Pole dancing is a form of dancing that demands active coordination, muscular endurance and sensuality from the performer. Increasingly pole dancing has been recognized as form of exercise like aerobics and can itself be used as an aerobic and an aerobic workout. The dancers use a pole in such a way as to arouse the senses, hence it is popular in strip clubs and gentlemen's clubs. A variation is the artistic pole dancing or Chinese pole as it is called is used in cabarets circuses and stage performances. It is performed in a non erotic manner. In strip clubs pole dancing is performed less gymnastically and is normally combined with striptease or lap dancing. The dancers may just simply hold the pole or use it to perform athletic maneuvers such as body inversions, climbs and spins. Pole dancers need to have upper body strength and stamina which can be developed with constant practice.

Schools and colleges that provide recognized qualifications are being developed as pole dancing is increasing in popularity. Some sections regard pole dancing as a performing art.

The standard pole used in pole dancing is a hollow steel or brass pole with a circular cross section, and running from floor to ceiling. They also come as transportable devices. Its diameter may vary from 5 cms to 4.5 cms, enabling it to gripped comfortably by the dancers? hand. Another commonly used pole is the spinning pole which as its name suggests is supplied with the ability to spin on ball bearings. It is the same as standard pole in all other respects. It is designed to create a better momentum and higher rates of speed; it gives a dramatic effect to the whole sequence of dancing. Home versions of the pole are also available. These poles are made from various materials like chromed steel polished stainless steel, powder coating acrylic glow poles with lighting effects, titanium coated and brass.

The poles are held to the ceiling by using threading to brace them to the ceiling joist. Some varieties of poles can be held in place using tension. These are available in stationary, rotating and switchable versions.

Show poles are made of plastic and contain water, glitter and special reflective materials. The materials stand out in when strobe lighting is used on them. They are used more clubs for the visual effect they create. The disadvantages of the sophisticated poles are that they tend to bend slightly and prevent the dancer from exhibiting the best display. They also tend to produce friction burns when the dancers slide down them at any speed.

Since pole dancing is not yet considered as a serious sport or art form, pole dancing competitions used to be limited only to night and strip clubs. Serious competitions are being conducted these days which have attempted to shy away as far possible from the amateur competitions held at night clubs. However there is a growing body of people who want it to be recognized as a sport or art. Where competitions are being held outside of these they are conducted strictly as non nude and non stripping events with the entire focus on athleticism and artistry of the performer rather than sensual appeal. In November 225 the first ?Miss pole Dance World? was held which was won by Reiko Suemune from Japan.