Pole Theatre
The most exciting and entertaining pole competition in the world! Pole Theatre encourages competitors to share their story through original and exciting performances in their preferred style
Open to all competitors, national and international, male and female, Pole Theatre is more than a pole competition. Pole Theatre is an opportunity for pole performers to display their many and varied talents, in the creation of a visual spectacular to thrill and inspire their audience.
The focus of this competition is on the art of performance. Performers are encouraged to delve deep into their creative consciousness and envision a performance that will astonish and delight. Competitors must nominate one category that they wish to enter. A winner will be announced in each category, and an overall winner will also be announced. There are four categories in the competition.
Art
The category of Pole Art is for performances incorporating another dance style (for example lyrical, contemporary, commercial, latin, ballet or other) to create a performance that is artistic in style. Competitors must submit a theme, and will be judged on how effectively they interpret their theme through their chosen dance style. Competitors are expected to create a performance that demonstrates an artistic interpretation of their theme through movement, dance and music on the pole.
Drama
The category of Pole Drama is for performances that tell a story. Competitors will be expected to build a clear storyline in their performance. The story must be clear. It is not enough to choose a theme or motif. The story must have a premise, development and conclusion. The clearer the storyline the more judges will be able to see if the competitor has effectively conveyed their message to the audience.
Comedy
The category of Pole Comedy is for performances that incorporate humorous and comedic elements. Competitors will be judged on how well they entertain and engage the audience.
Classique
The category of Pole Classique is for performances that celebrate the beauty and art of the sexy or sensual style of pole dance. Competitors must wear heels for at least part of their performance. Competitors are required to remove at least one item of their costume in this category, in a such a way that the removal of the costume is incorporated into the performance.
DIVISIONS
Pole Theatre Switzerland into three divisions: Amateur, Semi-Pro and Professional. We do not have Junior categories at Pole Theatre Switzerland 2025.
Amateur
The Amateur division is for competitors who have not won first place in the Amateur division of a Qualifying Competition.
Semi Professional
The Semi Professional division is for competitors who have not won first place in the Semi Professional level of a Qualifying Competition, and who have not competed in the Professional division of a Qualifying Competition.
Professional
The Professional division is for competitors who have won first place in the Semi Professional division of a Qualifying Competition, or who have previously competed in the Professional division of a Qualifying Competition.
What is a Qualifying Competition?
Qualifying Competition :
Many of these competitions are considered as « social » in nature and are primarily intended to be a fun experience for local competitors seeking a chance to perform on stage. Such competitions may be extremely well-organised and executed, but are not necessarily intended to be “serious competitions”, as they are primarily for fun.
They may be competitions organised by a studio for their students, they may be end of year performance opportunities, or competitions run in nightclubs for a cash prize. The primary purposes of these competitions include entertainment and fun. Pole Theatre World classifies such competitions as Social Competitions but not a Qualifying Competition.
Other competitions are established with the primary purpose of ranking the selected finalists in order to award titles, with competitors scored by qualified judges against established and clearly set out judging criteria. Pole Theatre World considers such competitions to be Qualifying Competitions.
The features of a Qualifying Competition may include the following:
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it is held in a professional venue such as a theatre, hall or a sports convention;
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there is a judging panel of qualified judges;
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finalists had to submit entries for judging in order to be selected to compete;
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entries are accepted on a regional, state, national or international basis;
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there is an established and clear set of judging criteria;
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the judging criteria has a focus on technical pole skill, including level of difficulty;
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titles and prizes are awarded (e.g. certificates, sashes, trophies or other awards);
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it is recognised by other competition organisers and competitive pole dancers as more than a social competition.
In deciding whether a competition is a Qualifying Competition, the Pole Theatre World organisation will have regard to:
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publicly available information about the competition;
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discussions with the organiser of the competition;
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discussions with the relevant Pole Theatre National Organiser;
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discussions with previous competitors in the competition;
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any other matters the Pole Theatre World team considers relevant.
If you have won a title that may impact the Pole Theatre division you choose to enter, and you are unsure whether the title you have won is from a Qualifying or Social Competition, you must approach your National Pole Theatre Organiser for clarification. You risk disqualification if you hold a title from a Qualifying Competition and you have entered the wrong division. You will not be entitled to a refund of your entry fee or any other expenses incurred if you have failed to disclose your titles.
Which division should I enter?
Applicants must decide which division they are submitting to, but can be moved up or down on the online judges’ discretion if placement is found to be in conflict with applicant’s level/experience. If the judges are made aware that you have applied in the incorrect division before the finalists are decided, the judges will move you to the correct division.
Anyone who has been found to have entered the wrong division after the finalists have been announced will be not be allowed to compete. If you are unsure as to which division to enter, please contact your national Pole Theatre organiser.