Age Is Nothing But a Number When It Comes To Pole Dancing

By Tanya Velázquez

Spinning around a silver, 12-foot pole in a class of eight people, senior citizen Stu Hansen’s pole dancing journey has changed the way he looks at life.

Hansen’s pole dancing passion began at a friend’s party with dance poles, sparking an interest that would keep Hansen spinning.

“I found something with pole [dancing]… it’s almost like therapeutic,” Hansen said. “You can have a rough day, and you can go to a pole class and come out feeling amazing.”

Hansen is a regular at the pole dancing studio, soFly Social, in Austin, where he takes around two to three classes a week along with a flexibility class. Hansen said that the inclusivity of the pole dancing community is one of the main reasons he keeps going back. Being older, Hansen said he initially wasn’t sure how people would react to seeing him in the studio.

“That was something I was really nervous about, you know, when you’re 55 years old, and you’re walking into a pole class the first time … but you know I did it,” said Hansen, who’s now 56. “I’m really glad I did.”

Hansen is not the only regular pole class attendee who is from a diverse background, according to soFly Social instructor Rebecca Reinhardt.

“I think the biggest point of diversity is probably age,” Reinhardt said. “I’ll get students, I’ll get people who are older than me.”

Nevertheless, Hansen said that pole dancing has pushed him out of his comfort zone and has helped him gain a better sense of self.

“It’s about throwing those inhibitions aside, and, you know, finding out who you are,” Hansen said.

For as long as his health allows, Hansen’s pole passion will continue to be a principal pillar in his life.