In the run up to the Christmas break, the University of Plymouth Pole Dance Society (UPPDC) hosted a Winter Showcase to raise money for charity. Society members shared with us an overview of their successful showcase and appreciation for those who came to support them and help them reach their fundraising goal....

"On Friday 8th of December, the University of Plymouth Pole Dance Club hosted their annual Winter Showcase in the Students' Union, with special guests BigSIS and Plymouth Marrow. 

The showcase was an opportunity for members, instructors, and alumni to mingle and show off amazing self-choreographed routines to friends, family, and the wider community.

It was a lovely night, with a fantastically supportive atmosphere, and a massive range of people within the audience. 

Alongside the shows, the Pole Dancers had two stalls for Plymouth Marrow and BigSIS, who gave speeches during the event.

BigSIS is a charity supporting young girls and non-binary children’s mental health within the Southwest. They work through impactful programmes in schools and the community and make a massive difference! Half of the funds raised by the Winter Showcase were donated towards BigSIS and their fantastic cause. 

Plymouth Marrow is a Student Society at the University, who represent the Anthony Nolan Charity, which works to saves and improve the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders. The Pole Dancers supported Plymouth Marrow’s latest fundraising in the form of a Naked 2024 Calendar, which was on sale at the event! 

With a minimum of £3 entry, the club raised £306 (excluding the Marrow sales), unfortunately reaching maximum capacity! The Pole Dance Committee plan to expand their next Summer Showcase by hosting it in a larger venue, in the hopes of raising more for their next chosen charity.

The relaxed evening consisted of 11 routines with a total of 16 talented performers. Some members showed off their remarkable strength with Iron X’s (also known as the Human Flag), others showing off astonishing flexibility, with routine styles ranging from contemporary, elegant flow, sexy exotic, dynamic duos, energising hip hop, and all things in between! 

Four routines were, or will be, recycled for use in competitions. Already this academic year, both members and alumni have competed in the English Rivera Competition - Lauryn and Bethany owning Second Place in Doubles Category, and Nicole snatching Second Place in Advanced Category! They also had their very own Social Sec Emma have the time of her life and receive glowing feedback from the Beginners Category!

I loved hosting this event for the club. It was a fun new experience and the energy and supportiveness of everyone involved is unmatched. I always look forward to performing and getting involved with the society! - Emma Hornsby, UPPDC Social Sec and Host of Winter Showcase

In March 2024, the Pole Dance Society will return to the South-West Pole Varsity, to hopefully keep their reigning title of First Place Group Category, with entries also in Beginner, Intermediate and Advance Soloists. We wish you luck!

The University of Plymouth Pole Dancers will be performing next on Friday 8th of February from 8pm in the Students' Union, in support of the National Movement ‘Take Back the Night’. Everyone is welcome to come and support. See you there!

The UPPDC winter showcase is a fabulous event that is welcoming to all and respectful of diversity. As one of the instructors for the UPPDC I see the winter showcase as a safe space where students can showcase their pole skills and share their love for pole with friends and family. The showcase also provides both students and the audience with an escape from the pressures of the outside world. - Sam Remmer, Art of Dance Studio Owner, and Instructor
 

Find out more about UPPDC

Find out more and purchase a membership for the Pole Dance Society here.

Follow them on Instagram.

Email: uppdc@outlook.com