AERIAL SPORTS
SOUTH
AFRICA

Aerial Sports South Africa, a newly established pole and aerial sports federation affiliated to the Pole Sports and Arts World Federation (POSA) and dedicated to promoting and developing pole and aerial sport in South Africa.

What Is Pole and Aerial Sport?

The sport can most be likened to acrobatics and gymnastics, with athletes using a pole or hoop as their apparatus of choice while performing gravity-defying feats of strength and flexibility. It is a rapidly growing sport around the world, with competitors ranging from young children to masters athletes in their fifties and even sixties. 

Why Aerial Sports South Africa?   

The primary objective of our federation is to foster inclusivity, inspire talent, and break the stigma surrounding our sport. 

While pole and aerial sport is gaining popularity in South Africa, we are lagging behind the rest of the world in terms of professionalism and competition opportunities for our athletes. However, South Africa has proven its ability to excel on the world stage. When offered a wild card entry to the POSA World Championships in 2022, South African pole athlete and founder of Aerial Sports South Africa, Chantal Cornelissen brought home a gold medal in her category and the title of World Champion.

In 2023, Team South African brought home 3 bronze medals from the Pole Art World Championship held in Barcelona, proving yet again, that there is huge talent in South Africa.

– Chantal Cornelissen – Pole Art Elite Masters +40
– Monique Wastie – Pole Art Amateur Masters +40
– Fern Hartley – Pole Art Amateur Senior

By participating in our national competition, athletes will have the opportunity to follow in her footsteps, earning their place on the international stage, and the opportunity to represent South Africa at one of three prestigious POSA World Championships (Aerial Sport, Pole Sport and Pole Art) taking place in Europe later this year. 

Empowering Women

Furthermore, pole and aerial sport is unique in that it is a tough, physically demanding, strength-based sport that is dominated by women. Its ability to empower women is evidenced by the testimonials below. We are working hard to build a strong and vibrant community for pole and aerial sports in South Africa, where athletes can pursue their passion and shine on the global stage.

“Watching a pole competition is like watching the Olympics. This sport really deserves more recognition!” 

“I come from a dancing and personal training background so the sport/strength as well as the beauty of the movements were amazing to me. I participated in a showcase last year and what I loved was the comments from people that had no idea that pole dancing ‘was like that’! Just opening people’s eyes to the artistic aspect of the sport is great and the friendships I have made are priceless.” 

“From a couch potato to finding a sport that I am obsessed with is still a pretty amazing experience. I didn’t ever think that a sport can change lives in such a beautiful way, but I am living proof of this.” 

“Pole sport has had a major impact on my life, not only in sports but in my career. It has taught me grit, perseverance, determination and the importance of having trust in my own ability. It is a sport that I will endorse for all women – students, mothers, entrepreneurs, executives and young girls alike, not only because of what it enables you to do, but who it allows you to become, which is a woman of strength and character.” 

“Pole has not only impacted my physical strength, it’s improved my balance, my mobility and my grace. I used to see myself as an overweight mom of two, now I consider myself an athlete!” 

“Never before have I been in such an incredibly enriching environment of women genuinely supporting women; we are all on this empowering journey together, uplifting and inspiring one another to reach new heights.” 

“Starting my pole journey has definitely been one of the best life decisions and I highly recommend it to everyone. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.” 

“Hoop started out as a fun activity to get me out of the house and soon grew to be a staple in my life. I’ve grown so much during this time, physically I’m stronger and have a real appreciation for my body and its abilities. I’ve also grown more confident and learnt that it’s alright to not be great at something at first, I just need to keep trying.”