Beauty Standards and Pole Dancers

Isis Kane · 2013-10-27T22:38:21+00:00

So I've been looking at the winners of the major Pole Dance competitions, as well as some of the most well-known pole stars and I noticed there seems to be a pattern with which pole dancers are most heavily promoted. From what I've seen, the vast majority of these women fit into the traditional Western beauty standard. Professional pole dancers who are most visible in the industry tend to be Caucasian, straight hair, thin/slim build, no body hair, etc. Of course, I do not mean to downplay the incredible talent of these women. Many dancers who fit into this mould (Maddie Sparkle, Alethea, etc.) have inspired me, as well! However, it still troubles me to know that these are the ONLY types of women I have to look up to as examples of where I would like to be, knowing I do not look like that. It's not so much that I need a "role model" to enjoy and grow with pole dancing as a form of self-expression, but I question whether or not dancers who do not look a certain way will have the same professional opportunities as women who fit this beauty standard. It also troubles me because I know so many skilled and beautiful pole dancers who are of various races, ages, shapes and sizes-and although they may be successful in their own way (perhaps as teachers or artists) I do not see this diversity reflected amongst our "top rated" or most well-known dancers. It makes me think that these dancers are selected based on a specific aesthetic and also skill. I grapple with the question of whether or not it is "wrong" to select winners based on aesthetic (pole dance is also a visual art for the audience) but I also think it delves into a deeper question about who is considered beautiful in this culture-which can be harmful to women in the end. It also shifts the whole concept of pole dance in and of itself. How many times have I heard that you have to be "hot" or "in shape" to pole?? I really feel like if pole dance is going to grow into something larger than what it is now, there…

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Charley · 10/28/2013
I hope that's not true chemmie. Omg! Chemmie is in my auto correct! Love! I do think for some comps they may desire sue sky clean winners or more all American looking but everyone should have a fair shake. I believe in my heart we are getting away from this. I know one comp for sure wants a spokesperson/awesome poler and they have a q&a round like a pageant. I see no harm in this as its put there as part of why they do, it's when you don't know that it's an issue....
chemgoddess1 · 10/28/2013
Love that Chemmie is in your autocorrect, too!
Isis Kane · 10/29/2013
This is a really enlightening discussion for me, and I'm glad I posted this. I've been poling for under 1 year, so some of this information is also new to me. It's nice to hear from people who are more experienced, and who are immersed in the community in real life. @Charley, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I honestly never thought in detail about all the sacrifices pole stars have to make for their career-probably because I have the luxury of rolling out of bed and poling whenever I want when I'm at home, for however long I want. I've been wondering how all the business stuff works for professional pole dancers, and that is very eye-opening but it all makes sense.
Charley · 10/29/2013
I think this a great topic. If we don't continue to question things as the community we could find ourselves one day with a broken system. For as big as it is, pole is still really small, small enough to know everyone, it keeps most people honest but one day it won't be. I'd never have realized what the pros go through either had I not worked with a few. I've had a few stay with me during events and they've been so open and awesome about their lives and even pole. They all really love the pole world even if they don't have time to come on here. They do read what we write and are aware. So do pole companies and a thread like this might inspire them to sponsor an unknown or even question their own marketing methods and maybe take on performers who are more artistic and less fonji,lol. This is a great topic for keeping marketing methods in check. I think on a smaller level this beauty standard that gets pushed everywhere in our lives has led me to personally want to showcase and promote dancers with different body types and abilities. I run a yearly showcase in Michigan that features about 50 everyday dancers and a few pros. It's such a love fest and so inspiring. And one more thing I thought of. At one point, and I'm not sure what the relationship is now, but Lulu aka minicoupergirl was a sponsored athlete with Platinum Stages. I loved that. Lulu inspires me because she continues to compete and perform right along side the teensiest of girls. She puts on a show! Extremely entertaining and very bendy, she also blogs about her life here sometimes about competing in high level comps and making costumes. She's been on tv spreading pole love and spreading the message that you don't have to be a size 2. I really admire her both as a performer and a spokesperson.
chemgoddess1 · 10/29/2013
For anyone who has never been to a Detroit Showcase, it really is a special place. I cannot tell you how many have walked in those doors disenchanted with pole in general and walked out with their passion renewed. It is a crazy, stupid, silly, amazing, emotional, inspiring weekend and I have been in tears from emotion and tears of laughter....I think during Layla's performance last year I was in both! I hated for the weekend to end. There is a reason that "stars" come back year after year after year....it really is a magical weekend.
Charley · 10/30/2013
Chemmie, it's so amazing each year to see everyone and see new performers of all levels and our stars all sharing the stage in unity with respect and love for each other. You and your hubby seriously saved my booty a bunch this past year, thank you sooo much! I couldn't have done it without your help. So if anyone ever wants to see or participate Ina large open showcase pm me! We define beauty standards in my opinion. You can also check out head over heals, Florida pole showcase and aerial Amy's NYC showcase. There are many, many more popping up too! For anyone who wants to compete Amy Guion does PSO and has levels 1-4 so anyone can compete, it's pay to play, no entry videos. There are alot of great events opening up all over for all of us. There is also pole con and pole expo I'm not sure how to go about performing at them though but I know you can. I recommend attending a pole event if you can especially if you are feeling down its just such a boost. The events is where you will see all shapes, sizes, colors and genders.