Pole dancing on tour

Whether you are an at-home poler, someone who virtually lives at your local studio, or a dancer who only trains once or twice per week, when it's time for a holiday we all share the same thought - "how will I live without my pole?"

The great news is that holidays don't have to be a break from pole all together. There are lots of cross training and conditioning exercises you can do in your hotel room, gym, or just outside at the beach. But even better news is that since pole dancing has taken the world by storm, in nearly any country you choose for your holiday, you can most likely find a pole studio to visit too!

Aside from obvious major centres, did you know that you can pole dance in Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovakia, Bali, Dubai, Malaysia, Norway, Vietnam, The Philippines, South Korea, China, Thailand, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Alaska, Japan, Iceland and Russia? There are even four studios in India, one in Egypt, and even one in Kyrgyzstan!

There are many benefits of training in a new space and with a new instructor. Dance is a universal language. Modelling and observation are effective learning tools and you may be surprised at how much you can take in even when you join a class that does not speak the same language as you.

Training in France a few years ago, I found the instructor and fellow students welcoming and friendly. Any communication challenges were met with humour and it was our shared passion for pole dance that supported our connection. I also got some great tips for the rest of my trip, including where to find the best macaroons in Paris!

New instructors can also help you work through bad habits and offer new perspectives on your pole training. A fresh set of eyes and perhaps a different training background may be just what you need to nail your nemesis trick or break in to a new style. Who better to learn exotic pole dance than from a Russian pole dancer?

When traveling, it is important to go into the studio with an open mind. As well as cultural differences, the class may be structured in a different way to what you are used to. Try to take it in your stride and join in as much as possible. When I was in Bangkok the instructor took the warm up very seriously. He included lots of conditioning exercises which took me out of my comfort zone. But then I saw the amazing tricks and stamina that the students had and it didn't take long to connected the dots. The class definitely inspired me to add more conditioning to my pole dance sessions at home.

The next best aspect of attending new classes or even just joining for practice time, is the chance to try out new poles! In Sydney, most studios subscribe to X-Pole or Pussycat Pole and brass 40s or 45s are pretty standard. I love brass, but I have now been able to try chrome, stainless steel, and even a powder coated pole, and get tips off other students about their personal preference. Different climates call for different materials to allow pole dances to have the best grip. I found the chrome poles in Manchester a bit too slippery for my skin. Yet in Singapore the studio had stainless steel poles and to my surprise I loved them! They were super grippy with only a dash of Dry Hands, and definitely challenged my bias for brass as I consider which pole to buy now that I am based in Cambodia.

Even the type of flooring and studio space can change the way you dance. Floorboards with poles spread apart offer you space for some leggy floor work, while carpet and crash mats might invite you try some drops and flips that you would never have attempt before.

With pole dance quickly becoming a global phenomena you may also find that your home studio has a sister studio in another country. Ecole de Pole is London, Singapore, and Brisbane and Bobbi's have studios in Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia. So where are you booking your next holiday? It's time to take your pole dancing on tour!

Written by Mel Nutter as Baudeblaire.

Use code MELNUTTER for 10% discount on Pole in Style pole wear.

https://melnutter.com/