Pole dancing may have started out as a taboo subject among the general public – misunderstood by many and often reduced to mere displays of physical strength. Granted, it demands incredible flexibility, willpower and the ability to conquer a slippery (sometimes spinning) pole. But once the technique is mastered, pole dancing transcends just physicality, evolving into a personal journey of reflection and expression.
Grace, artistry and expression: Celebrating the art of pole dancing
Event Details
23 Nov 2024 (Sat)
GATEWAY THEATRE
Every movement is infused with emotion, and with each lift up the pole, a dancer experiences a sense of freedom. This raises the question: is pole dancing an art form? And what even defines an art form?
To delve deeper, we spoke with three professional pole dancers: Yumi Pong and Li Ting, both esteemed instructors, and Tracey Mak, founder of Milan Pole Dance Studio Singapore.
SELF-EXPRESSION, USING MUSIC AS A GUIDE
For Pong, Li and Mak, a good pole dance performance often begins with the right song. Slower songs set the tone for contemporary pieces, while the choice of music for lyrical pole dance is limitless. Some dancers even incorporate jazz music and hip-hop movements into their choreographies for a unique and personalised performance.
According to Ting, the song she picks conveys a feeling that she wishes to express through her piece. She shared: “Sometimes I might have a movement, trick or combo that I want to incorporate, then my routine would be choreographed around that. Other times, I just let my body flow and I find new ways to move and express myself”.
Mak agreed that the movement often flows naturally with the music, and through experimenting with different movements in response to the rhythm, she gradually discovered her unique style.
“I usually listen on repeat to the music I would like to dance to, then freestyle, research and experiment the type of movements that would come most naturally,” she said, “I would also challenge myself to see if there’s another way to move from one movement to the next – through different contact points, use of momentum, etc. With time, I find that it becomes my own style.”
As Mak and Ting highlighted, pole dancing goes beyond just performing tricks – it’s about using the body to convey emotion and personality, with the music shaping the dancer's movement and flow. And this is what elevates pole dancing to an art form.
TELLING A STORY WITH EVERY TWIST AND TURN
Beyond the music and emotions, the movements a dancer chooses play a crucial role in shaping every performance. Every swift invert or graceful spin works together to create an immersive experience. For Pong, one of her key inspirations to further explore pole dancing is Michelle Stanek, a New York-based internationally renowned pole dancer.
Pong explained that Stanek has won numerous pole dance championships, not only for her impressive technique, but for the way she brings a performance to life through movement. In the 2012 US Pole Dance Championship, Stanek performed a piece that conveyed the raw energy of a wild animal – using bold, commanding movements to showcase power. With each extension of her body, she captivated the audience, commanding attention and space while maintaining flawless balance on the pole.
Pong’s admiration for Stanek’s ability to transform movement into a powerful narrative speaks to the broader potential of pole dancing as a performance art, since most art forms aim to tell a story. She said: “Pole dancing is a kind of art form where you can tell stories in many different ways. It is entirely in your control to mix up the showcase of strength, flexibility and creative storytelling.”
In the same vein, Mak expressed: “Pole dancing allows us to move boundlessly in multiple directions. The use of height and spins can help to convey the highs and lows in our stories, it can demonstrate dynamism and power as well as lightness and flow. The possibilities are endless.”
EVOKING EMOTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE
At its core, pole dancing is an art form because it evokes emotions and resonates with the audience, creating a lasting impact with every movement. With every loosened grip and near fall, or perfect split high up in the air, the audience would break into gasps and applause. As Ting puts it, "Each performance is a unique interpretation that showcases not only technical skill but also the dancer’s individuality and artistry."
She continued: “This blend of athleticism and creativity enables pole dancing to convey a wide range of emotions, themes and stories, much like any other form of dance.” The performer’s personal touch and emotional connection to the movement transform the performance into a powerful experience, inviting the audience into a world where strength and vulnerability coexist.
Pong emphasises the emotional depth of pole dancing, describing it as a sensation that resonates deeply with the soul. "It could be simple movements, but being in tune with your body and moving with the music… it’s a feeling that is amazing for the soul." Each movement becomes a personal expression, telling a story without words, and creating an emotional bond with the audience.
All in all, pole dancing is not just about technique, but about emotional connection and self-expression. As Ting reminds us, "While technique does help, it’s something that develops over time. Everyone starts somewhere, and you can still enjoy and express yourself on the pole from day one, so the journey is as much fun as the destination."
The journey of pole dancing involves exploring personal emotions and connecting with the audience, making the process as significant as the performance. If other forms of dance such as ballet and hip-hop are considered art, then why not pole dancing?
Image Credits: Yumi Marvelous, Lee Guang Shan, Milan Pole Dance Studio Singapore
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