Man Up: Tips for Male Pole Dancers
(and Their Teachers)
Pole dancing is still often seen as a female-dominated space, but more and more men are finding their way onto the pole. Whether you’re a guy stepping
into class for the first time or a teacher welcoming male students, there are unique challenges to consider. This blog explores practical tips for
male pole dancers as well as advice for instructors on how to create a supportive, effective learning environment where they can thrive.
I started pole dancing back in 2008. At the time, my instructor only allowed me into her pole class on the condition that I did exactly what the women were doing
and honestly, that decision shaped the type of pole dancer I am today. Nowadays, many men approach pole with more of a parkour-inspired style, which is
also awesome. The downside though, is that this style often skips over foundational basics. That gap can catch up with you years down the line,
especially if you want to monetize your skills and eventually teach because let’s be real, the majority of the industry is still 95% women.
My own introduction to pole was at a gay club. There were poles on the dance floor, and I remember watching a guy and a girl both pulling off tricks. I was blown away and asked them to teach me a few things. They showed me how to invert, and from that moment I was hooked. I trained hard, took as many classes as I could, and eventually decided to compete. At my first competition, I was the only man on stage. In fact, I was one of the first men in the UK to step into a pole competition, and it definitely shook things up.
That competition had a rule that said everyone had to wear “shoes” which, at the time, was assumed to mean heels. But since the wording only said “shoes,” I walked out in a pair of black plimsolls. I looked absolutely ridiculous, but rules are rules. That performance also happened to be the first competition I ever won, and the buzz from that victory was addictive.
Fast forward to today, and so much has changed in the pole world. Changes I like to think I’ve had a small hand in shaping. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about navigating the pole industry as a man, and also about how to effectively teach fellow penis-owners. So I am hoping this blog can be of some use to you.
Tips for Male Pole Dancers
TIP #1 : RESPECT THE ROOTS!
Whatever you do, PLEASE don’t start pole and forget its roots. And no, it didn’t come from Chinese pole. The pole dancing we know today was born in strip clubs. Over time it’s evolved to include more acrobatics, but it all started with OG strippers who brought it out of the clubs and began teaching civilians. That doesn’t mean you need to throw on Pleasers or dance sexy. It just means you respect where it came from and appreciate the different sides of this very cool art form.
TIP #2 : How big is it? Like seriously!
Yes, you read that right. How big is your dick? I only ask because one of the first questions guys hit me with when they start pole is: “But what if I smash my dick on the pole?” My answer? Unless you’re packing a 10-inch python with boulders for balls, you’ll be fine. And sure, I’ve had accidents but nowadays it’s extremely rare. And once you learn the correct technique, it’s rare. Here’s the thing, when you sit on a pole, yeah, there’s a chance you’ll squash the crown jewels. But let’s not forget that we may have dicks but women have delicate parts too, and there’s nothing worse than a full-force clam slam (their words, not mine). The trick? A good old-fashioned hip tilt. And the hip tilt isn’t just for men! It’s for women too. When you sit on the pole, it shouldn’t jam up into the top of your thigh. Not only because that’s where the precious bits live, but also because it’s the warmest (aka sweatiest and slipperiest) part of your leg. And nothing kills a trick faster than slippery skin on a pole. So, moral of the story: tilt those hips back and let the pole sit a bit lower on your thigh. Your privates (and your grip) will thank you.
TIP #3 : Get yourself a ballet belt!
In ballet, men often wear ballet belts to keep everything securely in place. They help flatten and tuck everything for a smooth appearance. Another option is a jock strap. I used to rely on a ballet belt, especially when performing, as it kept my lines clean and avoided any distractions. There’s nothing worse than watching a performance and being distracted by a visible penis outline through someone’s shorts. It’s a personal ICK of mine. So, Is a ballet belt essential? Not at all. With correct technique, you’ll be fine. However, if you’re new to pole and want the extra security, it can be a worthwhile investment.
TIP #4 : Embrace your strengths – but DO NOT rely on them!
Yes, many men come into pole with strong upper bodies, but pole is just as much about technique, control, and mobility as it is about strength. Don’t let your power become an excuse for sloppy form. Hamstrings, shoulders, and hips are often tighter in men, and that can hold back progress. Prioritize stretching and mobility just as much as conditioning and crazy tricks! I know from experience because when I first started pole, I had zero flexibility, and it took me forever to get my splits. Now, split moves are some of my favourite moves. I always wish I had started my flexi journey sooner. One more tip: don’t make the mistake I did and only stretch one leg. Train both sides. At some point, you’ll need the other leg for a split move, and trust me you’ll be frustrated if you didn’t prepare both.
TIP #5 : Don’t skip the FLOW
Pole isn’t just about tricks and flips. Dance, fluidity, and musicality are just as important, especially if you ever plan to perform or compete. Even if choreography feels outside your comfort zone, embracing it will make you a stronger, more well-rounded dancer. When I competed, I often went up against men who were far stronger and technically better at tricks than I was. But tricks alone mean nothing without smooth, fluid transitions that connect with the music. So, if your studio offers choreography classes or you can take them online…. do it. It will completely change the way you move and execute tricks.
TIP #5 : Pick the right type of pole shorts!
Make sure you have the right type of shorts for pole class. If they’re too long, you’ll lose access to important grip points. If they’re too short, you risk exposing more than you want. And if they’re short but too loose, you might expose yourself anyway. Luckily, there are plenty of brands that make pole-specific shorts for men. My personal go-to and the ones you’ll always see me wearing in my videos are from a brand called Pole Hog (@pole_hog on Instagram).
Tips for Teachers Working With Male Students
1. AVOID GENDER STEREOTYPE
2. GRIP SOLUTIONS
Babe, it’s 2025, never assume someone’s gender. Always ask for pronouns instead of guessing. And remember, not every male pole dancer wants to be “the strong trick guy.” Ask what style excites them most and let them lead the way in shaping their pole journey.
I get that it can feel awkward at first when dealing with a gender you have never had at the studio before. When I started asking people for their pronouns, it felt strange but it quickly became second nature. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and is shows all your students that inclusivity is something you genuinely care about.
Unpopular opinion: I shave my legs. My friend Stevie calls me “Lady Legs Rosen” haha. Men don’t have to go completely hairless, but even trimming can make a difference to leg grip. For me, the hairier my legs are, the less skin exposure I have. And less skin exposure means less grip on the pole.
Of course, not everyone wants to shave, and that’s completely fine. In that case, there are plenty of grip solutions you can advise them on, such as iTac, grippy
leggings, or Grip & amp; Glow. Want to dive deeper into all the different grip products out there? Check out my blog all about grips!
3. DON’T LET THEM ESCAPE THE BASICS
4. ENSURE WOMEN FEEL SAFE BY PUTTING THEM FIRST
When I first started pole, my teacher refused to let me jump straight into the crazy stuff. She made me do exactly the same basics the girls were doing. Looking back, I’m so grateful for that. With my style leaning more toward the feminine side, it worked perfectly for me and it shaped the pole dancer I am today. That said, the same approach might feel different for, say, a 6ft rugby player joining his girlfriend’s class. But being a big, burly bloke shouldn’t stop anyone from learning how to do a simple step-around or a basic climb before attempting shoulder mounts and ayeshas. Starting with the fundamentals isn’t about holding them back it’s about building a solid foundation, conditioning their body properly, and making sure they are ready to attempt harder tricks safely and without injury. Make sure to remind them of this if they try to complain that you are holding them back.
It should go without saying that the safety of all your students is the top priority. For many women, pole is a safe space, an escape. And it’s important to protect that. Men should never attend classes with the intention of meeting women. Point blank period. When I owned a studio, if I ever suspected that was the case, I had no problem asking them to leave. We don’t need that energy in a space that should feel safe. That` said, if connections happen naturally, that’s different. As a teacher, it’s just something to remain aware of. It’s also worth checking in with your students before allowing men to join a class. For example, some students such as Muslim women who wear hijab may not feel comfortable training around men. In more conservative countries, it can be helpful to offer women-only and mixed-gender classes so that everyone has a space where
they feel safe and respected
5. EMPHASIZE FLEXIBILITY & MOBILITY EARLY
Make your male students stretch. I was stiff AF at the beginning of my journey and I wish I had listened to the many teachers who told me to stretch. It’s important, Not just because we want their lines to look good but because we want their mobility to match the crazy movements they want to achieve. If you have a male student with super tight shoulders trying to do crazy stretchy shoulder work it could be a recipe for disaster.
Male pole dancers are really shaking up the industry and in such a positive way. They bring
fresh energy, unique movement styles, and new perspectives to a sport that thrives on
diversity. Having a mix of genders in class also creates a different, exciting vibe that benefits
everyone.
So, if you’re a teacher welcoming new male students, I hope this blog has given you some
useful guidance. And if you’re a guy starting out, remember: embrace the journey, don’t skip
the basics, and make flexibility and mobility a priority. Oh, and one last thing, don’t
complain to the girls in class that leg hangs hurt. Some of them have literally been through
childbirth, and they will laugh in your face. Suck it up, princess.
Good luck!