One of the truly special aspects of the pole dance community is its open and welcoming nature. The incredible variety of pole tricks means there’s a place for every body type to thrive. Beyond body diversity, pole dance embraces all ages, with inspiring athletes well into their 60s achieving world champion status in the US. The full-body engagement in pole makes it a sport that can be enjoyed and pursued for many years, fostering longevity and passion.
Shannon Daily, a decorated athlete holding titles such as World Champion for Pole Art 50+ POSA and Hoop Art 40+ IPSF, shares her evolving perspective on Olympic inclusion: “Initially, I questioned whether Pole belonged in the Olympics, seeing it more as an art form where judging felt subjective. However, my journey into performances and showcases ignited a desire for more opportunities. This led me to competitions, and I became deeply immersed in the competitive scene. The rules, regulations, and intricate scoring systems seemed daunting initially, but with experience, they’ve become integral to crafting my routines.”
Daily highlights a disparity in global recognition, noting, “I believe the US lags behind many European and Latin American nations in acknowledging and supporting Pole as a legitimate Sport. Countries like Italy and Russia have already recognized pole as an official Sport worthy of Olympic consideration. Unfortunately, widespread acceptance in the US feels distant, perhaps another decade away. In my 11 years in this world, broad public perception hasn’t drastically shifted, though I am occasionally surprised by positive reactions, even from older individuals, to my pole content on social media. Looking to the future, children should absolutely be included in Pole Sport and Art. I see this as the next wave. Russia, notably, treats pole with the seriousness of any sport they aim to dominate, establishing dedicated training centers. Crucially, Safe Sport training must be mandatory for all coaches and personnel involved, safeguarding against abuse, a concern in any sport or activity involving children.”
