How Pole Dancing is Breaking Stereotypes in India

For years, pole dancing in India was associated solely with bars and strip clubs, carrying a stigma that made it taboo for many.

The notion that it was only for exotic dancers or performers in seedy establishments kept it hidden from mainstream fitness culture.

However, this perception is now changing as more Indians embrace this dance form.

With dedicated studios opening across the country and social media showcasing its benefits, pole dancing is shedding its outdated image.

Today, it is recognised as both an exotic dance and a full-body workout that builds strength, flexibility, and confidence, attracting people from all walks of life.

We explore this rising trend and how it is breaking stereotypes.

A Fitness Trend on the Rise

Pole dancing is rapidly gaining traction in India’s fitness industry.

Young professionals, students, and even older individuals are turning to it as a fun and effective alternative to traditional gym workouts.

It engages the entire body, requiring coordination, balance, and controlled movement, making it comparable to gymnastics and callisthenics.

Tania Sudan Wahal, a Delhi-based pole dance trainer, says:

“Most people who take our classes either want to learn something new as a hobby or struggle to stick to regular gym routines.

“They find our classes engaging and easier to commit to.”

Tania, who has trained over 7,000 students, is launching Delhi’s first dedicated pole dance studio in Chirag Enclave, highlighting the dance form’s growing popularity.

Mastering Pole Dancing Techniques

Pole dancing is not just about spinning gracefully around a pole; it requires mastering various techniques that build strength and endurance.

Static pole tricks involve holding poses using sheer muscle power, demanding immense upper body and core strength.

Spinning pole movements use momentum to create fluid transitions and beautiful aerial poses.

Exotic pole dancing incorporates sensual choreography, often performed in heels, with intricate floor work and expressive movement.

As beginners progress, they learn key moves like the Fireman Spin, which introduces them to controlled rotation, and the Invert, where they lift their body upside down using core strength.

Advanced moves, such as the Iron X, require a high degree of muscle engagement, balance, and discipline.

Many dancers train for months or even years to perfect these techniques, demonstrating the physical and artistic dedication required.

Overcoming Misconceptions

Despite its physical demands, pole dancing still faces societal stigma in India as it is associated with strip clubs. Many practitioners hesitate to share their passion with family members, fearing judgment.

Kirpit Kaur Arora, a content creator from Delhi, recalls the backlash she received when she first posted a pole dance video online.

She shares: “I remember the hate comments: ‘Are you a stripper?’ ‘Why are you exposing so much?’”

Even her elder sister initially suggested she try belly dancing instead.

However, after watching Kirpit perform in a studio, her perception changed, illustrating how exposure and awareness are key to breaking stereotypes.

Bollywood celebrities such as Jacqueline Fernandez, Yami Gautam and Malaika Arora have also played a role in reshaping the public perception of pole dancing.

With its increasing visibility in mainstream media, the activity is no longer confined to the usual fitness hubs of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Studios are now opening in cities like Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Dehradun, making pole dancing more accessible across India.

The Growing Demand for Training

As pole dancing gains popularity, professional training is becoming more readily available.

Private classes range from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 (£13 – £45) per session, while group sessions are more affordable. Experts recommend one to three classes per week, depending on individual goals.

Tania says: “If someone wants to take it up as a hobby, one class a week is fine.

“But for fitness, two to three classes are recommended.”

The demand for home practice is also increasing.

X-POLE, a leading manufacturer of pole dance equipment, has seen a surge in sales in India.

The brand’s global marketing director, Kash Suntharamoorthy, says:

“Many of our customers install poles at home for exercise and movement practice.”

Over time, many home practitioners transition into instructors or competitors.

Cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Goa are witnessing particularly high demand.

Is it for All Ages & Body Types?

One of the biggest misconceptions about pole dancing is that it is only for young, slim individuals. In reality, people of all ages and body types excel at it.

Priyanka Gulabani, a pole dance instructor in Ahmedabad, initially started with just two students but now teaches over 50.

“Women in their 40s and even 60s are joining my classes.”

Meanwhile, Tania has trained a 63-year-old student, proving that age is no barrier to learning pole dancing.

Pole dancing also promotes body positivity.

Kirpit says: “It’s a body-positive activity. I’ve seen so many women who weigh much more than me perform tricks with incredible strength and grace.”

Since better grip requires minimal clothing, many students initially feel self-conscious but later embrace their bodies with confidence.

Tania adds: “Watching themselves master a movement gives them an incredible boost in self-esteem.”

The Challenges and Rewards of Pole Dancing

Pole dancing is not without its challenges.

Beginners often experience bruises, which dancers refer to as “pole kisses”.

Kirpit shares a common rule among pole dancers:

“If I get bruised on the left side, I should have one on the right side too. It ensures both sides of the body are engaged equally.”

Despite these challenges, the sport is growing among men as well as Kirpit reveals:

“In my batch of eight students, we have three men.”

This shift highlights how pole dancing is gradually breaking free from gender-based stereotypes, making it an inclusive discipline.

Pushing for Olympic Recognition

Pole dancing is still in its early stages in India, but it is gaining global recognition.

In 2017, the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) officially recognised it as a sport.

Now, practitioners are pushing for Olympic inclusion.

The debut of breaking in the 2024 Paris Olympics has given pole dancers hope that their dance form could be next.

French pole dancing instructor Clara Pauchet says:

“When I see what pole dancing requires of the body, I don’t see a difference between gymnastics with parallel bars and a vertical pole.”

If accepted into the Olympics, it could further legitimise pole dancing and help combat its lingering stigma.

Pole dancing in India is rapidly evolving from an underground fitness movement to something that is widely accepted.

With the emergence of dedicated studios, increasing social media support, and an expanding student base, its popularity is quickly rising.

Its ability to build strength, boost confidence, and offer a unique alternative to conventional workouts makes it appealing to a diverse audience.

As awareness continues to spread, outdated stereotypes about pole dancing will fade.

With fitness influencers and Bollywood stars advocating for its benefits, the movement is poised for even greater growth.

Whether for fitness, fun, or professional aspirations, pole dancing is redefining India’s wellness landscape and breaking barriers along the way.