Think of charity events and you think of sponsored walks, slims, headshaves and cake bakes.
Pole dancing perhaps doesn’t come into the equation.
But a pole dancing spectacular is promised for Huddersfield on Friday evening, to raise cash for autistic children.
It’s the brainchild of the Huddersfield University Pole Dancing Academy and dance teacher Sarah-Jayne Marcussen, who is determined that her mix of Disney, stage show classics and Bond themes will prove a novel background to the pole dancing.
In all 22 performers will take to the stage at the University’s Quayside centre on Friday, March 18, and many of them are students who are members of the University’s Pole Dancing Academy.
Sarah-Jayne, who teaches the art at her studios in Marsh Mills, Huddersfield, said: “It has gone from strength to strength after initial opposition and we are now in our fourth year.
“The University was a little bit apprehensive at first with the reputation of pole-dancing in certain circles but once they realised what we were about, and the fact there were established pole-dancing societies at universities in Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle, they were very supportive.
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“Now we have Varsity contests between different universities.
“Our showcase on Friday is ‘Songs From The Stage & Silver Screen’, and will feature pole dancers, aerial hoop artists doing acrobatics high above the stage and song.”
Sarah-Jayne has 10 years experience, and works closely alongside a Committee of University students to run the University society.
She said: “We aim to make pole dancing accessible to university students of any age, shape, size, gender or ability. The lessons are for fun and fitness; you can make new friends, boost your confidence, lose weight, tone up, and improve your core strength and flexibility whilst learning a fun new skill.
“We are raising money for The Whole Autism Family which was formed in October 2014, by parents who wanted to build a better future for their children. They are a completely voluntary support group, with all money we raise as group going directly into supporting families affected by autism.”
The event is at the Quayside Building at the University of Huddersfield, on Friday, March 18,from 7pm. Admission is £7.50 or £5 NUS.
