The pole dancing community is celebrated for its incredibly inclusive nature. The vast range of pole techniques ensures that individuals of all body types can find their niche and excel. Furthermore, pole dancing embraces athletes of all ages, with remarkable competitors in the United States achieving world champion status even beyond the age of 60. The full-body engagement inherent in pole dancing makes it a sport that can be pursued and enjoyed for many years, fostering longevity and sustained athleticism.
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 reflects a common trajectory within the pole community, transitioning from artistic appreciation to competitive engagement as the sporting aspect gains prominence. Organizations like POSA (Pole Sport Organization) and IPSF (International Pole Sports Federation) are instrumental in standardizing rules and judging criteria, mirroring established Olympic sports and pushing for greater recognition.
Despite growing international momentum, the United States appears to be lagging behind European and Latin American nations in officially recognizing and supporting pole dancing as a legitimate sport. Countries like Italy and Russia have already acknowledged pole sport as worthy of Olympic consideration, investing in training and infrastructure. Daily notes, “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.” This disparity highlights a potential cultural lag in the US perception of pole dancing, despite the global surge in its popularity and athletic credibility.
Looking towards the future, the inclusion of children in pole sport and art programs is increasingly seen as a crucial step for mainstream acceptance and growth. 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.” Integrating youth into the sport from an early age, similar to gymnastics or figure skating, can dismantle lingering stigmas and cultivate a new generation of dedicated pole athletes. However, with the inclusion of younger participants, ensuring athlete safety becomes paramount. Daily rightly points out, “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.” Implementing robust safety protocols and ethical coaching standards, like Safe Sport training, is essential for fostering a positive and secure environment for all athletes, especially young ones.
In conclusion, while challenges remain in shifting public perception, the trajectory of Olympic Sport Pole Dancing is undeniably upward. The dedication of athletes, the establishment of international federations, and the growing global recognition signal a promising future. As pole dancing continues to evolve and professionalize, its pursuit of Olympic inclusion appears not just aspirational, but increasingly attainable.
