Decoding Pole: Artistry vs. Athleticism

Pole Art and Pole Sport and the Difference Between the Two

Welcome to Pole Culture 101. Pole, in general, beautifully amalgamates dance and acrobatics as an expression of both art and sport. Today, however, we’re going to distinguish the two and learn the key features and differences between Pole Art and Pole Sport.  

First, it’s important to note that Pole Sport and Pole Art are the agreed-upon primary categories of competition by sanctioned organizations such as the International Pole Sports Federation and the US Pole Sports Federation. While you don’t have to compete in either, it is helpful to know and understand the differences and similarities between the two.

And, just like mastering the inside leg hook, it’s not as simple as it sounds.

Let’s start with the basics:

Pole sport is more straightforward. It’s similar to gymnastics in that the pole is used like an apparatus the way a balance beam or uneven bars would be used in traditional gymnastics. The emphasis is on tricks, technique and execution. Think climbing, spinning, hanging, flipping, jumping, and inverting. This style of pole highlights the skills required for execution like strength, balance, flexibility, agility, and endurance

Pole art, on the other hand, is more creatively inclined. You can set your flow alongside musicality and creativity. There is more opportunity in this space for including theatrical elements like storytelling and emotion.

Because pole art is literally and figuratively open to interpretation, there are far more subcategories to explore as well. Some examples include contemporary pole, artistic pole and Russian exotic pole.

In short, pole sport is more technical and acrobatic, while pole art is more artistic and theatrical. 

What do they have in common?

Whether your tilt is toward creativity and sensuality, or, toward athleticism and execution there are some key overlaps and points of emphasis when training for both pole sport and pole art. 

Pole art and pole sport requires a combination of strength, flexibility, and body awareness. A strong core and upper body strength and stability are required to pull and push yourself through tricks and flow. 

And finally, at their core, both are an expression of your artistic and athletic gifts coming to life and that's pretty damn cool.

Wishing you the happiest spinning!

XOXO - AKPole