Pole Dancing: It’s not what you’re thinking! By: Jennifer Babbitt, Sr. CRA  Pole dancing may have started out as adult entertainment but that has drastically changed.   It’s  no longer just for dark smoky bars.  Women of all ages and socio-economic groups are now taking pole dancing or pole fitness classes and have even purchased their own poles for their homes. Pole dancing today is a beautiful combination of gymnastics and dance that requires a tremendous amount of strength and flexibility.  Former dancers, acrobats, and gymnasts are finding this sport appealing as they retire from their own sports, there is no age limit for pole dancers.  Women in their 20’s are able to compete on a professional level against women in their 40’s.  A typical pole may vary in height and circumference and is made from steel or brass.  Competition poles in the US are 12 feet high, 2 inches around, and made of steel.  Height and diameter can vary from country to country.  Poles may be set to rotate with the dancer’s momentum or remain stationary with a locking mechanism.  There are two categories of dancers: amateur and the professional.  In order for a dancer to participate in a competition they must submit a video of a dance to the USPDF for judging, the dancer is then invited to compete or is rejected.  In order to obtain Professional status the dancer must compete in a USPDF sponsored competition and place in the top 5.  Competitions are held throughout the US including Regional, National, and local smaller events for up and coming athletes.  This years’ National competition will be held in New York on March 19. The US Pole Dance Federation was founded in 2008 by two professional athletes: Wendy Traskos, a former gymnast and fitness champion and Anna Grundstrom, a professional dancer. Their vision was to increase awareness of the art of pole dancing and to create a network for other pole dancers and studio owners.  The International Pole Dance Fitness Association hosts competitions’ worldwide, including Japan, Australia, Britain, and Germany.  Countries also host their own Regional and National competitions, currently the judging system may vary from country to country in required routine elements.  Pole Dance organizations are working together to establish a more unified judging system and routine element requirements. You may be wondering why then, if pole dancing is a serious sport, are stilettos and tiny outfits still a part of it.  The reason is stilettos (6-9inch high heel shoes) are fun and sexy to wear and sensuality is very much a part of the performance.  They also allow the performer to reach higher up on the pole initially allowing for additional lift when working spins and acrobatics.  Small costumes are very important to the pole dancer since it is her skin that helps her stick to the pole and avoid falling to her death (well, injury anyway) when performing more difficult moves.  Anything that may cause the dancer to slide off of the pole is avoided at all costs. Dangers include clothing, lotions, sweat, even condensation that may form at the top of the pole due to the change in room temperature.  To avoid these hazards there are moisture absorbing products such as “Dry Hands” that allow for a better grip by absorbing moisture much like a Gymnasts chalk on the parallel bars.  To keep the pole oil free, it is cleaned frequently with grease cleaner like Windex.  When looking for a pole studio you should be aware not all of them are focused on the art of pole dancing or are members of the USPDF. A good studio will be clean with well maintained poles (they should not wiggle side to side and should be anchored into the floor and ceiling) imagine a classic ballet studio with a different kind of bar.  Instructors should be qualified with dance experience as well as reputable fitness certifications, for example if they teach Pilates they should be certified instructors.  Currently there are no recognized official US pole certifications although some studios will offer programs for new instructors.    If you would like more information on Pole Dancing check out these links: http://www.ipdfa.com and http://uspoledance.com/index.php Currently I am in training for my first competition hosted by the USPDF this summer at my studio “Poleates” in California. One of my instructors and studio owner Cat Gennaro is headed to the National competition in March.   I am working to follow Cat’s example and be competitive at the State and National levels and to reach “Professional” status by 2011.  My competition oriented workouts consist of Pole dancing techniques, Pilates, lots of stretching, and some form of cardio exercise totaling, 2-3 hours per day except Sunday (rest day).  My diet consists of whole grains, lean proteins, lots of fruits and veggies, and a lot of water!  For the most part I am not allowed sugar or alcohol.  I do allow one day a week as my “Eat whatever I want day” and that generally includes lots of chocolate and various junk foods. It is important not to deprive myself, but I never ever gorge on food. My passion for pole dancing comes from a background of dance and gymnastics and the love of being fit.  This sport has put me in the best fitness health I have ever been in; this is a sport that I can enjoy for many years to come and continue to improve in as I get older.  I would recommend that women everywhere to give it a try because it will give you a new appreciation for the artistry and athleticism in competitive pole dancing.