Mary Serritella, performing under the stage name Mary Caryl, recently captivated the audience at Hollywood’s Bourbon Room. Dressed in striking 7-inch neon heels and flowing translucent yellow bell-bottoms, this dynamic performer defied gravity and age expectations with a mesmerizing pole dancing routine. As she gracefully spun around the silver pole, executing challenging moves like “The Chopstick,” “The Jade Split,” and the breathtaking “Black Sun split,” her flexibility and sensual athleticism were undeniable. The crowd was enthralled, but the energy in the room reached another level when Mary revealed her age after the performance: she had just celebrated her 71st birthday. The revelation sparked an eruption of cheers and applause, solidifying her status as an inspiration to all present.
Mary Serritella pole dancing performance
“You never lose it if you never let it go,” Mary declared to the enthusiastic audience that September evening, adding, “And five years ago I had a hip replacement. I’m a bionic woman!” The crowd responded with another wave of roaring approval. Christina Calph, the host of the Comedy Pole Show who booked Mary for the night, expressed her admiration, stating, “I see her and I think, ‘Oh my God, I can be beautiful for the rest of my life.'”
In a city often associated with youth obsession and cosmetic procedures, Mary Serritella’s pole dancing serves as a powerful testament that aging does not equate to losing beauty, sensuality, strength, or the passion for activities one loves. This 71 Year Old Pole Dancer continues to embrace life to the fullest, wearing high heels, performing in bikinis, and sharing her journey on Instagram, proving that age is truly just a number.
Mary maintains a rigorous workout schedule, exercising at least five times a week. This dedication is essential for preserving the upper body strength and flexibility required to execute demanding pole moves. She effortlessly climbs the pole, bends, twists, and coils her body into positions that many younger women would find challenging.
Despite her incredible fitness, Mary acknowledges the realities of aging. Arthritis sometimes makes gripping the pole more difficult, and she has navigated the challenges of a hip replacement. “When I wake up in the morning, I’m a little stiffer than I used to be, and early on I sprained a knee,” she admits. However, she embraces a pragmatic approach: “Accept the things you can’t change, and change the things you can.”
From Empty Nester to Pole Dancing Star at 57
Mary’s pole dancing journey began in 2010 at the age of 57, coinciding with her youngest child graduating from college. A casual conversation with a friend from her children’s school fundraising committee sparked her interest. The friend mentioned taking pole dancing classes at a gym, and on a whim, Mary decided to join her. Although the initial class was short-lived, Mary was immediately captivated.
“I wasn’t good. I couldn’t climb the pole. I couldn’t do anything,” she recalls. “But I wanted to.” This determination fueled her to seek out more opportunities to learn and improve.
She trained at various studios, including Vertitude L.A. in Canoga Park and Choreography House in North Hollywood, often immersing herself in multiple lessons in a single evening. She credits the exceptional instructors and diverse workshops for her rapid progress, stating, “Both of them had incredible owners and instructors and they would bring in other incredible instructors from around the world, so I feel like I had the best training.”
Pole Dancing: From Strip Clubs to Olympic Aspirations
While pole dancing originated in strip clubs in the 1950s, it has transitioned into a mainstream form of exercise and art over recent decades. Gyms and studios dedicated to pole dancing have proliferated, contributing to its growing popularity. Organizations like the International Pole Sports Federation are even advocating for pole dancing to be recognized as an Olympic sport, highlighting its athleticism and skill.
As pole dancing’s popularity surged, diverse styles emerged. Some dancers prioritize athletic feats and aerial tricks, while others focus on storytelling and emotional expression. Sensuality remains a key element in many routines, and Mary embraces all facets of this art form.
“I remember taking a class with a parole officer who was teaching all these trashy moves on the pole and the chair,” she recounts with amusement. “I was like, ‘OK this is me at 57 years old and I’m learning all this fun stuff.'”
Competitive Spirit and Performance Success
Just three months after starting pole dancing, Mary entered her first competition in 2011 in the 40-and-over masters category. Despite the short notice, she embraced the challenge. “I was like, ‘Am I crazy?’” she questioned, “But it’s always been my personality to do things and not be afraid.”
Her debut solo performance was at a Vertitude showcase where she playfully dressed as Mrs. Claus dancing to “Santa Baby.” More recently, in 2023, she achieved first place at Pole Art Italy, an international competition, with a lively “dancin’ and romancin’” themed performance to a medley of country tunes. Her costume, complete with pink cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, reflected her fun and engaging performance style.
“Burlesque and comedy are my favorite styles,” she explains. “Some dancers really love dramatic music. That’s not me.” Mary’s performances are characterized by their humor, energy, and connection with the audience.
Family Support and Inspiring Younger Generations
Mary’s family has largely supported her unconventional passion. Her husband, Tony, whom she has been married to for 33 years, is accustomed to her adventurous spirit. He recalls her past ventures, including hosting a local TV show and appearing on a Norwegian reality show. “Nothing she does surprises me,” he says.
While her daughter was immediately enthusiastic about her pole dancing, her sons took a bit longer to adjust. “I think they were shocked that I had this fun side to me,” Mary laughs. However, her middle son and his wife were present to cheer her on at the Bourbon Room performance, demonstrating their ultimate support. “I’ve learned to roll with it,” her son admitted.
Among her younger pole dancing peers, Mary is revered. Teresa Fischer, a teacher at Luscious Maven, where Mary currently trains, considers her “a legend in the industry.” Stephanie Pozos, another friend from the studio, emphasizes Mary’s captivating stage presence: “She has incredible flow, and she really knows how to show off what she’s good at and play to her strengths.” Angelina Medina, a younger dancer, admires Mary for “defying society’s narrative” about aging and female limitations.
Beauty and Lifestyle Tips from a Timeless Performer
Beyond her pole dancing prowess, Mary has a background in beauty and image consulting. She shares her insights readily, advising, “My two big ones are drink water and keep moving to help you flush out everything you take in. A lot of times you see people who are my age and they are puffy-eyed and they have bloat. That’s what it is — lack of water, lack of mobility.”
Other tips include daily foundation use for skin protection, a balanced diet, and allowing for indulgences in life’s pleasures. However, Mary’s most impactful advice is her approach to aging itself. “So often through the years women would say things to me like, ‘I can’t wear heels anymore’ or whatever it was, and I would put a psychological bubble around myself,” she explains. “I just didn’t want to absorb that ‘I can’t’ attitude.”
Mary encourages everyone to challenge self-imposed limitations and pursue their passions regardless of age. “We say our children are our future, and that’s true, but we’re their future too,” she wisely states.
An Unforgettable Impression
Back at the Bourbon Room, even after her dazzling performance, Mary remained grounded and considerate. Unable to find her tennis shoes, she navigated the audience in her 7-inch heels, crawling to her seat to avoid obstructing anyone’s view. Annie Lederman, the comedian who followed Mary onstage, captured the sentiment of the evening perfectly, surveying the crowd and despondently asking, “I have to follow Mary?” The audience’s laughter was a testament to Mary Serritella’s unforgettable and inspiring performance.
This 71 year old pole dancer is not just defying age; she is redefining it, proving that passion, strength, and vitality have no expiration date.
