Jillian Prociuk. December 3, 2024.

As a former competitive gymnast and dancer with an extensive background in artistic sports, Hannah Martens was naturally drawn to pole dancing, which combines the performative elements of dance with the strength and technical skills of gymnastics. This passion led her to Fly Fitness Aerial Studio, a pole dancing studio in Kamloops, BC, where she found her place.

Pole dancing is an inherently misunderstood sport due to the stigmatization created by its association with “exotic dancing,” which is often misconceptualized as stripping, and not as a serious sport. This view ignores the strength, flexibility, and endurance needed to perform the moves and routines and the artistry and choreography that are just as present as traditional dance forms. Pole dancing is a competitive sport, falling into the same category as aerial silks and lyra hoops. Changing how people see pole dancing means moving past old stereotypes and recognizing it as a challenging and powerful physical activity.

In this video, Hannah explores her performative arts and athletic background, discusses her favourite parts of pole dancing, and explains the misconceptions and stigmatization surrounding the aerial art of pole dancing.

References:

Martens, H (2024, November 26th) Journalism 2060 Video [Personal communication]

“double princess drop aerial silks” via Cassi YouTube

“Aerial hoop Lyra beginner intermediate combo dancing to Fleurie Breath” via Vlada Zhizhchenko on Youtube

“Treino de Chinese Pole. Cirque du Soleil Amaluna. San Francisco 2020” via Thiago Andreuccetti on Youtube