The Difference Between Flow and Tricks—And Why You Need Both in Pole Dance
When you first step into the world of pole dance, you might hear people ask, “Are you more flow or more tricks?” While it's tempting to pick a side, the truth is: you need both. Flow and tricks each serve a purpose in your growth as a dancer, and mastering the balance between them is what creates truly memorable movement.
In this post, we’ll break down the differences between flow and tricks, why each matters, and how developing both will make you a stronger, more versatile pole dancer.
What Is Flow in Pole Dance?
Flow refers to how you transition between moves—on and off the pole. It's about musicality, control, intention, and the art of connecting your movements in a way that feels seamless and expressive. Flow includes:
Floorwork
Transitions
Movement between tricks
Character work
Dance sequences
Why Flow Matters:
Helps you tell a story through movement
Makes routines feel polished and connected
Improves body awareness and musical timing
Makes your performance feel more personal and less mechanical
Think of flow as the glue that holds your performance together. Without it, even the most impressive tricks can feel disjointed or rushed.
What Are Tricks in Pole Dance?
Tricks are the physically demanding, often gravity-defying elements of pole dance. They require strength, technique, and training. Tricks include:
Climbs and inversions
Spins, holds, and drops
Aerial transitions
Power moves and flexibility tricks
Why Tricks Matter:
Showcase your athleticism and skill
Help build strength and endurance
Create dramatic, awe-inspiring moments in performances
Provide measurable goals and progress markers
Tricks often draw applause—but they can only shine if placed with intention and supported by confident transitions.
Why You Need Both: Flow + Tricks = Artistry
Some dancers lean toward flow. Others love the thrill of tricks. But the real magic happens when you integrate both. Flow alone can feel flat if it lacks dynamic high points. Tricks alone can feel robotic or rushed without movement to connect them.
Together, they:
Make routines more engaging and dynamic
Show range in both strength and artistry
Keep audiences emotionally and visually invested
Give you more tools to express your unique style
A well-balanced performance keeps the audience’s attention while taking them on a journey—and that journey lives in the blend of flow and tricks.
How to Train Both
If you’re a trick-heavy dancer:
Spend more time on choreography, floorwork, and musicality
Take heels or contemporary-style pole classes
Film your combos and focus on transitions between tricks
If you’re a flow-focused dancer:
Set strength and conditioning goals
Build confidence with one new trick at a time
Attend workshops that focus on specific technical skills
Pole dance is about growth. Balancing both sides of your training can help you feel more complete as a performer and mover.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to choose between flow and tricks—you need both. One brings strength, one brings story. Whether you’re performing on stage, recording content, or dancing just for yourself, the blend of both will elevate your experience and your skillset.
Explore your flow. Train your tricks. And let the two come together to tell your unique movement story.