Giving Credit in the Pole Community

Many dancers have been in situations where they post a beautiful, unique combo to share with the world. Moves that came to them from pure inspiration that was outside of themselves or others. And then within a day or two, see various other dancers doing the same thing on Instagram, but not crediting where they got their idea. This is not a new topic in this community, and I wanted to give my two cents on what I think about the matter.

It Only Makes Sense to Give Credit

I think it’s a tough subject. There’s one part of me that absolutely thinks credit should always be given. I always do for various reasons.

• One, it’s basic respect.
• Two, it adds to the “social” aspect of social media. Tagging people and letting them know that their work influenced you is part of what builds a community!
• And three, if their work inspires me, it’s bound to inspire others, so I should share their username!

We’re all on this app to influence one another whether we realize it or not. It does not take anything away from me to give proper credit to someone else who’s doing amazing work.

Devil’s Advocate

Then there’s the other part of me that thinks it’s just the ego that wants the credit. There’s nothing new under the sun and no one has invented a new pole move in years. Even whatever inspired you to come up with that nice combo, all stemmed from learning different moves from different people. Maybe you haven’t seen anyone put the moves together in the way that you did, but regardless, they aren’t new moves. And expecting credit is more just the ego having a fit.

But Then Again…

But then I go back to my original thought, that credit should always be given regardless. When people save and copy other’s dances without tagging them, it kind of gives hater energy. Many people are actively growing their pole accounts and taking two seconds to leave a username is the best way to really support one another in this small community (especially if they are trying to make dancing their living).

So, when someone doesn’t take the time to leave a mention, it’s like they’re deliberately choosing to take from a dancer without supporting them in return. It’s common sense to not steal fashion designs or someone’s intellectual property, but there’s no protection for copying an aerialist. It’s only upheld by respect and morals.

Everything is an exchange! If you’re taking ideas from others, it’s only reasonable to (at the very least) leave a tag if you can’t financially support them. It would actually only benefit you to do so! When you uplift others, you uplift yourself.

We are all creative beings meant to share our art with others and inspire others. So, when I notice others doing the combos that I come up with, I’m actually flattered. It brings me joy knowing that I inspired them because it’s my purpose to do so! The only reason I would care about a tag is because I’m still growing my brand and would like to expand further. But I also have total faith that everything happens on its own divine timing. I expect nothing because I know I will be taken care of and my desires will be met!  

I Am a Mirror

I notice dancers with extremely large followings don’t have this problem as much. It’s pretty obvious why! Once a dancer gets big enough, people tag them in everything because they want that person’s attention or validation. But when a dancer’s account is still small, it’s easy to take from them and not feel a way about it because you don’t really want anything from them.

Even though a lot of people won’t notice that you’re taking a smaller creator’s ideas, that dancer will notice, and it will change their opinion of you. The only two people that will sit with that knowledge will be you and the dancer, and as long as you don’t care, then keep stealing! But remember that this world is just a mirror. The more you give, the more you receive. The more you take, the less you receive. I don’t make the rules, I just observe them.

So, my final opinion is that I think it’s always best to give credit! But I also don’t feel too bothered when I notice others who don’t. Art is meant to be shared and not everyone will be as authentic as you! Don’t feed the ego too much over small things such as “credit” because if you’re being true to yourself and fulfilling your mission to this world, then you will be provided for and people will know your name. Stay patient and keep making your art, no matter what.