Pole dancing and striptease are often grouped together under the same banner, however there are quite a few differences that shouldn't be ignored when it comes to considering these two different styles! Let's take a moment to explore the myths and truths of pole dancing and striptease!
Pole Dancing and Striptease: Myths vs. Truths
Myth #1: Pole Dancing and Striptease are the Same Thing
- Why do people believe this? Well, both include similar movements and evolve images of sensual performances which creates some confusion!
- The reality, however, is that while both contain similar elements, pole dancing is primarily a sport used for fitness, while striptease is focused on storytelling through entertaining sensual movements.
- Fun fact: Pole dance competitions are famous around the world, and aim to showcase the amazing athleticism and artistry of the dance.
Myth #2: Pole Dancing and Striptease Both Require Perfect Bodies
- Why is this a belief? The media is guilty of portraying performers of a certain visual body type, which perpetuates the incorrect idea that to partake you must be slim, toned, and conventionally attractive.
- In reality, Pole Dancing and striptease celebrate the amazing human body in all its forms for what it can achieve! Regardless of body type, these styles are focused on what feats of strength and confidence can be performed, and the creative individuality of the dancer. Most studios specifically champion inclusive attitudes for all, regardless of physical ability, shape, size, or sex.
- Fun fact, some of the most famous and celebrated Pole dancers or strippers in the industry advocate strongly for body positivity, challenging conventional beauty standards to demand inclusive behaviours! For example, @instagram.com/poleonthe_plussize is a great role model for what the pole community represents!
Myth #3: You Can't Do Pole Dance Without Stripping
- Why is this a general belief? With pole dancing originating in strip clubs, the lines between the two have been blurred.
- The reality is that today, pole dancing is practiced widely in gyms and purpose-built studios as a form of fitness and performance art, which is entirely separate from adult entertainment.
- Fun fact: In many places globally, pole dancing is as popular as yoga!
Myth #4: A Pole is Required for Striptease
- Why do people believe this? Many people associate striptease with pole work seen in clubs or movies, thanks to pop culture.
- In reality, striptease often utilises props such as chairs, fabrics, or costumes to evoke emotion and make creative storytelling from movement.
- A fun fact is that the art of striptease gained its popularity in burlesque shows long before poles were introduced!
Myth #5: Pole Dancing and Striptease Are Only For Women
- What makes people think this? Well, with media and pop culture focusing on female performers, its easy for audiences to get confused!
- The reality is that pole dancing is actually rooted male-dominated practices such as Mallakhamb in India, which involves men performing gravity-defying tricks using wooden poles. This was a form of strength training much like modern pole is! Today, male pole dancing has a huge community and following, and is featured in many competitive areas to showcase power and techniques!
- A little fun fact: Early pole dancing wasn't about entertainment at all, it was about strength, fitness, and honing agility! To learn a little more about the foundations of pole in the past, read more in our blog The Fascinating History of Pole Dancing
Myth #6: Both Pole Dancing and Striptease are Easy!
- Why would people think this? Thanks to very skilled performers making even the most challenging Pole and Striptease routines look effortless, the general population has developed a misconception about how easy these moves are to achieve! And let's not even begin to talk about the mental strength and focus dancers employ!
- What's the reality? Like any sport, Pole Dancing requires some serious strength, stamina, and flexibility, and Striptease demands strength in stage presence, rhythm, and especially confidence! Both art forms require serious, dedicated training to master!
- Fun fact! The physical demands of pole Dancing can easily be compared to that of gymnastics!
Myth #7: Both Pole Dancing and Striptease are Overly Sexual
- What perpetuates this myth? Well, the stereotype comes from an association within the media and other historical mindsets with adult entertainment.
- In reality, Pole Dancing is a beautiful art form that is so versatile, mixing elements of fitness, acrobatics, and contemporary dance. Striptease is similar, combining creativity and empowerment with sensuality!
- Fun fact, Pole routines are varied, and can range from classical ballet inspired performances to exciting, high energy contemporary routines!
Myth #8: Striptease Doesn't Actually Require Skill
- How is this myth upheld? With a focus on sensuality and an awareness of the human body, the effort behind a great performance can be overshadowed.
- Reality is much more interesting! A skilled stripper utilises a whole catalogue of props, choreography, timing, rhythm, stage presence and storytelling abilities to connect with their audience and make an impact.
- A cheeky fun fact; Striptease has cool historical roots all the way back to Vaudeville and Burlesque shoes where comedy and drama elements were very popular!
Myth #9: Strength Isn't Required for Pole Dancing or Striptease
- Why would anyone believe that? Pole Dancing and Striptease are often viewed as a purely aesthetic performance, done for little more than creating a visual impact.
- The reality? Both performance art forms demand dedication and immense physical strength and training. Pole dancers must hold their own body weight while managing challenging moves, while strippers are masters of making long routines look effortless, often in platform high heels!
- Fun Fact: A single 1-hour long Pole class can burn more calories than the typical weightlifting session due to the combination of cardio and strength training all at once.
Myth #10: Pole Dancing and Striptease are Modern Creations
- Why do people believe this? Because of the heavy use of both styles in contemporary pop culture and media, as well as the popularity of nightlife scenes, it's easy to believe that they are a relatively recent development in performance art.
- Reality: Pole Dancing is in fact dated back centuries, from the Indian sport of Mallakhamb to the Chinese Pole practices of the last thousand years and more!
- A historical fun fact is that Cleopatra herself was believed to have performed seductively in Ancient Egypt, with early forms of Striptease traced back to various cultures' rituals and storytelling dancing.
Myth #11: Both are Innappropriate for Public Events
- Why would people believe this, you ask? Well, historical stigmas and biases around adult entertainment are hard to break, and are still prevalent today!
- The reality, however, is that these styles of dance are very celebrated around the world as performance art that deserves to be showcased to the masses. With public competitions, televised lessons, and special stage shoes such as burlesque and more, both are forms of self expression.
- Fun Fact: Some Pole routines are actually inspired by classic literature, comedies, and even superhero themes!
Final Words:
In the end, Pole Dancing and striptease is about so much more than the initial impression may present; both are very different forms of artistic expression using the body that should be respected and treated as the performance art they are. While there are many ways in which these two are the same, there are as many ways that they are also different, offering those looking for a way to showcase their skills and abilities a range of avenues to explore!
The right footwear plays a vital role in these performances, enhancing both safety and style. Whether you’re perfecting your routines or stepping onto the stage, check out our collections of specialized shoes for pole dance and stripper shoes to find the perfect pair for your needs.
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