Pole dance: Encyclopedia II - Pole dance - The pole

Pole dance - The pole

Standard Poles The standard dance pole typically consists of a hollow, steel or brass pole running from floor to ceiling. The diameter is usually around 2 inches, allowing it to be gripped comfortably with one hand.

Home versions are available which may be used for practice or aerobic exercise. Materials include polished stainless steel, chromed steel, and brass. Each material allows for different gripping ability. Polished steel is one of the slickest materials, which provides for a faster, more fluid dance; brass poles provide more friction, allowing for an easier hold with hands or thighs and creating a slow, sensual dance style.

Poles are held in place by using threading to brace them against a ceiling joist. Stationary and rotating versions are available.

Show Poles There are now poles available for use in clubs that provide amazing visual effects, though they cannot support the weight of a pole dancer. These poles are made with clear plastics and contain water, glitter, and special reflective materials which provide amazing effects when used in conjunction with strobe lighting, as well as lighting hidden in their base joists.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "The pole", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki