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On Thursday the 20th of January, the Glasgow University Pole Dancing Club held their annual show in our very own Debates Chamber. In the interests of journalism and aware of the duty to report on the important matters, yours truly went along. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.

Themed on “A Night at the Movies”, the complimentary popcorn and sweets had the sold out audience in good spirits before the first dance had even begun. The crowd itself was a healthy mix of friends, family and interested others, and the support they demonstrated throughout was a signof how popular the show was. From my position on the Chamber floor, I would say there was a fair female majority too, a far cry from what some may imagine when confronted with the idea of a pole dancing show.

The room’s set up was also engaging, with 5 poles on the same level as the crowded floor, and another two free standing poles on the stage. As well as providing some pleasing diversity and increasing the level of interaction with the audience, it also meant that the turn around time between dances was swift, allowing alternation between stage and floor. In fact, the whole technical aspect was well handled, with the lighting and music accentuating the entire experience. It really revealed the level of commitment and enthusiasm of the people involved, something which is of course key to any effective production.

Naturally, the dances themselves were where the Club really excelled. Having never been to a similar event before (honestly), I wasn’t sure what to expect.I ended up walking away pretty damned impressed. Despite there existing a range of abilities, everyone was clearly giving it their all and enjoying it too, which was frankly great to see. With each dance themed around a particular film, those without programmes got a fun game of guessing the inspiration as quickly as they could, as well as the enjoyment of the dancers’ interpretation. It was a fairly eclectic mix of genres too, from the indie “500 Days of Summer”, through blockbusters like “Pirates of the Caribbean”, to just plain awesome “Ghostbusters” via some classic slapstick from “The Pink Panther” (thankfully not Clouseau on the poles). It was an excellent variety, although I must admit without assistance I probably wouldn’t have worked out “Twilight”. That’s not a reflection on the dancer’s involved, I’m just notoverly familiar with said work. “Wild Wild West” , on the other hand, had me flashing back to 1999 and everyone’s favourite Will Smith vehicle, albeit not for long as someof the moves pulled out during that routine were pretty astounding.

The sheer athleticism of a lot of the dancer’s was very impressive, I suspect I can’t hold myself upside down in the splits for very long (if at all). It was perhaps a sign that many of these girls view this as a valid form of exercise, and I’ve got to say that I agree. It looks like tiring work, but hopefully they know it was worth it. I said “girls” just then, but I have to amend myself. The evening’s solitary male performer, incredibly warmly received by the crowd, approached the event with commendable vigour and not a fair amount of cajones. Well done, lad.

So, a ruddy successful evening all round. My congratulations go to all those involved for putting on a tremendous show, and my thanks go to Fiona Seaton for getting me access (not backstage, gutted). Finally, if anyone thought they saw me singing along to “Chicago”, I swear it was atrick of the light.

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