Beginner pole competitor

  • Thoroughly review all of the information listed below ⬇️

    This includes:

    • Rules

    • Judging Criteria

    • Prizes

    • General Championship Information

    Once you’ve read everything in full and you’re confident about your category—you’re ready to sign up!

    ✅ SIGN UP FOR BEGINNER POLE COMPETITOR

  • You’re in the right place if:

    • You’re actively working on climbing and inverting but can’t yet do it consistently.

    • You feel comfortable moving around the base of the pole using basic beginner movements.

  • You are not eligible if any of the following apply:

    • You can invert with ease.

    • You placed 1st in the Beginner Pole Competitor Level at the 2025 Championship.

    • 50% or more of your classes between Jan 1 – July 1, 2026 are at an intermediate level or higher.

    • You are teaching or performing pole for pay during Jan 1 – July 1, 2026.

    • Can I use spin pole? 

      • Nope—static pole only.

    • Can I climb the pole?

      • Yes, but with restrictions. You may climb up to one body length only.

    • Can I invert from the ground or in the air?

      • No. Inverting is not allowed—hips must stay below the shoulders when your entire body is on the pole.

    • Can I do a handspring or ayesha?

      • No.

  • You’ll be disqualified if you:

    • Climb more than one body length.

    • Invert, whether from the ground or aerially.

    • Perform a handspring or ayesha.

    • Perform a kip

    • Perform extreme upright flexibility movements (i.e. Birds of Paradise, Eagle, and/or Janerio)

  • Technique: 45 Points

    Artistic: 42 Points

    Stage Presence: 13 Points

  • - Dance Ability (15 points): Strong technical foundation with clean lines, body awareness, and musicality.

    - Strength (10 points): Controlled movements, confident lifts, and secure grips/hooks on the apparatus.

    - Flexibility (10 points): Full range of motion in movements; clean, extended lines.

    - Body Lines (7 points): Intentional and well-executed shapes—whether clean, curved, or angular.

    - Balance (3 points): Ability to maintain control and stability in both static and dynamic movements.

  • - Musicality (10 points): Choreography reflects and accentuates the music—using rhythm, accents, and lyrics.

    - Movement Execution (20 points): Confident, seamless transitions and purposeful movement throughout.

    - Gymnastic Ability (12 points): Takes risks through dynamic transitions, acrobatic elements, or innovative concepts.

  • - Entertainment Value (6 points): Engaging performance with energy, expression, and charisma.

    - Eye Contact (4 points): Establishes a deliberate visual connection with the audience or judges.

    - Costume (3 points): Visually complements the routine; cohesive, intentional, and performance-appropriate.

  • You will receive…

    • 72 In-Studio Class Credits (Valid for 1 year)

    • Unlimited Access to Live Stream Classes & On-Demand Library (1 year)

    • Early Access to monthly in-studio class sign-ups

  • You will receive…

    - 36 In-Studio Class Credits (Valid for 6 months)

    - Unlimited Access to Live Stream Classes & On-Demand Library (6 months)

    - Early Access to monthly in-studio class sign-ups

  • In the event of a tie for 1st place:

    • Each winner will receive a medal

    • The class credits portion of the prize will be split equally between the winners

    • Sign up Begins July 1, 2026

    • Sign up Closes August 3, 2026

    • Change category/level by September 9, 2026

    • Submit props, music, hoop approval, and competitor profile September 16, 2026

    • Specific performance time assigned no later than September 23, 2026

    • Competition Day October 3, 2026

    • Opens: July 1, 2026 @ 8:00 AM

    • Closes: August 3, 2026 @ 11:59 PM

  • 🚫 NO REFUNDS. NO CREDITS.

    If you decide not to compete after signing up, you will not receive a refund or credit for future use. Please be sure before registering.

    • Non-Members: $67

    • Members: $37

  • Saturday, October 3, 2026

    • Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

    • Each performer will be assigned a specific performance time block no later than September 23, 2026

    Pole Pressure: 1322 14th St NW (Above Popeyes) Washington, DC 202-998-4858

  • Open to anyone 18 years or older at the time of the competition

    You do NOT need to be a Pole Pressure member to participate

  • Yes! Competitors can change their level and/or category until September 9, 2026 @ 11:59 PM. 

    • Minimum: 2 minutes and 30 seconds

    • Maximum: 5 minutes

  • Music is due no later than September 16, 2026 11:59pm

  • Review ➡️ Pole Set Up

    Two 45 mm 11ft stainless poles.

    Review ➡️ Hoop Set Up:

    The studio will provide a single point Lyra (performers can request a specific Lyra size and must provide that information no later than September 8, 2025). 

    • All equipment will be cleaned with at least 70% Isopropyl Alcohol before and after each performer.

    • Grip can not be applied directly to equipment.

    • No full nudity

    • Minimum coverage: G-string and pasties are allowed

    • Clothing removal is permitted within these limits

    • Yes—including human props

    • All props must be approved by the studio no later than September 16, 2026.

    • By participating, you consent to photo and video recording for studio and event promotion.

    • No compensation will be provided for the use of your image.

    • If you DO NOT consent to this, DO NOT sign up for this event.

    • Alternative performance opportunities will be available that do not require public media use.

  • Yes, you can! As a registered competitor, you’re eligible to rent the studio:

    • 💰 Rate: $50/hour

    • 👯‍♀️ Bringing Friends? $17 per additional person, per hour

    • 📧 To Book: Email info@polepressure.com