Pole dance glossary · 23 terms

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Static or spinning? What on earth is a pole kiss? Every word you'll hear in class, explained in plain language. No question is too basic here.

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Close-up of two hands gripping a black pole

Term of the week

Skin grip

Why your shorts matter: bare skin holds the pole far better than fabric.

23 terms

C

Poles & gear Chrome pole The classic shiny studio finish. Smooth, fast and the surface most tutorials are filmed on. Read more Training Conditioning Strength and mobility work that prepares your body for the pole, on and off it. Read more Poles & gear Crash mat A thick mat at the base of the pole that softens landings while you learn something new. Read more

E

Styles Exotic pole dance A sensual, flowing style with lots of floorwork, often danced in heels. Read more

F

POLEPLACE Floor-Stand-Air Method™ How we teach: every move on the floor first, then standing, then in the air. Read more Styles Floorwork Dancing on the floor around the pole. Rolls, slides, waves and lots of feeling. Read more

G

Technique Grip Everything that keeps you on the pole: hands, arms, legs and skin working together. Read more Poles & gear Grip aid Products that help your skin hold the pole when hands get sweaty or dry. Read more

I

Technique Invert Any move where you go upside down. A big milestone on every pole journey. Read more

K

Technique Knee hook Bending your knee around the pole so your leg can hold you in spins and shapes. Read more Technique Knee pit The back of your knee. A key contact point in hooks, hangs and many holds. Read more

L

Technique Leg grip Holding the pole with your legs instead of your hands, so your arms are free. Read more Poles & gear Lupit Pole A pole brand many dancers use at home and in studios. Read more

M

Technique Momentum The swing you build before a spin. It carries you round, so you don’t have to muscle it. Read more

P

Poles & gear Pole dance heels Platform heels made for pole: stable, padded and grippy on the floor. Read more Pole life Pole kiss The little bruises the pole leaves behind. Almost everyone gets them at the start. Read more POLEPLACE POLEPLACE Your online pole studio: structured courses, live classes and a community that has your back. Read more Poles & gear Powder-coated pole A pole with a coated, slightly textured surface that many people find grippier. Read more

S

Technique Skin grip Holding on through bare skin. The reason shorts beat leggings on the pole. Read more Poles & gear Spinning pole A pole that turns on its own bearing, so your momentum keeps you spinning. Read more Poles & gear Stainless steel pole A smooth, durable steel pole. A common choice for home setups. Read more Poles & gear Static pole A pole that stays still. Every turn comes from you, which makes it the best place to start. Read more

T

Technique Transition The link between two moves. Good transitions turn single tricks into a flow. Read more

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