Tanya Shaw says Australians are helping redefine the art form of pole dancing. Photo: Chris Roe.
Aussie pole dancer Kristy Sellars is redefining perceptions of the art on a global scale and the team from Wagga’s Zana Aerial Dance Academy reckon it’s time you reconsidered your views on the popular pastime.
“I think she really shone a spotlight on the artistry and creativity of pole dancing and broke some of the stereotypical views,” says Wagga social worker Nick Steepe, who has been doing pole fitness for six years.
“She did an incredible job of demonstrating the skill that is involved in it, but also showing just how much fun and how creative it can be.”
Sellars won Australia’s Got Talent in 2019 with her unique blend of dance, multimedia and storytelling before heading to the American version of the show this year.
Last week she finished in second place with another show-stopping performance and is being credited with smashing stereotypes through her wholesome, joyful take on pole dancing.
“She’s done a good job working in storylines and all those fantastical elements into her routines,” explains Heather Shaw who co-founded Zana Aerial Dance Academy with her sister Tanya.
Melbourne’s Kristy Sellars put pole fitness on a global stage as the runner-up on America’s Got Talent. Photo: Kristy Sellars (Facebook).
Ashleigh Farquhar has been doing pole for four years and agrees that Sellars’ ability to interact with the multimedia display is breathtaking.
“It’s just phenomenal the way she’s able to not only have the technique and strength that she does but to time it in so well with all of the other elements that she’s included – it’s incredible!” she says.
For Ashleigh, the Wagga academy is a creative community that she loves being a part of.
“It’s just such a wonderful environment to have such inclusivity and such great body positivity,” she smiles.
“It’s my happy place.”
Ashleigh Farquhar and Nick Steepe dance for fun and fitness. Photo: Chris Roe.
Nick nods in agreement and adds that it’s a fun way to stay in shape.
“I tell people that it’s like playing on the monkey bars but as an adult,” he laughs.
“And it’s always about progressing and advancing and challenging your mind as well as your body to progress.”
But the dancers are keen to point out that it’s not just for the super-fit or theatrically inclined, with a broadening demographic taking up the art form.
“It’s open and accessible to everyone here which has been great,” says Nick.
Australians are redefining pole dancing as a mainstream art form. (Top to bottom) Tanya Shaw, Heather Shaw, Nick Steepe, Ashleigh Farquhar. Photo: Chris Roe.
With a busy calendar of events across the region, Heather says the academy has been busy performing, not just on pole but related apparatus like silks and Lyra (hoop).
They are also teaching dance and circus skills through the school holidays.
“We are doing school holiday workshops for the children during the day and we have a go on everything,” explains Tanya.
“And then for older ones in the holidays, we also do pole silk where we put the silk rig onto the pole and use both, it’s really fun and a bit novel.”
To check out the schedule or have a go yourself, head to the Academy’s website.
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