Feedback from initial consultation for UK pole dance competitions - January 2010.

After some extensive research into the UK pole dancing competition scene I have finally collated all the responses I have received. Many people wished for their feedback to be kept anonymous but it has still been taken into account with regards to proposals for the final code of conduct. Some responses are excluded from the final document due to the wishes of those involved but their comments will be taken into account. Please let me know if you wish to add any comments to this document. There will be a meeting on the 16th April in London at 4pm to discuss how the UK pole dance competition scene should progress, the venue will be confirmed nearer the time when we have a rough idea of those who want to attend.

Firstly here are the official responses to the questions that were sent out in 2009.

Question 1 - Should UK judging be standardised?

ANON–  Yes, all should be in regards to their rules and regulations. Competition is healthy. Potential Judges should have the opportunity to submit an application to allow them to judge.

ANON - Yes, however with ways to apply / add additional elements if needed, otherwise it could be restrictive, depending on the competition.

Rebecca Drury – Yes - all competitions should be judged by the same standards

ANON - Have named categories of types of moves i.e. spins, inversions, dance transitions, aerial transitions, holds etc. Then a competition routine would have to contain a certain amount of each category as in gymnastics or ice skating. I think creating a strict syllabus, would be hard to pin down the thousands of moves and draw them up as official names as pole dance is still evolving and it may take away the raw energy and creativeness that organically springs from it. As with Pilates, there is an underpinning set of principles and hundreds and thousands of adaptations and "names", something along these lines may be better. Still there must be safe instruction present.

Michaela - Not really, but strong 'recommendations' can be made and would be very useful.

Elena - YES.

Question 2 - How do we create a national syllabus that we all recognise (we need a national syllabus for effective judging)?

ANON - Like you have done now.  We all need to use the same names for moves / trick names to understand each other and keep it easy for the competitors.  Alternatively get a group of high level teachers / judges in a room to discuss for a few days!  Even getting someone from the fitness industry / gymnastic industry / dance arena to attend also to keep us on track!

Michaela- We should convene as a group and agree the following;

Type of Competition to be judged (amateur, professional, erotic, 'showgirl', fitness, spinning pole, static, Chinese, men’s, women’s)

Elements to be considered within each category (skill level, stretch, poise, flexibility, flow of routine, musical interpretation etc)

What factors would make up those elements (clear definitions of how many skills/spins, what constitutes a well executed skill/spin/routine etc)

KT - I think a national syllabus may be too difficult to implement, however if we all agree on beginner, inter, adv and super advance moves it would be a good start. For this to work I think it needs to be kept very simple so that there are not so many things for people to disagree on.

ANON - Creating accredited qualifications in the pole dance, dance and pole fitness and fitness industry which is endorsed by professional and recognised independent governing bodies.

Elena - We will need to research in a few different fields and extract what we think will apply to pole dancing as well as add our own criteria.

Rebecca - Contact the IDTA AND National Fitness Industry associations and ask to see their syllabuses. Then we get together and try to put one together for our community.

Question 3 - Should there be a judging qualification or should judges be subject to a strict set of guidelines to ascertain their suitability to judge?

Michaela - A judging qualification would be useful. Judges should have some valid experience as a pole dancer and/or gymnast/instructor and/or gymnastics judge. Again, one can only make recommendations.

ANON - Assessor and verifiers qualifications are already on the education market - this would be a start!  If you are serious about raising the standard you need to ensure the standards are high on the qualifications of judges.  Although experience as a dancer is fantastic - it doesn’t mean you are great at assessing.  You could have one guest judge who is high performer standard, however the rest be qualified.

Elena - There should be both qualified judges for the technical category and those who are invited to judge for other categories without having a qualification but who are recognized and respected for their achievements in their field.

ANON - Yes absolutely.

ANON - They should be experienced in the art of pole dance or some form of dance with guidelines to judge by.

KT - I think that a judging qualification would be a step too far but strict guidelines are a must. I think if you take a look at the points system adopted my gymnastics would be a good starting point. I believe that a judge should have been in the business for a minimum period, a dancer themselves and to be of an advance standard.

Rebecca - Judges should be experienced teachers who have been involved in creating the syllabus and implementing it.

ANON - If we are to be recognised and taken seriously within the area of gymnastics / dance / fitness industry surely we need to take our education of Pole Fitness / Glamour pole seriously.  To become a gymnastics coach there are 6 levels of qualification, work experience and case studies with varying elements in each, the same applies to dance and the fitness industry.  This ensures safety of our clients, consistent approaches to the teaching skills, etc etc. Surely if we crave acceptance we should be looking to up our level of teaching / judging standards? I think at the moment although people are trying to create a high level it various from school to school / competition to competition. This is sometimes down to the experience of the organisers / teachers.  I have been teaching fitness for 22 years, so my teaching standard is high; I have structured my teaching of Pole showing progression of fitness together with progression of skill.  It has been thought out with regards to anatomy and the progression of strength / endurance and cardio capacity of the client to ensure correct technique, posture and ultimately prevent long and short term injury.  We have no governing body keeping track and raising the standard, so how can we hit upon these huge industries for acceptance when in fact we have no structure ourselves?  To become a level one Gymnastic coach you need to attend the relevant course, do the case studies and prove you have put in so many hours of supported coaching.  To be a dancer you need to have progressed through the grades, done the teaching diploma and then gained the teaching experience, to be a fitness instructor the exercise to music qualification, case studies and experience.  Although to become a pole teacher there are a few pole teaching qualifications to do, some teachers are definitely teaching with no formal qualifications, and setting up competitions / judging.  What image does this give to already established industries?  I am passionate about pole and raising my schools standards, and have taken to studying to being qualified as a gymnast due to the poor teaching qualifications in pole, as I like to keep updated.  I am a high level senior instructor / presenter / tutor in the fitness industry, and although I am trying to raise the standard by writing my own qualification, I am sure I am not the only one who feels this way.  It’s frustrating for those of us who are trying, when some in our industry do not seem to care about our standards or their client’s safety.  One of my Beginner clients for example attended a workshop in London a month ago, on this lesson they was taught to shoulder mount!  They didn’t even know how to do a basic inversion, they were never asked about injuries - they have a bad shoulder and are asthmatic! I’m disgusted! They are injured as a result.

Question 4 - How can we support the existing competitions such as Miss Pole Dance UK, PoleDivas, NSPDS, UKAPP and the BIPDC (let us know if we have omitted any competitions)?

Michaela - We can only support them if they want to be. Provision of a variety of different 'judging' templates would be very useful, according to the type of competition they are running.

Elena - we can invite them to consider using the standard judging criteria when this is finalized.

ANON - If competitions are standardised and are willing to fit in with the standards I’m sure schools will support.  I never know which competitions to support on my website as there are no standards in the UK, and would only want to support those who were showing pole in the fantastic light it deserves.

ANON - Give them guidelines for a successful event!

KT - I don’t think it is how you can support then its how they need to support you. Many of these comps serve a purpose but they are not thought out correctly. They say they are fitness and want to improve the image of pole but they are in strip clubs, in strip clothing and in heels, it’s contradicting themselves.

ANON - Taking on an active role professionally, ethically, physically and financially all year round and not just around the month of the competitions.

Rebecca - We should only support competitions that don't charge entry fees.

Question 5 - Is there room for another national competition?

Michaela - In my opinion there is room for one more competition and that would be Vertical Bar National Championships. This would purely be the sports element of Poledancing, a gymnastics routine to music using a combination of floor work and Vertical Bar. It is this sports element and this element alone that will ever get recognised by BAGA, UEG, FIG and IOC.

Elena - not necessarily.

ANON - No disrespect but is there one now?  As we have no standards, or definite structure how can there be a descent national competition.  To enter a gymnastics competition, standards of the competitors need to have been achieved before attending and structured to what level they can compete at?  In pole we are always guessing - as we have no set average / bar.

ANON - There is always room, more competition means higher standards of events for competitors and spectators.

KT - In any genre of fitness dance there are many factions, people will always go with the best so yes there are always room for something that is good!

ANON - Professional Competition is healthy – we live in a free society.

Rebecca - There should be one competition that is recognised as the 'World' competition - all the rest should be seen as regional heats.

Question 6 - Should we separate fitness competitions from glamour competitions?

Michaela - Definitely. Difficult to judge one against the other if within same competition. Could be run back to back on same day as each other, so competitors can effectively enter two separate competitions. If we want to establish our vision of getting Vertical Bar Gymnastics recognised as a sport and eventually gain Olympic status, then a very clear divide needs to be sought.

KT - yes we should!!!

ANON - YES!!!!!!!  Unfortunately if we want to be accepted in the gymnastic arena / fitness arena, the glamour element needs to be separated.  It gives the element of choice to the competitor, the organiser and the audience member.  Unfortunately unless we want to wait an eternity to be accepted as a legitimate form of gymnastics / dance / fitness it needs to be segregated.  All these elements - gymnastics / dance / fitness - are currently open to men / women and children - If we want to be the same - glamour has to be separate.

ANON – Yes, they should, Should there be other categories – if so how should they be labelled?

Rebecca - Yes and the girls should always be dressed in sports clothes and not glamour clothes. This is one of the reasons we are not being taken seriously. We should be trying to get sports sponsorship and not anything that is to do with the sex industry.

Question 7 - Should competition venues be over 18's only?

Michaela - For 'showgirl' routines yes.

Vertical Bar Gymnastics, definitely not.

ANON - Yes - especially if glamour is not separated. 

ANON - Only if glamour or raunchy semi nudity is involved.

Elena – NO.

ANON - Depends on the nature of the competition rulings! Due to the nature of the competitions and as a social obligation we think there should definitely a lower age limit to participant applications. Should there be an upper age limit or seniors category? Pros and cons? These ruling should be assessed yearly as the industry adapts and evolves.

KT - no, that is just saying that we are doing something that is of an adult nature and if we aren’t then it should be over 18. (I am referring to pole fitness; if it’s more erotic then yes it should be over 18).

Rebecca – Over 16's only. Eventually - once the entire stigma has gone - we can throw it open further.

Question 8 - Should competitors be able to see their official scorecards?

Michaela - In order for a competitor to gain value from competing, they should be able to see their scorecards if required and ask for feedback on their performance. Competitors have the right to request and be shown their scorecards http://www.ico.gov.uk/what_we_cover/data_protection.aspx in line with Data Protection Act requirements.  However, it would be more beneficial for competitors to see how they scored versus other competitors. Competition hosts are not obliged to provide this and perhaps competitors would rather not know. It may cause more trouble than it’s worth?!

ANON - Comprehensive confidential process in adherence to the data protection act due to the sensitive nature of application processes. By written documented practical and written assessment process of achieving set standards ideally in person or continuous recent routines (less than 3 months old) submitted via video. Length variable to competition rulings.

ANON - Yes, of course.  Anyone got anything to hide?  It’s their right to see how they are judged.  They put in the hard work and have the right to see the feedback to improve.

ANON - YES – constructive written and verbal feedback is highly valuable to the growth of the competitions and competitors. Should competitors and judges have the opportunity for giving feedback too? YES absolutely. Should the public have the opportunity for professional feedback? Yes viewers are an integral part of these growing competitions. How can the above be achieved to maintain the integrity of professionalism?

Elena – YES.

KT - yes they should a judge should have nothing to hide and it will also help keep judges from being bias if they know their score cards will be made public knowledge.

Rebecca - Only if the scorecards are of a reasonable quality - i.e.: they aren't being judged on 'sexiness' but on style, grace, fluidity of tricks etc.

Question 9 - How should competitors be selected for final competitions?

ANON - Depends on the number of entrants.

KT - heats, everyone needs a fair crack at the whip.

ANON - Depends on the outline.  Obviously if it is down to technique and tricks, it can be strictly marked, if it is a “performer” dance it is up to the judge’s opinion, therefore the judges need to be experienced in choreography and music.

Rebecca - Technical excellence, strength, dance ability.

Question 10 - Should competitors have to pay to enter competitions?

ANON - Pros and cons - Main pro is that it cuts out the time wasters and that standard of prizes, awards, certificates and accreditations can be higher  - cons , should they be paying for their own prizes? (no)  ideally sponsorship should cover this.

KT - In every other sport they have to pay for either member ship or paper work fees. People have to remember it’s not a charity, cost need to be covered.

Rebecca - No. By doing this - it encourages some events to allow 'anybody' to enter for purely financial gain. This reflects badly on the whole community.

Michaela - No more than enough to cover their Insurance (£5 each), however, a refundable deposit should be paid which would be forfeit if the Competitor fails to show up for the competition.

ANON - minimal charge if any.

ANON - Yes!  I pay to do dance, gymnastic and fitness competitions.  Ultimately if someone puts in the hard work of organising an event, they should be paid accordingly.  They are ultimately in charge of ensuring the competitors safety, comfort etc in the competition, so the entry price is what it costs to get this.

Elena - A minimum admin fee is acceptable.

Miscellaneous feedback:

ANON - “If an event states that it opens at 3pm then doors should open then. Competitors should have clear guidelines as to an approximate time that they will be performing and they should not be left waiting for hours!”

ANON - “All events should be risk assessed, there were some serious issues at MPD last year with poles breaking!”

ANON – “All competitions should have an official complaints procedure”

PDC comment – would existing competitions be happy for the PDC to take on a role as an overseer to ensure complaints were dealt with fairly and effectively?

ANON – “Male categories and criteria’s- Should they be combined with the female categories or kept separate?”

ANON “Promoters should be better at communicating with competitors, I sent several e-mails to the organisers of PoleDivas in the run up to the competition and did not get a a response to the questions that I needed answers too. (PoleDivas2009)”

PDC comment – perhaps promoters could give clear guidelines as to when and how queries will be responded to? e.g. a promoter may state that all enquiries will be dealt with within 48 hours.

ANON “Feed back to the contestants with official score sheets, points, comments and criticisms. Qualified, experienced judges should be selected. Reputable sponsors. Entrants should not be required to pay to enter. Ticket prices and sponsors should cover the costs, and go towards the venue cost and the awards etc. Warm, clean, light, private comfortable changing and preparation facilities for contestants and chaperone. Venue seating where spectators can watch the event".

Proposals for further discussion.

1. Use wikipole or similar medium to categorise moves into 5 levels of difficulty:
Beginners, improvers, intermediate, advanced and world class to help aid judging.

2. Create a set of guidelines for judging? Organise a judging course?

3. Create a code of conduct and then support all competitions that follow that code?

4. Collate feedback from this article and create a protocol for moving things forward

5. Update the PDC code of conducts to include clear guidelines on pole dance competitions using the feedback so far.

Keep an eye on the PDC site for more updates.

N.B. Please note that although the consultation focused mainly on UK pole dancing competitions there was some feedback from individuals outside the UK, there is no reason why this research cannot be applied to international pole dancing competitions.