I’m going to do any. I know that, as the advanced spins and combos and inverts become more comfortable to me, I’ll start including them in my dancing automatically.
So, for now, I do minimal spins, but have a lot of fun, and am learning how to combine the different dance styles I love, and the prop I’ve been imagining.
Here’s where I am so far with my vision. It’s heavy on dance and attitude and fun, less heavy on pole – which, I find, matches my sense of my personal style.
Your pole dance dream
I thought it would be great to see what other people’s pole dance dreams are. What are the different things we imagine for ourselves when it comes to pole – how do we want to move, what do we consider to be our personal style?
Share your vision
So, tell us a little about your pole dance dreams! Even write them in the comments below, if you’re so inclined.
There are very few things as sexy as hips. They strut, they tease – in short, they totally rule. And when pole dancing, you want to be sure not to leave them out. Hips are absolutely essential when doing transitions.
Belly Dance Moves Every Pole Dancer Should Know
As you’ve all come to know by now (or soon will), I am a belly dancer by training, and that infuses pretty much every kind of movement I do, pole included. Heck, pole especially.
It’s easy to get caught up in the gymnastic side of pole, but the dancing part is what pulls it all together. And belly dance moves go really well with pole. After all, both are very sultry, sexy dance styles, and both use a lot of isolations. I thought it would be great to show you some classic belly dance moves that you can easily work into any pole dance routine.
Reverse Horizontal Figure Eight
The reverse horizontal figure eight may not sound like the sexiest move, but, believe me, done well, it will knock their socks off! The video below will show you, step by step, how to do this move and ways to use it in conjunction with pole. There are a few things you should keep in mind as you watch:
Push into your hip sockets. This is essential for this move. You need to exaggerate the motion to get the figure eight effect.
Move slowly. Languorous movements are the essence of sultry dancing. Sure, dancing quickly looks cool, but if you do it slowly, you turn the show into one big tease.
Watch your hips as they move. When you watch your own movements, you pull the audience in through your gaze.
Use the pole as a frame. You can do this move in front of the pole, behind the pole, or next to the pole. However you choose, be aware that you are contrasting this curvy motion against the straightness of the pole. If you are in front of or behind the pole, make longer, slower movements to be sure the movement can be seen around the pole. If you are standing next to the pole, you can make the movement as big or as little as you like.
Do half the move. Sometimes, half a reverse horizontal figure eight makes for a beautiful transition. It can be used to turn you around smoothly, or to accentuate a pose.
Click on the video below to see how to do this move:
There you have it. A simple belly dance movement that looks beautiful when combined with pole. Play with it and let me know how it works for you!
If you’ve ever wondered about entering a pole dance competition, you’ll want to read this. Mel just competed in her first pole competition – and WON third!! Way to go, Mel!
How did you get started taking pole dancing lessons?
It was just about a year ago. I was six months shy of 40 and a younger friend of mine really wanted to try this Pole Dancing thing. She was a dancer and kind of sexy, and I thought “What the hell, it’ll be a fun night out!” So away we went to Studio Soiree in Sugarhouse, UT. At that very first class, I discovered that I liked moving my body in really sexy ways. I liked that I was sweating from walking around the pole so much, and I liked that I learned how to frisk the pole and could take that little exercise home and show my man! It just took off from there.
How did you decide to enter your first pole dance competition?
Actually, the decision was not a tough one. I have done theater most of my life, and I cannot EVER pass up a chance to have an audience. When the Miss Pole Dance Utah Competition was announced I signed myself up right away – that was the easiest part of the whole experience.
How did you create the pole dance routine you used in the competition?
Ah, see this was the hardest part! I had no idea how to create a routine. Luckily, I have the most awesome supportive Pole Buddies at Studio Soiree – all the ladies help each other out. So, I wrote down all the tricks I knew I could pull off well. I then needed to find music that would work for me. That was tough. It had to be under three minutes, and it had to be a song I could listen to continuously for a month!
I ended up making a playlist with all the songs I liked that fit the time criteria. Soon, two favorites popped up and I chose “I Want You” by Rachel Yamagata. It had a little bit of humor in it, it was slow but not boring, and I really liked the song. After that, it was a matter of building the routine. Honestly, as the competition got closer, I had some serious feelings of insecurity – a relatively new feeling for me! I started to doubt that I could pull it off. After all, I’m 40, I have never worked out before, I’m not that flexible, and, worst of all, I flunked out of ballet when I was in elementary school. Having to do this routine really brought up old body issues for me – all arms and legs that don’t quite know what to do with themselves. Grrrr. I got some fantastic advice from Lorinda – one of the owners of our studio. She said, “Mel, you need to just do what you do best. Have fun, and get a character, and rock it.”
Something about getting a character resonated in me. I ended up having a dream. In it, I was performing the routine. I was in black and white – like an old silent film. I woke up knowing exactly what I was going to do. At the competition, I was in my black PoleSkivvies, a black and white polka dot bikini, and a black tutu and performed my ass off! I had fun and just showed everyone how much I enjoy playing on the pole!
What happens at a pole dance competition? Tell us all about it!
Oh my gosh! So much fun! There were about 23 hot ladies who were competing, plus several performers as well. We all gathered back stage and fought over the mirrors, chatted, and tried to look confident. We had to sign posters with our pictures on them – that was really fun – made me feel like a star! Then we had a photo shoot. We all got ten minutes on the pole and we got to see a glimpse of everyone’s routines. That was TOTALLY intimidating. These women were AMAZING! Then, the audience starts filing in. The noise of the crowd gets really loud because everyone is so excited. It’s electric! It fills you up! Then, the lights dim and you know its time to begin. The first competitor takes the stage and it is on!
I was a bit surprised, but I was so calm. I was just so excited and happy to be a part of the very first competition in Utah. I competed in the Intermediate category and was about the fourth one in our division to compete. I walked onto the stage, took my place, and waited for my music. When it started, I completely disappeared and the Silent Movie character took over. I hit my tricks, pointed my toes, and could not wipe the smile off my face! People were yelling and cheering, but I didn’t even hear them, I was in the ZONE ….
When it was all over, after all the competitors were through, I was BLOWN away by the talent I had just gotten to witness. The strength was awesome and beautiful!
At the awards ceremony, they announced the 3rd place winner – it was ME!!! I was so surprised! I actually said “Are You Fuc*ing KIDDING me??????” But, I have the coolest trophy to prove it. The rest of the night was a huge party with my favorite women!
I highly recommend everyone to do a competition at least once. It is a truly amazing experience!
Favorite makeup tip:
I SUCK with makeup, but I never go out without mascara and lip gloss. OH! Also, wash your face every night!
Barefoot, sneakers, or platform heels?
95% of the time I am barefoot. I didn’t start wearing heels until I made it to Level 3, but I sure do enjoy it! When I am not on the pole, barefoot – preferably with one or two toes stuck in the sand, and a rum and coke in my hand.
Favorite grip enhancer:
Well, I started to use Dry Grip when I started taking Advanced Core Pole. We do a lot of crazy holds in that class and since we are all sweaty, a little grip enhancer is necessary. However, we had Pantera visit our studio and she reprimanded me for using a grip enhancer while conditioning. Since I *Heart* Pantera, I will obey ….
Pole dance move that made you proudest to learn:
I think learning and perfecting the Jasmine was a very proud moment of mine. I love that hold! Lately, I am perfecting my Electric Leg Switch and was stoked when I did it a few times in a row the other day.
Pole dance pet peeves:
Well, I actually LOVE the bruises (is that weird?) – I show them off regularly! I think ruined pedicures and hitting a pole plateau are my two biggest complaints. The toe thing I got covered with Gel Toes – amazing, sparkly, not quite acrylics for toes. They stand up to the beating we give them. As for plateauing? You know, you keep trying to do a trick and it is just not working out. And you feel like you have hit the wall with it? I keep telling myself it is in my head. I don’t know – any tips???
Favorite treatment for bruises and sore muscles:
Easy – four ibuprofen and a relaxing dip in the hot tub.
Who would you most like to have in the audience when you pole dance?
The more the better! I do have to say, knowing that my husband and daughters were in the audience at the competition really upped my game.
Who is your hero or role model?
Jeez, everyone! Since beginning pole at Studio Soiree, I have met so many fascinating and interesting people. They are like onions. You meet them and think “Oh, they are nice”, then you get to know them and hear about their lives and what they have overcome or what they are going through, and you think “Holy Crap, I had no idea this person was so interesting!” Onion people – LOVE THEM! Ok, and, not to name drop or anything, but after spending a couple hours with Pantera, I want to be her!!!!
What are your favorite words of encouragement?
“Do it again!” I am a total glutton for punishment and if I am challenged I will totally go for it. So, when one of my trainers says, “Nope, not right, do it again!” I jump at it! Also – “Holy crap, Mel! That was awesome!” works for me too!
Favorite pizza toppings:
Sausage, Pepperoni, Mushrooms … or The White Garlic Pizza – heaven!
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Both please! With extra frosting.
Anything else you’d like to share:
I have never been good at anything remotely fitness oriented in my life. I was always the last picked for teams (being the girl with glasses and braces and at least a foot taller than all your classmates does that for ya!). Finding a supportive studio and women who are all rooting for you was a huge change for me. This pole fitness thing really changed my mental outlook – I walk differently, I talk about myself differently, and I really have found my center. I have finally let my sexy side out to play and I am loving it. (Yes, pole fitness is sexy – get over it!)
It has driven me crazy for years whenever I hear belly dancers insisting that their dance style is sensual, but not sexual.
“Oh,” they say, in voices dripping with honey, “belly dance is a very sensual dance. It’s not sexual at all,” they then add in a scolding tone, implying to all within earshot that they are a true feminist icon, while I obviously see women as mindless chattel good for only one thing.
And now I’m finding the same thing in the pole dance community.
Ah, the stench of self-righteousness
The thing that drives me nuts about this is the smugness. The sense that they are not only better dancers, but better people. Better women. And all because there is no sexuality in their dancing. Just none. They are so pure, you see. The rest of us may be content to prance around like a bunch of unfeminist whores, but they are delicate little flowers.*
Why is sexuality in dance a bad thing?
If you take the sexuality out of dance, you wind up with something about as thrilling to watch as Lawrence Welk.** Cute and peppy it may be, but in no way does it resemble what your average pole dancer is trying to achieve.
This virgin/whore split is absolutely destructive to creativity. You can’t be a good dancer if you look like a passionless drone, so why would any dancer want to buy into this mentality?
Sexuality and Pole Dance
Historically, a lot of dance styles have made their way from the lower classes to the higher classes, gaining acceptability to the middle classes along the way. Tango is the classic example of this – a bawdy, working-class dance that was too risque to be indulged in in good company. Bit by bit, of course, it gained acceptability, and now Latin Dance competitions featuring tango are considered highly cultured.
Given pole dancing’s association with strip clubs, it’s no surprise it’s frowned on as being too sexual. The problem, of course, is that it’s also too fun – which means even the smugly politically-correct want to give it a try. They just have to separate themselves from the Great Unwashed by insisting that when they do it, there’s no sexuality in it at all.
What it all boils down to
The real issue is not whether the dance is sexual or sensual. The issue is whether the dance is good. And good dancing requires dancers to feel into every cell of their bodies, to be fully present with each movement and gesture, and to lure the audience into their world. There is no way this can be done without a physical consciousness and emotional awareness that cannot be separated from either sensuality or sexuality.
To immerse yourself in your creativity, to drench yourself in the passion of your expression is to be sexual. If you connect with your body and express the pleasure of movement when you dance, there will be sexuality in your dance style.
Nobody has a problem with this when it’s Bob Fosse’s Chicago being staged on Broadway.
But start talking about this in connection with pole dancing, and all hell breaks loose.
*What exactly do we mean by the terms “sensuality” and “sexuality,” anyway? There’s not a heck of a lot of difference – just look up sensuality in the dictionary. Of course, perhaps they mean to say sensuous instead of sensual, but I find it hard to believe anyone is that clear on the distinction. (I sure wasn’t.)
**Now, personally, I find the old Lawrence Welk show absolutely fascinating. I mean, how can musicians and dancers be so absolutely sexless? Perfect steps, perfect turns, but no zing at all. I just don’t buy it – I figure they were all engaging in wild bondage and whipping orgies the minute they were through taping. But maybe that’s just me.
