Today’s article was a request from a couple of polers in the community: different hand grips and grip variations on the pole.

Before we jump in, let’s clarify some confusion:

Hand grips are commonly (and easily) confused with grip aids, and we didn’t want to contribute to this confusion.

Instead, we’ve compiled an Ultimate Guide to Grips and Holds, which encompasses not just handholds or hand grip positions but also holds on other parts of the body as well.

Of course, as pole dancing evolves, this guide will be updated to reflect new holds and grip positions. For now, enjoy this comprehensive guide to pole dance holds.

Pssst! If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your hand grip, check out our article on improving grip strength.

These holds are organized as best they can be from beginner to advanced. We’ve had a few people ask about the difficulty of different grips and holds in pole dancing, but the difficulty in less in the grip or hold itself and more whether you’re upright or inverted, not to mention the actual move you’re attempting. Many of the more advanced grips are used in inverted moves, as those tend to be the more advanced moves.