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Writer's pictureJoyce Lee

The Controversial History of Pole Dancing: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Day Fitness

Pole dancing has come a long way from its associations with strip clubs to becoming a respected form of fitness and art. Today, it is recognized for its incredible physical and mental benefits, making it a popular choice for people of all backgrounds.


The Origins: Tracing the Beginnings


Our journey into the history of pole dancing takes us back hundreds of years to ancient cultures where pole dancing was an athletic discipline performed mainly by men. Pole dancing’s journey is one of transformation—an art form that has evolved from ancient origins to modern fitness studios. Its path is often misunderstood, but as it moves further into the mainstream, pole dancing is recognized not just for its physical demands, but for the empowerment and confidence it fosters in those who practice it.


Ancient Origins: Mallakhamb and Chinese Pole

The roots of pole dancing can be traced to ancient cultures, where the pole was used for acrobatic feats.


  • Mallakhamb: Originating in India as early as the 12th century, Mallakhamb is a traditional male pole sport that involves performing poses and feats of strength on a vertical wooden pole. The name combines two Sanskrit words: “malla,” meaning wrestler, and “khamb,” meaning pole. Originally, it was used as a form of training for wrestlers to develop strength, stamina, and agility. Mallakhamb routines include climbing, inversions, and balancing on the pole, pole drops, much like the strength-based moves seen in modern pole fitness.


  • Chinese Pole: In China, performers used tall poles as part of Chinese acrobtics. This form of pole was often used in circuses and could reach heights of up to 20 feet. Performers would climb, flip, and jump between multiple poles, showcasing incredible strength, flexibility, and agility. This tradition remains influential in many circus acts today as a performance art.


The Rise of Burlesque and Striptease

Pole dancing as a form of sensual performance first appeared in North America in the early 20th century, during the rise of burlesque shows. In the 1920s, traveling circuses and carnivals would set up in small towns across the U.S., offering a variety of entertainment, including exotic dancers who used the poles that held up the tents as part of their routines.


By the mid-20th century, pole dancing gradually became associated with strip clubs. The pole was used by exotic dancers to incorporate spins, slides, and sensual movements into their routines. While the performances were rooted in incredible physical skills, pole dancing began to acquire a reputation tied to eroticism, which overshadowed the athletic aspect. During this period, pole dancing carried a stigma, often considered sleazy or inappropriate, despite the fact that the dancers were skilled performers who mixed sensuality with athleticism and agility.


The Shift Toward Fitness: 1990s–2000s

In the 1990s, pole dancing began to shift away from its negative connotations and re-emerge as a fitness discipline. This transition was sparked by dancers and fitness enthusiasts who saw the incredible strength, flexibility, and endurance required for pole moves.


  • Fawnia Mondey: A key figure in this movement was Fawnia Mondey, a former exotic dancer from Canada. In 1994, she created the world’s first instructional pole dance fitness video, helping to popularize pole dancing as a form of exercise for everyday women. Her work paved the way for pole fitness classes to be introduced in studios around the world.


  • Pole Competitions and the Rise of Pole Sports: By the 2000s, pole dancing had solidified its place in the fitness world, and the first pole dancing competitions began to emerge. These events showcased the athletic and artistic aspects of pole dance, moving it further away from its association with strip clubs. Organizations like the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) were established to govern pole sports as a legitimate athletic discipline, even pushing for its inclusion in the Olympics.


As more fitness enthusiasts embraced the practice, pole dancing began to shed its past stigmas, gaining recognition as a full-body workout that combines strength training, cardio, flexibility, and dance. The moves in pole dancing—climbing, inverting, and holding poses—require tremendous upper body and core strength, as well as coordination and endurance.


Modern-Day Pole Dancing: Fitness, Art and Empowerment

Today, pole dancing has grown into a fitness practice. Studios like Groove Studio offer pole classes that cater to beginners—from those looking for a fun way to get fit, to those seeking to explore pole dance as a form of self-expression.


  • Fitness Benefits: Pole dancing is now widely recognized for its physical benefits. It builds muscles, particularly in the upper body and core, while improving flexibility and coordination. The repetitive nature of certain moves also offers a significant cardiovascular workout. Many people are drawn to pole fitness because it is dynamic and engaging, offering both physical and mental challenges.


  • Artistic Expression: Beyond its fitness benefits, pole dancing has resumed its origin as a performance art. Contemporary pole dancers often incorporate storytelling, costumes, and choreography into their routines, blurring the lines between dance, drama and athleticism. Pole art competitions highlight this fusion, with dancers performing elaborate, gravity-defying routines to music.


  • Empowerment and Inclusivity: One of the most significant changes in modern pole dancing is its role in promoting body positivity and self-empowerment. Many students find that pole dancing helps them reconnect with their bodies and build confidence. It offers a space where people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds can challenge themselves, gain strength, and express themselves in a supportive environment.


In the last decade, pole dancing has become more inclusive, with men, non-binary individuals, and people from diverse backgrounds joining the pole community. It is no longer defined by its past erotic roots, but rather by its ability to empower individuals and transform their relationship with fitness.


The Future of Pole Dancing

The evolution of pole dancing from an acrobatic feat to a stigmatized art form to the current respected discipline shows no signs of slowing down. As studios around the world continue to offer classes, pole dancing is pushing the boundaries of what fitness and art can be. There are even movements within the pole community to gain recognition for pole sports as an Olympic discipline, which would further solidify its place as an athletic practice on the world stage.


Conclusion

Pole dancing’s transformation over the centuries is a testament to its versatility and power. From ancient athletic practices to sensual performances, and now to fitness studios and competitions, pole dancing has constantly evolved. Today, it’s not just a form of dance or fitness—it’s a symbol of empowerment, strength, and creativity.


Studios like Groove Studio are at the forefront of this revolution, offering people a chance to explore the fitness, artistic, and empowering sides of pole dancing. As the stigma continues to dissolve, pole dance has solidified its place in the world of fitness and beyond, inspiring people to push their boundaries and celebrate their bodies in new and exciting ways.



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