advanced-no splits

I personally think so.

I believe you can. I don't consider people to be advanced ONLY if they can do the splits. I do think it makes some moves look nicer (like the Jade), but not a requirement unless you are going pro.

Great question...I consider myself advanced and I can't split. And not for lack of trying. I have injured BOTH hamstrings in the splits. Sucks!!!

No. Some beginners have splits and some advanced dancers will never have splits - but advanced dancers have skills, strength, technique and experience to chain combos and perform difficult moves - with suitable safe adaptations for their body limits as needed. I got my splits back 10 weeks after restarting pole. I was still freaked by basic invert and unable to spin one handed, reverse grab or climb 4 months after restarting. I'm still intermediate - with splits. Can do splits up pole and what have you, yes got some advanced stuff down but chain advanced moves or execute a competent superman? Nope, not yet.

I think you can be advanced anyway, it's just that a lot of tricks where everyone expects full splits will be kind of out of your book. You'll for sure be deducted if you don't show splits (unless you have very good back flexibility instead) in comps, but I don't even know if you plan to compete.

Of you were to compete then judges would be looking for flexibility. However if you are poling for fun then yes! As mentioned there will be some moves that are considered adv that you can not do but plenty more that do not require flexibility or splits.

thank you all for your replies! :)