Partial truth. Some stripper poles spin (usually through ball bearings) and some do not. On the “traditional” pole you use strength and physics to “spin.” You can generally control your spin as well as hood and control vertical movement speed through friction. Using your thighs or back of Kees, underarm and torso etc. to “grip” the poke you can stop or control the speed of spins and slides when not in contact with the ground.
Of course there are draw backs to this. Momentum and core strength or mechanical leverage limit the maximum speed one can spin at and because the poor does not spin and friction is being generated- if you are spinning for prolonged periods and/or repeatedly it can cause pain and fatigue or even injury. Being able to control yourself on the pole to perform various tricks can take a lot of practice and fitness. If you should make a mistake or experience sudden weakness or such you can lose control and even hurt yourself badly.
Poles with ball bearings take much less effort to perform most spinning motions on and you can let weight imbalance carry the spin. The bearings make it possible to achieve greater rotational speed, reach speed faster with less effort, and to better maintain momentum once spinning. Because the pole spins with your body there is generally less friction on your skin (unless you fight the pole) and you have more strength and energy to focus on other areas of your performance such as vertical grip and movement. That said the rotating pole has drawbacks too.
For one thing, since the pole can spin, you have less control over your movements when on the pole- especially when not in contact with anything else. Your primary means to control rotational speed after rotation is started is to reposition body weight or simple wait for inertia to do it’s thing.
Another issue is when you are performing routines where you are not rotating the the pole. This is especially true when a routine or set requires use of the pole as a stable point such as when putting your center of balance far off your base (like leaning back against the pole with an arched back and legs far to your front etc.) generally if you are mindful and/or used to using a spinning pole, you know how to place your weight and position yourself so as not to induce rotation in such situations, but it does mean that more fine motor control and awareness are needed in certain situation to avoid an accident or clumsy performance.
While girth and height can vary and of course the smoothness of the surface and certain other factors, static poles have an element of consistency rotating poles do not. The rotation adds variables on top of the above. The design or age and upkeep of the pole can change the ease or speed of rotation and other factors that can add a learning curve to using an unfamiliar pole such as moving clubs or tours/features/etc.
generally speaking, those without training or experience will find it easier to perform simple “tricks” on a spinning pole because the requirements for fitness to achieve proper rotation are less demanding. Experienced or trained individuals may find that they can do certain things on a spinning pole they could not on a static pile or that some things are easier and less demanding- but that come things are harder or not feasible on a spinning pole for them Vs. A static pole.
Ultimately it can be a matter of preference and familiarity which type one prefers and any aptitude for one or the other. The real professionals can generally use either type of pole and make use of it to their advantage as they are both tools of the job. That said some dancers are specialists who are used to their element and excel in it but lack adaptability or versatility.
So the different types of poles have various advantages and disadvantages and some people may be skilled or experienced enough or lack the skills or sensitivity to notice or care about differences between styles; but ultimately it is inaccurate to say the pole spins and not the stripper. It depends on the pole and the stripper, and regardless of the type of pole, putting on a proper stage performance is physically demanding and exhausting and things don’t just happen- the dancer must control their body and use physics to their advantage to make a show. Otherwise you are just flailing and flopping about.
Of course there are draw backs to this. Momentum and core strength or mechanical leverage limit the maximum speed one can spin at and because the poor does not spin and friction is being generated- if you are spinning for prolonged periods and/or repeatedly it can cause pain and fatigue or even injury. Being able to control yourself on the pole to perform various tricks can take a lot of practice and fitness. If you should make a mistake or experience sudden weakness or such you can lose control and even hurt yourself badly.
For one thing, since the pole can spin, you have less control over your movements when on the pole- especially when not in contact with anything else. Your primary means to control rotational speed after rotation is started is to reposition body weight or simple wait for inertia to do it’s thing.
generally speaking, those without training or experience will find it easier to perform simple “tricks” on a spinning pole because the requirements for fitness to achieve proper rotation are less demanding. Experienced or trained individuals may find that they can do certain things on a spinning pole they could not on a static pile or that some things are easier and less demanding- but that come things are harder or not feasible on a spinning pole for them Vs. A static pole.
So the different types of poles have various advantages and disadvantages and some people may be skilled or experienced enough or lack the skills or sensitivity to notice or care about differences between styles; but ultimately it is inaccurate to say the pole spins and not the stripper. It depends on the pole and the stripper, and regardless of the type of pole, putting on a proper stage performance is physically demanding and exhausting and things don’t just happen- the dancer must control their body and use physics to their advantage to make a show. Otherwise you are just flailing and flopping about.