Hip Hold (Hip Grip / Hip Pinch)

Level: Intermediate

Description

A secure hold where the pole presses deeply into the hip crease, allowing the dancer to lean outward or invert without relying solely on hands.

Muscles Used

• Adductors
• Hip flexors
• Obliques
• Core stabilisers

Typical Use

• Poses like Cupid, Machine Gun, Jasmine
• Inverted transitions
• Low-flow shapes

Common Mistakes

• Placing pole too far forward
• Dropping the torso
• Insufficient leg squeeze

Safety Notes

Expect bruising at first; ensure deep hip placement.

Variations

• Side hip hold
• Split hip hold
• Hip hold to figurehead

Anecdotes / Trivia

Everyone remembers their first hip pinch bruise - a rite of passage.