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How would you define the term “acro pole”?
Are there certain elements that you feel need to be present in order to call pole “acro pole”? Given that “pole dance” can be very acrobatic, why do we not use the term “acro pole” more often when trying to describe what we do, since many of us invert and perform acrobatic tricks on the pole? Is it a more specialized class of tricks/does it conjure other historical/contextual connotations that fit with a certain style (for example, would you limit it to describing something like Chinese pole?)?
“Acro pole” seems like an easy term to use when describing what we do to others who aren’t familiar with it and who might more immediately associate the term “pole dance” with the sexier side of the community. Which is fine – unless the goal is to spread awareness about aspects of pole that connect more with circus arts. And then there’s the term “pole fitness” which I personally don’t prefer, because I tend to associate that term with trick-heavy sequences that lack a more artistic/theatrical dance element…. Thoughts?
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5 Replies
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I actually like the term, “acro pole”. In my mind, I see it as trick heavy, with no emphasis on “sexy”. Obviously, Chinese pole fits within the description, but being acrobatic doesn’t have to limit flow or dance.
I think it’s the same way static trapeze can be different than lyra. Or how corde lisse tends to have a different style than silks, or even how silks can be different based on the performer, and especially their level of flexibility. The contortionists always tend to perform differently than those of us that are less flexible. But acro pole has the emphasis on the acrobatic, so to me, that means tricks. But tricks doesn’t have to not mean dance.I see most of the aerial arts as a series of tricks, just strung together in an artistic way.
My studio recently introduced pole, which is actually why I’m back into it. But all the aerial girls really just wanted to learn tricks. Few spins, no floor work, and no twerking, though we did play around with it a bit. 😉 So pretty much anything off the ground.
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Overhere we say ‘polefitness’ but I think ‘acro pole’ would be a better name for what we do.. We always prefered ‘polefitness’ over ‘poledancing’ because we feel like people don’t take ‘poledancing’ seriously.. I think I will share this thought with my class, see what they think about it..
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I get a picture of Chinese pole inspired tricks. I once attended classes called this way and they were run by a circus pole guy. There could probably be acro pole-choreos as well, but then I’d think of the “floorwork” as something involving typical acrobatic or gymnastic elements. Definitely no “sexy” as far as the eye can see. I think these terms are also used on purpose to attract new groups to pole. With acro pole they are probably hoping to attract men, at least in some cases.
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I use the term to describe the type of pole that my partner and I do, since it combines elements of acro dance and acro yoga with pole. Very much like Lina Spiralyne said, the “floorwork” is where the heavy acro influence comes in. I don’t think something being acro means that it can’t be sexy. I think a lot of acrobatic dance routines are sexy. This one is the first example I could find quickly on youtube… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaZxZqPprtw
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I don’t mean acro can’t be sexy, I was just referring to the type of sexy that we often see in pole dancing. Heels, sensual accentuated hip movements and those “typical” things. That’s really not what turns up in my head when I hear “acro pole”. I see it as one of the variants of pole which has been stripped of the stripper features.
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