Pole dancing is a form of dancing/gymnastics that takes muscular endurance and coordination as well as sensuality. It involves dancing sensually with a vertical pole and is often used in strip clubs and gentlemen’s clubs, although more recently artistic pole dancing (Chinese poles) is used in cabaret/circus and stage performance in a non-erotic environment. In a strip club setting, pole dancing is often performed less gymnastically and combined with striptease, and/or lap dancing between performers. The dancer(s) may simply hold the pole, or use it to perform more athletic moves such as climbs, spins, and body inversions. Upper body and core strength are important to proficiency, which takes time to develop.

Pole dancing is now regarded as a recognised form of exercise and can be used as both an aerobic and anaerobic workout. Recognised schools and qualifications are being developed as pole dancing increases in popularity. Pole dancing is also regarded by many as a performing art.

Chinese pole
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Chinese Poles are vertical steel poles on which circus performers climb, slide down and hold poses. The poles are generally between 3 and 9 meters in height and approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter. A few Chinese poles tricks have been incorporated with erotic pole dancing techniques.

To improve the grip on the poles they are sometimes covered with rubber. This rubber leaves burn marks on the Chinese pole artists shoulders. These marks are used as a sign in the circus world for Chinese pole artists to recognize each other.
The most famous trick is “the flag” where the artist hangs straight out from the pole with his or her hands. This requires a very strong upper body. A few people are able to do push ups in this position, and even fewer can rotate the legs around in a circle-this requires enormous core strength.

Those crazy chinese eh !