Wrapped up warm against the winter weather, I took a break from deadlines to attend the Pole Fitness Winter Showcase on the last day of November. As I found my way to the Great Hall, and saw the low-lit, decorated tables, and two poles in spotlights on the stage, I knew we were all in for a treat. As soon as things kicked off, it proved to be just that, and so much more.
In following with the “Night at the Theatre” theme, Chicago’s “Cell Block Tango” started playing over the speakers as the lights dimmed: it was the committee’s opening performance. When I later spoke to two members who took part in this (the two Social Secretaries), they pointed out what the night meant to them, being able to “all come together and put on this night,” inaugurating it with “a committee routine, which was really fun to do as a group.”
Watching the crowd go wild for this performance, it was clear to see the strong sense of community and support fostered by Pole Fitness Society. Both the audience, and the performers backstage, had nothing but love to shout during every performance of the night, and the committee made sure to not only introduce, praise and support their performers, but even walked them on and off-stage to avoid what could have been numerous heel-related injuries.
it was clear to see the strong sense of community and support fostered by Pole Fitness Society.
When I talked to Lottie, one of the performers, she emphasised how the communal atmosphere was what she most valued about the society. Having recently graduated and tried out pole studios beyond the university, she explained that “the difference between there and here is that I feel like there’s more community” among the members of Pole Fitness. She continued: “It’s a cute little group of people who support each other from the get-go, and I really like that.”
Izzy, another member and performer, echoed the sentiment, saying “pole was one of the big reasons why I wanted to come back to do my Master’s here, because the community’s great, and I really enjoyed the sport.” Amelie, whose performance included tear-away trousers, expanded on this, stating that the society encourages members to “work at your own pace, supporting you both physically with the moves, and mentally to overcome any psychological blocks.”
As well as the immense support from committee and other members, all of the people I spoke to highlighted the benefits of pole fitness for their mental wellbeing. As Lizzie (one of the Social Secs) pointed out, the society’s mantra is “Every Body Welcome,” encouraging and promoting a space of body positivity and acceptance. This is what first drew Lottie to Pole; “I think I had a really bad relationship with my body, and I didn’t want to go to the gym because of that. I wanted to have a healthier mindset when it came to fitness … and seeing the body positivity of Pole made me realise I can have it both — I can get fit and healthy, but still be in a safe space.” In fact, because the sport is “focused on what your body can do, rather than what it looks like,” explains Izzy, “there’s minimal pressure, and everyone is very accommodating to how much or how little you wear, for example.”
the society’s mantra is “Every Body Welcome,” encouraging and promoting a space of body positivity and acceptance.
Compared to other sports, and other sports societies at the university, Pole Fitness draws in many of its members thanks to its focus on individual growth, and a non-competitive atmosphere. Amelie explained how it’s “very accessible to everyone, even at the beginning,” because “there’s no need for any other equipment but your body weight, so there’s lots you can do from the get-go, and it’s easy to progress to more advanced moves with practice.” Lizzie agreed, saying “there are no pre-requisites … I think it’s more of a fun sport and less of a competitive one.”
Of course, Pole is not only a form of exercise, but — as Rosie put it — “a unique art form” that’s “all about self-expression and being confident.” She pointed out that “as women, we’re so often told to just hide away, and not show that more sensual side of you, and Pole is a way of expressing that and redefining it for yourself and your confidence.” For Amelie, this makes it “a different way of exercising, which is strength-based, and has a dance element too.” She found that, “compared to calisthenics, it’s more graceful, and focused on perfecting moves,” but most importantly for her “you get to go upside down, so it’s really a win-win.”
as women, we’re so often told to just hide away, and not show that more sensual side of you, and Pole is a way of expressing that and redefining it for yourself and your confidence.
Rosie
While Pole is generally female-dominated, Lizzie emphasises that the society welcomes all genders all year round, and recently held men-only classes in honour of Movember, and to encourage men who may not have taken the first step to try the sport out. She explains that the society is deeply committed to supporting this and many other causes; in fact, the proceeds from the raffle held between performances go to Coppafeel! — a youth-focused breast cancer awareness charity represented by the Exeter Uni Boob Team on our own campus. “Check your tits, check your pecs, check your nips,” Lizzie reminds us.
As the night wound down to a close, the performers told me what this showcase meant to them, many telling me it was their fourth or fifth time performing for the society, and celebrating not only their own achievements, but everyone else’s too. Izzy explained: “My routine was really important to me personally — I had a bereavement a couple of weeks ago, and it just felt like my love letter to pole and the important people in my life.” On the other hand, Lizzie told me her routine was “a bit more of a fun and upbeat one, whereas in the past I’ve only done lyrical flows.” Wand in hand, she explained her performance was set to Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Holding Out for a Hero,” and inspired by the Fairy Grandmother’s final number in Shrek 2 — testimony to the range of routines that we beheld on the night.
Finally, all members provided words of encouragement to anyone interested in joining Pole Fitness, or just trying it out. Lottie said to come along with friends or even on your own: “be brave! My advice would be; don’t wait for other people to do what you want to do. Go and you won’t regret it, it’s amazing.” Izzy agreed, saying “the hardest bit is showing up, and immediately you’ll see how beautiful and vibrant and warm the community and committee is.” She continued, “just give it a bloody good go — you don’t have to go back, just go once, ‘cause how many people can say they’ve gone to a pole dancing class!”
just give it a bloody good go — you don’t have to go back, just go once, ‘cause how many people can say they’ve gone to a pole dancing class!
Izzy
The society runs Beginners pole classes throughout the year, as well as Improvers, Returners, Flow, Sensory-friendly, Spinning, Stretching, and Conditioning classes – so there’s plenty of opportunity for everyone to get involved — and there’s also seasonal themed classes to keep an eye out for. Lizzie, who teaches Beginners, encourages everyone to “come along even just to try,” saying that teaching, and seeing people grow in strength and confidence, is her favourite part of being on committee. “You’ve got to just give it a go — just try it, and if you don’t like it, you don’t have to come back. It’s something that’s not for everybody, and that’s ok, but if you go and you find that you really enjoy it, then fantastic!,” Rosie added.
By the time the show ended, the atmosphere was electric, and the crowd walked out of the Great Hall chatting about performances, and in awe of all the routines. Whether you’ve been to a Pole class or not, and regardless of experience or skill, it is clear that the society creates a safe and supportive space for everyone to give it a go, and will continue to play that role for all students in years to come. For information on Pole Fitness Society, and details on membership, classes, and upcoming events, you can follow their Instagram page; @uepolefitness.
