The Hip Roll, explained
The Hip Roll pole dance move brings sensuality and flow into your dancing right from the start. You stand at the pole and let your hips circle in a smooth, rolling motion, and it instantly changes how your whole body feels. It is simple to start with and endlessly fun to play with.
What is the Hip Roll pole dance move?
A Hip Roll is a slow or rhythmic circle of the hips, usually done standing close to the pole with one or both hands on it. Your upper body stays fairly calm while your hips draw a round, continuous line, so the movement looks fluid and grounded at the same time. You can make the circle big or small, fast or slow, and change the direction whenever the music asks for it. It works on its own, as a transition or as a moment to breathe between bigger moves.
Is the Hip Roll good for beginners?
Yes, very much. You keep both feet on the floor, you do not need strength to hold yourself and you do not need flexibility. What the Hip Roll asks for is permission: letting yourself move in a way that might feel new or a bit unusual at first. If you feel awkward in the beginning, you are in great company. That feeling fades the more you play with it, especially when you practise at home in your own space.
Hip Roll tips: what it trains
This pole dance move builds body awareness and control around your hips, core and lower back. You learn to move your pelvis while keeping the rest of your body calm, which helps in so many other moves later on. It also trains musicality, because the Hip Roll follows the music so naturally. A tip that works for everyone: try it in front of a mirror once, then try it again with your eyes closed and just feel it.
Static or spinning pole?
The Hip Roll is usually practised on a static pole, because you stay in one place and the pole is a steady point of contact. On a spinning pole the pole might move when you lean into it, which can be distracting while you are finding the movement. Static mode lets you focus fully on your hips and your music.
How you learn it at POLEPLACE
At POLEPLACE you learn every move with the Floor-Stand-Air Method™. For a dance move like the Hip Roll, you can explore the movement on the floor first and then take it to the pole standing, where it becomes part of your dance. The tutorial shows you the details, so all you have to do is enjoy how it feels.
Combos and what to learn next
Once your Hip Roll feels natural, use it everywhere: between two spins, before a walk around the pole or as a slow, confident pause. Combined with the Body Wave, it becomes the base of a sensual flow sequence. When you are ready to expand, the Body Pole Wave, the Step and Slide and the Fan Kick give you more ways to connect your moves. Each of them builds on the same feeling you find here: moving with the music and enjoying your own body.
