Copy Cats

Ripping off someone's work is never acceptable, but the lines between blatant plagiarism and adapting movement can be blurred.  I came across this video some months ago on Facebook and got to thinking about how many pole moves I've used that I've gotten from others and how many new moves I've been so eager to learn.  I personally believe tricks should be shared and taught to everyone to enjoy rather than safeguarded.  On the other hand, I've seen entire pole routines and trick sequences copied almost move for move set to a different song and not only is it disrespectful to the creators, its BORING.  The first time I see something I can appreciate its beauty, the second time I see it done by someone else the exact same way it feels cheap.

Original work should be respected.  If you've ever tried to create a trick, choreography, or anything for that matter that is completely original you will understand what amount of love, hate, work, and soul goes into the birth of it.  It is easy for us with so much access to media on facebook and youtube to find the newest hot trick and copy it, but it is a much more difficult task to create.

When I was shiny and new to pole dancing, it was easy to think of all the possibilities because I had nothing to reference.  Over time it became more difficult because you start watching more pole and learning the right and wrong ways to do things.  For example I learned after my first year poling you don't just invert right into an outside leg hang you invert with a straddle to make a clean transition.  There are many possible ways to get in and out of each move, but generally there is a standard way and variations which all vary depending on who and where you're learning.  You can become trapped in routine or favor of a certain way to enter and exit a trick.  These references from youtube videos or teachers can be hard to break out of once you've engrained it in your muscle memory.

But how do we share this pole vocabulary and still respect those who created it?  How can you watch "The Nutcracker" and still want to see "Swan Lake" even though they are both using the same vocabulary of ballet?  Can you do the same combination of tricks and keep it fresh?  Often it is the context that you put the trick in that makes it interesting.  Make it your own.  For example, don't do trick sequences in the same order that you originally learned or saw it in.  Create a new transition into a trick or create your own variation.  Can you take one arm off?  One leg? bend a leg that was straight?  How can you change that trick to make a new picture?  Can you transition into a different trick from that outside leg hang or get there a different way?  Experiment with speed and musical timing.  Play with a move on spinning vs. static.  As you're reading this, you may be coming up with your own ideas on how to put a spin on something you already know.  By putting in a little time and effort, you can make it your own.  Challenge yourself, utilize your intelligence, and become your own creator...I'm sure the result will be proudly original and beautiful to watch!