# Pole Dancing Photography Bart Erkamp's Pole Fitness Series Proves that Pole Dancing is a Sport By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2015-01-07 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pole-fitness References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2015/01/06/bart-erkamps-photos-prove-pole-dancing-sport/) & [b-artwork.nl](http://www.b-artwork.nl/pole-dancing-home/) Bart Erkamp's latest series, titled 'Pole Fitness,' proves that pole dancing is more than just a sleazy nightclub preoccupation. In recent years, pole dancing has become less associated with strip clubs, as more and more women have taken the activity up as a [form of fitness](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reform-the-rules). Erkamp's series attempts to highlight just how [physically challenging pole dancing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-and-sports-illustrated) is, proving it's a legitimate sport that requires strength, stamina and more than a little talent. Erkamp was first inspired to photograph pole dancing because of a woman he dated who was heavily involved with the sport. Following that relationship, Erkamp attended a [championship pole fitness competition](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ballers-sports-venue) in Amsterdam, where he was impressed by the dancer's grace, power and ability. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 77% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Pole Dancing as Fitness:** Opportunity for fitness companies to create specialized pole dancing classes and equipment. - **Legitimization of Pole Dancing:** Chance for sports organizations to recognize pole dancing as an official sport and establish competitions and governing bodies. - **Pole Dance Photography:** Potential for photographers to explore the artistic side of pole dancing and create visually stunning series. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fitness:** Fitness industry can incorporate pole dancing as a trendy and effective workout option. - **Sports:** Sports industry can embrace pole dancing as a legitimate sport, providing support and sponsorship opportunities. - **Photography:** Photography industry can explore the creative possibilities of capturing pole dancing through artistic and empowering photo series. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Street Pole Vault Competitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/street-pole-vault-competition.md) - [Novel Fitness Raves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fitness-rave.md) - [Honest Female Athlete Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hillberg-berk1.md) - [Ballet-Inspired Altheticwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/en-pointe-collection.md) - [Stylish Outdoor Gyms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stylish-outdoor-gym.md) - [Boutique Fitness Memberships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elleto.md) - [Empowering Fitness Journey Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reform-the-rules.md) - [Joyful Workout Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dynamic-campaign.md) - [Social Sports Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ballers-sports-venue.md)