The Basic Cartwheel, explained
The Basic Cartwheel pole move brings out your playful side. You use the pole as your partner and let your legs swing over in a big, open arc, just like the cartwheels you might remember from the playground, only with something to hold on to. It is short, joyful and a great confidence boost for being upside down for a moment.
What is a Basic Cartwheel in pole dance?
Picture yourself next to the pole, hands on it, as your legs travel up and over in a wide straddle and come back down on the other side. For a moment your hips are high and your head is low, and then you are back on your feet. The pole gives the movement a centre and a bit of support, so it feels different from a cartwheel on open floor. How you set your hands and how you time the swing is what the tutorial walks you through.
Is the Basic Cartwheel good for beginners?
The name says it: this is the basic version, and it is a lovely way to explore going upside down without holding yourself there. It suits you once you feel at home at the pole and enjoy moving around it. If your legs stay low or your first tries feel more like a little hop, you are right where everyone starts. The height and the open legs come with time.
What it builds: strength, momentum and courage
This pole dance move trains your arms, shoulders and core, which support you as your legs swing over. It also teaches you momentum and timing, because a cartwheel is all about rhythm. And it builds courage: getting used to seeing the room from a different angle is a big step on your pole journey. Some openness in your hips and legs makes the straddle look wider, but you do not need flexibility to start. Shorts or bare legs, no body lotion on training days and clean, dry hands help with every move.
Static or spinning pole?
Most dancers enjoy it on a static pole, where the pole stays still and you can focus on the movement and the swing. A spinning pole would add extra motion, so it is usually something to explore later, if at all, together with your coach.
How you learn it at POLEPLACE
At POLEPLACE you learn every move with the Floor-Stand-Air Method™. You get to know the shape and the rhythm on the floor first, then practise the swing standing at the pole, and only then let your legs fly all the way over. Each stage gives you a small win, in your own space and at your own pace.
Basic Cartwheel pole dance tips, combos and what comes next
Once your Basic Cartwheel feels smooth, play with it. Add it into a little flow with a walk and a Fan Kick, or slow it down so the straddle shows. When you want more, the Baby Handstand Jump and the Handstand use the same trust in your arms, and later the Invert takes you upside down on the pole itself. Every cartwheel makes being upside down feel a bit more like play.
