MUM IS POLES APART
In her Shoes function at Red Hill Collective in Eyre St, North Ward
Asany mum knows, to keep up with a toddler takes plenty of strength, stamina and creativity.
It turns out those are some of the very attributes that help to make a successful pole performer – as Townsville woman Bailey Hart knows full well.
Bailey, 35, is mum to an active toddler, as well as owning and teaching at Townsville pole, dance, fitness and movement studio, The Pole Park, which she opened in 2021 after studying and teaching for more than 15 years.
In June, she will compete in the Pole Icon 2023 competition, to be staged in Sydney at Luna Park’s Big Top.
Described as ‘a one-night entertainment extravaganza of jaw dropping performances’, Pole Icon 2023 will see 22 of the best pole dancers from all over Australia battling it out on stage to show they’ve got what it takes to be Australia’s next Pole Icon.
The winner will take the crown and $10,000, with many other prizes up for grabs, making it the most prestigious pole dancing competition in the country.
“It’s a competition you’re invited to, so it’s people in the industry who’ve made their mark,” said Bailey, who is the only contestant from North Queensland.
Each performer will do a routine of up to four-minutes that they have choreographed, which will include tricks on the pole combined with dance elements.
And while four minutes might not sound long, Bailey says it’s a long time when you are on the pole.
“It’s a very physically taxing task, as you have to hold yourself off the ground while performing your moves,” she said. “You get very fit, but strength is the most important factor – and it’s not about body shape, but how you can lift yourself.”
She says while pole performing had its origins in what might be politely termed ‘gentleman’s clubs’, these days it has a whole different image.
“Years ago pole dancing was very taboo, but people don’t think of it that way so much anymore,” she said. “One of the finalists on Australia’s Got Talent was a pole performer, for example.
“The industry has exploded, largely because of social media. When Youtube began, people began to share videos and you could see some amazing performances from all over the world.”
People became interested in it as a dance and fitness regime and it just spread.
“When I started there were only two studios in Sydney, where I grew up, and only a couple in Australia – now there are more than 50 studios,”
Bailey said.
She said around 80 students attend classes at The Pole Park and they represent all walks of life.
“There are women and men, there are nurses, mums, uni students, people who work in clubs… all kinds of people, and all shapes and sizes.
“It’s fun, it’s great exercise but it is also about finding a way to connect themselves with their bodies – it’s actually a very liberating experience to perform in front of a mirror, and everyone is very encouraging to each other.”
Pole Icon, which takes place on June 24, will see acts by the biggest names in pole dancing and professional theatrical stage production. Most are solo performers, but there are also some duos and even a trio of women, from Western Australia.
“This competition is specifically about the show quality,” said Bailey, who has competed at national and international level for 10 years.
“Tricks are a part of it but it includes dance work on the floor, and there are no set tricks you have to perform, which I like because I can choose the moves I love and work them into my routine. Everyone in this is a professional at the elite level, so it’s not about just tricks, it’s the whole spectacle.” And who knows, perhaps this year Townsville’s representative will take home the top prize.
Years ago pole dancing was very taboo, but people don’t think of it that way so much anymore
BETTINA WARBURTON
Lead.Love.leap hosted the first In Her Shoes event of the year at Red Hill Collective in North Ward, aiming to raise awareness on women’s health and wellness.
The event was a great success with inspiring speakers such as Dr Lara Sewell, Dr Helen Newman and Shae Prince, who shared their knowledge on women’s hormone health. Attendees gained valuable insights and practical tips on how to lead a healthier lifestyle.
The event highlighted the importance of opening up conversations around wellness and advocating for specialized hormone, perimenopause, and menopause care for local women.
Kylie Bartlett, the organizer, expressed her excitement about empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being.
The next In Her Shoes event is scheduled for May 31 at Gypseas in Mundingburra, and it promises to be another informative and empowering experience for all women.