Pole Dancing and Prostitution - Any Connection?

It all goes back to Mugwump—a curiously named strip joint in Oregon, USA—where the beautiful Belle Jangles performed the first pole dance in 1968. From there, pole dancing became a thang. According to Vocabulary.com, “mugwump” is a Native American word meaning "war leader." Later, in the U.S., it evolved into political slang for a Republican fence-sitter—someone who can't quite commit to either side (or pole, as it were).

The Charlotte Post suggests the history of pole dancing stretches even further back, tracing its roots to the circus era. During the early 1900s economic downturn, traveling shows would use “Hoochie Coochie” dancers performing on wooden tent poles to draw in crowds and extra income. Some scholars even point to ye olde English Maypole dances as a possible precursor—though those ladies kept their voluminous clothes on, bless them.

Wherever it began, pole dancing first found solid footing (or heels) in strip clubs across the U.S., then Australia. But the art form has long outgrown its hootchie-coochie origins. These days, it's a respected fitness pursuit and an internationally recognized sport, with championships and choreographed routines that demand serious strength, flexibility, and athleticism—primarily performed by women.

There's also a theory that pole dancing may have been influenced by Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian practice combining wrestling, yoga-like poses, and strength training—all performed on a vertical pole or rope. According to AI Meta (and yes, sometimes she gets it right), Mallakhamb developed in Maharashtra, India, and was traditionally used to train male wrestlers. Men practiced on poles, while women typically used ropes—so maybe there’s a crossover history here, albeit with very different vibes.

Now, I must admit—without the help of AI—that your humble correspondent once nearly claimed the title of Mr. Perth Pole Dancing back in the day. I say "nearly" because, during a particularly ambitious gold-medal routine, I slipped on a sweaty pole while attempting the now-banned 68½ pole move. The resulting photo of me sprawled beneath the pole (shorts askew, dignity somewhere in the rafters) has since become known in niche circles as the money shot.

But enough about me.

Because pole dancing was born and bred in strip joints—especially in the U.S.—it naturally became a tool in the kits of dancers and sex workers alike. And let’s be honest: a fit, nearly nude woman in sky-high heels spinning upside down on a pole with legs akimbo is likely to stir something in most men.

Still, Ms. Google (via Meta AI) tells us:

“While pole dancing has roots in the sex industry, it is not inherently sexual or exploitative. Many people engage in pole dancing for fitness, artistic expression, and personal empowerment, without any connection to the sex industry.”

And while I respect that view, I’ll admit this: every pole dancer I’ve ever admired has been inherently sexy. Maybe it’s the heels. Maybe it’s the gravity-defying athleticism. Maybe it’s the near-total lack of clothing. Who can say?

Here in Perth, strip clubs are becoming a relic. Without the hootchie, there’s nowhere left to house the coochie—or her pole.

Perhaps the conclusion to the question raised is best said by Gloriousport.com as follows; 

Pole as it's practiced in studios is definitely influenced and pioneered by strippers, not mallakhamb. You are literally doing tricks invented by strippers, and if you wear heels, you are wearing shoes strippers wear for work. You cannot distance pole dance from sex work- pole dance comes from sex work. (19 Mar 2024.)

Author: Magnum
(Almost Mr Perth Pole Dancing Champ)
For: Langtrees.com

TalkinSex Forum | Perth Escorts | Sydney Escorts | Melbourne Escorts | Brisbane Escorts | Darwin Escorts | Adelaide Escorts | Hobart Escorts | New Zealand Escorts