The University of Plymouth Pole Dancing Club hosted an event celebrating the skill and dedication of its pole dancers.
In their first showcase since the pandemic, twelve club pole dancers performed routines to their chosen music in December. It was a chance for performers to demonstrate their creativity and individuality at a fun and supportive event.
Crowds saw the pole dancers first showcase in nearly two years.
On 6th December, from 6:30pm crowds eagerly gathered in the SU for the sold-out show. The mood was set with pulsing music from some of the biggest female artists, including Beyonce, Cyndi Lauper and Madonna. Tables and chairs enclosed the stage area, where two poles were set up. This set-up created an exciting atmosphere that also felt incredibly intimate and safe; placing women at the centre of the evening.
Acts were introduced with some facts about each student, demonstrating their diversity. Every performance offered something different: a range of moves, styles and actions that highlighted each performer’s individuality.
Performers switched from the fixed pole, demonstrating their core strength with static holds, to the spinning pole which allowed graceful 360-degree movements.
Inspiration for performance and music choices ranged. Several choices related to celebrating the freedom of performance by reflecting on the restrictions of lockdown – like Chair of UPPDC Emily, performing to the song she danced to on the roof of her house during the lockdown.
Emily Brown leads UPPDC as their Chair
Mavis’s performance offered a standout moment of the night. Dancing to Billie Eilish and Khalid’s – Lovely, the last song she listened to before moving to Plymouth from Hong Kong, held the audience rapt. Using only the spinning pole in a nausea-defying feat, the routine was as athletic as it was graceful. The performance ended with Mavis cradling the pole in a tender child’s pose and the stillness that had settled over the audience ended with loud applause.
Esme, having performed for over five years and a veteran of multiple competitions showed stunning athleticism and flexibility. She demonstrated her agility in a range of static moves across the length of the pole, almost touching the ceiling before descending to the floor. As with all performances, the crowd whooped and cheered supportively of the pole dancers throughout.
All pole dancer’s performances spoke to empowerment for women, celebrating women’s bodies.
People in the crowd spoke of the bravery of women, but it was more than just wearing a limited amount of clothes in public.
Fighting taboos isn’t the aim of the club, but you can read more about how the members of UPPDC see their performances as pole dancers in challenging the stigma around pole and how pole has helped them emotionally, including those who have faced eating disorders.
Student Minds celebrated and championed at the Showcase
The night was also to raise money for the Student Minds. The society is there to support students and offer stress-busting activities – you can find out more about the society here. You can find out more about Student Minds and how they can support you here.
The night was rounded with freestyle moves from all 12 performers. This was arguably the most impressive spectacle of the night. Multi-performer gravity-defying moves represent the trust the sport enables, with essential emotional and physical support.
It was a thrilling end to an exciting night.
The club is always looking for new members and pole dancers, so if you’re interested you can visit their page on the UPSU website here.
This event highlighted how, within a few short months, you could be ready to perform at a university showcase or even at a competitive level. However, the main aim of the club is for anybody to feel confident in dancing and expressing themselves in a safe space.
The club has recently taken part in the Inter-Uni Pole Dancing Competition, with an article about that coming soon!