One thing students learn quickly when taking their first pole dance series is that one style doesn’t fit all! The beauty of pole dancing is the ability to move in a way that best represents you and your choice of self-expression. And there are many ways to find your unique style on the pole! Here are the three most common types of pole dancing. This list is not exhaustive, and these styles contain many sub-styles that continue to define a dancer’s artistry in more detail. Lyrical or Artistic Pole This style is often categorized by slow and fluid movements that may be reminiscent of ballet or contemporary dance. Movement is often meticulous and detailed, focusing on flow, poise, and delicacy. Continuous, fluid movement is a key differentiator of this style, which is why it is most often performed on a spin pole. Transitions and musicality play a large role in separating this style from others. Dynamic or Power Pole This style may also be known as “hardstyle,” and consists of powerful, dynamic movements that showcase strength and control. This is a largely trick-based style that requires a significant amount of athleticism and training, consisting of various swings, drops, flips, jumps, and more. This style is largely executed on static pole for more control, often incorporating static rotations for additional movement. Exotic or Sensual Pole Exotic pole is a popular style that incorporates sensual elements and flowy, flexy, intentional movement. This style is often performed in heels, and utilizes skills like edgework (using the base of the heel to emphasize ankle placement and fluidity of the legs), floorwork, low flow, and more. Much of this style is accentuated by a dancer’s outfit, which is designed to enhance sensuality and highlight movement on and off the pole. A great studio will teach elements of every style to allow students to experience, explore, and practice equally so they can discover the type of movement that feels most authentic to them. As polers progress in their journey, they can begin to develop their own personal style and hone in on the details. Styles can be combined, tweaked, altered, and experimented with, as creative exploration is an important part of pole dancing. However, every style does have the same set of essential, foundational skills in common that are taught in most introductory series. This includes the various types of grips, pre-requisite tricks and spins, climbs, inverts, body movements, and more. This is to ensure that every pole dancer understands how to properly engage with their apparatus in a safe way, and that they gain enough tools and tricks to explore their own personal style with enough experience and understanding. Most moves can be incorporated into any of the above styles of pole dance, and the differentiation comes with details like transitions, speed, spin/static pole, outfits, and musicality. Are you ready to express yourself and find your unique style? Join us for pole dancing in Frederick, MD!
