Regan performs at The Barrel strip club on Oct. 11, 2019 in Rochester N.Y.
Pole Sport
Out of the wooden tent poles of traveling adult entertainment shows in the 1920’s, pole dancing was invented. Since then pole dancing has evolved in its use, community, and craft. From traveling tents, pole dancing has moved into clubs, and sport focused studios. As pole dancing continues to gain popularity, new communities of dancers have sprung up and the economics of stripping have bridged into pole fitness. This project explores the connection between pole dance fitness and stripping, and the community that has sprung as a result of the evolution of this dance form.
Pinki prepares for an event at Buck's Cabaret in Philadelphia, Pa. on Nov. 29, 2019. Pinki has worked at Buck's Cabaret as the event coordinator since the club opened last February. In addition to coordinating events, she also strips, bar tends, and networks for the club.
Emily Cipriano and Pinki introduce themselves to each other backstage at Buck's Cabaret in Philadelphia, Pa. on Nov. 29, 2019. Cipriano is the new 'house mother' who helps the strippers backstage. As a stripper herself, Pinki stays connected with the other dancers at Buck's Cabaret. " I come in and see the girls and just want them to be good dancers. I like to bring the girls under my wing. I tell them: invest your money in a property, invest your money in your business.'" says Pinki.
The back of Juan Aerial's (pole competition name) knees at Flaunt Fitness in Philadelphia, Pa. on Nov. 30, 2019. The bruising is due to the pole tricks that he practices. "I used to compete and I was much better then" says Juan Aerial. After a break from training he is back in the studio.
Robin (last name withheld) and Pinki at Flaunt Fitness in Philadelphia, Pa. on Nov. 30, 2019. Robin and Pinki used to work together at a law firm. "You look nervous as hell" says Pinki to Robin. This is the first time that Robin takes a pole dancing class.
Devon and Pinki at Flaunt Fitness in Philadelphia, Pa. on Nov. 30, 2019. Devon shows Pinki the one image that was published from a pole competition that she participated in at Cheerleaders, a local strip club. The winner of the competition received a $10,000 prize.
Juan Aerial and his instructor, Nural at Flaunt Fitness in Philadelphia, Pa. on Nov. 30, 2019. "There is a lot more men taking pole classes now, so a lot more companies like Pleasers are actually making like shoes sized up for men" says Pinki about the growing demographic of pole fitness dancers.
Celia Carey helps Maria L. perform a pole dancing aerial on Nov. 20, 2019 at ROC Pole and Fitness in Rochester, N.Y. "This is our sanctuary. When people come here I want them to feel comfortable, to feel safe, to feel happy here. This is our pole home" Says Celia about her studio.
From left: Angelika Rehrig, Celia Carey, and Cassie Gill at ROC Pole and Fitness in Rochester, N.Y. on Nov. 20, 2019. Pole students document their progress. "I think that we are lucky in Rochester," Cassie explains that pole studios in Rochester have a good reputation of building positive communities for their students. "I think that's why people get so attached to this sport" she says
Cassie Gill and Maria L hug during their pole dancing class at ROC Pole and Fitness in Rochester, N.Y. on Nov. 20, 2019. "I saw you and I was like 'Cassie has no idea how sexy she is'" says Maria L. to Cassie.
Angelika Rehrig rests after practicing at ROC Pole and Fitness in Rochester, N.Y. on Nov. 20, 2019.