The ACT heats for Miss Pole Dance Australia are on today, Friday 22 August, with just one male competing.
Tyler Heath, 33, is ditching the compulsory high-heels to make a point.
His message is that just because a competitor is male, gay, and a pole dancer, it doesn’t mean they wear women’s clothing – particularly in what originated as a male-only acrobatic event in 12th century China.
It is only in recent times that pole dancing was embraced by strip clubs and fitness centres and entered into the mainstream.
Tyler plans on “de-dragging” to re-write the footwear rules.
“I will be starting half feminine in drag and I will be de-dragging because I want to break the stigma that it’s compulsory for me to wear heels,” he said from his gym studio, Flow and Co.
“I could get disqualified if I don’t wear high heels.
“People want to be inclusive to LGBTQ+ spaces – but then it comes with a guideline.”
Tyler is competing in the mixed amateur division as there is no pro division for males at the ACT heats.
Miss Pole Dance Australia recently rebranded its Miss Pole Dance Amateur division to one that includes all genders – MX Pole Dance Amateur.
The website states “MX Pole is performed in the classic Miss Pole Dance style: glam, glitz, and heels, and includes guys, femmes, and thems”.
The competition also has an international Mr Pole Dance title, however footwear rules still apply: “the performer must wear high-heels or high-heeled boots, footwear must be stilettos and must be worn throughout the entirety of the performance”.
Organiser of Miss Pole Dance Australia, Vanessa Brecht, said she aimed to keep the competition open to all.
“Because we’re a showgirl/showperson comp we want to bring a show,” Vanessa said.
“We may change the heels rule next year. To be discussed.”
This is Tyler’s first time in a pole dancing competition, even though he’s had six years’ experience with Cirque du Soleil and pole danced for 13 years.
“So it’s like, welcome to our space but you have to dress like a woman,” Tyler said.
“That’s not how I identify in my personal life or as a performer.
“As a male, I’ve never trained with heels on … I shouldn’t have to dress or act like a woman, I identify as a man.
“I’m not saying boys shouldn’t wear heels – wear heels if you want but we should have the option.”
At this Friday’s ACT heats, “pole monkeys” are employed to prep the apparatus in between performances to ensure it isn’t slippery for the next entrant.
Ironically, a trick of the trade to help pole dancing competitors improve their grip is to use men’s gel shaving cream on their hands.
ACT heats for Miss Pole Dance Australia is on at 7pm Friday, 22 August at The Playhouse. Tickets: can be purchased at canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/miss-mx-pole-dance-act-25/
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