Pole dancing competition coming to Galapagos

By Meredith Deliso

A pole is a terrible thing to waste.

That’s what the organizers behind Polesque, a new pole-dancing competition, realized after they had one custom-built for Galapagos Art Space last year for a one-off variety show.

The resulting semi-regular show is not just about woman writhing on a shiny metal pole (though there’s plenty of that, too).

“We really created Polesque so pole dancers can have an opportunity to showcase this as a performance art,” said Kyra Johanssen, a professional pole dancer who formed the event with enthusiasts Kyle Mcbeth and Jen James. “Right now, big pole competitions are all about tricks, tricks, tricks. Polesque is about creative movement and entertaining the audience.”

Indeed, past winning performances include a piece to Leonard Cohen’s “I’m Your Man,” where the dancer sported a Groucho Marx mask and used a cane “pretty suggestively,” said Mcbeth.

The next competition is on May 22, and will pit 16 performers, with burlesque acts mixed in. The top three finalists then do a free-style performance, with the audience picking a winner.

“It’s all based on who gets the most people jumping up and down,” said Mcbeth. “We’re not looking for the most athletic or best trick person out there. It’s more if they can put on a crazy show.”

“Polesque” at Galapagos Art Space [16 Main St. at Water Street in DUMBO, (718) 222-8500], May 22 at 8 pm. Tickets $30 ($20 in advance). For info, visit www.galapagosartspace.com.