41. Pole Dancing (aka: I'm Your Not-So-Private Dancer)

In the last 20 years, pole dancing has become a mainstream fitness phenomenon and an excellent way for women to get in touch with their femininity and sensuality. If you are curious about whether pole dancing might be a fun activity to explore, this episode is a must listen!   But first, mix up this episode's sweet and simple cocktail, the Blackberry Lemonade, while Ams recounts some hot times on the Bliss Cruise.  Next, the Wives explore the history and benefits of pole dancing.  Pole dancing dates back to the 12th century in India and was originally practiced by mostly men, not women. It migrated over to the U.S. when exotic dancers from Egypt would perform as part of the traveling circus.  The sexual aspect of it was introduced when dancers would try to entice viewers to come see their shows by dancing erotically. It actually wasn't until the 1980s that pole dancing became synonymous with bars and strip clubs. Pole Dancing combines dance and acrobatics centered on a vertical pole.  This performance art form takes place not only in strip clubs as erotic dance, but also as a mainstream form of fitness. Amateur and professional pole dancing competitions are held in countries around the world. Pole dance requires significant muscular endurance and coordination, as well as sensuality.  Today, pole performances by exotic dancers range from basic spins and striptease in more intimate clubs to athletic moves such as climbs, flips and body inversions. Pole Dancing is mostly about upper body and core strength and proper instruction and training is necessary to prevent injuries. Since the mid-2000s, promoters of pole dance fitness competitions have tried to change peoples' perception of pole dance to include pole fitness as a non-sexual form of dance and acrobatics and are trying to move pole into the Olympics as pole sports. Recognized schools and qualifications are now commonplace. Pole dancing enthusiasts are of all ages, it's never too late to get started.   For a ton of inspiration, the Wives interview 11-time world champion pole artist, Greta Pontarelli on what it was like to take up the art in her sixties and how she is still going strong into her seventies.  Finally, the Wives assign themselves sexy homework: off to the studio for some pole dancing 101.  Greta Pontarelli started with pole arts at age 59 and began competing by the time she turned 61.  Greta competes all over the world and is an 11X World Pole Art Masters Champion (2013-2021).  She has been on the covers of many international magazines and has also competed on the TV show "American Ninja Warrior" twice.  At 71, she continues to compete and offer classes and workshops and is the artistic director at Arial Zen.   "I embrace art forms that allow our visionary gifts to flourish and for me, pole art fits the bill. It is an eclectic display of contemporary stage art that celebrates our unique artistry. It honors expressiveness and originality which allows fresh ideas to emerge and challenge us to become the best that we can become." A very special thanks to Abbey Snider for editing assistance on this episode!  You can check out Abbey's podcast, Sweet Baby Gay at https://abbeydotproductions.com/.