Pole dancing. What do you first think of when you read that? Do you think of a fun form of exercise that’s a great way to improve your fitness? Or do you think of women in revealing outfits being leered at by sleazy men?

Most of us probably think of the latter, even if we are aware that pole dancing is also a form of exercise. In April this year, there was widespread controversy after the Union Society at Cambridge University announced it would be offering pole dancing lessons for students to combat exam stress. Public figures rushed to offer their opinions on the matter, with comedian David Mitchell writing in his Observer column, “pole dancing is grim and I don’t see anything empowering about it.” Many argue that pole dancing is hugely exploitative, and that, even as a form of exercise, is still sexual in nature. So is pole dancing just the sexual exploitation of women? And is it, as a form of exercise, really any different to professional pole dancing?

Pole dancing certainly started out as an erotic form of dancing. While it is unclear exactly where pole dancing originated from, the most common theory is that it evolved from the traditional strip tease. Travelling tent shows had striptease acts, and it is believed that dancers started to use the pole in the centre of the tent to dance around. Another theory is that pole dancing was a pagan fertility dance, which was later rebranded as the slightly more innocent maypole dancing. Modern day pole dancing is commonly believed to have started in 1980s Canada, in exotic table dancing and lap dancing clubs, and rapidly spread across the world. Ever since, there has been much debate on the industry, and whether it is nothing more than sexual exploitation of women.

I spoke to Hannah*, a professional pole dancer, for her thoughts on the industry and its public perception. When I asked her how she became involved in pole dancing, I was slightly surprised by her answer.

“I became involved from seeing the place I now work in. I asked for a job when drunk.” Since asking for a job under the influence, she has been pole dancing professionally for seven years. When I asked Hannah whether she enjoyed pole dancing, she simply said “sometimes.” So what are her thoughts on pole dancing as a profession? Is it empowering for women?

“It definitely is empowering; it is nice to feel in control. I feel it is the men who are exploited as they are a bit daft – for example, they really do believe we fancy them. I wouldn’t advise it as a job though, as it is hard to get out of when you are used to earning good money. However, I have been very successful in life through this job and am very grateful.”

Hannah says that she isn’t surprised by the controversy at Cambridge University.

“Social conflict will always be apparent with anything sexually orientated, which pole dancing unfortunately is.”

While the debate over pole dancing rages, in recent years, the exercise element of the activity has received a lot more attention. Now, pole dancing classes are taught at many gyms and exercise centres across Britain.

In March of this year, Cardiff University’s first Pole Dancing Society was approved at Societies Council. Perhaps surprisingly, there was very little debate, and pole dancing classes for students will start in September. Sophie Hermann, the founder of the Society, explained how she got involved with pole dancing:

“I originally got involved in pole dancing because my sister wanted to attend lessons and wanted somebody to go with. I’d heard that it was a fantastic form of exercise and decided to try it. I fell in love with it instantly! I love the sense of achievement when you successfully perform a move and it’s definitely more enjoyable than going to the gym. There’s a strong camaraderie within lessons and everyone is really supportive of each other. I’ve made some great friends through pole dancing and I hope that our new society will have an equally welcoming atmosphere.”

Sophie went on to explain why she decided to set up the Pole Dancing Society.

“I initially learnt pole dancing at Polz Apart in Bournemouth during my placement year and was appalled at the cost of classes offered in Cardiff. I decided to approach the Students’ Union about setting up a society in order to offer cheap classes to students and abolish the stereotype associated with pole dancing.”

Pole dancing is certainly an interesting way of keeping fit, and anyone can get involved.

“Anyone can pole dance regardless of age, weight or shape. Before I started pole dancing lessons, I couldn’t even manage a single ladies press-up, and now I’m lifting myself up the pole with ease!

“Pole dancing moves require you to lift your own body weight and use this resistance to encourage the development of toned, defined and lean muscles. It works muscles that I never even knew I had! Repetition while practicing moves builds endurance, and as you gradually get stronger, you’re able to undertake more advanced moves. The great thing about pole dancing lessons is that you are so focused on mastering the moves that you forget it is exercise!”

Pole dancing will increase your upper body strength, shape your waistline, increase core strength and also burn calories. According to Pole Dancing School, founded by World Pole Dance Champion, Elena Gibson, during a beginner’s lesson you can expect to burn anything between 290 and 400 calories an hour, while an advanced pole student can burn up to 700 calories an hour. Pole dancing boosts your metabolic rate and keeps it running at a higher level for longer. It also improves muscle tone and definition, posture, coordination and flexibility.

As the only exercise I’ve done recently has been the walk to and from the library, I thought it would be a good idea to make my own mind up about pole dancing, so I decided to book myself in for a lesson. Vitality Gym and Health Club hold lessons on Friday evenings, so I grabbed some friends and got myself down there. As I entered the gym, I was confronted with the sight of three poles, one of which was complete with a girl dangling upside down. I was more impressed than anything else!

The class was only women, all of whom were just wearing normal gym wear. It wasn’t really a scene reminiscent of a strip club. As the instructor showed us the first move – a simple spin around the pole – all of us were concentrating too much on how we were going to repeat it to focus on anything else. When it got to my turn, I launched my self on to the pole, smacking my ankle and creating a bruise which later turned a nice purple colour. The next time, I grabbed the pole so hard I managed to grab my arm and cut it with my fingernail in the process. I also couldn’t really grasp the whole concept of spinning around the pole, and ended up just sliding down fireman-style. It was hardly what anyone would describe as sexual.

Eventually, I got used to moving around the pole, but was slightly terrified when our instructor announced that the next move was the ‘kamikaze’. This turned out to involve wrapping your leg around the pole, then leaping and spinning round with one leg outstretched. Again, I proved to be more adept at injuring myself than the art of pole dancing, smacking my shin. When I got home, I had a nice lump to show for my efforts.

Despite the large number of injuries I managed to sustain, I did find pole dancing rather enjoyable. It certainly is a great way to build upper body strength, as my aching arms the next day proved. It wasn’t sexual at all – everyone was too busy concentrating on perfecting the moves and helping everyone else out. Especially in an all-female environment, it was clear that pole dancing was for nothing other than our own personal fitness and enjoyment, and if it wasn’t quite so expensive, I would definitely take it up.

While I did not find pole dancing for exercise particularly sexual, not everyone involved in pole dancing for fitness agrees. Jamilla Deville won Pole Dance Instructor of the Year 2009 and has released ‘The Art of Pole’, a five DVD collection of pole dancing instruction. She feels that even pole dancing for fitness has a sexual element, but sees this as a reason behind its appeal.

“I do recognise how far pole dancing has come on the back of fitness classes; the numerous schools expanding all over the world attests to that. But certainly it must be admitted that it is pole dancing’s exotic and erotic tint which is the ultimate draw card, the component which has brought so many out of the gym and into the studio.

“Even without removing any covering, pole dancing’s sensual and suggestive movements seem to be providing us with a means of expression, healthy for both mind and body.”

Sophie disagrees, and stresses the difference between pole dancing for exercise and pole dancing professionally:

“Pole dancing for fitness uses more gymnastics, similar to the Chinese pole seen in the circus, and is performed in a non-erotic environment, in which context, the style and moves are very different. This form of pole dancing has been around a lot longer, although only recently has pole dancing been recognised as a form of exercise. The pole dancong lessons the Cardiff University Pole Dance Society offer will not involve the ‘sensual’ moves associated with gentlemen’s clubs, and will focus on the aerobic and anaerobic workout.

“The Society will be teaching pole dancing for fitness. Although the stereotype of pole dancing is declining, the more and more people who do it for fitness, the wider the acceptance will be.”

I’m inclined to agree. While it is almost certain that pole dancing professionally will always be controversial, pole dancing for fitness is very different in nature, and in a friendly environment it is a lot of fun, as well as being a good form of exercise. If it wasn’t for the fact I am not here next year, I would probably join the new Pole Dancing Society. Hopefully a lot of students will give the new society a go, and look beyond the stereotype.

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Sophie Hermann, founder of Cardiff’s first Pole Dancing Society has some beginner’s advice…

What can I expect from beginners’ classes?

Pole dancing lessons begin with a gentle warm-up, which will include some cardiovascular work, toning and stretching exercises before moving onto the pole. Pole climbs (pulling yourself up the pole) and pole sits (wrapping your thighs around the pole) are generally taught first as they are a good way to continue warming up the muscles. At the end of each class there will be a cool down.

What should I wear?

Shorts are best as they enable the thighs and legs to better grip the pole. For more advanced moves it is also recommended to wear a strappy top. You do not have to wear heels.

Is there anything I should be worried about?

Due to the recent rise in popularity of pole dancing, lessons are springing up everywhere. It can be dangerous, though, so make sure you chose a professional teacher.

Buying your own pole is a great way to practice and keep fit but make sure poles are bought from a reputable company and are assembled correctly. Inverts are dangerous to attempt on your own as there is a high risk of spinal damage if you should fall. Please only attempt moves within the limits of your capabilities.