The Surprising History Behind Pole Dancing

We’re here to set the record straight. Pole dancing didn’t just show up one day in a smoky club with neon lights and suddenly become one of the most stigmatized types of dance there is. No, this art form—yes, art form—has a long and actually kind of badass history.

If you’re picturing it as something invented purely for the entertainment of sweaty dudes in backward hats, well… you’re about 1,000 years too late.

It Started With Warriors and Monks

Pole dancing actually has roots in ancient Indian mallakhamb, a form of gymnastic training where athletes—primarily male—performed feats of strength, agility, and flexibility on awooden pole. Seriously, just imagine the splinters. However, this art focused on strength and a symbol of talent throughout the community.

Then came Chinese pole, which involved two tall poles and acrobats literally leaping from one to the other, suspended several feet off the ground. While some people may not see these art forms as “pole dancing”, it is the inspiration for the modern dancing you may see at Lust.

So, yes, the pole was around long before the party. But eventually, as all good things do, it evolved.

Traveling Tents to Strip Clubs

In the 1920s, pole dancing began to shift into burlesque and exotic dancing culture, especially in traveling circuses and sideshows. What you may be picturing in your mind isn’t far off from the movies. Dusty carnivals, silk costumes, and performers twirling for crowds of all ages. Somewhere between the Great Depression and disco, it worked its way into bars, clubs, and lounges, becoming synonymous with striptease culture.

And guess what? That’s when the real magic happened.

Sport and Skill

Modern pole dancing has taken on two lives. On one hand, it’s a mainstay in adult entertainment—hi, we know our lane—and on the other, it’s grown into a respected competitive sport. We’re talking about world championships, televised events, and Olympic-level training. Pole athletes train like gymnasts and dance like performers. It’s strength, grace, control, and endurance… all while looking flawless doing it.

You try flipping upside down and holding your body parallel to the ground with nothing but your inner thigh. We’ll wait.

At Lust, It’s Not Just Dancing—It’s a Show

Here at Lust Gentlemen’s Club in Martinsburg, our dancers aren’t just putting on a performance—they’re showcasing serious athletic talent. They’ve trained for this. They condition for this. And they do it all while taking the attention of everyone in the room.

The next time you find yourself at Lust, take a second between drinks to really watch what our performers are doing, and not just their cute outfits. The strength. The balance. The choreography. The fact that they’re doing it in 6-inch heels? That’s elite-level work. Plus, a lot of our dancers improvise their entire performance!

We don’t just applaud it—we celebrate it.

Experience True Pole Dancing At Lust Martinsburg

Want front-row seats to the hottest pole dancing talent in Martinsburg? We thought so. Upgrade to the VIP experience and see our girls up close. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, Lust always knows how to make it a night to remember.

We’re ready to blow your mind and create the adult entertainment experience of a lifetime at Lust. Book your party with us at Martinsburg Lust Gentlemen’s Club or give us a call at 304-267-LUST.