“You Better Werk”: And Ode to Hype Beasts
Heroes come in many shapes and forms. From Firefighters saving lives to the host at your favorite brunch spot that manages to squeeze you in without a reservation. To gymnast Steve, America’s pommel horse sweetheart, to the Turkish shooter that did the Olympics out of spite towards his ex-wife. The smallest acts can create a huge impact on someone else’s life or at least some really good memes.
As they say, not all heroes wear capes, and sometimes good guys don’t wear white. While watching the Summer Olympics with the rest of the world I noticed another great hero. You see them everywhere. Whether it’s Jordon Chiles from the Women’s Gymnastics team, or your favorite pole bestie assuring you before a move or performance. The world needs them now more than ever.
The Hype Beast.
Those amazing souls are always encouraging, always believing, always screaming from the rafters, lifting us all, not just their teammates.
During the gymnastics finals you could hear Simone Biles yell to Rebeca Andrade of the Brazilian team “You got this”, and man did she ever. When it comes to pole dancing, our greatest achievements are often carried on the backs of our people cheering us on in the background. Nothing shakes my nerves out as I’m taking a position on stage for competition than the shouts of encouragement. Nothing hit better for me as I climbed up the pole to my starting position at a competition in May than a fellow poler, from another studio I may add, yelling, “Let’s Go! F##CK IT UP!!!”.
The hype beast comes in many forms and we all can do our part.
Because I have too much time on my hands, I have broken down the hype beasts into different species. Where do you fall?
The Cheerleader:
Let’s be honest, you’re probably a fire sign. You are not shy about letting your homie know they are the G.O.A.T. no matter what level of skill, and they, and everyone in earshot, is going to know. You’re the one who waits until the initial applause of the crowd down as your friend takes the stage so you can shout out encouragement or an inside joke with confidence, they’ll hear it and know it’s you. Whether it’s a run-through in the studio, a stage performance, or working hard on a new move, you are right there to let your teammates know they are strong and amazing and got this. There is no doubt when you’re in the room everyone is going to know. Also, you tend to cry in happiness when the routine has concluded.
The Back-Up Dancer:
This species is more specific to performers and competitors. The backup dancer has watched your routine so many times they have it memorized. Often, they can be found in the background of your run-through videos mimicking and following along to your moves and steps as you go, fully into it as much if not more than you. This is not a form of humor but involuntary movement and subliminal encouragement. Almost as if by doing it together, by combining powers, your teammate is unstoppable. Often you have your fellow competitor’s routine music stuck in your head at random times.
The Air Bender
You’re a wizard, Harry. Well, at least you try to be. You watch you’re friends in class or on stage go for a move they’ve been fighting for their life for, and you find yourself making gestures, moving your body, or maybe even holding your breath to somehow magically bend the air and give your friend the power of anti-gravity they need to achieve success and glory. It could be whispering a spell under your breath like “Fight for it Stacey” or “Breath Matthew”, as you see your homie going into a handspring they’ve been working on for a year. You’ll throw your hands up when they stumble as if to push them back into balance from afar. Listen, if you’re a pole dancer, then you are naturally already a witch. We are the weirdos, mister.
The Professional Prop:
If they need someone to carry props onto the stage or act out a character in their routine, you’re their person. You’ve studied their characters and go all out in your costume and dedication. No matter how small the role or task, you understood the assignment. I have had scientists trying to control me in lab coats and scrubs while I portrayed a cyborg. Another teammate simply rolled me out on a skateboard. I’ve seen multiple people wearing short blonde wigs in a “Just Ken” number that slapped. If they need a body, you happily volunteer as tribute. You are honored at the role no matter how small and always go hard.
The Social Media Blaster:
Maybe you’re less extroverted than some beasts and not one for yelling or being on stage any more than you need to be. That doesn’t mean you aren’t of the hype beast family tree. You love good social media tags, reposts, and stories. These lovely creatures are often seen posting encouraging “Good Grip” stories about their friends and teammates who are about to compete or perform. They will post videos of their friends nailing a move in class. You are proud and all your followers and beyond are going to know it! You may not always be there in person but you’re always there in spirit. You also rarely forget a birthday.
The Assistant Pole-Mom:
Not to be confused with the foundation of all things holy that is THE Pole Momma. The assistant pole mom comes equipped with everything possible for her babies to shine. Often found with a fanny pack or backpack they come to class or performance with snacks, extra hair ties, backup grip, two-sided tape, pasties, hair spray, lash and nail glue, and tampons. If they don’t have it, they’ll figure out a way to get it to you. The spicy assistants come packing after-competition booze for when you come off stage, maybe that’s just me. Often can be found letting someone borrow their foundation or forcing someone to drink water and hydrate. If you’ve checked to make sure everyone has eaten, congratulations, welcome to your species. Step carefully, mind the gap.
The Hybrid:
As a bisexual, I refuse to conform to one label… or make a decision. Often can be said for our hybrids. You could be a cheerleader/social media hybrid, yelling loudly and posting encouragement. Maybe you’re a prop master who also tries to air-bend your teammate into glory. One size does not fit all, and you are a beautiful enigma.
The Final Boss
You are a Mother. You are all. You are everything.
You’re a cheerleading, air-bending witch that’ll grace any stage in the name of solidarity and then post it all on Instagram all while being able to jump in at a given point and do part of someone’s routine if they were to get a cramp. You have all the supplies, know everyone’s event schedule, yell out if the pole cleaners don’t clean to the top of the pole (ALWAYS CLEAN TO THE TOP OF THE POLE SO HELP ME!), and will even stand in as a makeup artist or hairdresser as needed. Most likely you are a coach, instructor, or studio owner, but an ambitious teammate has successfully been born into this species as well.
*Honorable Mention* – Pole Cleaners
Sure, you probably signed up for the discount or free ticket to the event, but that doesn’t mean you don’t play a part. Of all the cheers I’ve heard from the crowd while performing, no one went as hard as the pole cleaners on the side of the stage. Not only do you make sure that the poles are safe and free of butt sweat and grip crust, but you also are on the frontlines and one of the last people nervous competitors and performers see or interact with before peeing themselves and taking a position on stage. You are the welcome and supportive face, the first to congratulate us when we get off stage, and all around a solid ally and star.
The question isn’t if you’re a hype beast, but what KIND of hype beast. One of my favorite parts of pole dancing is the supportive community it curates. In the end, we’re all rooting for each other to succeed. Our friends’ achievements excite us as much as our own. Yes, we want to book the jobs, place in the event, and be the star, however, the biggest joy of all of that is the love received from others. It’s a beautiful cycle that keeps us all strong and together.
…. But seriously have you eaten today? Also, ice in ice coffee doesn’t count as water.
- Placement Pressure: And why none of it really matters - September 27, 2024
- “You Better Werk”: And Ode to Hype Beasts - August 23, 2024
- Nothing Gold Can Stay: A Guide Through “Post-Event Grief” - July 26, 2024
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