Hey X-Polers! Have you ever wondered about the origins of pole dancing in Australia? The pole industry here hasn't always been so inclusive or diverse. Why? As I'm sure you know pole began largely as a form of sensual dance. It then transitioned to a fitness trend in the early 2000's and finally after two decades, it's become an inclusive and empowering movement. It's taken years of work, industry collaboration and a huge shift in the acceptance of new genres of pole dance.
From Sensual Dance to Fitness Trend
Pole dancing began in Australia as an exotic and sensual form of expression, primarily in strip clubs. Generally movement on poles at that time was more dancing with and around a pole, it was about allure, sexual expression, and captivating movement.
During the early days, pole emerged from the men's entertainment industry, where blokes were for the most part profiting from the talents of (mainly female) dancers.
In the early 2000s, pioneers of the pole community such as Sheila Kelley (S-Factor) showcased pole and sensual movement as a form of fitness. She started training celebrities such as Terri Hatcher (then Desperate Housewives), Eva Longoria, Marisa Tomei, and Kate Hudson, along with bringing the concept of female empowerment through movement to a host of talk shows.
Polers in our industry began to create DVDs; Pantera tattooed and sometimes topless on her DVD, Fawnia Mondey had a series of pole fitness style DVDs & SheMoves Pole Dance Fitness (in Perth) being amongst the first.
People had access for the first time to resources to train at home. X-POLE launched and all of a sudden - the opportunity to learn pole outside a club (either in a studio or at home) became possible. More DVDs popped up (e.g. Bobbi's Pole Grooves and Jamilla's Art of Pole Series) and polers began to train at home in tandem with their studio training. Train at anything more than 1-2 times a week and you improve significantly. The ability to be schooled in technique at your local pole studio and to practice then at home on your X-POLE - it skyrocketed industry growth as polers across the country began to explore what intensive pole training could do.
As more women began to recognise the strength, agility, and skill involved, perceptions started to shift.
In Australia, we had Pole Divas in VIC, SheMoves WA, Pole Stars (an Australia-wide chain based on the UK model of mobile pole studios), Bobbi's in NSW, and Lady Loves in SA.
Many, many other studios began to open with the availability of poles that were height adjustable. This was the era of the "home studio" where people started mini "boutique" studios at home teaching friends and neighbours in their spare room or garage.
More Australian pole studios began to open as access to instructors and poles increased. Classes focused on strength, flexibility, and endurance became the focus.
Whilst the moves were still less "dynamic" than you'd see today, people were beginning to experiment with fusing previous dance, gymnastic, & calisthenics experience into their pole training.
Pole dancing began to be recognised as a full-body workout that could transform your physique while building incredible muscle memory and control.
For the first time, men also began to take classes (and be more open in public about it), studios and competitions began to cater to blokes. Google Travis Scott, Chris Measday, Luke Quadrio and later came Chris Talbot, Alex Shchukin and these days Allan Reinikka, Benjamin Butterfly and Adam Lin... all iconic and worth googling when you have the time! Prior to this, the early studios only allowed men to attend classes if they were openly gay - although I'm still not too sure how they were asked to prove it!
Embracing Fitness and Empowerment
The next era (or industry trend I guess), was the "pole for fitness" era.
Comps started to run, that for the first time, would allow people to compete WITH NO HEELS (the shock!). At X-POLE Australia, we were running ads on Fitness First TV, gyms were interested and experimenting with establishing pole rooms and running classes; Fitness First, Crunch, Fernwood, and Beach house were among the first chains to invest in poles.
Slowly more women explored pole classes through gyms and studios began to exhibit at mainstream fitness expos. The industry was fairly divided between "fitness pole" and "sensual pole dance" studios. Traditional "sexy/sensual" pole studios wanted to maintain the art and empowerment found through expressive dance. People new to the industry were striving to "legitimise" pole as exercise to avoid alienating a mainstream conservative audience, they could see the body benefits and wanted to expand the market.
At X-POLE we went from exhibiting at Sexpo, to attending the Fitness Expos.
The comps began to add in judging criteria that included tricks and acro moves, as well as allowing props, theatricality and storytelling.
Men's and doubles divisions became a thing - and we don't mean Mr Pole Dance - men were competing alongside women in a specific separate men's division and allowed to compete in Doubles. We began to see Master's divisions in most international events - some junior divisions, but also importantly - the inclusion of disabled polers.
As pole dancing gained popularity, it became clear that it wasn’t just about physical fitness.
Pole was empowering people, allowing them to reclaim their bodies and build self-confidence. A diverse range of individuals—regardless of age, gender, or background— began to discover a newfound sense of confidence.
We have literally seen the transition, the evolution & growth of a once segregated & often "bitchy" industry. The evolution of the perception of pole, the blurring of the genres and styles over a decade of intensive growth; the industry began to transition away from "strictly" fitness vs sexy... pole widely became known to be a vehicle for individual creative expression - the opportunity to pole authentically "your way".
Inclusivity and Celebrating All Genres of Pole
Today, the Australian pole community is a diverse mix of genres and styles.
You can pole "Your Way" on a pole that suits your style, in a location that suits your mood.
From the fluid movements of contemporary dance, to the acrobatic dynamic tricks; from the expressive art of pole theatre, and back to the foundational roots of exotic dance, every style is celebrated.
This inclusivity is what makes our community unique.
We’ve seen the rise (and fall) of competitions, showcases, and events that highlight the vast array of pole styles.
Each event & each genre brings something unique, enriching the community and broadening our understanding of what pole can be. The access via LIVE STREAM now allows people in remote areas to access and be captivated by performances they would otherwise miss. This grows ideas, creativity and collaboration.
It’s about embracing ALL the ways we can move, express, and connect through pole.
The access to events and lessons (like Pole Sphere) online, the accessibility & availability to safe poles; the acceptance of individual style & movement - this evolution has led to industry-wide acceptance and collaboration.
The transition to the "Empowered era" (as we are terming it) has also fostered respectful relationships between studios and event organizers.
Today's pole events are diverse and inclusive, celebrating not only the various genres of pole, but also the incredible talents within our community.
The Role of Pole Icons in Australia
Pole icons play a significant role in shaping and inspiring the Australian pole community.
These individuals push boundaries, set trends, and become symbols of the art form's evolution. They break barriers and leave a lasting legacy, helping to shape pole dancing into the diverse and inclusive community it is today.
Icons in the Australian pole scene have been instrumental in promoting inclusivity, fostering respectful relationships, and encouraging collaboration across different styles and studios.
Their influence and dedication have helped elevate the art form, making it accessible and empowering for everyone.
Today our icons are more than just the "sexiest" girls on stage. They are creative, gifted storytellers. They open the way for the next generation of polers to be themselves & that is incredibly important for our industry.
The Role of the X-POLE Community
As the brand leader in the pole industry, X-POLE is committed to supporting inclusivity and diversity in pole.
We provide high-quality equipment that caters to all styles, ensuring that every pole dancer can practice safely and confidently. Our mission is to foster a community where everyone feels welcomed and celebrated. Also importantly, we want people to feel comfortable moving and developing a style that is their own.
That is where the art lies.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, remember that you are part of a vibrant and inclusive community that values every step of your pole journey.
Embrace your unique style, support your fellow polers, and keep pushing the boundaries of what pole dancing can be.
"As we say in our office X-POLE your way. Being authentic to your own style and expression is where magic happens in movement!"
Thanks for being part of this journey with X-POLE Australia. Let’s keep dancing, moving, and supporting each other!
#PoleDancing #Inclusivity #Empowerment #PoleFitness #Community #XPOLE