What I would say is skip the pole and get acrobatics or circus training instead. If you go this route you will have an edge on others in the profession.

Trust me, the best pole dancers I’ve know usually did acro or somesuch when they were younger. And to be honest, I have seen better athleticism from pole dancers in the sex entertainment industry than the two performers you cite (I’m a member of the Toronto Burlesque Vaudeville Alliance so trust me I’ve seen it all).

The other thing to consider is to get dance training in west coast swing or salsa. Another friend of mine – a west coast swing instructor – entered a pole dance contest on a lark and won easily.

Frankly, pole dancing is still considered to be in the domain of sex entertainment you are going to have hard time convincing people otherwise.

But I am all for you considering circus training (for pole, rings, etc.) – you are at the right age for it. See below:

5 out 5 stars

This product is worth its weight in gold! Okay, well, maybe not quite that much. But, even as an ‘exotic dancer,’ I honestly can’t imagine being happier with a different product. In fact, it’s easy for me to forget that it’s a portable pole!

But I’m getting ahead of myself. First of all, prior to purchasing this product, I was deciding between a few different portable poles: the Li’l Mynx, Superpole, and the X-Pole. By the way, if you buy this pole, do not buy the product directly from X-Pole! They are based in the UK, and you’ll end up paying a hefty sum for shipping, even though the pole appears to be cheaper on their site. Buy it from Amazon.

As a disclaimer, I have heard good things about all three of these pole brands, but to me, the X-Pole seemed the most…intense. Its advertising really emphasizes that the pole is meant to be swung upon, and seeing as how its price was competitive, I decided to try my luck with the X-Pole. I was primarily looking for a pole that would 1) Hold my weight, even at high velocities, 2) Be completely portable, and 3)Spin like a real stripper pole. I don’t look like I weigh much, but at 145 pounds, I was afraid that I’d easily topple anything that wasn’t constructed very, very well! I honestly was ready to send back any product that didn’t meet my expectations to the T. There is no way I would risk my safety just to have a recreational pole in my apartment.

The pole arrived in good time. The box (at 39 lbs) contains two sporty/stylish bags (to carry the differently-shaped parts for total portability), two longer poles, two bases, two extensions, a tool kit (contains everything you need to put the pole together), a DVD, an instruction manual, and a metal cover for the otherwise-exposed, adjustable top. I was concerned at first because one of the metal bases seemed very unstable. However, as demonstrated by the DVD, it is supposed to be like this before you put the pole together.

I started trying to put it together using the written instructions. And I really shouldn’t have bothered. The written instructions are so confusing compared to the visual DVD!! On the DVD, two instructors put the pole together very simply (with no fade-in-fade-out tweens: it really is easy!). Then again, I’m a visual person. But in my experience, the written instructions just complicated what the DVD clearly explained. (Also, the DVD contains step-by-step instructions on some basic pole/floor moves.)

It is very easy to put together (though I’d recommend having someone help you). The learning curve is sharp: I won’t need to refer back to the instructions if I decide to move the pole elsewhere: its construction is very simple. Simple, but STURDY! I live in an old apartment, and so had to find a place on the ceiling where it was completely flat. I didn’t search for the ceiling beams (though I probably should’ve); I just searched for a place where it would stand straight. But this pole is SOLID. I can literally grab the pole, shake it as hard as I can, and it still does not budge. With the two extensions, it fairly easily reaches the top of my 9′ ceiling, and still does not feel wobbly (some poles get noticeably more wobbly as more extensions are added on).

Of course, you can also choose to put the pole in ’static’ mode, but where’s the fun in that? This pole is exactly what my pole at work looks and feels like, even though the one at my job isn’t portable! The grip, the spin type, and the material, are all authentic. Trust me, I would know. :0)

I really find very few products I’m passionate about, but I cannot find anything wrong with this one. Whether you’re buying it as a sexy workout toy, as something to make your significant other’s jaw drop, or because you’re a stripper who likes to take her work home, this is the pole for you. I LOVE IT.

*********EDIT***********
I only paid a bit over $300 for my x pole when I bought it awhile ago. I have no idea why its price has raised so dramatically on Amazon, but I’d advise searching for a better price elsewhere! I hear that X-Pole now has a base in the US, so try buying it from them!!

LIL’MYNX STAINLESS STEEL, BRASS AND POWDER COATED (black, pink, red or white):

The Lil’ Minx Dancer Pole is one of the best professional removable dancer poles on the market. Its priced right, installs easily and has has lots of positive feedback.

Pros:
easy to install, variety of surfaces, fast delivery, lightening quick to put up and take down, non-interfering base, can use in multiple locations with extra ceiling mounts, great customer service, ceiling mount is small and discreet
Cons:
weight limit of 180lb (Lil Mynx more generous with their weight limit), cannot use the top portion of the pole if your ceiling is over 8 feet, rubber feet may cause some wear in carpet (use a second carpet scrap or IKEA mini circle rug to protect), rubber feet occasionally need to be re-screwed in if you take it in and out on a carpet a lot

Lil Mynx has a rotator pole that can also be stationary. I demo’d this model just briefly and not long enough to have a real impression.

They also have a completely removable ‘Pro Pole’ (no ceiling hardware) which comes apart in 2 pieces and has a case for easier transportation. As with any ‘no-ceiling hardware’ pole, it has more limits and safety issues.

Dancer Pole Surfaces to consider before buying

Different types of stripper pole surfaces will perform and feel different against your skin. Stainless Stell is the best. Brass Dancer poles will get dents and they are a pain to clean. You need to use toxic cleaners which are then transferred to your skin…..not the best idea in my opinion.

Never use lotions or oils on your skin as this will make the dancer pole slippery and very dangerous for those upside down spin till your dizzy moves.

Stainless stell is the easiest to clen. Use Windex/Water solution to celan. It feels great on your skin too. It makes spins easier.

Powdered Coated Dancer Poles like Lil’ Minx (make sure to buy the pink or black) provide a tacky surface and is great for beginners, but not so nice for slides as it will rub your thighs. These stripper poles tend to scrath more easily but can be easilty fixed with nail polish or a paint pen. Also easy to clean with a windex/water solution.

Get a pole with a ceiling mount! It is safer. (unless you need to travel a lot with it)

Lil Mynx Powder coated are the most affordable ($229.00 plus tax and shipping)

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