Winnipegger stripping away pole dancing stereotypes

WINNIPEG – Her routine is more athletic than erotic.

“It’s like I forget about everything else in the world,” said Tara Meyer. “In life.”

An escape provided by a pole.

“I loved it so much when I started,” said Meyer. “I wanted to continue on and do bigger, crazier competitions.”

Meyer discovered pole dancing in 2011. It didn’t take long for the Winnipegger to get the swing of things. Within two months, Meyer won a Canadian championship. This past November, she took home another national title. A few weeks before that, Meyer climbed to the top of the podium at the North American championships.

“It’s basically more the fitness aspect that they’re looking at,” said Meyer. “They want to see your strength, flexibility, technique.”

One thing she wants to make clear – this is not exotic dancing.

“Some people think they’ll walk around the pole for a bit,” said Meyer. “But they soon realize, we’re working muscles, getting cardio and endurance.”

Pole dancing has exploded in recent years as a unique way to get fit. Studios have popped up across the city, offering Winnipeggers a full-body workout.

“I actually have a 14-year-old in my class with her mom,” said Meyer. “From 14 to 60 year olds. All ages. Even males.”

Meyer will look to add more trophies to her mantle over the next few months when she competes at the U.S. Aerial Championships in February and the Arnold Sports Festival in March.