Meeting your fitness goals doesn’t always have to mean going to the gym – for many Bangaloreans, it means signing up for pole dancing classes. The activity, which gained traction a few years ago, appears to still have a strong grip on city folk, who tell us that pole dancing is all about strength, flexibility, and providing an engaging alternative to traditional workouts – but beyond that, it is also an enjoyable and empowering experience.
‘MANY PEOPLE ARE NOW EMBRACING POLE DANCING AS ART AND FITNESS’
When pole dancing first hit the scene, many criticised it for being “too sexual” an activity. But that perception has changed, says pole dance coach Tanya Ballal, who started Ekisa Institute of Pole and Aerial Arts in Bengaluru. “There’s been a noticeable shift in how pole dancing is perceived in India, particularly in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. People used to always think of the sexual aspects of pole dancing, but now, more people are recognising it as a legitimate art form and a fitness discipline,” she says.

‘BENGALURU’S POLE DANCE COMMUNITY IS GROWING RAPIDLY’
“Bengaluru’s enthusiasm for pole dance surprised me,” says Tanya. “And watching the community grow, evolve, and thrive has been so rewarding as a teacher. Today, we have multiple poles, a vibrant, ever-expanding community, and I’ve even certified my first batch of students to become teachers themselves. In Bengaluru, we’re still in the early stages of mainstream acceptance, but looking at the demand, more pole studios have been set up. More people are interested in helping grow the pole and aerial arts scene in India,” she says.

‘POLE DANCE CLASSES FEEL LIKE A HEALTHY HOUSE PARTY ’
“For me, physically, I’ve become fitter and more flexible. It has also motivated me to be more consistent at the gym. Mentally, it’s been very relaxing. There’s music, friendly people, and an overall uplifting atmosphere. It feels like a healthy house party,” shares a male participant, who wishes to remain anonymous.

‘EVEN MEN CAN ENJOY POLE DANCING ’
Challenging gender norms, pole dancing classes in Bengaluru are proving to be inclusive spaces — even for men. One male participant, a regular at pole dance studios, shares, “I was the only guy in my class, but honestly, everyone was so welcoming. I never felt out of place. Sure, I get the occasional ‘Are you just here to meet girls?’ or ‘Why pole dancing? That’s for women, right?’ But I don’t let it bother me. People just don’t always know, and those ideas change over time.”

Pole dancing has made me feel good about myself in a completely new way. It’s changed how I see my body, made me feel stronger, and helped me feel more connected to myself

– Eden Heredia, a communications professional who has been pole dancing for a year

‘POLE DANCE IS MORE THAN FITNESS, IT BUILDS CONFIDENCE’
But what fuels the popularity of pole dancing is the confidence it builds. Eden Heredia, a communications professional who signed up for her first pole dance class last year, shares, “I’ve seen so much growth — not just in how strong or skilled I’ve become, but also in how I feel about myself. It’s helped me feel more confident and has brought out a different side of me. I’ve always liked dancing — it helps me relax and take a break from everyday stress. But pole dancing, especially, has made me feel good about myself in a new way. It’s changed how I see my body, made me feel stronger, and it really helped me feel more connected to myself.

‘POLE DANCERS COME IN ALL AGES, FROM TEENS TO THOSE IN THEIR 50s’
From fitness enthusiasts to those seeking a personal challenge, Bengaluru’s pole dancing classes cater to a variety of motivations. Tanya, who has been coaching in Bengaluru since 2022, explains, “Our classes see a great mix of people from different backgrounds, but there’s a common thread – everyone is looking for a unique, empowering way to move. The average age of students falls between 22 to 35, though we’ve had people in their 50s, recent mothers, and teenagers take up pole dancing. Many come in for fitness, some for dance, and others just to challenge themselves in a new way.”