Hooked from the Start

Daniel’s love affair with pole dancing began in the most unexpected place.

“I was at a gay club in the UK with friends and there were these people dancing on a pole... I went over to them and I was like, hey, like where did you learn how to do that?”

This spontaneous encounter lit a spark in Daniel, driving him to dive headfirst into the world of pole dancing.

“They taught me some stuff and then I was like, I need to learn this, I was like where did you learn it? And then they told me where they were learning, so I ended up going to classes and yeah, I mean that's really my story when it comes to learning. I literally learned it off of a couple of people in a gay club and then they told me where they went for lessons.”

This chance meeting set the stage for Daniel’s exciting journey in the sport, blending physical challenges with artistic flair.

Overcoming Stigma and Evolving Styles

One of the big hurdles Daniel faced was breaking down the stereotypes surrounding pole dancing. Daniel wanted to make sure people appreciated the routes of pole dancing and its strip club origins.

“The biggest challenge was definitely the stigma around pole dancing. People often have a narrow view of it, associating it with certain stereotypes. But its always been important for me to make sure people realize that pole originated in the clubs and that as pole dancers we respect its roots."

But Daniel saw this as an opportunity to educate and inspire.

“I love showing people that pole dancing is not just about tricks, but also about expression and artistry.”

As he continued to grow in the sport, Daniel’s style evolved.

“I've definitely noticed that I'm very much into the dance style as I've gotten older. Dancing for me has become more of a fun thing to do.”

This evolution highlights Daniel’s journey from a focus on gymnastic tricks to embracing the joy of dance, making pole dancing a vibrant and dynamic art form.

"pole still isn't mainstream enough to do well on TV"

Despite some progress, Daniel believes that pole dancing isn’t quite mainstream enough to shine on TV, especially for male dancers.

“I was one of the first men to pole dance on national TV during the show Got to Dance. The response was amazing, but I quickly realized that pole dancing still isn't mainstream enough to do well on TV yet. Some people do very well with it, but a lot of people aren't ready to see men pole dancing, which is sad.”

“It was a groundbreaking moment, but the struggle was evident in how some viewers were not receptive to a male pole dancer.”

Daniel is passionate about increasing visibility through competitions, shows, and online platforms.

“Increased exposure is key to breaking down these barriers and showcasing the athletic and artistic sides of pole dancing. The more people see it, the more they will appreciate the skill and dedication involved.”

He’s all about showcasing the magic of pole dancing to a wider audience, making it a regular feature on our screens.

The Critical Role of Online Learning

Of course, we had to ask Daniel about the rise of online pole dancing classes.

“The pandemic really pushed people to try online pole classes.”

During COVID, Dan took to hosting big Zoom lessons, sometimes having over 500 people join him for live conditioning sessions. This massive turnout highlighted the demand for online pole dancing instruction and its potential to reach a global audience.

“If you don't have a lot of income, actually online training makes a lot of sense for many people. Online learning is so much cheaper than studio training.”

This affordability and convenience make online classes a fantastic resource, allowing enthusiasts to boost their skills and stay connected with the pole dancing community, no matter where they are or what their budget is. Daniel’s insights show how digital platforms are making pole dancing more inclusive and accessible, opening up this vibrant art form to a broader audience.

The Future of Pole Dancing and Online Training

Looking ahead, Daniel sees online training as a staple for those eager to up their game.

“I think people who really want to level up their training are utilizing online and I think that more and more people are starting to notice that. I have got some students who are absolutely smashing some crazy moves now because they train so often. They train at home online with me or other teachers another few times a week. So obviously with that amount of training they're just getting really good really, really quick.”

The future of pole dancing is bright, with online platforms playing a key role in its growth and accessibility.

Creative Inspirations and PoleLOLs

Daniel’s creativity in pole dancing goes beyond just the routines; he loves weaving stories into performances.

“I think whenever I'm advising people on performances, I always tell them to have a story that you want to tell and it'll make you enjoy making the routine more.”

This storytelling approach makes each performance not just a display of skill, but a captivating narrative. The fun didn’t stop there. Daniel’s brainchild, Polelols, brought humor into the mix. Initially, he started posting memes on his personal account, blending choreography and tricks with a dash of humor.

“I was posting memes on my page and yeah, it just got such a great response... I decided to move the memes and the funny stuff over to a separate page.”

This move birthed Pole LOLs, a dedicated platform for humorous pole dancing content.

“Polelols has definitely been a very controversial part of my career.”

While some in the community weren’t fans of the light-hearted content, especially those featuring pole fails, many others loved it. Despite the mixed reactions, Daniel remains committed to keeping the platform fun and engaging.

“We try to keep it very light-hearted. Pole LOLs originally was started by me, but it's mainly ran by my assistant now and she does a great job with it.”

Navigating Social Media and Influencer Marketing

As one of the top content creators in pole dancing, we were curious about the business side of things. Unlike many fitness influencers, pole dancers face unique challenges.

“Influencer marketing within pole is not a thing. We’re such a small community that the pole brands aren't making enough money to really be able to pay people.”

But Daniel sees a bright future as more brands start to recognize the value of working with pole dancers.

“A lot of the brands that are making money aren't willing to pay influencers because they've always got influencers that they know will do it for free. It's a bit of a problem that we have within our industry. But it's definitely getting better.”

Daniel is also pioneering a new project aimed at helping pole dancers grow their social media presence.

“I'm working on a ‘social media for pole dancers’ project at the moment. I'm trying to work out a social media strategy for pole dancers who want to grow their pages and want to make a name for themselves in this industry.”

Advice for Aspiring Pole Dancers

Daniel’s advice to newcomers is simple and inspiring: embrace your unique journey.

“You really are on your own journey. It doesn't matter what level you are, how old you are, what size you are, what sexuality you are. You just have to do your own thing.”

He encourages dancers of all backgrounds to find joy in the process and explore all aspects of pole dancing.

“Don’t compare yourself to anybody, you’re on your own journey.“

He also highlights the importance of trying new things and enjoying the learning process.

“Explore all the different sides of pole. I didn’t dance in heels for years because I just didn’t really see much in it and I just thought I don’t know whether I’ll like that, so I never tried it.”

Daniel’s message is clear:

“Enjoy the process of learning pole and remember that it’s just pole dancing. Don’t take it too seriously; it’s just fun.”

Embracing the Roots of Pole Dancing

Daniel has a deep appreciation for the origins of pole dancing, rooted in strip clubs.

“I love the fact that pole comes from strippers.”

He values the small, tight-knit community and the rich history of the sport.

“The more mainstream that pole becomes, the more it's going to erase the roots of pole, and the roots of pole are one of the main reasons I like it. And I just don't really want that to be erased by it going to the Olympics and stuff.”

Daniel’s perspective underscores his commitment to celebrating the vibrant, diverse, and creative roots of pole dancing.

“I really like the small community that we have and I like the fact that we have strippers to thank for the creation of pole. I’m just interested in people accepting it as more of a really fun thing to do.”

Conclusion

Daniel Rosen’s journey and insights offer a compelling glimpse into the evolving landscape of pole dancing. By breaking down stigmas and promoting the benefits of online learning, he is paving the way for a more inclusive and recognized sport. For those looking to embark on or continue their pole dancing journey, Daniel’s experiences and advice provide invaluable guidance and inspiration.