One of the things strip clubs are most known for is the pole dance. Although it may seem like a more modern activity, to some, it has a very deep and interesting history that dates back many years ago. Something similar to this popular form of movement began centuries ago during the 1100s, as a celebration of fertility. It was called the Maypole dance. Some dancers performed the dance by wrapping ribbons around a wooden pole, while dancing.

Along with being a type of dance, pole activities were also seen as a sport to those in India around this time. The activity was called Mallakhamb. During this game, tricks were performed on a wooden pole. It was believed that this activity also began during the 1100s. However, it somewhat fizzled and was revived in 1800s. The word Mallakhamb literally means pole gymnastics in English.

The inclusion of sensual and acrobatic movements is something modern and relatively new. Strip Clubs in the United States and Canada began adopting this type of dance during the 1950s, as it started to become popular and more acceptable as burlesque became more widely-known. It is argued that pole dancing actually began in the strip clubs of Vancouver, Canada. It later spread throughout different parts of North America, later reaching Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

This dance form has recently evolved from being only related to strip clubs to something that is now considered an art form in itself. Pole dancing is now performed in several other types of environments. This includes mainstream theater, cabaret and corporate conventions. There are even national and international competitions centered on the activity. The competitions showcase the dance without nudity.

Along with being an art form, this dance is now being considered a feasible form of fitness. There are people all over the country and even the world that have began participating in pole dancing activities as a way to tone up and get into shape. Some of the noted benefits of this activity include the ability to burn a lot calories and the ability to tone your abdomen along with your legs. It is also known to make people more flexible.

Some married couples have also begun incorporating this type of activity into their marriage in an effort to spice up their love life. For example, they may pay to have a pole installed in their bedroom. The wife then performs for her husband.

So, it can now clearly be seen that pole dancing is something more than an activity that you see in one of your local strip clubs. However, it is something that is now considered a highly-respected sport, art form and exercise routine, among other things.