WORDS RACHEL EDWARDS - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BLACKSTAGE
My introduction to pole was a beginners class in a damp basement in Glasgow; twenty of us huddled around two poles. By the end of the lesson I'd learned how to hold onto the pole whilst walking around it. I tossed it into the pile of hobbies I'd picked up and immediately discarded, alongside piano lessons with a teacher who had the unfortunate surname of Crapper.
I hadn't given it a second thought until last summer when I found myself standing watching Lana Del Rey at Primavera, my eyes glued to her aerial dancers who moved like fairies. What was I thinking spending my time doing something as mundane as standing when I could be gliding above the ground on a pole - a world void of any foot-touching-ground issues like stepping on a puddle and ending up with soggy socks? And these women were powerful.
Call it fate (or if you're cynical, journalism) a few months later I had a received a message from an angel (okay fine, a work email) to try a pole class at Akila's Pole Studio. I turned up early on the day of my lesson so that I could buy shorts before the class - which turned into shorts, pyjamas, hair ties and slippers - before frantically realising I was in the wrong area entirely and I wasn't early at all. I arrived hot and sweaty (and not in the sexy pole dancing way I'd imagined). When I told Akila it was my ADHD she had the 'I get it, I have it too' look in her eye.
I believe it's her ADHD that makes her classes stand out - there was no walking around the pole at all. Instead she packed so much into her 'very beginner' lesson that by the end nobody feels like a complete beginner and it's impossible not to want to keep going. Any fears I had of feeling intimidated faded as I stepped into her pink, fuzzy studio. Akila makes you feel like no question is too silly, and it's obvious that, for her, pole is as much about the community she's built as it is about the art. Now I have the bug and I'm prepared to have an actual answer to "what are your hobbies?" (although I think the last time I heard anyone ask that question was in a French listening tape at school).
Sharing Akila's studio is Leila Davis, aka Cutie Whippingham, who wears a lot of hats (or in this case, pleasers). Not only is she an award winning pole dancer and teacher, she also founded Blackstage, an event space that honours the black, sex worker led history of pole and directly addresses the lack of representation of BPOC in pole.
Taken from her own experience as a queer black pole dancer, and seeing how discriminatory the industry is - from racial prejudice in competitions to photographers who aren't trained in properly lighting and capturing dark skin - Leila took it upon herself to create her own platform with the overarching goal of decolonising pole. Each year, Blackstage hosts an incredible professional pole show, with this years theme being 'Audacity'. The show will celebrate the bravery in showing up as a POC pole dancer, particularly those who are also LGBTQIA+, Plus sized, disabled, low income and/or sex workers. Aside from the show, Leila works on providing opportunities and hosting masterclasses on how to succeed - and make a living - out of pole. Having been picked up by the likes of brands such as Nike and Burberry, and partnering with Pxssy Palace this year for the show, along with dancing with Snoop Dogg, the sky is the limit for Leila.
I had a chance to speak to both Akila and Leila about their own journeys into pole, along with what needs to change in the industry:
LEILA DAVIS AKA CUTIE WHIPPINGHAM
Rachel Edwards: Leila, tell me a bit about Blackstage?
Leila Davis: Blackstage is a non-profit events company I founded in 2020 to centre and uplift pole dancers of colour—especially those who are queer, trans, disabled, low-income, or sex workers. I created it because the pole industry wasn’t giving us the space, opportunities, or recognition we deserve, so I decided to change that.
We put on incredible shows, workshops, and community events that highlight the creativity and skill of BIPOC performers. Our next big show, Audacity, is happening on 5th April 2025 at The Clapham Grand, and it’s all about bold, unforgettable performances.
As a Black, queer, sex worker-led organisation, we prioritise inclusivity, safety, and accessibility. Beyond performances, we also run masterclasses, like “How to Make Money as a Pole Performer,” to give dancers the tools to thrive. At its core, Blackstage is about visibility, celebration, and taking up space unapologetically.
RE: What made you want to create the show?
LD:I wanted to create a platform that truly highlights BIPOC performers and allows us to take centre stage on our own terms. It’s about representation, visibility, and pushing the art form forward while making sure our voices are heard.
RE: What do you want people to take from it?
LD: I want people to walk away feeling inspired and energised, to see the depth and artistry in pole and movement, to understand it's heritage (sex workers of colour) and to understand why spaces like this are so important. And, of course, I want them to be thoroughly entertained—because we bring it every time!
RE: You radiate confidence! What’s your key to confidence?
LD: Confidence is about knowing yourself and standing in that truth. It’s trusting your skills, your journey, and your unique energy.
RE: You also have a lot on your plate. How do you juggle everything?
LD: It’s definitely a balancing act! Prioritising what truly matters in the moment is key, and I’m trying to be kinder to myself when I can’t do everything at once. Rest is just as important as the grind. Although that being said, I always put myself last, and that is something i'm trying to get better at, not doing that and setting boundaries so that I am able to rest. Very much a work in progress.
RE: Do you think the conversation around pole is changing?
LD: Absolutely. Pole has come a long way in terms of recognition, and more people are starting to appreciate it as an art form and a sport, taking time to learn about how important the sex worker roots of pole are and how powerful pole is as a means of storytelling. There’s still work to be done, especially when it comes to its history and cultural roots, but progress is happening.
RE: Who inspires you, either in or out of the pole community?
LD: So many people! My mum, my older siblings, Pxssy Palace, and people and organisations that stand on business and act with integrity.
RE: How did pole dancing and movement change your life?
LD: It gave me a voice and a form of expression I didn’t even realise I needed. It’s a healing tool and has connected me with a community that life would be so dull without.
RE: What is the future of pole?
LD: Pole is only going to grow—more innovation, more visibility, and even bigger platforms for performers. And I see more inclusivity because we’re making sure of that.
RE: And… what was it like working with Snoop Dogg?!
LD: Hilarious! I had so much fun both on and off stage.
RE: What’s your favourite F Word?
LD: Formidable!
AKILA CRISTIANO | FOUNDER of AKILA POLE STUDIO
Rachel Edwards: Hi Akila, how did you get into pole?
Akila Cristiano: I got into pole just over six years ago - honestly, on a total whim - and instantly became obsessed. I’ve always needed movement in my life, and pole was the perfect mix of strength, creativity, and self-expression. It challenged me in ways nothing else ever had, both physically and mentally, and helped me grow in confidence in a way I never expected.
With my ADHD, I’ve never been great at sticking with things that don’t fully grab my attention, but pole had me hooked from day one. When I tell you I went to a couple of classes, then immediately thought, I need a pole at home, and bought one! From there, I just started doing it on my own, practicing non-stop and completely dove in. For me it wasn't just a workout- it was an art and a skill, and something that made me feel powerful.
RE: What led you to opening your own pole studio?
AC: Honestly, I never planned to. But I was so in love with pole and the way it made me feel that I wanted to create a space where others could experience that same magic. I also saw how supportive the pole community was, even when I was just learning at home and connecting with other dancers online from all over the world. It was so inspiring to see how pole brought people together, and that made me want to build on that and create a space where that sense of support could thrive even more.
So, I started teaching private lessons out of my own home. I was just advertising it on socials, and I couldn’t believe how many people were interested. It was crazy. My students were growing in ways I didn’t expect, and seeing how much joy it was bringing them made me realise I had to take it to a bigger scale. So, I took the leap, and in August 2021, Akila Pole Studio was officially born!
That’s also where our studio mantra, home away from home, comes from. I wanted the studio to still have that warm, homely vibe I had when I was teaching out of my home. I wanted it to feel like a safe, welcoming space where people could show up exactly as they are, feel supported, and grow—both in their movement and in their confidence.
RE: What’s the one thing people don’t expect when they come to your class?
AC: That they’ll actually be able to do it! So many people walk in thinking they’re not strong enough or that they’re too uncoordinated, or that it’ll take forever to get the hang of it. But pole literally meets you where you’re at, and even in just one class, people are doing way more than they thought they could.
Another surprise is the community. People come in expecting a workout, but they leave with new friendships. It’s so amazing to see how many people have met at the studio and formed such strong bonds. Pole has this way of bringing people together because it’s not just about the movement—it’s about support, confidence, and shared experiences.
RE: And what do you want people to take from your classes?
AC: I want them to walk out feeling empowered and proud of themselves, no matter how big or small the accomplishment is. Even if it’s just nailing one thing on a day when they don’t feel at their best, I want them to realise that progress isn’t always linear. Pole isn’t just about building physical strength, it’s about discovering your own resilience, pushing past limits, and learning to believe in your abilities. I’ve seen people start out shy or unsure, and within a few weeks, they’re moving differently and carrying themselves with a confidence that goes way beyond what they thought was possible. That transformation and that shift in how they see themselves—that’s what I want them to take with them, not just in class, but into every part of their life.
RE: I think pole is intimidating for a lot of people, which then holds them back from going to a class. What advice would you give to these people?
AC: I think pole can definitely feel intimidating for a lot of people- but honestly, it’s just like anything new. No one walks into a gym for the first time and knows exactly what they’re doing, and pole is no different! You don’t need to be strong, flexible, or have any dance experience. You just need to show up and be open to giving it a try. Everyone starts as a beginner, plus, pole studios are some of the most supportive spaces you’ll find. Everyone’s there to cheer you on and help you succeed.
RE: What are some common misconceptions about pole? Do you think it’s changing?
AC: One big misconception is that people think they need to look a certain way to do pole. They’ll say things like, “I can’t do pole, I have no upper body strength,” or “I don’t feel sexy or confident enough for that.” But the truth is, pole gives you those things! You don’t need them to start AT ALL!
Another huge misconception is the stigma around pole. There’s still a lot of judgment surrounding sex work, and that impacts how pole is viewed. But we can’t forget where pole came from—it came from sex workers, and it’s important that we always remember that.
I do hope to see these misconceptions change, and as pole becomes more and more popular, I think it’s important to not let it be separated from its roots. A big part of that is having more sex workers teaching classes and workshops at studios and being visible in the community. The more we support sex workers in the community, the more we’ll make sure pole stays true to where it came from.
RE: What’s the future of pole?
AC: I hope to see it become a lot more accessible and celebrated. We’re already seeing more and more pole studios opening, along with amazing platforms and shows like Blackstage, as well as more competitions that all showcase the talent and creativity within the pole community. I'd love to see more visibility in the media, and there definitely has been with artists like FKA Twigs and SZA including themselves pole dancing in their music videos. Pole has the power to empower people in such a beautiful way, and I can’t wait to see it continue to grow and be celebrated for that.
RE: Do you have any pole dancers you particularly look up to?
AC: I’m inspired by all my friends. Some of my closest friends are doing incredible things within the industry—they have their own platforms, studios, and spaces, and I’m so lucky to be surrounded by them. It’s honestly such a beautiful thing to be around people who constantly push the industry forward, whether through their creativity, advocacy, or the communities they build. Being surrounded by others who share the same passion, and who uplift and support each other, is something I truly don’t take for granted.
RE: Can someone (um, me) be clumsy and still become good at pole?
AC: YES, absolutely. (You were amazing btw!!) Pole is so great for coordination because it forces you to engage muscles and do movements you might not usually be used to. You’ll probably feel clumsy at first, but that’s just part of learning. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes, and suddenly, things that felt impossible feel effortless.
RE: Do you also do aerial hoop?
AC: I haven’t, but I might try! It looks beautiful, and I love the crossover between aerial and pole, but pole is definitely where my heart is.
R.E: What do you love most about your job?
AC: The community. The people. The fact that I’m surrounded by empowered babes who all share this deep love for pole is something I absolutely cherish. It's such a unique environment where everyone supports and uplifts each other-- that kind of energy is very rare and special.
I also love that my job allows me to express my creativity, be around people and bring joy into their lives. Every day is different. I get to teach, move, build something meaningful, and watch people transform. There’s so much freedom in it—I’m never stuck doing the same thing, and I get to pour my energy into something I truly love.
RE :What's your favourite F word?
AC: Fearless.
Limited tickets left for Blackstage's 5th of April show featuring international performers here.
For more information, or to book a class at Akila Pole Studio here.
