How to be a male pole dancer
(Interview) Tips for Male Pole Dancers
Today, we are asking four experienced pole dancers a serious question:
What advice would you give a beginner male pole dancer?
There are so many questions that you might have as a man when you first begin pole, ranging anything from “how do I modify a move to better suit my body mechanics” to “should I shave?” – so we wanted to reach out and ask for some general advice.
Dan Rosen is a UK Male Pole Champion and enjoys creating pole memes with Polelols.
Dr. Ken is an international pole, kung fu, and parkour instructor, a photographer, and a chiropractor. His pole tutorials are available for purchase through PoleNinjaTutorials.com.
Blue Angel is a male pole athlete and photographer in the United States who just wants to rock and roll all night and party every day. Angel’s ninety-five year old grandfather is his biggest supporter and number one fan.
Fred is an avid pole competitor, having won several medals from Australia to France.
Photo: Dan Rosen
Contents
- Dan Rosen
- Dr. Ken Pole Ninja
- Blue Angel 💙😇💛
- Your Body
- Your Practice
- Your Self-Discovery
- My Final Word
- Fred
Generally, most of the pole moves created are suitable for both men and women. Some of the more dynamic movements its best to keep the hips tilted back to avoid the “junk” smashing into the pole, but generally it’s just as easy for a girl to hit their parts on the pole as it is for a man. I get asked a lot about this from men who are starting pole. But unless you have a 12 inch penis you should be fine. haha!
My one tip which I find really works for me is to either shave or trim leg hair. I find when I have hairy legs it’s almost like having leggings on and really reduces the grip I have on my legs.
HAPPY POLING!
Photo: Dr. Ken Pole Ninja
As a male instructor, my challenge is usually to adjust my own mechanics to instruct women. So, this question is particularly interesting to me and I enjoy the perspective shift.
In general, the largest differences that I’ve seen between male and female traditional body types are these: higher center of mass, higher natural upper body strength (or a reliance on upper body strength), typically more sweat, and more body hair. The only other difference is the anatomical, and those are vastly in favor of men over women which makes any excuse on account of those differences insignificant.
Most other oft-discussed differences are preferential, such as moving in certain styles which is not bound within genders or sexual orientations, especially in the pole world. Though it is common for newer male pole dancers to try to differentiate themselves stylistically from a “feminine” style, this question refers mostly to bodies rather than aesthetics.
My biggest tips would be these:
Don’t neglect the basics on assumption of them being “easier” or “harder”. What is considered “harder” in the pole world is often based on upper body strength rather than something technically harder. In other words, what is naturally harder for women (lower center of mass and less upper body strength) is often easier for men. Thus, I am often less “impressed” by men who can muscle a handspring/human flag than one that can do a decent leg hang.
That being said, the opposite is true, too. Don’t feel bound to accomplish all movements you see most. You have a different body type, and what is more common is not always what is most natural, for you. You will have your comfort moves as well, and they could be different than those of your female peers.
Don’t limit yourself in your self-talk (or excuse making). Yes, women tend to be more flexible than men, but most are training for more strength, anyway. Flexibility, fluidity, sensitivity—all are also aspects of pole dance. Don’t excuse poor sensitivity to being a man.
Sweat sucks. So what. Find your personal way around the challenge because, I promise you, there are women pole dancers who sweat just as much or live in more challenging conditions and have found methods around it.
Pain? Your point? Shaving can help.
Balls in the way? Dance belt, or you’re doing it wrong.
No breasts? Congrats. You have it easier.
Short hair so no hair whips? Grow it out.
Bigger feet? Marlo’s are bigger. Narrower pelvis? Lucky us.
Dr. Ken, Pole Ninja
Photo: Blue Angel – Photo by Knockingbird Creative
Welcome to pole dancing! You have a wonderful journey ahead 🙂
Everyone’s body is unique and different but all of them are capable of dancing. Most of my advice will apply to most men (and plenty of women) however nothing below is gospel and we are all in this learning process together. Male and female here refer to the average bodies for that sex (not gender) but could not possibly apply to all body types. Think of this as a guide for people who might have a body and experience similar to mine.
Remember pole is for YOU
Your Body
Bio-Mechanics
Great news! The average male has a higher amount of muscular strength in their upper body. You have what many female dancers enviously call ‘boy arms’. There are legions of female dancers who have complained to me when they found out their boyfriend could climb, shoulder mount, or handspring very early on.
Bad news! Your strength acts as a shortcut and could lead you to bad form and sloppy performance. Plenty of guys fall into the trap of pulling themselves up by strength instead of technique. Relying too much on your arms and strength will just hamper your development in the long term. Focus on using your legs as much if not more than your arms when you are learning. Utilize your entire body and do not neglect balance and form. Strength can only get you so far.
Your M-ASS 🍑 distribution The average male has different mass distribution compared to the average female so you may find certain moves much easier and others harder than your. Ultimately when it comes to bodies everyone’s mass distribution, history of movement, and prior injuries will be different. Try and think in terms of biomechanics and not boy vs girl. Male gymnasts and dancers are just as capable of being flexible and graceful as women if they train for it.
Heat
Higher body temperatures. An average man’s body temperature is higher than the average woman’s so you might expect to sweat more than others. As a result of the difference your studio may even seem unseasonably warm to you in particular at times. No worries! It will be easier for you to get limber and feel toasty. Drink lots of water and be aware of your condition. Towel off sweat regularly and change towels. Wipe your pole down often with alcohol.
🌟 VITAL TIP 🌟
GRIP AID DOES NOT BLOCK SWEAT
If you sweat frequently, thoroughly apply your antiperspirants thirty minutes before using grip aid. Common grip aids can be washed away and ruined by your sweat. You want to reduce sweating THEN apply your sticky or chalky product of choice.
Common 🍆 Concerns
Look I get it … you want to avoid hitting your 🍆 on the pole. It’s a common concern but not one I have found to be a problem. The fear of banging your 🍆 probably causes more accidents than resulting in one. You need to overcome that fear so you can properly fly. Wearing a dance belt and overcoming your fear will get you through this.
Buy good dance belts early on! Your cheap tightie-whities are seriously NOT going to get the job done. Support and protection are mandatory. You can get by for a long time wearing casual gym clothing but you will not get far without a dance belt.
Dance Belts. Apparel like dance belts and sweat wicking dancewear are really important for both peak performance and comfort. Depending on where you live that may be difficult to come by. My unpaid endorsement goes to Sarah McClymont and Wink Fitnesswear which has a whole line specifically for men. They were able to help get me sized and fit properly on an international order even when shipping and returns were difficult. Check them out!
Your Practice
Explore and discover for yourself. Everyone should take classes with plenty of different teachers to find styles of dance and teaching that is right for them. Finding a teacher and style you connect with may be helpful for you. Explore classes and studios until you find something that connects with you.
Learn to feel comfortable speaking up. During class if you find an exercise, movement, or position very uncomfortable you should feel okay asking for modifications. Give some time to feel and read your body on the pole and what it is doing or experiencing. You will have to communicate this to teachers who could be unfamiliar with your body type
No unhealthy comparison! Do not compare yourself to others in an unhealthy and self critical manner. Do not look down on others because they are struggling or making mistakes. Especially do not compare yourself to people with a totally different fitness background than you.
Enjoy your successes! Make them reasonable and frequent! Learn to love your personal progress. Look for every accomplishment no matter how small so you can keep track and share them! Use the positive feedback loop as motivation to look forward to practice. You have to want to be in the studio getting your ass kicked every day so make it your pride and joy.
Consistency over intensity. Making good habits is like building a chain. Every day you add a link to the chain. You want to keep that chain going. Your goal is not to go 110% every day. Your goal should be to make every day a ‘non-zero’ day. All that means is you need to make SOME progress EVERY day. Even if it means climbing but no tricks. Even if it means doing flexibility but no pole. Even if it means looking up techniques on instagram when you can’t hit the gym. Every day can be an opportunity for improvement.
Your Self-Discovery
Find styles that fit. There are a lot of different styles of pole. Pole sport / calisthenics, entertainment, circus, drama, comedy, exotic, theater, artistic, exotic… You do not have to limit yourself to one. Find ways to dance that make you happy and align with your goals.
Dancing in heels is always optional. You can dance in whatever footwear your studio will allow. Socks or fresh sneakers are just fine if you do not like going barefoot. Ask your studio what is allowed. Find choreo and classes that fit your personal expression.
RECORD! EVERYTHING! Get comfortable recording yourself and looking at your own videos. The fastest way to improve is regularly watching yourself after practice. Healthy and measured self-criticism can go a long way. Buy a wide angle lens attachment for your camera phone and a good flexible leg tripod. They cost $20 and will enable you to watch all your successes and failures.
Connect with or follow other dancers. We get it. Posting video of yourself dancing might be difficult at first. Even if you never post your art you can use Instagram and YouTube to find dancers with styles you enjoy. Search tools and recommendation algorithms make it possible to find and learn from anyone around the world. You can use social media to find inspiration, connect with dancers, and create a unique expression of movement expression that fits you.
My Final Word
“Man to man talk” time … do not ever make excuses or give yourself limitations in pole dancing because of your sex. It is absolutely the worst thing for yourself. Your body is capable of amazing things so do not start this journey by putting up barriers for yourself
Be confident and tell your story because no one else will.
Sincerely,
Your Guardian Angel 💙😇💛
Photo: Fred
Most of my teacher were females and in 6 years, there has been one single transition for which getting the advice of a male teacher really did unlock something for me. However, it may be reassuring for a lot of guys to have a male teacher at some point.
If that is your case, give it a try! There may not be male teachers in your studio/town, so try and take a workshop with a male pole dancer, if given the chance. Else, worry not 😉
As for the differences in teaching different genders — as both a student and a teacher, I find it hard to make generalities, since a lot of factors have to be considered besides gender-related anatomic differences. No one is alike. Some people are naturally flexible, others are not. Some are tall, some are short. Some have a background in circus/dancing/gymnastics, some don’t. Some have a good proprioception gained from practicing another activity, some not so much.
About hair — should I leave it? Trim it? Shave it? Wax it? Laser it out?
I think it’s a personal preference. Most of all, it comes down to finding your balance between the time/effort/money you want to spend on removing it, the possibility to get ingrown hairs if you wax or shave (that depends on the people, too), and the extra grip you will get with less hair.
But remember — as a man, you mostly have that choice to remove or leave your hair without anyone batting an eye (which is good, because the testosterone you produce will favor hair growth). Most women, on the other hand, are still socially pressured into getting rid of their leg hair for instance.
And what should you wear?
Again, personal preference. Don’t be afraid to try stuff, but most of all trust how you feel in these pants. And if you realize your balls are flashing when you do that split during a class… That’s okay man, shit happens, you didn’t do it on purpose! Laugh it off, give a “ball flash risk warning”, ask people not to look… And try not to wear these pants in class again 😉 You’ll be just fine, I promise.
One thing is sure — whether you’re a woman or a man, there is no difference in the way you should practice pole dancing: never forbid yourself anything based on your gender, and enjoy it as much as you can.
Get in Touch
For more interviews like this, as well as more guides, tips, and handbooks all about pole dancing, visit PolePedia.com and sign up for email newsletters. Get in touch via Instagram at @PolePedia.
You can find Dan Rosen on Instagram at @danrosenpole
Dr. Ken has been touring and teaching pole internationally since 2014, and he’s now taught in over 35 countries. He built his reputation on dynamic and fluid movements, but he is proud to be known as an instructor for accessible and intuitive progressions.
He’s competed, placed, and judged in numerous prestigious International venues, but his background as a Doctor of Chiropractic, a Kung Fu and Parkour Instructor, and his lifetime of movement is what best qualifies his teachings. Additionally, touring regularly with Marlo Fisken has given him irreplaceable insight and experience.
He is the creator of “Silent Tutorials” on IG, and “Pole Ninja Tutorials” on Youtube, and his tutorials are available through PoleNinjaTutorials. com. He can be followed on IG under the username: @doctorkenpoleninja.
Visit Blue Angel 💙😇💛 on Instagram at @pdblueangel.
You can find Fred on Instagram at @_ick_g
Can Men Pole Dance? (Explained for Beginners) – Dance Gaily
With the ever-increasing popularity of pole dancing among women for both fun and fitness, there are men who have also started to show an interest in doing the activity. This is no surprise considering how appealing pole dancing is for staying in amazing shape and having a great time while doing it. Due to its naturally feminine nature, a lot of men wonder if they can even participate in pole dancing as a male. Some might question whether the moves require too much flexibility, for instance.
So, can men pole dance? Well, of course men can pole dance, but there is some basic information to keep in mind regarding fitness studios’ rules and how well men can do certain maneuvers on the pole, as well as whether the moves carried out on the pole are possibly too feminine for some men to want to do.
This article will discuss the maneuvers involved in pole dancing and any rules applied by fitness studios and how these two things can affect a man who wants to try out pole dancing. Read on to learn whether you, as a male, can dance your way to the top of the pole.
The Moves
Men have naturally very different bodies than women, with typically larger frames that hold more muscle. Along with that, the male body usually requires different movements to accentuate its features and look sexy. Men might also be under the impression that the activity necessitates too much flexibility.
This can cause some men to question whether pole dancing is appropriate for them. This section will discuss this very topic.
Physical Ability
Men have very different physiques than women, which means they have different experiences when doing various physical activities. This is why men should approach pole dancing a little differently than women do. One way to do this is by opting for specific moves that cater to the physical advantages that men have over women.
Flexibility
Although men are naturally less flexible than women, they can work on their flexibility by regularly doing stretches. They will also become increasingly more flexible if they make a habit of practicing on the pole.
One way to work on becoming more flexible is by practicing yoga. Try to find yoga poses that mimic the movements you execute on the pole. As with anything you want to improve on doing, consistency is key to increasing your flexibility, so make sure to work at it by stretching every day, at least once a day.
Weight
Men are usually heavier than women. However, they are, on average, stronger than women due to higher testosterone levels and greater overall muscle mass. If men can work on getting the moves down, they can actually carry out even more impressive maneuvers than women due to their natural strength.
Muscle Mass
If you are a male and would like to get good at pole dancing, you should work on building lean rather than bulky muscle mass. Lean muscles are lighter and get in the way far less often than bulky biceps and quads, which can hinder the complex movements that are done on the pole.
Since pole dancing is a form of calisthenics, meaning that those who do it use their own body weight to build muscle mass and become more fit, you will eventually build up nice lean muscles if you keep pole dancing.
A few ideal maneuvers for men to do on the pole include climbs, floor works, inverts, and spins.
Are They Too Feminine?
Some men may be concerned about whether the moves carried out in pole dancing are too feminine for them to do without looking odd when they dance. However, if men do certain combinations of moves, they can really make pole dancing their own, adding a less feminine flare to it.
In fact, men have been doing this for a very long time, so there are plenty of examples online you can check out.
Keep in mind that before you start trying out different combinations of moves, you should first work on getting the basic moves down to the point where they come naturally to you.
Once you are ready to do combinations, you can attempt the easiest ones first: the double-tap, upright V, and pole climb. If you are concerned about your moves not being masculine enough, you should definitely avoid the booty pop and body wave.
Class Rules
It can sometimes be difficult for men to find a good pole dancing class to participate in. Many of the available classes at fitness studios consist of all or mostly women. Thus, some men might think it would be awkward and uncomfortable to join in on one of these classes.
Females Only
Some pole dancing classes actually only accept women students, simply for the sake of the participants’ comfort or to empower women by way of using pole dancing. If you happen to live in or near a large city, you might just be lucky enough to find a class geared toward men or with a male pole dancing instructor.
If you can’t find a males-only class to attend, you can also try to find a class that seems like it is for everyone to join and simply risk the possibility of being the only man attending.
If you feel awkward about attending an in-person class of mostly women pole dancers, try to remember that they will most likely respect your decision to be there and welcome your presence as you all have the common interest of wanting to learn how to pole dance.
You can even just get a couple sessions in and then buy a pole for your home to continue practicing. If you can just get past that first class meeting when you are introduced to your classmates, you will probably feel much more comfortable attending the following classes.
Otherwise, there is always the option of taking a few one-on-one private lessons, though this can be quite pricey.
Online Classes
If you can get your hands on a pole to set up in your home, you also have the option of trying out online classes. This is something that you can consider doing if you do not wish to attend a class in person.
Just keep in mind that it is a much safer route to do this after you have some experience with pole dancing, as the maneuvers can be dangerous, especially inverts. If you do happen to attempt pole dancing at home as a rookie and you live by yourself, think about having a friend come over just in case you injure yourself. You should also consider putting a safety mat on the floor around the pole.
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Final Notes
If you are a man who wants to learn how to pole dance, you should definitely work toward your goal of doing so. Male pole dancers can do some of the most amazing maneuvers that are possible on a pole due to their muscle power. As long as you are consistent in your pole dancing workouts, you will be able to do complex maneuvers just like women pole dancers.
So, what are you waiting for? Find a class near you where you think you will feel comfortable learning, and get moving on the pole.
Read more:
- Best Dance Pole for Home Use
- Is Pole Dance Slutty or Sexy
Pole dancing, striptease - how to dance; man pole dance | Chita.ru
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Yuri is one of the few men who decided to master pole dance. Look at the video how he manages pole acrobatics
Video: Kristina Polevaya
Yuri Proshin from Arkhangelsk chose a pylon instead of a barbell - in such an atypical way for men, he decided to maintain physical fitness. Acrobatics really requires stamina and agility. And let for the uninitiated, everything looks like a striptease - in fact, these are hard workouts in which all muscle groups are involved. Although without huge heels - nowhere. nine0003
Pole dance is a type of dance that uses one or two poles. The performance combines elements of choreography, gymnastics, and acrobatics. Often mistakenly confused with striptease.
Of course, you could go to the gym for strong muscles, but for the creative personality of Yuri Proshin - he works as an actor in the drama theater - it seemed too boring.
- The main difference from the pieces of iron is that you cannot choose the weight here. You are still working with your weight. Well, you can't get away from him. You have to lift yourself up, just in different positions. nine0011
Pole dance involves all the muscles. After a month of training, Yuri felt the result. So he was drawn into pole acrobatics. For the ninth month he has been training surrounded by girls. For Arkhangelsk, a man in such classes is a rarity, which is also confirmed by Nadezhda Istomina, head of the Soul Club studio:
- When Yura wrote, I remember sending this message to all my coaches: “Look, a boy wrote to us!” But I so wanted him to try himself, because for other cities it is normal that a man dances on a pole. nine0011
The coach gives Yuri a more difficult load. It is easier for men to perform the power elements of the dance. The main profession prepared Yuri for pole dance. As we have already said, he is a drama theater actor:
— And it helped me a lot that I had also encountered acrobatics before, and it seems like I have no problems with a sense of balance. I know how to fall safely, it also helped a lot. I’ll tell you a secret: in order to fall safely, you need to quickly lie down, says Yuri Proshin.
The actor has always loved the language of movement and dancing, but 20 cm high heels became a test...
- I thought, my God, how high. In fact, dance shoes, they are specially designed for this, and it is very comfortable to stand and walk on them. And there are elements that are really easier and safer to do in strips than just with a bare leg.
Hobbies are not the most common in male circles, but Yuri Proshin is not afraid of a wave of hate. Relatives accept all his hobbies.
- Friends support, mother supports, but does not understand why strips. At work, they got used to me that I was constantly doing something incomprehensible. So, they giggle, but in a kind way. nine0011
Earlier we told the story of hairdresser Nadezhda Semyonova, who, at the age of 57, also decided to master pole acrobatics. She went to pole dance out of pure curiosity, but over time she was so carried away by this direction that she even installed a pole at home.
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- performance is more difficult, because you need to think not only about yourself, but also synchronize with your partner;
- for a beautiful performance, both dancers must follow the rules and the quality of the elements. If one performer is weaker and the other is stronger, the duet as a whole does not look very exciting; nine0046
- the constant interaction of partners allows you to do more complex and spectacular tricks;
- dance is also evaluated by the overall picture, the construction of the number, in contrast to the solo pole dance, where the main emphasis is on technicality.
- the level of training (amateurs, professionals) and the direction in which the dancers work. There should not be a noticeable difference in technicality, then it will be easier for the couple to work together and look harmonious; nine0046
- height and physical fitness - for the harmonious perception of the duet by the audience and judges, these indicators should be approximated;
- the age of performers, which should allow them to perform in one category at competitions;
- the ability of dancers to interact with each other and find a common language - well-coordinated, conflict-free work guarantees quick and high achievements.
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duet on the pylon: Features of the pair performance
Pole Dance in the classical version are considered an individual sport, but in the programs of the competition and show-and on the pylon, that is, the simultaneous performance of several dancers. Pair dance from the side looks very impressive and unusual, and adds some nuances and complexity to the performers. What - let's try to figure it out further. nine0003
What is the meaning of pair performance?
A duet in Pole Dance is conventionally understood as a performance when two performers are on the pole at the same time. However, the pair performance is far from being limited to simultaneity, requiring well-coordinated work and a special construction of the performance.
Features of duet numbers are as follows:
Duos train in a special way. Each performer has individual lessons where they hone their own skills and technicality. In joint training, a number is built and figures are worked out for interaction. Paired performances should be run with a coach so that he evaluates the quality of the resulting picture from the outside. nine0003
Peculiarities of pair formation
It is possible to make a pair for pole dancing in all its directions: artistic, exotic and sports. The combination of performers can also be varied: two men, women or a man and a woman. One or two pylons are activated at the same time.
Forming the right pair is within the power of a professional coach. This takes into account:
What do they pay attention to?
Pole dance competitions have a separate category for duets. It evaluates the technique of performing tricks, their complexity and originality, the composition and harmony of the choreography, the smoothness of transitions between tricks on the pole and the dance elements near it, the artistry of the performers.