Breaking the Stigma: The Real History of Pole Dancing
Pole dancing has evolved into a powerful and popular form of physical activity and self-expression. At Fempower Dance Co., we celebrate the strength, grace, and empowerment that comes with it. However, pole dancing’s journey into mainstream fitness has been fraught with misconceptions and stigma, particularly due to its deep roots in stripper and sex work culture. In this post, we’ll take a dive into the rich and multifaceted history of pole dancing, acknowledging its origins and dispelling the myths that still surround it today.
The Ancient Origins of Pole Dancing
The art of pole dancing is far older than many realise. Historically, pole-like dances can be traced back to different parts of the world, long before they became associated with the strip clubs of the modern era.
Mallakhamb: India’s Athletic Tradition
One of the oldest forms of pole-based physical activity is Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian sport that involves gymnasts performing acrobatic poses on a wooden pole. This practice, dating back to the 12th century, was originally developed to train wrestlers and athletes, focusing on strength, flexibility, and endurance.Chinese Pole Acrobatics
In China, another historic pole tradition emerged in the form of Chinese pole acrobatics. Performers use two vertical poles, climbing, flipping, and hanging in astonishing displays of athleticism. Both Mallakhamb and Chinese pole are respected forms of art and athletic prowess, but they also laid the foundation for the physical techniques we see in contemporary pole dance.
Pole Dancing and its Roots in Stripper and Sex Work Culture
The pole dancing we are familiar with today first took shape in the mid-20th century, gaining prominence in North American strip clubs. It’s crucial to recognise that this history is deeply intertwined with the lives and experiences of strippers and sex workers, who were—and continue to be—key figures in the development of this form of dance.
Burlesque and Striptease
The 1920s saw the rise of burlesque shows, where (often satirical) provocative dances and striptease performances became popular. Over time, these performances began incorporating poles as props for dancers to utilise in their acts, and this gradually evolved into the athletic, seductive performances we now associate with modern pole dancing.The Club Scene and Sexual Liberation
By the 1980s, strip clubs had become central spaces for pole dancing to flourish. The poles offered dancers a means to perform physically demanding tricks that drew in crowds, and these performances were often a celebration of sexual liberation and bodily autonomy. Strippers were the innovators of the pole techniques that have since become a hallmark of the broader pole dance community. These dancers, predominantly women, harnessed their sexuality and physical power to create art, all while navigating the stigma attached to their profession.
Despite these contributions, many people still look down upon pole dancing because of its connections to the sex industry. However, this stigmatisation often disregards the agency, artistry, and skill of the performers. It’s essential to recognise this history with respect and acknowledge the struggles these dancers have faced in breaking free from societal judgment.
Breaking the Stigma: The Shift to Fitness and Empowerment
In recent decades, pole dancing has made a dramatic shift into the fitness world, gaining a new reputation as a legitimate form of physical exercise. Many women and femmes have gravitated towards pole dancing for its empowering blend of strength, flexibility, and self-expression. However, this transition from strip clubs to fitness studios has not been without controversy.
Joanna Nicholas et al.'s study, “It’s our little secret … an in-group, where everyone’s in”: Females' motives for participation in a stigmatized form of physical activity, highlights how some participants in pole fitness experience a sense of camaraderie, solidarity, and empowerment through their practice. They find strength in the privacy and community that pole dancing offers, seeing it as a space to reclaim their bodies and sexuality without judgment. However, many also feel the weight of societal stigma, particularly because of the dance's origins in strip clubs and sex work.
The research reflects the reality that many participants continue to face external judgment, despite pole dancing’s growing acceptance in mainstream fitness. The tension between pole’s sexualised history and its new role as a popular form of physical activity creates an "in-group" dynamic, where pole dancers often feel a strong sense of belonging among each other, yet still encounter skepticism or shame from outside observers.
Empowerment Through Movement
At Fempower Dance Co., we believe that pole dancing is for everyone—regardless of background, profession, or body type. For many women and femmes, pole dancing is a way to reclaim power over their own bodies, build confidence, and find a supportive community. The physical benefits are undeniable: pole dancing requires significant upper body and core strength, flexibility, and endurance. But the emotional and psychological benefits are just as profound.
Reclaiming the Body and Sexuality
For some women, the act of pole dancing serves as a way to reclaim their sexuality on their own terms. In a society that often objectifies women's bodies, pole dancing can provide a space where women and femmes celebrate their sensuality in a safe, supportive environment. It’s an opportunity to embrace the full spectrum of femininity, from softness to strength.Building a Community of Support
Many participants cite the importance of the pole dancing community as a key reason for continuing their practise. Unlike traditional fitness environments, pole studios often emphasise inclusivity, mutual support, and non-judgment. This sense of community helps to break down the internalised shame that many people feel about their bodies or their association with a stigmatised form of movement.
Embracing the Full History of Pole Dancing
To truly appreciate pole dancing in all its forms, it’s important to embrace its history, both the ancient traditions and its modern association with strippers and sex workers. The pole techniques that we see in fitness studios today are direct descendants of the work pioneered by strippers in strip clubs, who used their bodies to entertain and express themselves in ways that challenged societal norms.
Rather than shying away from this history, we should celebrate it. Strippers and sex workers are artists, athletes, and innovators who have contributed greatly to the development of pole dancing as an art form and physical practice. By acknowledging this, we not only honor the roots of pole dancing but also push back against the stigma that still surrounds both pole and the sex industry.
Conclusion: A Dance of Empowerment
At Fempower Dance Co., we are proud to carry on the tradition of pole dancing as an empowering and inclusive practice. Whether you come to the studio for fitness, self-expression, or community, we invite you to explore this beautiful art form without judgment. Pole dancing is not just a workout; it’s a celebration of strength, femininity, and resilience.
As we continue to break down the stigma surrounding pole dancing, it’s essential to recognise and respect its roots in sex work, while also celebrating the positive, empowering impact it has had on countless individuals around the world.
Let’s honor the history, embrace the future, and continue dancing with pride!
