I'm asking because most people assoziate pole dance with strip clubs and erotic dance by women only. Yes... I cannot deny that this is completely untrue but pole is much more than this! It's a mix of a whole-body-workout, acrobatics and dance. You need a well developed musculature, good body feeling, flexibility, coordination and physial endurance - and you still have to look good and smile :)

Because of all the prejudices against pole dance I actually prefere to say pole fitness because it emphasises more the sporty aspect.

I started doing pole dance about 8 months ago and I LOVE IT! It not only makes me feel the power and leads to muscle building it also gives me a lot of self-confidence. The dancing-workout makes me feel better regardless of how I felt before. I can recommend to everyone to try it out!

When I tell people that I'm doing #poledance they react very differently:

some are fascinated and very respectful and also want to try it
some are unbiased and interested and want to hear more about it
some react sceptical but this often pops off when I tell them more about it
and some others do not take it serious and start making jokes like "so, you want to earn a little more money?"

I don't get upset if it's the 4th case but I think it is a pity that there are still people (even in my circle of friends) who do not see pole fitness as a proper sport.

A little history
Pole has its roots already hundrets of years ago but since about 20 years pole is getting more and more popular - not only for women! Also men are doing pole fitness for streght endurance training and acrobatics. In Germany there are already many pole dance studios where everyone can try out this "hot trend" sport and the dance classes are quickly booked. Last year the International Pole Sports Federation (IPSF) has even sent an application to the International Olympic committee to add 'Pole Dance' to the program of the #OlympicGames - sadly this process will most likely take several years as the new sport types for the Olympic Games in 2020 are already decided (BTW 'sport climbing' is one of the new disciplines which I highly welcome :) ).