Proud tears were shed, drinks were raised, and splits with a broken foot were dropped when Essex Blades Pole Dance Club swept the SU Essex Blades Awards 2025-2026! It was a historic night for the club, and Grace, the club’s 2025-2026 President, proudly described it as ‘surreal’. This gold-standard, tight-knit club have had a bumper year of wins, making so many special memories in and out of the practice room.
Pole Dance Club is booming, now counting over 200 diverse members. Their strong training programme and huge range of social events, showcases, and competitions saw them bag the biggest award of the night, Club of the Year. To say the Pleasers-wearing posse were pleased is an understatement.
Those who’ve never mounted a pole are just as welcome as pro pole dancers; in fact, one of this year’s newbies, Amber, was nominated for Best Newcomer to recognise her achievement of qualifying for the Inter University Pole Varsity Nationals competition. That’s not beginner’s luck, that’s beginner’s dedication.
Amber was one of eleven pole athletes who competed at major events including IUPV Regionals and Nationals, with standout results including 1st place in the Aspiring category and 2nd in Beginners. Amber and Grace, the club’s President from 2025-2026, also brought home a medal each for Essex at Derby Day for their incredible display of pole prowess.
Another club champ is Emily, who won the Tony Rich Outstanding Sporting Achievement Award. This year, Emily competed at the South-East Regional Championships where she won the champion title in the aspiring category, finishing 22 points ahead of second place – poles apart from the competition!
Trophies are great, but success isn’t what makes people come back to pole classes every week – community and friendship keep it spinning. The club’s culture owes so much to Grace who won the Volunteer of the Year award that honoured her passion for volunteering, organising socials and showcases, and creating a supportive, inclusive environment.
Their chock-a-block social calendar won them the Social Club of the Year. With socials and events like bonfires, a Winter Showcase, crochet classes, collaborations with other societies, and even a pre-competition sleepover club, you better not sleep on Blades Pole Dance!
Not only does Pole Dance Club do so much for its members, but it also gives back to great causes, too. The club raised an amazing £613.20 for charity this year, earning them – seriously – another prize, the Raising and Giving Award at the Blades Awards.
Their winning streak is a testament to the talent, generosity, and community spirit of the club. Fancy joining next year? They’d love to have you! Check out their webpage here.