Pole Up Tournament 2026

Introduction

With the growth and evolution of pole dance globally, POLE UP 2026 presents itself as a unique experience to explore the limits of this discipline in its seventh edition.

We invite all participants to showcase their talent in two highlighted modalities: ART and HIGH HEELS. With clear and accessible rules, an organization committed to transparency, and a panel of recognized expert judges, we make these Regulations available as a guide and reference.

1. Purpose of the Regulations

The main purpose of these Regulations is to establish the key rules that will guide the registration process, preselection, the final competition, and the awards ceremony in the Tournament. The early publication of this document aims to provide interested parties with the necessary time to adequately prepare and facilitate essential information so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying and giving your best in the competition.

In this sense, information about categories, subcategories, preselection criteria, participation requirements, and scoring system is prioritized, ensuring that each participant has the necessary guidance to optimize their training for the Tournament. Any questions or doubts can be channeled through the available contact means, and additional specifications to complement these Regulations will be communicated in a timely manner.

2. Contact Channels

Participants and interested parties can access all tournament news and updates through the official social media, www.instagram.com/pole.up.tournament and www.facebook.com/poleuptournament, as well as through the official website, www.poleuptournament.com.

You can communicate privately through Instagram messaging services, through the website messaging service, or by sending an email to info@poleuptournament.com.

3. Venue and Date

The Tournament will take place at Teatro del Globo, located at Marcelo Torcuato de Alvear 1155, in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentine Republic, on June 20, 2026.

4. Who Can Participate

Anyone over 18 years old, regardless of nationality or gender, may participate in the Tournament, as long as they comply with the provisions established in these Regulations. Each participant has the option to register in more than one category.

Participation of persons who do not have the necessary medical fitness to perform the activity will not be allowed.

5. Stage and Poles Description

Performances on the tournament stage will be performed on two poles of 45 mm diameter and 4 m height, arranged at a distance of 4 meters from each other.

• In the Art category, the static pole will be located on the left and the spinning pole on the right from the audience's perspective.
• In the Pole Up category, participants may choose the use of the spinning pole: left, right, both, or none.
• In the High Heels category, both poles will be static, with the option for the right one to be spinning.

6. Categories and Subcategories

Subcategories can be mixed. If in the preselection subcategories emerge that do not present a sufficient level of homogeneity, they may be subdivided into others that meet the required homogeneity levels.

6.1 Categories

ART

Within the Art category, competitors will be expected to demonstrate their technical skills together with their artistic skills (expression, interpretation, dance, theatricality, connection with the audience, staging).

HIGH HEELS

Within the High Heels category, competitors will be expected to demonstrate their technical skills together with their artistic skills within the style of the discipline (with elements of floorwork, basework, dance, interpretation, connection with the audience, staging), to be executed with high heels shoes.

POLE UP

Total creative freedom. No mandatory movements or minimum contact requirements. Teams of two or more people. Evaluated as a whole.

6.2 Subcategories

Newbie

This category is aimed at people participating for the first time in a pole dance competition, with a focus on stage exploration, adaptation to the competitive format, and initial technical development.

• Previous experience: Exclusive for those who have not previously competed in pole dance tournaments, do not work as instructors of the discipline, and have a maximum of three years of pole dance practice.
• Required skills: Art: Basic and simple intermediate tricks, prioritizing proper execution. High Heels: Execution of basic floorwork and basework, with control and safety in high heels.
• Presentation: Personal expression, musicality, and overall fluency are valued, without requiring complex narrative.

Amateur

This category is ideal for those starting in competitions, with a focus on basic technique and skill development.

• Previous experience: Exclusive for those who have not competed at advanced levels, providing a safe space for those exploring their potential in competitions.
• Required skills: Art: Basic and intermediate tricks, prioritizing combos and simple transitions. High Heels: Execution of basic floorwork and basework, with control and safety in high heels.
• Presentation: Personal expression and fluency are valued, without requiring complex narrative or advanced theatricality.

Semipro

This category is designed for competitors with an intermediate level, where a balance between technique, artistic expression, and stage development is sought.

• Previous experience: Ideal for those who have already competed in initial categories or have experience in stage presentations, without having yet reached a professional level.
• Required skills: Art: Mastery of intermediate tricks, fluid combinations, and elaborate transitions. High Heels: Floorwork and basework with greater complexity, incorporating dynamic elements and choreographic accents.
• Presentation: Thematic clarity, interpretation, and stage impact are valued, with a defined narrative and intentional use of artistic resources.

Pro

This category is aimed at competitors with a high technical and artistic level, where excellence in execution, creativity, and stage maturity are required.

• Previous experience: Minimum 3 years competing or podium placements in amateur/semipro categories. Aimed at those seeking to stand out in a highly competitive environment.
• Required skills: Art: Mastery of advanced tricks, complex combinations, and innovative transitions. High Heels: Impeccable execution of advanced floorwork and basework, with a high level of physical skill and heel handling.
• Presentation: A solid narrative, deep interpretation, and high stage impact are required, with creative use of artistic and technical resources.

Élite

This category represents the maximum competitive level, reserved for pole dance athletes with consolidated trajectory and technical and artistic excellence.

• Previous experience: Minimum 5 years competing or podium placements in Pro category. Aimed at competitors who seek to face the best in a maximum demand environment.
• Required skills: Art: Absolute mastery of maximum difficulty tricks (flips, regrips, aerial combinations). High Heels: Floorwork, basework, and physical skill at the highest level, with innovation and technical perfection.
• Presentation: An innovative narrative, exceptional interpretation, and spectacularity are required, with masterful use of all available resources.

Master

This category is designed for competitors over 40 years old, valuing experience, personal style, and interpretative maturity over extreme technical demand.

• Previous experience: Open to all competitors over 40 years old, regardless of their competitive history.
• Required skills: Art: Solid technique with focus on quality, control, and expression. High Heels: Floorwork and basework with emphasis on elegance, musicality, and safe heel handling.
• Presentation: Authenticity, emotional connection with the audience, and stage wisdom are valued, with freedom to prioritize personal expression over technical difficulty.

7. Mandatory Aspects of Performances

7.1 Performance Duration

According to the category and/or subcategory in which the competitor is registered, they must adjust to the following performance duration parameters:

No movement executed outside the maximum allowed time according to the competitor's category and/or subcategory will be judged.

7.2 Contact with the Pole

The competitor, during their performance, must comply with a minimum contact time with the pole (static and/or spinning, indistinctly), which will be different for each of the categories and/or subcategories and proportional to the time required for their performances.

Time in contact with the pole will be counted as all time in which the competitor holds the pole (with any part of the body) or uses it as support for their body in any position. For example, included in this definition are: spins, choreographic transitions on the floor in contact with the pole, handstands with support on the pole, basework (High Heels category), aerial work on the pole, etc.

7.3 High Heels Category Requirements

Those participating in the High Heels category must use, during most of their performance, high heel stiletto shoes with a minimum height of 15 cm.

8. Permitted Aspects in Performances

During the in-person performances of the Tournament, it will be permitted (optionally):

• The use of elements that complement the performance and comply with the requirements established in point 10 of these Regulations.
• The participation of stage companions who complement the performance and comply with the requirements established in point 10 of these Regulations. Except in the Pole Up subcategory where all are participants.
• The use of facial and body makeup, as long as it does not come off the body or leave residues on the poles.
• The removal of clothing during the performance, as long as the requirements established in point 10 of these Regulations regarding costume are met.
• For Art category competitors, the use of footwear (dance shoes, ballet shoes, athletic shoes, etc.), except for the mandatory footwear for the High Heels category.
• The use of knee pads.
• The use of grips on hands and body (Addherence, Mighty Grip, Dry Hands, I-Tac, Fulltack, magnesium and similar).
• The use of theater lights that complement the performance and comply with the requirements established in point 10 of these Regulations.

9. Prohibited Aspects in Performances

During the Tournament performances, it will be prohibited:

• Intentionally throwing objects at the audience.
• Using dangerous elements for themselves, for other competitors, for the audience, or for the integrity of the space (paints, flammable elements, cutting elements, weapons, etc.), and all those elements that contradict the provisions established in point 10 of these Regulations regarding stage elements.
• Using clothing that contradicts the provisions in point 10 of these Regulations regarding costume.
• Using stage elements not declared in a timely manner.
• Participation on stage of persons not declared as stage companions.
• Using elements (jewelry, accessories, piercings, etc.) that could damage the poles.
• Using oils and body creams.
• Using resin.

10. Costume, Music, Stage Elements, Companions and Lights

Costume

The competitor may choose their costume freely, within the following parameters:

1. The costume must have relation and harmony with the choreography to be presented.
2. The costume must completely cover intimate parts.
3. The costume must not alter the quality of grip (hold) of hands in contact with the pole.
4. The use of high heels (complying with the specifications in point 7.3 of these Regulations) within the High Heels category is mandatory.
5. Art category participants are permitted to use footwear according to what is referred to in point 8 of these Regulations.
6. The use of knee pads is permitted.

Music

The competitor may freely choose the audio track to use during their performance, within the following parameters:

1. The audio track cannot have a duration outside the minimum and maximum ranges required for the category and/or subcategory.
2. The audio track cannot be identical to that of another participant in the same subcategory (priority will be given to whoever reported it first to the organization).
3. The audio track may include cuts, edits, mash-ups, or combination of two or more songs/audio tracks.

The music must be sent via email to info@poleuptournament.com in MP3 format and under the denomination "last name and first name, category, subcategory", as stipulated in points 18.3 and 20 of these Regulations.

4. The video cannot last longer than the time required for the subcategory.
5. The video must include the audio track.
6. The video must be sent via email to info@poleuptournament.com preferably in MP4 format, in 1920x1080 pixel measure and under the denomination "last name and first name, category, subcategory", as stipulated in points 18.3 and 20 of these Regulations.

Stage Elements

The competitor may use objects to complement their performance (scenery and/or elements they actively incorporate into their performance), as long as such elements:

1. Do not damage the space or alter the composition of the environment in contact with the poles (would alter the composition of the environment, for example, a smoke machine).
2. Can be easily transported in and out of the stage.
3. Do not require the use of electrical installations.

The list of elements to be used must be informed via email to info@poleuptournament.com according to what is stipulated in point 20 of these Regulations.

Stage Companions

The competitor may be accompanied on stage by persons of their choice (without quantity limits), who complement their performance. Persons who complement the competitor on stage may have contact with the pole, but their handling of this element will not influence the technical score to be awarded to the competitor.

For admission purposes, the competitor must, according to what is stipulated in point 20 of these Regulations:

• Pay the corresponding fee for each stage companion according to what is established in point 19 of these Regulations.
• Send a copy of the payment receipt to info@poleuptournament.com along with the data of the companions (full name, date of birth, and ID number or passport number).

Stage companions will be given an identification bracelet that they must wear if they wish to enter as audience to the seating area (no exception).

Lights

The competitor may complement their performance with the use of the theater's lighting. The possibilities are to do a fade in, fade out, or a black out with the lights. To do this, the competitor must send a person to the lighting booth, to indicate to the operator the exact moment when they should execute any of these instructions.

11. Evaluation Criteria

Tournament performances will be evaluated based on artistic and technical criteria, detailed below.

11.1 Artistic Criteria (ALL CATEGORIES EXCEPT POLE UP)

Makeup and Costume (15 pts)

The coherence and expressiveness of makeup and costume in relation to the performance theme will be evaluated, considering them as key elements of artistic expression.

Choreographic Fluidity and Musicality (20 pts)

Judges will value the harmony, fluidity, quality, precision, and complexity of movements, both in individual details and in the overall choreography. Handling of musicality and rhythm will also be taken into account, both in contact with the pole and outside of it.

Interpretation and Stage Confidence (20 pts)

This criterion evaluates expressiveness, theatricality, and interpretation throughout the entire performance, highlighting the competitor's ability to convey emotions, their stage security, connection with the audience, and ability to entertain.

Spectacularity (20 pts)

The use of additional stage resources, such as the screen, companions, or costume and scenery elements, will be valued. The use of these resources is optional, but the score will depend on how they complement the performance, not on the quantity used.

11.2 Technical Criteria

ART (EXCLUSIVE ELEMENTS)

• Flexibility (20 pts): The quality and difficulty (according to the level required for the subcategory) of flexibility tricks and movements executed throughout the entire performance, both on the pole and off it, will be evaluated.
• Strength (20 pts): The quality and difficulty (according to the level required for the subcategory) of strength tricks and movements executed throughout the entire performance, both on the pole and off it, will be evaluated.
• Spinning Pole (10 pts): The handling of the spinning pole will be evaluated, considering speed, control, and ease in executing tricks and transitions during the performance.

HIGH HEELS (EXCLUSIVE ELEMENTS)

• Floorwork (20 pts): The execution of floorwork elements (floor work without contact with the pole) characteristic of the style will be evaluated. Complexity, originality, line, cleanliness in movements, and heel handling will be taken into account.
• Basework (20 pts): The execution of basework elements (work executed at the base of the pole, with movements and transitions that combine contact with the pole and the floor) characteristic of the style will be evaluated. Complexity, originality, line, cleanliness in movements, and heel handling will be taken into account.
• Physical Skill (10 pts): The quality and difficulty (according to the level required for the subcategory) of tricks and movements that integrate strength and flexibility executed throughout the entire performance, both on the pole and off it, will be evaluated.
• Heel Work (10 pts): Precision, control, cleanliness, stability, and heel handling in displacements, supports, spins, transitions, and choreographic accents will be taken into account, respecting the characteristic features of the style.

11.3 Integral Criteria

Subjective Integral Appreciation (25 pts)

This criterion allows judges to value the global impact of the performance, highlighting unique or intangible elements not contemplated in the technical or artistic criteria. It reflects the participant's integral connection with the audience, jury, and stage.

11.4 Pole Up

This subcategory will be evaluated integrally. Each judge will assign a score from 1 to 10 to the participants. The final score will be obtained by averaging the individual evaluations of the judges.

If there are more than five participants, first, second, and third place will be declared as winners. If there are five or fewer participants, a single winner will be announced. Judges may deliberate if they consider it necessary to define the category winner.

12. Special Bonus: People's Choice

During the Tournament, a special mention called "People's Choice" will be awarded, chosen by the attending audience in each category. This mention will be determined through a People's Choice, formed by a group of five people selected through a surprise dynamic among the present audience.

The selected people will be seated in preferential seats next to the official jury and will receive an evaluation sheet, with which they will assign scores from 1 to 10 according to their personal appreciation.

The People's Choice evaluation will not be incorporated into the artistic or technical score awarded by the jury, nor will it directly influence the final results. However, it may be considered as an additional criterion in case of an absolute tie, once the tie-breaking mechanisms provided in these Regulations have been applied.

13. Scoring, Deductions and Disqualification

13.1 Art Scoring Scheme

13.2 High Heels Scoring Scheme

13.3 Deduction Reasons (EXCEPT POLE UP CATEGORY)

The following deductions will be applied to all categories (accumulable among themselves, with no maximum limit and, in cases where nothing is indicated, repeatable), which will be deducted from the total score obtained:

13.4 Disqualification Reasons

The following will be grounds for disqualification:

• Unjustified abandonment of the stage before the completion of their performance. The only justified reasons, in which disqualification would not be applied, are those described in point 14 of these Regulations.
• Non-compliance with any of the participant's commitments established in point 22 of these Regulations.
• Falseness or inaccuracy of the information provided within the framework of their registration and participation.
• Failure to fulfill any of the participation requirements within the dates established in the schedule set forth in point 20 of these Regulations.

14. Possibility to Repeat the Performance

Competitors will only be justified to abandon the stage before the completion of their performance without being disqualified in the following cases:

• Issues with the music track playback.
• Technical issues due to causes beyond the competitor's control.

15. Winners

For each subcategory (except Pole Up) 3 winning positions will be announced (in order of first, second, and third place) to those who obtain the highest scores among their competitors.

In case of a tie, the better position will be obtained by whoever has the highest number of points in the sum of (a) artistic criteria. If the tie persists, the better position will be obtained by whoever has the highest number of points in the sum of (b) technical criteria. If it still persists, the better position will be obtained by whoever has the highest number of points in the (c) People's Choice bonus. If they have the same number of points in the totals of these three concepts, it will be considered a tie. In this case, the competitors in question will share the position number.

For the Pole Up category, only one winner will be announced, the one who obtains the highest number of points as described in point 11.3 of these regulations.

16. Prizes

In Pole Up 2026, prizes for winners will be distributed according to the level of participation and will be awarded as follows:

Participants in Newbie, Amateur and Semi-Pro subcategories

All competitors who obtain first place in these subcategories will receive a direct pass to participate in the next edition of the Tournament, without the need for a new preselection, being able to access one or more higher subcategories.

Overall Winners of ART and HIGH HEELS categories

They will receive a monetary prize with a base value of USD 300, which may increase based on the total number of confirmed finalists, up to a maximum of USD 500.

Overall Winner of the POLE UP category

Will receive a monetary prize with a base value of USD 200, which may increase based on the total number of confirmed finalists, up to a maximum of USD 300.

17. Backstage Companion

Each competitor may have one person, over 18 years old, who accompanies and assists them backstage (behind the scenes). For admission purposes, the competitor must, within the deadlines provided in the schedule:

• Pay the corresponding fee for the backstage companion according to what is established in point 19 of these Regulations.
• Send a copy of the payment receipt to info@poleuptournament.com along with the companion's data (full name, date of birth, and ID number or passport number), as stipulated in points 18.3 and 20 of these Regulations.

Companions will be given an identification bracelet that they must wear if they wish to enter as audience to the seating area (no exception).

18. Registration, Preselection and Final

18.1 Registration Process

Those wishing to participate in the Tournament must comply with the following requirements:

1. Complete the online form available on the website www.poleuptournament.com, including:
   • Personal information: complete participant data.
   • Background in the discipline: relevant experience in the chosen category and subcategory.
   • Preselection video: Link to a video (Youtube, Vimeo, Instagram) between 2 and 3 minutes (can be longer) where:
     • Artistic skills are demonstrated for both Art and High Heels categories.
     • The video must not have cuts, edits, or visual effects.
     • It can be a video from another competition.
     • It reflects the spirit of what is evaluated in the Tournament, in accordance with the criteria detailed in these Regulations.
   • Acceptance of terms and conditions: as a sworn statement.
2. Preselection payment options:
   • Standard option: Single payment according to established fees. Deadline: April 5, 2026.
   • Early registration option: Allows dividing the preselection payment into two equal installments:
     • First installment: Deadline February 28, 2026.
     • Second installment: Deadline April 5, 2026.
3. Sending payment receipt: Send the receipt of the payment made to info@poleuptournament.com within the corresponding dates.

Registration will be effective only upon completion of both the form and payment in full.

Additional requirements for the Pole Up category

1. Designation of a team leader:
   • Once all team members have completed registration, the group must designate a leader.
   • The leader will be the only official point of contact between the team and the Tournament Organization.
   • All queries, requests, or clarifications related to the team's participation must be made only through the designated leader.
2. Team leader responsibilities:
   • Coordinate with team members to complete regulation requirements (payments, video submissions, medical certificates, etc.).
   • Ensure to transmit to team members all information sent by the Organization.
   • Represent the team in case of queries or discrepancies with the regulations.
3. Deadline to designate the leader:
   • The team leader must be informed to the Organization within 5 business days after the close of registrations.
   • For this, an email must be sent to info@poleuptournament.com with:
     • The leader's name.
     • The names of those who make up the group.
4. Individual Registration:
   • Each group member must register individually, selecting the Pole Up category in the corresponding form.
   • In the "stage name" field, participants may indicate the group name (if they have one) or the team leader's name.

19. Fees and Payment Methods

Payment in US dollars (USD) or Argentine pesos will be accepted. All registration values are expressed in US dollars as reference currency. In case of opting for payment in Argentine pesos, the amount will be calculated according to the blue dollar exchange rate in effect on the day of payment.

Fees must be paid on the dates established in the schedule and according to the values corresponding to each instance (preselection and final), according to the competitor's category and/or subcategory.

Early registration option

Those who register before the date indicated in the schedule may divide the preselection fee into two equal installments. If payment is not completed within the established deadlines, the standard registration must be paid in a single payment.

Payment methods

Fees may be paid through one of the following methods:

• In cash or by debit or credit card, during School of Pole's public service hours.
• By bank transfer (request account details by email).
• By PayPal.
• By Mercado Pago.

If the chosen payment method requires the payment of an extra fee for the service use, said fee will be assumed by the participant. Monetary prizes will be paid according to the payment method used by the participant, in accordance with what is established in point 16 of these Regulations.

20. Schedule

No exceptions will be made for non-compliance with the schedule unless there is a serious and verifiable cause that justifies the delay for no more than one week from the deadline for fulfilling the requirement in question.

21. The Organization

The Tournament is organized by School of Pole (hereinafter, the "Organization"). The Organization:

• Is not responsible for damage or loss of personal items belonging to participants that they bring with them to the theater on the day of the in-person final of the Tournament.
• Is not responsible for damages or losses caused within the framework of the competitors' participation in the Tournament.
• May modify the guidelines established in these Regulations at any time.
• Will decide on matters not included in these Regulations, and its decision will be binding for all participants.
• Will make a health professional available to participants during the course of the in-person final of the Tournament.
• Will have the final decision in cases where doubts exist regarding the application of any guideline in these Regulations, based on the criterion it deems appropriate.

22. Participants' Commitment

• Must maintain decorum, good conduct, and respect towards their competitors, jury members, Organization members, and assisting staff during the entire course of the in-person final.
• May not refer in an insulting or disrespectful manner towards other participants, jury members, Organization members, or the Tournament itself during the entire time between the opening of registrations and the conclusion of the Tournament.
• Grant the right to use all images of their person taken during the in-person final.
• Authorize the Organization to use their name and image for advertising, commercial, and promotional purposes of the Tournament and its subsequent editions.
• Acknowledge that all photographic and video material produced within the framework of the Tournament is considered property of the Organization.
• Declare to know and accept all provisions of these Regulations.
• Declare to know and accept that the practiced discipline is high-risk and, therefore, voluntarily accept its risks and assume responsibility for minimizing the possibility of accidents that could affect their physical integrity during the Tournament.
• Are responsible for the veracity of all information provided in compliance with the requirements of these Regulations.
• May not participate in the in-person presentation of the Tournament under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Must attend on the day of the Tournament with a document proving their identity (official, original, and valid as identification in the country) and present it when requested.
• Must be present at the time of the awards ceremony, or at any time they have been required.
• Must keep the theater facilities clean and in perfect condition.
• Will be economically responsible, personally, for any damage they cause to the theater facilities. If applicable, they must compensate the Organization for any damage, expense, or claim caused by virtue of their action or omission.

23. Tournament Ethics

The Tournament promotes values of transparency and equality, which it seeks to reflect in each of its stages, from initial planning to its conclusion, and transmit to its participants, judges, and audience. Additionally, it fosters the values inherent to sports practice, such as camaraderie, perseverance, and responsibility.

Both the Organization and the Tournament judges will be guided by these principles in their decisions and actions, ensuring that none of them deviate from these fundamental values.

24. Regulation Interpretation

All terms used in these Regulations must be interpreted in good faith, according to their common and usual sense, considering both the semantic context in which they are used and the specific context of the discipline in which they are framed.