If you follow our discussion topics on Studioveena you may have heard me refer to certain moves as “professional” level moves or maybe I should use the term Elite level. Today I’ll clarify what I mean by professional level. 

  First, I’ll start off by saying that pole dance is for everyone, and anyone can learn the fundamentals of pole and enjoy the benefits of pole dance. Even the most basic pole move can increase strength, boost self-esteem, and look beautifully impressive! 

  Here’s what I’ve seen happen. Those who started pole dancing 7-4 years ago have probably watched acquaintances, friends and fellow pole dancers enter competitions and become “pole stars”. This is great, we need people to represent what pole is!However, is it possible that confusion as to what is amateur appropriate has set in? Could it stem from the amazing moves being developed by those entering pole dance from the contortion and gymnastics world? We’ve jumped from girl next door, to contortionist, almost over night! We’ve forgotten to think about where class appropriate work ends and professional level work starts! We need to remember, that many signature moves are signature partially because that professional dancer’s body had the ability to create the move. Not every pole move is right for every body. I’ll say it again, not every pole move is right for every body!

  As instructors, we need provide our amateur students with a clearer definition of appropriate, non-professional, studio and home pole work. Anyone who competes or performs at a professional level in a sport knows there will be injury, you will push, and push your limits some more. This is NOT what studio or home pole dancers should strive for! Pole dance can be fun, and obtainable, improving your physical and mental health. Pole dance should not riddle you with injury and cause feelings of inferiority! 

  Below is a very short list of the more popular advanced moves that I have labeled PROFESSIONAL level moves. This is not to say that ONLY professionals can or should acquire these skills, but rather offer the student and instructor an understanding of what moves may require YEARS of training and should not be rushed! They have been labeled “Pro” due to the level of risk, level of flexibility and strength necessary. 

  With that in mind when a new pole move pops up or a student asks “Can you teach us this?” Use the questions below to help you decide if a pole move is Pro level.

Does the move require a release and catch of the pole?

Does the move require contortion level flexibility?

Does the move require limbs threading/passing through other limbs possibly tangling and making a safe exit tricky?

Does the move place the body’s joints in a compromising, beyond neutral position?

Does the positioning against the pole potentially place ribs at risk?

Does the move require superior strength? 

Examples are:

Twisted grip lifts

Yogini

Rocketman

Chopsticks

Closed/Contortion Scorpios and Gemini's

Downward Splits aka Oona splits

Phoenix

Rainbow Marchenko

Drops

Shoulder mount flip

Fonji

Spatchcock

Marion Amber 

Flag invert

Batwing 

Jade and Allegra could possibly be placed in Pro as well. 

 Again, I’ll clarify, I’m not suggesting these moves are for professionals only. However, I’m urging instructors to take a look at their curriculum and insure that its appropriate for the class level. And students, before you become upset that you haven’t achieve an advanced or pro level move, remember the hours of training and sacrifice needed to get to that point.

Happy Poling,

Veena