inplay This international competition is erasing the stigma of pole dancing
The International Aerial Cup (IAC) 2024 has announced the much-awaited return of the premier pole and aerial competition in Asia on Oct. 13 at the Metropolitan Theater—and it’s bound to break conventional views on the sport.
After a pandemic-induced hiatus, this year’s tournament levels up with even more categories and prizes, including an overall champion cash prize of P100,000.
“We are excited to bring together and celebrate the exceptional talent for this year’s competition,” says Jamaica Jornacion, founder and producer of the IAC.
READ: Pole dancing has roots we must respect in sex work, but it is not inherently sexual
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With the IAC’s aim to reintroduce live competitions in the country, this year’s competition erases the stigma associated with its roots—sex work.
While the sport/art originated in what sex workers created, it has since transformed itself into something more as a platform for various personal reasons. Those who engage in the beautiful yet equally demanding form of dance have an empowered choice on how they intend to do it, and yes, it doesn’t always have to be sexual.
As the stigma persists, the sport nonetheless has built its own community for those who appreciate it.
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The competition will feature artists and athletes from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam selected from over a hundred entries worldwide, promising an exhilarating display of strength, artistry, and athleticism.
Meanwhile, the IAC will offer a series of workshops led by renowned pole artists at Beast House Pole and Aerial Dance Studio in Pasig City to provide more opportunities to learn new techniques and refine skills.
“The dedication, creativity, and hard work displayed by these athletes will inspire audiences and push the boundaries of what is possible in a pole or aerial performance,” Jornacion says.
Tickets are now available at https://www.internationalaerialcup.com/. inplay