Happy April everyone! Welcome back to another little catch up on the XPERT blog. This month’s chat feels a tiny bit different, because instead of being backstage, soaking up the vibes at Pole Theatre, I was firmly planted on my sofa with an ice pack strapped to my knee… but honestly? I still got to experience something pretty special.
Earlier this month, Pole Theatre UK took to the stage in Peterborough, brought to life by the same powerhouse duo (Jade and Stacey) behind Elite Pole Championships. If you’ve never heard of Pole Theatre before, think less ‘competition’ in the traditional sense and more full-blown production. This is where pole meets theatre, storytelling, artistry and pure creativity. It’s not just about what you can do on the pole, it’s about what you can make an audience feel while you’re doing it.
Now, full disclosure, I was meant to be there in person. I had every intention of soaking up the atmosphere, wandering around the venue, and probably crying at at least 3 performances (standard behaviour). But thanks to a slightly grumpy knee injury, I ended up watching from home via the live stream instead. And I have to say, the fact that Pole Theatre made the show accessible in that way? Genuinely amazing. In a world where we’re so used to either being in the room, or missing out completely, it felt incredibly special to still be part of it all from my sofa. Snacks within arm’s reach, blanket on and emotionally invested from start to finish – not the worst compromise.
One of the things that makes Pole Theatre so exciting is how it’s structured. There are three levels: Amateur, Semi Pro and Professional, which means you get to see a huge range of performers at different stages of their journey. The Amateur category is all about passion, people who do pole purely for the love of it, not as their profession. Semi Pro sits in that in-between space, often instructors or experienced performers who haven’t yet crossed into the professional competition world. And then, of course, the Pros… where everything gets dialled all the way up. The skill and the production – it’s always something special, which is why Pole Theatre is such a beloved fixture on our UK competition calendar.
Before the Professional category began, there was an opening show that honestly set the tone perfectly. Performances representing each of the Pole Theatre categories: Art, Drama, Comedy and Classique – took to the stage, giving the audience a little taste of what was to come. It felt like a true celebration of everything Pole Theatre stands for. Watching that unfold, even through a screen, gave me goosebumps. It was such a clever way to highlight just how diverse and creative this competition is, with each category bringing its own completely different energy and style to the stage.
And then we have the categories themselves, which is where Pole Theatre really comes into its own. There are four: Drama, Art, Comedy and Classique, and each one brings a completely different flavour to the stage.
Art is where you see those beautifully fluid, dance-led pieces. Think contemporary, lyrical, ballet influences, all woven into a routine that feels like watching moving poetry. It’s all about musicality, flow and creating something visually stunning.
Drama, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like. These performances tell a story, with a clear beginning, middle and end. And when I say story, I mean full commitment. Characters, emotions, plot twists… these are the kind of routines where you forget you’re watching a competition and feel like you’re watching a mini theatre production.
Then comes Comedy, which is always an absolute crowd favourite. These performers bring humour, personality and timing to the stage in a way that’s honestly so impressive. Making people laugh whilst executing pole tricks is no easy task, but when it lands, it really lands.
And finally, Pole Classique. This is the category that celebrates the sensual, sexy roots of pole dance. Heels, striptease elements and connection with the audience. This category is bold, unapologetic and always captivating to watch.
What I love most about having these 4 categories is how different every single performance feels. One minute you’re completely emotionally invested in a dramatic storyline, the next you’re laughing out loud, and then suddenly you’re hypnotised by a slow, sensual routine. Even through a screen, that variety kept me hooked the entire time.
Watching from home also gave me a slightly different perspective. Without the backstage buzz or the distractions of being there in person, I found myself really focusing on the details – the musical choices, the costuming, the way performers used the stage space. It reminded me that pole competitions like this aren’t just about tricks or difficulty, they’re about creating a full experience.
And honestly, it made me a little bit emotional (shocking, I know). There’s something so special about seeing how much work, creativity and heart goes into these performances. Whether someone was stepping on stage for the first time in the Amateur category or commanding the space as a Professional, every single person brought something unique.
So if you’re reading this and you’ve never been to a Pole Theatre show, consider this your sign. Whether you’re in the audience in person or, like me this time, watching from the comfort of your sofa, you are seriously missing out if you haven’t experienced it yet. It’s inspiring, it’s creative, it’s a little bit chaotic in the best way, and it showcases exactly why the pole community is so special. As for me? I’ll absolutely be back in that audience (on 2 fully functioning knees, hopefully) next time.