In Defense of Heels
There is a difference between having a preference, and having a prejudice.
I can say, “I don’t like to pole dance in platform heels.” That’s a preference.
To say, “People who pole dance in platform heels are slutty” is a prejudice. You are forming a judgment on a group of people based on a single characteristic. Historically, prejudice has gone hand in hand with discrimination… meaning, oftentimes, people who hold prejudiced opinions also discriminate against the group that they are judging.
Unfortunately, I am seeing that more and more, and among people who are important and have a voice in our industry, sport, and art form. I have tried not to let it bother me, because everyone has a right to have their own opinions, and to run their businesses and classes in a way that reflects their values and beliefs. However, I believe that there is a way to do that without disrespecting others.
If you were to think of 5 influential pole dancers, who are world-renown for their flexibility, strength, innovation, movement quality—how many of them have performed in heels? Well, maybe none of them, if that is your taste. Maybe all of them: Jenyne. Alethea. Marlo. Karol. Bobbi. Allegra. Felix. Just to name a few. It can’t be denied that athleticism can just as easily come on a 6” spike heel and wrapped in a gold lame bikini as it can sneakers, sports bra, and a booty-covering top. What you wear has nothing to do with what skill is in your body, or how passionate or dedicated you are to your craft.
In a female-dominated industry, it is easy to fall into some of the patterns of behavior that women are “known” for: cattiness. Competitiveness. Judging one another. Putting one another down. Fighting dirty. Name-calling. I won’t say that I’ve never done any of those things. But it would be nice to think that we can move beyond that. What’s wrong with being proud of the way you look and wanting to show it off? Don’t we work hard for these bodies? We pole dance, for crying out loud–you can’t wear much clothing to begin with. Can’t we be accepting of others? How else can we be accepting of ourselves? Are we mature, healthy women with self-respect, or are we just pretending to be? Is there really place for judgment of one another in a worldwide pole network of trust, compassion and support?
I have read, over and over, about how pole dance has transformed people’s lives. Women who have never worked out or thought that they could be a dancer. Women who were in loveless marriages. Women who have had double masectomies and needed to feel feminine again. Or have dropped weight and dress sizes to become happier and healthier. Pole dance is empowering because we learn about the power in our bodies: not just the muscles, but the curves. We talk about fluidity and flexibility and these are inherently feminine traits. We talk about growing self confidence and having healthy self image and that comes with being accepted… not judged, categorized, labeled, or discriminated against. If someone feels sexier, more alive, or just likes wearing heels– then who are you to say anything about them?
I’ve spoken to many people about their opinions on heels, and whether or not they have a place in pole dancing. I can understand wanting to present a clean image to the public. I can understanding wanting to push acceptance of our sport, passion, and dance form on to the public. But at what cost? Are we alienating people within our own ranks, by presenting prejudices of one another based on shoe and outfit choices? As a wise friend said: “Defend the sport for who we are, not for what is or is not on our feet.” Fitness is not determined by footwear.
As long as bachelorette parties continue to be hosted with feather boas, platforms at the ready, and booty popping, the “pole fitness” label will never stick. Can’t we learn from the inspiring story of Steven Retchless, who went on national TV as himself, gyrations and platform heels and face makeup and all, and was accepted and loved by millions of viewers? Can’t we learn from one another, no matter what type of movement we choose to express, and realize that having diversity in our art form makes this a richer, more vibrant medium of expression that is more rewarding for our students and ourselves?
Tomorrow’s post: Tuesday Tips…
Dancing in heels is an art in itself, I love heels, I admire people who can dance in a pair of 6 inch stripper heels. I don’t really think it should matter what we wear when we dance, the female form is something to be celebrated
I agree whole-heartedly Fiona! And the male form too, if that’s what’s on the pole =)
I will take pole dancing as is and will not try to turn it into a real sport if it’s already meant to be sexy. It’s like saying “I’m wearing a short skirt not because I want to show my legs but because it’s just a short skirt!” ??
On another note. I take it as a challenge to have em heels on because they’re heavy. Doing tricks with heels like back pull-ups are so much tougher because Pleasers shoes are so heavy. Also, I used to love NOT wearing heels but realised it got a bit dangerous when everyone else were wearing and not me, and when we were all spinning together, I used to get kicked by heels. It would be much safer to wear heels in a heels environment.
Pleasers = ankle weights? =) I like that analogy!!
I think high heels help a lot to keep a good posture when dancing. When I am barefoot I always forget to step on the balls of my feet and keep my back straight and abs engaged as they should be. In heels it’s easier beacuse you’re already on the balls of your feet and the heels force you to stand up straight. It is also great for strengthening your leg muscles but my legs get tired quickly so I can’t dance in them very long.
However, I can only wear them at home – my pole studio doesn’t even teach to dance in heels.
That’s a shame, Ronia! I’m glad that you’re able to pole at home and work on your posture and leg strengthening… I bet they look pretty awesome too!
Thank you thank you thank you for this post! I have never understood the shoes/no shoes issue, particularly not the bit about judging people based on whether they dance with or without them. I’ve said before that when I wear running shoes, no one “accuses” me of being a marathoner or makes any assumptions about my lifestyle. I’d rather focus on the benefits people gain from pole dancing. What if someone who previously stayed home all the time suddenly was out and about because they’d learned to drive, but felt more comfortable wearing driving gloves? Should we discount their new-found independence and confidence because they don’t drive bare-handed?
Thank YOU for reading! =) You are absolutely right: I hate that people draw lines in the sand and form categories and do this whole “us” versus “them” thing… it’s not helpful to anyone, and it just puts divisions between students, studios, teachers, and polers in general… it hurts the growth of our community at a time when we all should be presenting a unified front on the amazing benefits of pole dance in general. I think focusing on the positive is a GREAT idea!
Seconding this blog entry! I think that our desire ( or at least the desire by many) to be accepted as a mainstream athletic endeavour is leading many polers to “clean up” what made pole interesting in the first place. I think it is a radical act to take shoes that seem crazy & impractical and USE them not just as decoration but as apparatus. It is a skill that’s worth keeping. I do see that there are poses that are better done barefoot and some people ( Natasha Wang for example) really do dance expressively without shoes. But personally, I am really loving the bad-assery of a grown woman who can rock 7 inch heels and lift up into a twisted grip handspring. That’s pole dance that inspires.
Personally, I started pole dancing because of the sexy side of it. Many of my students take my classes specifically because they want to feel more comfortable with expressing this side of themselves. I would hate to alienate anyone who wants to learn, for whatever reason– variety is great, fabulous, and gives more people inspiration to join the dark side and start taking classes! Who knows what will draw someone in, after all?
I don’t think pole is ever going to be accepted by the “mainstream” until we can all accept each other within the community for the depth and breadth of styles that exist within the art/sport. The variety is in fact one of the things I love about pole over some of the other styles of dance I’ve tried – we all have something different we can bring to our dancing, be it acrobatic/gymnastical or omg-hawt sexiness or an enthusiasm that transcends background or training (or lack thereof).
Re heels, I don’t often wear them myself, not because I’m down on them but mostly because I am lazy when it comes to shoes (preferences for general wear=old sneakers or my slip-on skechers but bare feet for poling). Most of my dance routines have been in mid-height heels though, because I just think those have suited the style of the pieces. I can fully understand people’s reasons for choosing to wear them or not and I think that what people have (or don’t have) on their feet is more an extension of the overall feeling of their dance so changing that small aspect of the whole isn’t going to change their dancing as a whole is it? It’s a little bit like the semantics of calling poling pole sport or fitness over pole dancing – at the end of the day, does it really change what we’re doing?
I agree Sass- I love that pole has so many different influences to draw from, so many different movement vocabularies to combine, and so many ways to appreciate one another and the way that we all move!
“The higher the heel, the closer to heaven.” -Anon
I need taller shoes then =)
Trixie I love that quote!!
Awesome commentary Amy! I love heels…have many many pairs of them. I love dressing sexy. I seldom wear heels when I dance simply because I don’t practice in them often enough to feel secure but I still love them.
However, what I like or dislike is not important…what is important is that we each enjoy the space we are in and stop judging others. Thank you for this commentary!
Thanks Mary Ellyn! You’ve crystallized it perfectly: it’s not about personal preference, but about accepting and NOT judging. Thanks for your thoughtful comment!
There is no room for judgement in pole. I practice both ways (w and w/o shoes) and perform both ways depending on the venue, song, etc. One of the primary things that draws people to pole is the variety of styles and the diversity within the community. We be celebrating those differences, not putting them down! Furthermore, fitness combined with sensuality is one of the things that makes pole a unique form of fitness. Claire Grinnin Sterrett writes a lot about this in her book The Pole Story. Also check out http://sheenalashay.com/2011/09/siren-spotlight-claire-griffin-sterrett/ for an interview w/her. She is much more eloquent than I am. I should just say “What she said” and point to this interview and her book! Thanks Amy!
Claire and I are friends! I gave away an autographed copy of her book on my blog a little while back, I’m one of her biggest fans! I agree, she is fabulously eloquent and I love and adore her writing style.
I love this post.
Thanks Miss for stopping by =) I’m glad you liked it, thanks for reading =))
I love reading your blog. You are so intelligent. Unlike me…I am scattered and crazy! But that is the only way I know how to be.
You are brilliant and feisty and perfect the way you are! Thanks for reading, and supporting. I appreciate it so much miss Lori!!
I love the Steven Retchless anecdote at the end. When he went on AGT to show the world what pole dance/fitness/whatever is, he didn’t just show it. He REALLY pushed the envelope! Lucite stilettos, bare feet, full body make-up, POINTE shoes, the works. And I love him so much for that. And so did millions of people, who now see pole dance/fitness/whatever as something extraordinarily difficult, artistic, diverse and awesome. In bare feet, high heels, pointe shoes, whatever!
I prefer to train with bare feet but love the rare opportunity when i get to wear my shoes. I stumbled a lot at first, but it feels so special and soooo super sexy! I love all styles of pole dance. And I too get discourage with the “people who are important and have a voice in our industry” NOT being so … smart and open-minded (?) about the industry as a WHOLE. It’s an incredible, BIG and MULTI-FACETED industry! boom.
Yes, you’re absolutely right– he didn’t just wear stilettos, but for the purposes of my argument, I definitely simplified it =) I love all styles too! And even if I didn’t, I would still try to appreciate– because someone else’s heart and soul got poured into dancing that way. BOOM!
Well said! I agree wholeheartedly and thank you for writing this!
I embrace both the bare feet and the heels! Fantastic blog Amy! Thank you:))xoxo
This article speaks to me so much! (I just wrote about something similar based on the stylistic diversity/conflict for poledancingshop.com). I love heels, I wish I could wear them (thank you a 15 year career in netball resulting in ankles unable to wear heels), I love barefoot pole and I REALLY love jamming out in my bright gold hi-top converses. Many of my students love wearing heels because it’s an environment to embrace their sexuality in an environment where they can feel comfortable to try new things, on top of the sensuality that comes from developing confidence. Heels or no, we’re all here to have fun and have a great time!
The us versus them negativity is going to get everybody nowhere fast!
Thanks for commenting, I’ll have to check out that blog! I agree, negativity in general is best avoided in my book =) I love that you encourage your students to find fun in whatever footwear works for them!!
This post is really great! I haven’t danced in heels yet (6′ heels )but I’m dying to. Wearing heels are suppose to slow down your movements and increased your control. I just love the ability to be free and the freedom to express yourself. I think thats why enjoy doing pole so much. Wish a lot of other people would see that as well.
Wearing heels is great for a lot of things, including control, as you mentioned, and also balance! I agree, I stay with pole because I am able to be myself, and I wish that there weren’t some people who tried to keep that from others.
For my first year of poling I stayed away from heels. I was adament that I was doing it for exercise (and not stripping as some of my “friends” not-so-politely enquired) and I didn’t want people to think I was being skanky or slutty. I never thought that way about the girls who wore heels, but I thought that people would think of me that way if I wore them.
Then, finally, purely for the fact that the top of my foot was constantly trashed from the pole, I bought my first pair of pleasers. And secretly, I was in love. I wasn’t very elegant – still a bit hit and miss trying to walk in 6 inch platforms – but it brought a whole new dimension to dancing! Plus there are certain tricks that are impossible if you’re not in heels (like Alethea’s sexy toe dragging moves… it was actually her workshop that convinced me to buy my first pair)
It’s ridiculous that people form preconceptions about those who dance in heels. This is a form of DANCING people. Heels (for those who choose to wear them) are part of the costume. What would it be like watching ballet without the tutus and pointe shoes? Dancing, all kinds of it, is an art form. That doesn’t mean to say it’s not bloody hard work and excellent for fitness. But it moves people and expresses emotions in ways that running on a treadmill never will. And without that expressiveness, and the occasional opportunity to get dolled up in a costume and makeup and perform (whether by yourself in front of a mirror, or for the whole world at a comp, or even for some lonely guys in a strip club) then what’s the point?
I also happen to adore the barefoot contemporary-style of dance that some girls have made famous, and would love to be able to bust out a contemporary routine like Natasha. But I’ll still have my heels in my pole bag, just in case
I like the point you make about a costume and playing a character. I love the range of expression that we can use in pole, and I would hate to see that get diminished. Hopefully, time will play a role in opening people’s minds and removing fear of the sensual/sexual/raunchy.
i personally wear shoes most of the time (except when learning new tricks). I am short so i like feeling taller…LOL. plus i love how my body/posture looks in heels.
i love to see students perform and what shoes they are going to pull out. gives you a glimpse of a person’s alter ego! but overall its just fun and a way to express who we are. bare feet has an appeal all on its own. i love seeing amber richard dance with those beautiful arches and pointed toes.
i love how shoes show individual personality
in our regular jobs and lives we have to adhere to uniforms, dress codes, etc… we all need outlets where we get to be free and be who you are. dance is a great medium for that and a way to explore different facets of yourself. so when i go to class i get to be me
i agree with everyone else… i hope pole dance does not lose the individual expression..that is what makes it so freeing and beautiful
It doesn’t hurt to add 6″ to your leg length, ever, does it? I agree, I think that if part of your “real you” costume includes shoes, then all the power for it. The most important thing, to me, is to keep pole a place where it’s safe to express yourself, no matter what that entails.