The Art of Pole Dancing: History of Pole Dancing

Mar 13, 2006

This article is written exclusively for DancePages.com.au by Jamilla Deville 

Pole Dancing is a relatively new phenomenon, an extension of the ages-old art of exotic dance.  Its history can be traced back to ancient Sumerian times; there was then a myth of the goddess Innana who descended into Hades to find her lover Damouz.  At each of the seven gates of Hades, she removed a veil and a jewel.  The Earth was barren for as long as Innana remained there; but when she returned, the Earth was again fruitful and abundant.  Innana’s dance lived on as the famous dance of the seven veils of Salome, who danced for King Herod in the Old Testament.  Strip tease in its many forms made its way out through Sumeria, Mesopotamia, Asia and west into the near East and southern Europe, via the Gypsies[1].

Today, with the changes in cultural perceptions and expressions of sexuality, the ancient art of striptease, while still containing original elements of the art form, has been adjusted for a modern world. 
One of the modern variations is the inclusion of pole dancing, a combination of feminine, sensual movements with acrobatic feats of strength, combined with the polish of a dancer and entertainer.
Pole dancing seems to have had its roots in strip clubs in Canada, most likely in Vancouver (although this seems to be arguable! – This is interesting, since it is such a recent phenomenon -).  It spread through clubs in Canada and the US, finally reaching the UK and Europe, and Australia and New Zealand as they took on the North American model of table dancing clubs.

More recently, pole dancing has again evolved from something performed in a strip-related environment to an art form in itself, performed in various environments from more mainstream theatre to cabaret to corporate conventions.  Competitions are now run on both national and international levels, showcasing pole dancing  on its own without nudity; pole dancing is now perceived by many to be a stand-alone art.
There are those who lay more significance on pole dancing being a sport; some who are even attempting to have it recognized as an Olympic event.  Certainly this emphasis serves to have pole dancing recognized as something more than simply a sleazy practice.  It seems to take time for the general public to embrace a phenomenon such as this, so associated with what is taboo; and presenting it as a means of achieving fitness has brought about a huge interest in pole dancing as a “regular” activity for the everyday person.
But what I personally find so wonderful about pole dancing, apart from the fact that it has brought me great fitness, is the exotic and beautiful nature of expression that it invites.  Personally, I’m not offended by or afraid of the elements of striptease that it can involve; given, of course, that these elements, the same as the athletic aspects, are performed with grace and style.  I do recognize how far pole dancing has come on the back of fitness classes; the numerous schools expanding all over the world attests to that.  But certainly it must be admitted that it is pole dancing’s exotic and erotic tint which is the ultimate draw card, the component which has brought so many out of the gym and into the studio.  

Even without removing any covering, pole dancing’s sensual and suggestive movements seem to be providing us with a means of expression healthy for both mind and body.
And while people everywhere argue about the nature of “women power” and the revolution in women’s sexuality and freedom of expression, and whether pole dancing enhances that expression or restricts it to old-fashioned stereotypes, there are nevertheless women continuing to practice their pole dancing, strengthening their bodies, challenging their minds, and extending their self expression.