When I started taking pole dancing classes, there were very few places to do so. There was no such thing as Youtube, and trying to find information on what it was all about was difficult. If you told people that you were taking lessons they automatically thought you were training to be a stripper, or you were a stripper. Don’t get me wrong, I took classes because I wanted to learn how to pole dance, I had visited strip clubs and was fascinated by the dancers’ amazing ability and I wanted to do that too, and I liked that it was a bit “naughty”.

Pole Dance instructors and students alike have strived to get pole dancing accepted by those who still think pole dancing equals stripping (or worse). However, I still love that what I do IS a bit naughty. And I don’t think pole dancers should ever forget pole dancing’s roots in stripping, or as I’m seeing in some places, denial!

Recently there has been a lot of attention to up the game of acceptance and apparently make a bid to get pole dancing recognised as a sport, and ultimately to get it into the Olympics. For some advocates, they claim to be aiming for 2012!

There are 3 camps of pole dancers now.
The Pro-Olympics – they think that the Olympics will give us global acceptance once and for all.
The Anti-Olympics – Those that think it’s a bad idea in more ways than one.
and those on the fence – they either haven’t made up their minds, or maybe have an allegiance to someone in one of the other camps, so don’t want to be seen to be different!

I’m thoroughly in the NO camp. Now I don’t want you to automatically switch sides... what I want you to do is THINK about what this bid means to pole dancing, and make your own decision without being a sheep.

Pole Dancing is an artistic endeavour. It is imaginative, creative, personal, and expressive. The strict rules that would need to be imposed to be able to mark and judge it fairly would take all of this away in a competition format. Current competition judging is not evolved enough, it’s still very much upon the view of the judge what is good and what is bad. We can currently see pole dancers winning competitions who are not technically perfect, but are fun, entertaining, engaging, or beautiful to watch. An Olympic level competition would have to focus on the technical aspects in an absolute scoring system. This would also mean restrictions on moves, and standards on alignment and form – there goes your creativity, and the fantastic differences in style.
Pole as we know it now, even our TOP championship winners are not up to Olympics levels. It won't be any pole artist you know now competing. Everything you do would have to be perfect. Dead lift, straight legs, perfect form, every time. Have you ever seen a pole dance that would compare to a perfect 10 score in Gymnastics? I doubt it. It will be those who have trained in gymnastics since childhood competing.
I'm not saying that pole as we do it would change, but I'm saying that pole in the Olympics would be a very different animal and not recognisable against what we know today! So what would be the point?

I’d much rather keep pole dancing with that little bit of taboo. I love wearing my heels and feeling sexy with it. What gymnast feels sexy doing a beam routine?
Pole dancing to me is more like an aerial art. I love that when I watch a silks routine I can’t take my eyes off the aerialist. Saying that though, pole dancing even at its current highest level is not as difficult as some of the aerial arts – why aren’t they in the Olympics? Because they are an art form.

It also worries me greatly that any new reports or articles on the bid have gained a lot of ridicule. The majority of comments against these articles are either from those who think pole dancing equals stripping, and are disgusted by the thought; or those who think pole dancing equals stripping and think that it would boost ratings due to the sexy factor. Both views prove that pole has a long way to go to gain acceptance by enough of the general public for us even to talk about a bid seriously, let alone actually go ahead with one.

And anyway. If Pole was going to be in the 2012 Olympics, shouldn't you all be in training already?
I'm quite enjoying drinking wine and eating Haribo thanks!

Want to join me? Join my FaceBook Group: Pole Dancers who DON'T want Pole to be in the Olympics
But remember. It's YOUR choice.

Luna Clifton

A night out had been planned with my friend VBells, as my husband was away. A few options were suggested before Luna came up. (other options included BierKeller, Queenshilling and Flamingos)

I had questioned the suggestion of the venue, as I had not been there before, and Clifton didn't really seem like the kind of place to embrace the pole. We asked around, and got confirmation from 2 people that there indeed was a pole!

It was early April. We chose our outfits suitably with the promise of pole dancing in a nice-looking cocktail bar, even though we might be a little chilly on our way home.

We entered and paid our SEVEN POUNDS entry fee. The place is beautifully decorated, but still not quite sure what this entry fee covered. We had a look around, not seeing a pole, and then went to the bar. Drinks seem to be "average" price for Clifton. Over £6 for a Vodka and Coke and a Redbull.

We sat down and tried to figure the place out. The bar area is no more than 800 sq ft. We mused that there must be another room, maybe downstairs which would contain our pole, and justify the entry fee.

We eventually asked at the bar.

Yes. There used to be a pole.
No. They didn't have it any more.

It seems that a chap had launched himself at the pole for a swing, it had fallen, and hit an unsuspecting patron. Said patron had then tried to sue.

We went home not long afterwards.

My thoughts: Any pole that would FALL with a guy swinging on it is NOT a suitable pole to put up in a bar. Poles designed for home use are just that. They are designed to be put up and down on a regular basis, usually by a woman; not just put up and left for people who don't know how to treat it. If a bar wants to have a pole that can be put up and down for different nights as they see fit - it needs to be supervised.
In a bar or club you need a permanent pole. It's also best to get one that doesn't scratch easily (i.e. not chrome). Stainless Steel or Brass are good for this.

It's a real shame that things like this happen. Fewer places for us to play!

Introduction
The first and only pole fitness competition to unite the whole of the UK and Republic of Ireland will take place for the third year in a row from September to November 2008! The event will encompass 11 Regional Heats, over 300 competitors, over 3000 spectators and a prize fund of over £2000 making the competition one of the largest pole performance competitions in the world. Please take a look at any of the following web-spaces for additional details and updates on the competition as it progresses:

MySpace
www.myspace.com/poledivas

Facebook
http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=39910180595

Website
www.poledivaschampionships.com

The Pole Divas Championships 2008 maintain the drive for creating an opportunity to promote the strength, flexibility and confidence gained through pole dancing and separates it as far as possible from the old perceptions of pole dance still retained by much of society. Our aspirations are supported by our strict judging criteria, competition rules and the success of the 2007 event nevertheless from feedback we collected from both competitors and spectators during that event there will be several changes to the set-up of the competition this year including;

The Grand Final: to be held at Pure in Manchester on Sunday 23rd November 2008. This year there will be no dance off however there will be 33 competitors vying directly over the titles of Champion at each level. VIP tickets will be available again through the Organisers however there are limited numbers and tickets will only be available in advance of the event and several will be held back for event Sponsors. There will also be an improved seating plan and a separate VIP seated area will be roped off. A separate VIP room will also overlook the arena through large plate glass windows.


3 Entry Levels: we have decided to run a whopping 3 entry levels this year! The new entry level will be Advanced Amateur and enables those students or more advanced pole performers to enter the competition without the need to compete against their instructor. Entry packs will be available from 1st June 2008 and if you are unsure of which Entry Level you should take part in please contact us to check.

To give you an idea of your entry level the following applies:

     Amateur
        The same criteria apply to Amateur Level as in the 2007 competition including the "no inverts" rule and a rough suggestion of up to 6 months experience. Those entering this level are encouraged to work on improving their confidence in performing, choreography and overall presentation as well as gaining experience in the standard their tricks need to attain in order to win such a prestigious event.
        NOTE: those who previously entered the competition at this level must enter at Amateur Advanced or Professional for the 2008 Championships. Competitors may only enter at this level for one year.

     Advanced
        Those entering Advanced Level will use the same criteria as in 2007 for the Professional Level but must NOT be professionals in pole dance, e.g. instructors, trainee instructors, club dancers, podium pole performers... etc. To enter this level you will be asked to provide a reference who can state that you are not a professional pole dancer and have never been paid to perform pole dancing. Those entering this level will be permitted to invert during their performance.

     Professional
        Those in the Professional Level will follow the same criteria as in 2007 but must be professionals in pole dance. Those entering this level will be permitted to invert during their performance.

I had heard a number of people say that there was a pole at this venue. I also heard that it was not a great pole, quite short, and also quite thick.

Saturday night, 11.30pm I decided to check it out. First thing. It was £5 entry. But I decided to pay for research purposes.
Having entered and walked up the stairs, it was obvious that this was not really my kind of place, but hey ho. This place was really small. A bar area, leading up a couple of stairs to a dance floor area. The first thing I notice is: There's NO POLE. So there goes my review!

Anyhoo. I decided to stay for a drink. Quite possibly the nastiest vodka I've had, and totally over priced for being nasty vodka. My companion complained that his beer was not as refreshing as he would have expected either.

Overall. I cannot recommend the pole whatsoever, as there isn't one!!! I also cannot recommend the bar... it's a nasty nasty dive. And I'm pretty sure it's got a funny smell. We stayed less than 1/2 an hour, 2x entry and 2x drinks... £19. I feel like I need a refund!

I recently got confirmation of 3 suspicions I had.

Vibes Bristol

Que Pasa Bristol

Sports Cafe Bristol

have all shut down.

There is a rumour of Vibes reopening... but only a rumour as far as I can tell. And the news on Sports Cafe is that the company has gone into administration; 3 of their bars being closed, and the other 5 being sold off but kept open (Bristol being closed).

We are now severely lacking in poles here in Bristol!

Here is the current list of Bristol Poles - Please leave a comment if you know of any more.
Bierkeller
Reflex
Blue Mountain
Easy Tiger
QueenShilling

I found these fantastic shorts from Sweaty Betty:

Pole dancers are always on the lookout for suitable clothing, and with these shorts, I think my search is over.
1) We need bare skin high up on the leg and inside thigh.
2) We need to be able to move around easily, but the fabric needs to be reasonably close-fitting (see 3)
3) They need to have a wide "gusset" area, as hanging upside down with your legs open, you are susceptible to showing your wash-day pants "up" the shorts.
4) The fabric needs to be opaque. Any sort of translucency is very obvious under bright lights. (I usually notice how see-through my shorts are when in the downward-dog position, with my bum in the air, and I can see myself in the mirror between my legs!!!!)
5) They need to be cut in a way to not ride up and end up in a) a wedgie and b) camel toe.

TMI? sorry.
These pants tick all the boxes. Yes, I know they are in the underwear section! They are seamless, stretchy, comfortable, a reasonably thick matte material, and have that lovely flat gusset! At £10 they are a steal for the holy grail of pole-pants.
My recommendation is to buy a size larger than you would usually, for extra comfort. I would also recommend wearing your regular (cotton) underwear underneath, as these are man-made.
These would be perfect to wear underneath your jeans on a night out pole-hunting!

www.sweatybetty.com

Location: The Birdcage, Manchester. It's opposite the Printworks. A unique cabaret and nightclub experience. Each night showcases comedy drag and showgirl shows live on stage every 40 minutes with non-stop disco until the early hours. We went for my Hen Party. I was dressed as a Fairy!

Music: Dance floor classics, 80's, 90's and noughties! (Read: Disco Cheeeeeeese!)

Clientèle: Hen parties.... Hen parties.... oh, and more hen parties! There were a few blokes, but they were totally outnumbered!

The Pole: There are 2 poles, one each side of the main stage, they are behind a rail similar to the reflex poles, but LOADS more room. The wall behind the pole is mirrored in strips, it looks cool, but you can't see your reflection properly. The floor was quite clean and dry too.
The Poles themselves are polished (not sure if they are stainless steel or chrome), so nice to grip, although they got slippier as the night went on. They are also both SPINNING poles. So remember not to push off too hard or you might get giddy!
The bases of the poles are about 8 inches across, and about 1.5 inches high, so can get in the way occasionally. A safety dismount from invert causes your back to catch the base - I have a bruise that Picasso would be proud of!
I first hit the pole with my friend Ginjachik and we tag-teamed for a few songs, swapping over after a few tricks/spins each. Ginja was wearing jeans so was somewhat limited, but proved that you CAN do a Butterfly in trousers!
After Ginja had left to go home, I spent a good 1/2 hour showing off my best tricks to my other friends who had not seen me dance before. I ended up taking off my Fairy tutu to get a better grip, but by this point, my hands were quite slippy, and I had a few hard landings.

Overall: These are GREAT poles. Loads of room all around. Good pole surface, but they could do with cleaning throughout the evening. Personally I prefer a static pole, but spinny looks so much better if you do it right!
Lovely stuff! More like this please!

Hey everyone - exciting news!!!

Have a look at the next post down.... about asking you to become our fan at BBC Upstaged.
First of all, thanks for doing that, 'cos we got our profile up the rankings, and into the vote.

We then Won the vote! So we had to go into the big glass box.

We performed for 24 hours and WON against 4 other acts over 4 days. We were amazed - and it put us into the final week. We are in the FINAL 4!

Now we need even more help. We are up against one of the strongest acts.

Here's what you have to do:

go here: www.bbc.co.uk/upstaged Youwill have to register if you haven't already (It's free!)
From 3.15pm - 9.15pm on Friday 28th March you will be able to watch me and the other PoleKittens LIVE by clicking the Watch Now buttons.
You will also see the rating stars underneath the video. We need you to vote +5* every 3 minutes for us. You can also vote -1* for our opposition. . You can also sign up with multiple accounts, and have extra windows open to get more votes in!

Thank you SO much for reading this, and helping us out. You can watch the live results show on BBC3 at 11.15pm. If we win, we will be through to the final on Sunday 30th, and you will have to vote for us all over again.

This one is slightly off topic....

I need your help!

Please visit: http://upstaged.external.bbc.co.uk/PoleKitten

"Upstaged is a brand new BBC entertainment event open to anyone across the country who thinks they’re worth watching. In short, it’s like having your own studio where you can broadcast what you want to the nation live on the internet."

Basically: We have our profile on the website. The more profile views and fans we get, the higher up the rankings we go.
Each day, the top 4 in the rankings (plus a "wildcard") go into an online vote. The winner of the vote then gets to go into the "box".
There are two big glass boxes in Bristol city centre - each act has six hours to "entertain" in whatever way they do best. The winner at the end of the evening stays in for the next day.

At this stage, we need you to register on the Upstaged site, become our fan, and make our photos your favourites. Then... tell your friends to do the same!

Register here: http://upstaged.external.bbc.co.uk/kickapps/user/displayUserRegisterPage.kickAction?as=9269

Thank you!!!!

Location: The Bristol Bierkeller, All Saints Street, Bristol. Erm. What can I say? Trestle Tables, sticky stone floor, no dress code. It's supposed to be a German themed, well, Bier Keller (Beer Cellar). Free shot with every drink.

Music: Fridays is "Phuct" - Where they play the loudest Punk, Metal, and Rock music around. On Saturdays, they have a German "Oompah" band, in Lederhosen - Just for sheer silliness I suppose. We went on a Friday.

Clientèle: On the night we were there, most of the people were wearing black, had long black hair, and were wearing eyeliner. Both male and female.

The Pole: There are FOUR poles, all together in one, well-lit corner of the club. They are about 9 feet tall. As usual they are made of scaffolding, but I seemed to be able to get a pretty good grip on them - even if it did seem to take some skin off! They have a good strong fixing, but it means you can't use the bottom few inches of the pole... but you probably wouldn't want to go all the way down there with the state of the floor. There's loads of room around for big spins and swings.
I had arrived wearing a denim skirt (with hotpants underneath) and a t-shirt. My companion PoleKitten was wearing combat trousers, and proceeded to strip down to her hotpants for a better grip... So I followed suit. I ended up in my hotpants, bra, and, fetchingly, trainers.
I pretty much tried every trick I knew for an appreciative audience. Quite a few of whom had their mobile phone cameras running. So if anyone sees some dodgy footage of a scantily-clad pole dancer wearing trainers, it's probably me.

Overall: I liked these poles. Lots of room, and a decent grip for tricks. I am just covered in bruises now - comes from over-enthusiasm after the free shots.
I would like to make a special mention to my friend Fairey, who actually teaches Hen Parties using these poles. Even though I got on with the grip... I reckon they would be a nightmare for someone who had never tried it before.