Platform Dance Pole
Information

A platform dance pole is a special type of pole useful in specific situations, for example outdoors or in a venue with very high ceilings where a regular height dance pole is too short to be properly supported.

However, many people make or buy a platform pole simply because they like the idea of having a built in stage with their pole, or because they're handy with a hammer and saw and want to save some money by building their own pole.

If you're one of these folks, check out these great instructions that show you how to make a platform dance pole.

After being frustrated at my first trade show (held in an arena) because there was nowhere to put up my dance pole, I had a platform dance pole made that I now take to all my trade shows. Mine's actually on a round base and rolls like a giant spool of thread. Kinda weird but nonetheless, problem solved!

Best Uses

If you perform or attend trade shows or other special events with your pole dancing business, a platform pole will serve you well. I use mine several times a year for trade shows, community events, and performances. It's been a very worthwhile investment and I don't ever have to worry about ceiling height when I go out on location.

Platform poles are also about the only type of pole you can use for outdoor pole dancing. For shows or events that take place outside in the summer, a platform pole is pretty much your only choice.

You can read more about the pros and cons of platform poles, as well as safety information, below.

Pros and Cons of Platform Poles

The biggest advantage to platform poles is that they allow you to use a dance pole where you might otherwise be unable to. In venues with very high ceilings (arenas, theaters, auditoriums) or outdoors, a platform dance pole can come in very handy.

If you have a pole dancing studio or a pole party company, or are thinking about getting into this business, you may want to seriously consider buying or making a platform pole for promotional purposes.

One important thing that you should consider, however, is portability. Depending on your vehicle and the type of platform pole, you may or may not find that transportation is an issue. Some poles come with a base that you can disassemble for easier transport, but for others you'll definitely need a truck and a couple of strong bodies to move your pole.

Cost is the biggest factor with this type of pole. Because of the fact that these poles require a base of some kind, the cost to manufacture them is generally higher. Whether or not the cost outweighs the benefits will depend on what you plan to use your platform pole for.

If it's integral to promoting your pole dancing business then it will probably be worthwhile, and of course you can write it off as a legitimate business expense. But if you just want an inexpensive dance pole to play on at home, a platform pole may not be your best option.

The final issue to consider is safety. Platform poles have some unique safety considerations that many people don't think of, and I've outlined these below.

Platform Pole Safety

Because you'll be dancing on a raised platform, falls are even more of a concern than normal. Not only are you farther away from the ground, but there are also the edges of your platform to be concerned about.

I once lost my grip while inverted on my platform pole and even though I slid only a short distance, I managed to break a bone in my foot. I cracked it on the edge of the plywood base as I tried to come out of the inversion before I landed on my head. Ouch!

Personally, I don't recommend using a platform dance pole until you've had lots of pole dancing experience and feel very comfortable with spins and tricks.

Another safety tip for platform poles is that unless your platform base is weighted, it can lift off the ground when some of the more advanced tricks and spins are performed. With my round base in particular, this conjures up images of a runaway pole base rolling out of control down the aisles of a trade show...definitely NOT sexy!

Once again, be sure you have a good base of pole dancing experience before you start using a platform pole, and then make sure you use caution as you learn about how your particular platform pole reacts to the laws of physics. You will probably experience some lifting of the base if it's unweighted, but with practice you'll learn to control your momentum and keep it within safe limits.

Another important safety consideration is in the moving and assembly of your pole. Platform poles that have to be moved in one piece can be heavy, so you'll want to make sure you have at least one helper when moving your pole from place to place. Remember to use basic lifting safety...use your knees, not your back, and make sure you have enough help so that no one is lifting more than they can reasonable handle.

As well, keep in mind that you'll be re-assembling your pole each time you use it, so it's important not to get complacent with safety. Be sure you test all the connections, bolts and fasteners thoroughly to be sure they're tight and secure before you start dancing.

And finally, remember that if you plan to use your platform pole for teaching, most of these risks apply to your students as well. I have a safety policy that anyone who touches my platform pole at a trade show (I only use it for this purpose) does so only with my permission and only under my direct supervision.

I don't allow people to try anything other than very basic moves on this pole, and definitely no spins or tricks. A platform pole is a great promotional tool, but the risk of injury is higher for the reasons I've outlined above, so I'm extra cautious when sharing my platform pole with the public.

Thinking of buying a platform dance pole?There are a limited number of platform poles available for sale, but you do have a couple of choices. Be sure to check out this dance pole review page for detailed information on all the different platform poles available for sale.

Return from Platform Dance Pole to Pole Dancing Poles

Return to Home Page