Beth Walker is a Scottish dancer and compere who has become a figure within the Scottish pole community. Walker, who also goes by Scorpio Siren, recently won gold in the Scottish University Pole Dancing Competition.
The Edinburgh Napier graduate has been involved in pole since coming out of lockdown searching for a new challenge, after training in ballet and contemporary. She joined the Napier Pole club, going on to lead it as president up until last year.
“I wanted to feel more confident in myself, and I knew I had to get the technique right or I would fall on my head.”
Like other forms of dance, pole allows for the combination of the aesthetic with the athletic. Walker said it was not only a sport, but an art form and allowed her to stay active in a way that felt more natural.
“I wanted to see how far I could push my body without having to go to a scary gym.”
One thing that stands out about pole dancing compared to other forms, is the way the community comes together for each other. Walker went on to praise the supportive ethos of all pole studios.
“The environment is like an echo-chamber. The level of support is like you’ll never experience.”
Social stigma can often be a barrier to those interesting in starting pole dance. Pole ‘s roots in sex-work are undeniable and this can create unease for some people both outside and in the pole community.
“There can be a very anti-stripper rhetoric which is really harmful for where pole-dance comes from.
“The barrier is self-esteem. When you touch the pole for the first time, all your ideals change.”
The British Pole and Aerial Sport Foundation, pole’s only governing body in Scotland, ceased operating earlier this year. This left the community in no-man’s land, lacking both direction and oversight.
“Without the governing body, it has allowed a lot of competitions to get put in place that don’t have the safety requirements.
“There have been quite a few instances in Scotland and England where poles have fallen down.”
However, a new organisation has entered the scene and looks to breathe fresh life into Scottish pole dance.
“Shadowbound was started by two incredible human beings, who worked for one of the previous competitions that got dissolved.
“They wanted to start up a pole competition that would value health and safety above all else, with more transparency, more inclusive values, more support for the roots of pole dance and more support for POC pole dancers.”
The organisation prioritises minority performers in its showcases and competitions, whilst also giving early access to people of colour for ticket sales. They have hosted several showcases and competitions already, and support is only growing.
Beth Walker praised her time with Napier Pole Dance for opening doors and helping her grow in confidence.
“It has provided me with a lot of good skills. I started MCing when I was vice-president of Napier Pole Dance and I’ve been MCing their showcases. Shadowbound asked me and now I’m doing their showcases and competitions too.”
She encourages anyone to give it a try whether they are looking for fitness, friendship or fun.
“I would not have my friends or job opportunities without Napier Pole Dance. I still work on my skills of hosting, being funny and managed to work at the fringe with comedians. It’s really helped create who I am today, and I credit a lot to it.”
Edinburgh Napier Pole Dance took home three first-place competition wins last year, and welcomes students of all abilities to give it a try. They offer weekly sessions at Pivot and Empire studios, and students can come for a free taster each semester.
