Author Ariel Levy called pole ‘anti-feminist’, describing it as “greasy”, and a "parody of female expression”, such opinions seem to speak for the majority of the negative opinions regarding artistic sports. The perception of artistic sports being traditionally feminine has become the victim of the sport's dismissal, Ilsa’s passion for discussing her thoughts on feminist expression in artistic sports has posed multiple open ended thoughts to linger on. In response to the orchestral criticism, Ilsa had one question to ask: “Why can’t a sport be sexy?”
Starting pole in her second year, Ilsa went from experiencing the “fear of having to do everything” in her first year to describing her first taster session with NUPAC as “the best thing I ever did.” It’s this journey that Ilsa described to The Courier that influenced her relationship with self-confidence. Doing gymnastics as a kid, she already had transferable skills, but the idea of “having to wear a tight leotard and little shorts” was something she hated. Since NUPAC is an internally coached sport, they traditionally practice in a small room in the Sport Centre, but “being in a room with a group of people I feel safe around” Ilsa stated, “made me want to perform more”. While she already had a foundation of self-confidence, she explained that dedicating the past four years to enhancing her skills in pole “has given me so much more confidence in my body, knowing I’ve trained to have the ability to hold myself upside down.”
It has given me so much more confidence in my body, knowing I’ve trained to have the ability to hold myself upside down.
In a time where women's participation in sport stands as a political attribute instead of an opportunity to express a fantastic display of strength and beauty; Ilsa emphasised the importance of acknowledging the roots of sex work that pole dancing developed from. She explained, “If you don’t want to recognize the roots of pole dancing, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.” Ilsa described her preference for the sexier style of performance. “I don’t think it's hindered the sport, but rather people's perception of it has been hindered. There are some moves where you're bending all your limbs all the wrong ways and it looks beautifully sexy.” Most of the public discussion around artistic sports centres on this political aspect. With claims of slut-shaming and female empowerment both being tagged with the sport, Ilsa expressed her feelings on such debate; “I don’t necessarily think that it has to be empowering or fit into the category of ‘feminist’ and ‘anti-feminist’. It just is.” but with pathways that cover everything from HIIT Training, to exotic dancing, and a contemporary style that can only reflect ballet, it seems that the lack of creative boundaries makes the sport incredibly diverse.
Across the past four years of being involved with NUPAC, Ilsa has been both a flexibility coach and the club's treasurer; becoming witness to and building some amazing relationships. “I was drawn to the sport because of its supportiveness. I think that when that atmosphere exists, you’re desperate to pass it on and encourage more people to do it.” she explained, when asked about what her experiences in the club have highlighted about the community pole dancing can provide. “I have my pole wife, my pole children, and getting to watch them learn and develop, getting to be so excited for them when they get it. Being a shoulder to cry on, and just being there. There's a big sense of community that's just so amazing.” The way Ilsa speaks about pole can only be described as freeing, so choosing one moment that best sums up her experience wasn’t easy. “The last showcase I was part of, everyone just screams at you throughout the whole performance.” She reflected on her pole family, saying “I think it just really summed up that everyone in this room loves me, if I fall they still love me, if I do amazingly they still love me.”
I think it just really summed up that everyone in this room loves me, if I fall they still love me, if I do amazingly they still love me.
While being incredible displays of talent, artistic sports are often overlooked. “I think you’re never really rooting for a team in an artistic sport. Sometimes there are 10 different performers, ranked one to fourty… It’s not easy to dip your toes in.” It’s because of this dismissal and lack of respect as a sport that makes Ilsa, and the rest of the NUPAC committee, are insistent on being referred to as a club. “I think it affirms it as a competitive sport… I think people forget that while it’s fun, we’re still bringing home medals and running competitions like any other club.”
Talking to Ilsa has highlighted the endless world of creative expression that pole dancing provides. While artistic sports continue to fight for their respect and existence beyond political attributes, it’s passionate people like Ilsa that inspire discussion about the sporting world around us.