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POLE dancing has for long been associated with female strippers and sex workers wearing platform heels and skimpy costumes.
Its taken a whole new direction now as it is associated with an exciting way to stay fit while building self confidence, regardless of gender.
25-year-old marketing manager, Goh Seeai, who first took to the pole while studying in the United States, wants to debunk that common misconception of pole dancers. She shares with The Vibes her experience.
In 2017, Seeai was inspired by pole dancer @foxyashleyfox while studying in New York and as fate would have it her inspirational figure owned a pole dancing studio close to where she lived.
She immediately signed up for beginner classes and has not looked back since.
However, upon returning to Malaysia, Seeai found pole dancing classes to be pricey and hence began her self-learning journey.
“I decided to install a pole at home and started learning by myself by watching videos of other pole dancers on Youtube and Instagram.”
Seeai came into prominence with her TikTok videos answering questions about pole dancing.
TikTok link: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZGJSSGGb8/
After almost four years, Seeai still faces the common misconception - that she’s a stripper because she pole dances.
A very patient Seeai explained that this misconception originated from “the wide use of pole dancing performances in the gentlemen’s clubs.”
Pole dancing actually dates back to the twelfth-century India where the sport was performed on wooden poles, mostly by men, and known as the Mallakhamb.
Although today most pole dancers are women, the origin of the sport was with male performers.
She added that it wasn’t until this performing arts “migrated" to the US where exotic dancers from Egypt would perform pole dancing in the tent at the circus. In the 1980s bars and strip clubs introduced pole dancing to attract customers which brought about the negative connotation for the sport.
Today, though, pole dancing is gaining popularity as a form of exercise.
Even the US Pole Sports Federation is working towards getting Pole Sports recognised globally and eventually to be included in the Olympic Games.
So, for all of you who are sceptical about pole dancing being a sport, put that scepticism aside as it’s more than just glitz and glam of twirling around a pole.
TikTok link: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZGJSSCNjV/
Apart from looking good on the pole, it actually requires a lot of strength and flexibility, making it a great all-around fitness exercise.
“Pole dancing has improved my strength, mobility and flexibility and a confidence booster for many,” shared Seeai.
Even though a self-taught pole dancer, this form of exercise has proven to be physically and mentally beneficial for Seeai.
However, Seeai did advice beginners not to jump straight into independent learning like her, but to attend some beginner classes to first master the fundamentals.
“Safety is always foremost. Make sure you have protective mats or someone to watch over to prevent injuries before trying a new trick,
“I have gone through a lot of trial and errors, but for me, that was the fun part about learning on my own,
“Until today, I am still learning new tricks and improving on my flexibility.”
When asked her advise to new pole dancers, she said, “Have fun!”
“I am happy to see more and more people joining the pole fitness community.” - The Vibes, July 24, 2021
