The Art of Pole Dancing in Manila

Last October 16, I was able to watch Polarity, the 2nd Anniversary show of Polecats Manila, said to be the country’s premier pole dancing group. In their hands (and legs and bodies), pole dancing was successfully elevated from its notorious reputation to a form of artistic self-expression. It was made even more elegant by the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of contemporary Original Pilipino Music (OPM) by some of the country’s most popular bands.

Parkour Philippines also joined the action, where they showcased how men’s pole dancing is done. It was nice to see Job Bautista, who played the role of Angel in Rent in Manila, cross over to the pole dancing genre.

I was surprised by how the dancers made it look so easy to execute their pole dancing routines. They continuously challenged our minds on what’s possible with those simple poles.

Here are my favorite highlights from Polarity:

(Watch this Video Highlights to appreciate the photos: The Art of Pole Dancing in Manila Highlights)

Opening: Eraserheads’ Ang Huling El Bimbo
(Courtesy of Sony Entertainment)

 

Kamakailan Lang by Kayleen Ortiz, Caryn Ortiz and Donna Louise Vitales
Lyrics: Carlos Magno
Music: Out of Body Special

Donna Louise Vitales‘ Spin

 
Kayleen Ortiz‘ Mercury

Caryn Ortiz‘ Chopper 

 

UpDharmaDown’s Sana by Margaret Jade (Our personal favorite, galing!)
Lyrics: Armi Millare

 

Lady Grimm Acrobatic Pole Dancing by Kris Isaac and Amaya Gonzalez
Mr. Bones and the Boneyard Circus

 

Sugarfree’s Wag Ka Nang Umiyak by Donna Louise Vitales, Albert Job Bautista and Mara Andres
Music and Lyrics: Ebe Densel
Courtesy of EMI-Polyeast Records

 

Pedicab’s Dito Tayo Sa Dilim
Lyrics: Mapa
Music: Marasigan-Caballa-Dizon

 

Urbandub’s Alert the Armory by Parkour Philippines
(Flynn Siy, Jowenson Ian Sy. and Derek Santa Ana)
Written by Gabby Alipe
Courtesy of EMI-Polyeast Records

 

Sinosikat’s Turning my Safety Off by “Angel” (Albert Job Bautista) Solo
(Music and Lyrics by Nick Azarcon)

 

Finale Dance: Pupil’s Disconnection Notice

  

Congratulations to Polecats Manila (led by artist Christina Dy), Parkour Philippines and Manila Symphony Orchestra! We really loved the idea of a pole concert with an orchestra playing contemporary OPM. 🙂

Check out the complete photos of the Polarity show here: http://on.fb.me/poledancingmanila

Polecats Manila
Email: info@polecatsmanila.com
Website: PolecatsManila.com
Mobile (For Classes and Bookings): +63-917 700-POLE (7653)
Facebook: PolecatsManila
Twitter: @PolecatsManila
Youtube: PolecatsManila

Live an Awesome Life,

 
Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Call or Text Me: +63917 5683-627 (LOVE-OAP)
Follow Me FacebookTwitterFlickr Youtube

P.S. Below are some suggestions for the next show:
1. It would be nice to have all the dancers synchronized when pole dancing. 
2. Maybe a crossover with other art forms like Belly Dancing and Broadway Musicals can be done.  
3. Invite well-known international pole dancers, celebrity pole dancers, and pole dancers from other regions.

Any other suggestions? 🙂