The pole dancing community is celebrated for its remarkable inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all body types and ages. This diversity is a cornerstone of pole fitness, proving that with the vast array of pole techniques and styles, there’s a place for everyone. You’ll find athletes of all ages thriving in pole, with inspiring figures like world champions in their 60s showcasing the longevity and enduring appeal of this discipline. Pole engages the entire body, making it a sport that can be passionately pursued for many years.
Shannon Daily, a decorated athlete and current World Champion for Pole Art 50+ POSA and Hoop Art 40+ IPSF, offers valuable insight into the sport’s evolving perception. “I was originally hesitant about having Pole in the Olympics because at the start I felt like it was more of an art than a sport and judging art can be subjective. But then I got into performing and doing showcases and I wanted to do more shows but I really wasn’t given much opportunity by event organizers so I tried competitions, and now I’m deep into the whole scene. Rules, regulations, and Codes of Points are intimidating at first but once you do a few competitions they become second nature when crafting a new routine.” Daily’s journey from artistic expression to competitive sport highlights a common trajectory for many pole dancers, driven by the desire for recognition and structured progression.
The global landscape of pole sport reveals a varied level of acceptance and support. While countries like Italy and Russia have officially recognized pole dancing as a sport worthy of Olympic consideration, the United States, according to Daily, seems to be lagging behind. “I feel like the US is a bit behind a lot of European and Latin American countries when it comes to recognizing and supporting Pole as a Sport. Both Italy and Russia recognize pole as an official Sport worthy of being entered in the Olympics. Unfortunately, I don’t see it becoming commonly acceptable for quite some time, like maybe in another decade. I’ve been doing this for 11 years and really haven’t seen too big a change in the general attitude towards pole but I am surprised on occasion when an even older person responds positively to something on Pole that I’ve shown them on social media.” This disparity in recognition underscores the ongoing need for advocacy and awareness to elevate pole dancing’s status on a global scale, particularly in regions where traditional perceptions still prevail.
Looking to the future, the inclusion of children in pole sport and art is seen as a significant step forward. Daily emphasizes, “Children should definitely be included in Pole Sport and Art. I think that is the wave of the future. Russia certainly treats it like any other sport they want to dominate and have training centers just for pole. Safe Sport training should be included for all coaches and other people involved to mitigate abuse like in any other sport or activity involving children.” Embracing youth participation, similar to established sports like gymnastics, could be pivotal in normalizing pole and fostering a new generation of ‘Olympic Pole Dancer’ hopefuls. Furthermore, the implementation of Safe Sport training is crucial for ensuring a positive and ethical environment for all participants, especially young athletes, mirroring best practices in other sports.
The journey towards seeing ‘olympic pole dancer’ become a reality is ongoing. While challenges remain in shifting public perception and achieving widespread recognition, the passion, inclusivity, and athletic rigor within the pole community, championed by athletes like Shannon Daily, continue to push the boundaries and advocate for its rightful place in the world of competitive sports, perhaps even one day on the Olympic stage.
