Reyalla508

Pole dancer here! We use the heels literally like a ballerina uses pointe shoes, as a tool. We have to get the platform shoes (made predominantly by the Pleaser brand) so we can utilize the upper and lower edges of the front of the platform to balance on or press our weight into the floor. This way we can keep our ankles straight to maintain leg lines, and not crush our toes into the floor directly. Well, that and they’re pretty.

As for your second question, most guys are way too focused on what they’re doing to deal with a surprise boner. And they’re probably wearing a Dance belt anyway, to keep they’re bits contained. I’ve never seen a surprise boner in class, personally.

Exactly this! Best advice ever! The judges don’t know if a move is new or hard for you, so don’t do those moves! If you’re doing moves that you’re comfortable with, you’ll actually be able to perform your piece rather than simply “get through it”.

I'm not a stripper, but a pole dance instructor. I say, rock on pole sister! ;)

Not OP, but yeah this is often a concern depending on your region and the marketing of your studio. It tends to go over better in more liberal urban areas, as expected, but even better if your studio clearly cultivated its marketing presence towards the sport, gymnastic, or lyrical dance versions of pole. Parents are often aerialists or pole dancers themselves, and are prepared to take on whatever criticism they receive. Getting a bit of that kind of attitude is unfortunately par for the course for pole dancers anyway. They’ve had practice.

I believe that's probably trauma from being chastised for the condition. That effect is probably worse for children.