Not striptease or bar dance, here's why pole dancing is breaking barriers in India

In a world where fitness trends come and go, pole dancing is making a powerful and graceful comeback. Far from its stereotypical portrayal in films, pole dancing is emerging as a full-body workout that combines strength, flexibility and artistry. Across cities in India, pole studios are thriving—creating safe spaces for individuals to explore this empowering form of movement.

The rise of pole dancing in India

Rebecca Zodingpuii, founder of Mirrors Studio in Bengaluru, recalls her journey into pole fitness. "Strength and grace got me interested in pole fitness," she says. What began as a home studio during the COVID-19 pandemic has now grown into a thriving space with over 500 students. "There's a taboo around pole dancing—associating it with strip teases or strippers. But we wear clothes related to the sport—just like swimmers wear swimwear, not salwars," she explains.

Tanya Ballal, founder of Ekisa Institute of Pole and Aerial Arts in Bengaluru, shares a similar story. "I stumbled upon a pole class in the US, and the sheer strength, flexibility and grace it demanded fascinated me," she says. When she returned to India, she found no local classes and decided to start her own. Today, Ekisa has over 350 students and a vibrant community. "Pole dance welcomes everyone. It doesn't matter what your fitness level, size or gender is," Tanya shares.

Breaking stereotypes

Pole dancing intensively works the core, upper body and lower body muscles. (Image: Tanya Ballal)

One of the biggest misconceptions about pole dancing is its association with stripping and seduction. "Movies have ruined it all," says Dharmesh Dave, a pole enthusiast from Bengaluru. "People don't realise how much strength, flexibility and momentum it takes to perform one act. All they see is skin."

Dharmesh was also bombarded with lewd comments from his friends who thought pole dancing equated to being a bar dancer. "My well-educated friends found it demeaning that I chose to learn this art form. When they found out, a few even said, “Chamiya banne ki bhi training hoti hai kya?” (Is there even training to become a bar dancer?)." However, none of this deterred him and he continues to practice pole dancing.

In a similar vein, Nupur Chaudhuri, founder of The Pole School India in Pune, notes, "People think pole dancing means being a stripper. But today, it's a sport with world championships held every year. It's an art form, a dance form and a form of fitness," she says.

Rakhi Tushir, a PR Manager from Bengaluru adds, "When you say pole, the first thing people think of is sexual. They never talk about the strength, endurance and stamina it takes."

The benefits of pole dancing

Pole dancing is more than just a workout—it's a transformative experience. Dr Jatin Choudhary, a physiotherapist, highlights its unique blend of physical and mental benefits.

"Pole dancing intensively works the core, upper body and lower body muscles. It also improves flexibility, coordination and balance," Dr Choudhary says, adding, "Unlike most conventional dances, it demands a lot of upper body strength to lift and manipulate body weight during spins, climbs, and inversions. This repeated activation develops muscle endurance and improves joint stability."

For many, the mental health benefits are equally significant. "Pole has calmed my anxiety by a great deal. I've never been happier," says Dharmesh, who took up pole dancing despite having three slipped discs. "Engaging in rhythmic movement and focused routines helps release endorphins—reducing stress and promoting relaxation," he adds.

Ashwita Hosbettu, a communication consultant from Mumbai, shares how pole dancing helped her reconnect with her body. "I feel calmer, inspired and more confident. Mastering new moves and seeing physical progress helps build self-esteem and a positive body image," she says.

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Building community and confidence

Pole dancing isn't just about individual growth, it's also about building a supportive community. "The pole community is incredibly inclusive," says Tanya, adding, "Everyone cheers for each other, regardless of who's on the pole."

Ridhi Shetty, a lawyer from Mumbai found a new identity through pole dancing. "My weekends are entirely devoted to class. It's the one thing I look forward to in my week," she says. "Pole has made more confident and changed the way I view my body."

For Utsav Thapliyal, a science communicator from Delhi, pole dancing has been a journey of self-acceptance. "It's made me comfortable with my body type and more confident with my sexuality," he says.

The future of pole dancing

As pole dancing gains popularity, it's also evolving. Nupur, who hosts pole retreats across India and abroad, sees a bright future for the sport. "Pole is for everyone. If you have a body and a pole, you have a pole body," she says.

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Eden Heredia, a PR consultant from Bangalore, agrees. "Pole dancing is a great way to stay active while enjoying yourself. It's a supportive community where you can challenge yourself and grow."

So, if you've ever been curious about pole dancing, now's the time to give it a spin. After all, as the polers says, "It's about owning your strength and feeling pride in every stretch mark, scar or bruise."