On February 6th, University of Birmingham’s Pole Fitness Society travelled to Matlock Bath for the 2022 Chrome Royale Competition.

The event was hosted by University of Derby’s Pole Society and featured a number of universities competing for places in the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced categories. University of Birmingham’s (UoB) competitors did not disappoint, with Shelby Man placing 3rd and Erin Halgarth placing 2nd in the Beginner category. There were also outstanding performances from Joe Parkin who competed in the Intermediate category and Lily Robertson, the society’s Competition Secretary, who competed in the Advanced category.

Robertson, who has been a part of UoB Pole Fitness for two and a half years and on committee for two years, had this to say about the day: ‘Everyone’s performances were amazing and it was so nice to see the other pole societies from universities around the country coming together to support each other, with UoB bringing the loudest and best crowd. This was the first competition in our comp season and has made me so excited for what’s to come!’

Spectators and competitors were also treated to a performance by one of the judges, Marilena Ingle. Marilena has been poling for nine years and now owns her own studio in Lincoln. As well as Marilena, Chrome Royale hosted two other professional polers – Alicia Domenica and Sheryl Moore.

The entire event was incredibly inclusive and fun, mirroring the ethos of UoB’s pole society and the sport as a whole. As well as being fun and a great way to make friends, pole fitness is a discipline that offers a full body workout, allowing you to build strength, agility and flexibility. Membership for UoB’s Pole Fitness Society is just £15 for the entire year, and the society welcomes people of all abilities.

As well as instructed pole fitness classes, you will also gain access to non-instructed practise sessions, heels & floorwork classes and core strength & flexibility classes. These classes are available at discounted prices for members, with these taking place at either Adage Studios here in Selly Oak or at the Guild. As well as this, you’ll get the opportunity to compete at competitions such as Chrome Royale if you wish! You’ll also get plenty of performance opportunities at showcases and other university events.

Of course, joining UoB’s Pole Fitness Society will also bring with it plenty of social opportunities too, making it a great way to make friends at university. You’ll gain access to weekly sports night socials, as well as plenty of sober socials too. I spoke to Emma Vincent who joined UoB’s Pole Society in September of this year with no experience of the sport. Here’s what she had to say: ‘Joining pole has honestly been one of the best experiences I’ve had at university. I’m usually scared of trying new things but I took the plunge and I’ve enjoyed every minute. Everyone is super supportive of beginners and I have already learnt so much in such a short space of time.’

Now would be a perfect time to join Pole Society as competition season has just kicked off! Pole Fitness UoB are also very excited to be hosting the Midlands Regional Qualifiers for the Inter-University Pole Dancing Championship here at the University of Birmingham on Saturday February 26th at 11am (doors open at 10am). This competition would be a great introduction to Pole Fitness and an opportunity to see some amazing performances in the process.

As well as watching competitors, there will also be some very special guest performances from professional polers such as Kelly Rose (one of the instructors at Adage Studios in Selly Oak) and Vania Noble. The event will be held in the Debating Hall in the Guild and are all welcome, with tickets available to purchase on the door for £5.

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