When starting pole dancing, the image of tiny shorts and a sports bra might come to mind as the standard attire. While this is common, it’s far from the only option. Embracing pants as part of your Pole Dance Wear wardrobe opens up a world of possibilities, offering comfort, confidence, and a unique approach to movement on the pole. Let’s explore why incorporating pants into your pole dance practice is not just practical but also incredibly empowering.
Why Choose Pants for Pole Dance Wear?
There are numerous compelling reasons to consider pants for your next pole dance class or performance. Beyond the initial perception, pants offer practical and stylistic advantages that cater to diverse needs and preferences.
Warmth and Comfort in Cooler Climates
Stepping into a chilly studio, especially during winter months, can be demotivating. Cold poles and floors can tighten muscles and make the initial warm-up uncomfortable. Wearing pants to your pole class allows you to retain warmth, keeping your muscles loose and ready to work. For outdoor performances or colder studios, pants become essential for comfort and preventing injury. As experienced instructor Jody Ryker discovered, choreographing routines specifically for pants ensures comfort and performance even in less-than-ideal temperatures.
Iguana Grip for pole dancing
Modesty and Inclusivity in Pole Dance
For some, the traditional image of minimal pole dance wear can be a barrier to entry. Concerns about modesty or body image can prevent individuals from trying pole dancing. Offering the option of pole dance wear that includes pants immediately creates a more inclusive and welcoming environment. Many beginners, as well as individuals from diverse backgrounds, may feel more comfortable starting their pole journey in pants, allowing them to focus on learning and enjoying the art form without feeling self-conscious. This approach broadens the appeal of pole dancing and makes it accessible to a wider audience.
Costume Versatility and Creative Expression
Limiting yourself to minimal attire can sometimes restrict creative expression. Pants as pole dance wear offer a blank canvas for character development and costume design. Whether it’s for a themed performance, a photoshoot, or simply personal preference, pants allow dancers to explore different aesthetics and styles. Directors or photographers might request specific looks that incorporate more coverage, and having the skills and choreography to perform in pants adds valuable versatility to a dancer’s repertoire.
Comfort for New Students
Stepping into a pole dance studio for the first time can be daunting. The idea of wearing revealing clothing can add to the anxiety. Assuring new students that they can start in comfortable pants like yoga pants can significantly ease their apprehension. Many instructors, like Jody Ryker, have found that new students express relief when they learn they don’t need to immediately switch to minimal attire. This comfort allows beginners to focus on learning the fundamental techniques and getting acquainted with using their skin for grip without feeling exposed.
Table Top pole dance move
Pole Dancing Techniques and Moves in Pants
While certain grip points like knee grips and thigh holds might be less accessible with traditional pants, a vast array of pole dance moves remain perfectly achievable and even enhanced when wearing pants. Focus shifts to different grip techniques and movement styles, opening up new creative avenues.
Mastering Grips Above the Waist
With legs covered, upper body and hand grips become paramount. Hand grips, elbow grips, lever grips, armpit grips, shoulder mounts, and even foot grips (utilizing the soles of the feet) take center stage. Developing strength and precision in these grips becomes crucial when dancing in pants. It’s important to build confidence and proficiency in tricks without pants first, before attempting them with leg coverage, to ensure safety and control.
Embracing Strength-Based Moves
Pants-friendly pole dance wear naturally lends itself to showcasing strength and control. Moves like Iron X’s, iguana grip variations (planches), tabletop holds, air-walks, and handstands are all excellent choices. These strength-focused movements emphasize upper body power and balance, creating visually impressive lines and shapes on the pole. Transitions into these moves might originate more from the ground, requiring creative entries and exits.
Forearm Stand Variation on pole
Dynamic Tumbling and Flow
Pants don’t hinder dynamic movements like pole tumbling. Back tucks, walkovers, and shoulder mount flips are executed similarly whether you’re wearing pants or shorts, especially when initiated from the ground. These powerful and energetic moves add excitement and visual dynamism to routines performed in pants.
The Art of Floorwork and Spins
Pants truly shine when it comes to floorwork. They provide a layer of protection for knees and facilitate smooth sliding across the floor. This opens up a world of floor-based movements, from toe fans and shoulder rolls to chest stands and back splits initiated from the pole. Classes specifically designed around “Pole Skating” highlight the potential of floorwork in pants. Spins, particularly static spins that involve leg contact with the pole like roundabouts and juliet spins, can also be enhanced by the controlled friction pants provide.
Flexibility Training with Ease
Pants are indispensable for flexibility training, especially when working on splits. They allow for smooth sliding into deeper split positions on the floor, preventing friction that can engage muscles you’re trying to stretch. Instructors often recommend wearing pants over shorts during flexibility sessions for this very reason, maximizing stretch and minimizing resistance.
Shoulder Stand Split also known as Floor Jade pole move
Choosing the Right Pole Dance Pants
Selecting the appropriate pants is key to a comfortable and effective pole dance session. Consider these factors when choosing your pole dance wear pants:
Material and Grip
Opt for materials that allow for breathability and movement. While standard fabric pants won’t offer the same grip as skin, they allow for sliding and floorwork. Avoid overly sticky materials like faux leather unless you are specifically training for spin pole, as they can restrict static movement. Consider fabrics with a slight sheen or texture that might offer a touch more grip without being restrictive.
Style and Comfort
Choose pants that allow for a full range of motion. Yoga pants, leggings, or dance pants with good stretch are ideal. Ensure the waistband is comfortable and doesn’t dig in during inversions or floorwork. The style is ultimately a personal preference – from fitted leggings to slightly looser dance pants, choose what makes you feel confident and ready to move.
Embrace the Versatility of Pole Dance Wear
Pole dance wear is about more than just minimal clothing. It’s about feeling empowered, comfortable, and expressing yourself authentically through movement. Incorporating pants into your pole dance wardrobe expands your possibilities, offering practical solutions and creative avenues. Whether it’s for warmth, modesty, versatility, or simply a different style, embrace the freedom and confidence that pole dancing in pants can bring to your practice. Experiment, explore, and discover the unique strength and grace that pants can bring to your pole dance journey.
