Apply to perform with us.

Apply to Perform at
Blackstage (0121)

Blackstage is expanding, and we’re thrilled to bring our first-ever showcase to Birmingham. This intimate, curated event is an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and platform pole dancers of the global majority (Black People and People of Colour) in a new city.

This is more than a performance—it’s a moment of visibility, community, and artistic excellence. If you want to be part of this exciting next step for Blackstage, we invite you to apply.

Event Details & Performer Fee

Venue: The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham

Date: Saturday, 23rd August 2025

Staging: One central Stage Pole (Free standing, not truss mounted)

Performer Fee: £500

Travel Expenses: All travel expenses within the UK will be covered (This showcase is for UK-based performers only).

10 performance slots available.

This showcase marks the beginning of Blackstage’s journey beyond London, with hopes of growing and establishing a presence in the Midlands and North of England.
We are especially encouraging applications from performers from the Midlands and North of England for this showcase as we would love to see more performers from these regions in our lineup for this show.

Application Process & Fee

Application Fee: £20 (non-refundable)

This fee contributes directly to ensuring that performers are paid fairly and that Blackstage can continue to create high-quality, equitable events. As a non-profit organisation, every contribution supports our mission to amplify marginalised voices in the pole industry.

How to Apply

Purchase your application using the link below. If your payment status is ‘pending,’ you may still submit your form.
Submit your application by 12:00 PM GMT on 28th April 2025. Late applications will not be considered.
Provide the following in your submission:

A link to a 2-4 minute, uncut pole performance video (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or WeTransfer). Ensure access is open—applications with restricted videos will not be considered.
A short cover letter explaining what pole means to you and why you want to perform at Blackstage. Please include any relevant trigger warnings.

Accessibility & Financial Support: If you require financial assistance or adjustments to the application process, please contact us at admin@blackstagepole.com with the subject line ‘Adjustments’ or ‘Financial Support’.

Application Requirements

✔️ Open to UK-based pole dancers of the global majority (Black People or People of Colour)
✔️ Solo performances only (no duos or group acts)
✔️ All levels welcome—we encourage beginners to apply
✔️ 10 spots available
✔️ Application fee is non-refundable
✔️ Deadline is final—no extensions

Judging Criteria

We are looking for performances that are more than just technically impressive. We want to see artistry, individuality, and presence.

Charisma, creativity, and stage presence
A unique perspective or story
A performance that captivates, excites, or moves us

For more insight, refer to our Application Judging Process document.

Supporting the Community

We welcome allies to support performers by purchasing an application for low-income applicants. If you would like to sponsor a performer, please complete an application purchase and notify us so we can allocate the support accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before applying, please review our FAQs at the bottom of this page for common queries. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out.

Applications close at 12:00 PM GMT on 28th April 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our first-ever Blackstage showcase in Birmingham.

Apply now and be part of this incredible new chapter.

Learn How The Judging and Post-Application Process Works

Apply Here.

Please purchase an application and then complete the form below

Blackstage Show Application

£20.00

Quantity:

Blackstage 0121 Application Form

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email

Location

How would you describe your pole style?

e.g slinky, tricks-based, sensual, show

Cover Letter

Up to 500 words about why you would like to be part of this show and what pole means to you

Instagram Handle

If you do not have an IG you can just put @blxckstage

Video Link

Videos must be a maximum of 4 minutes long. Please enable permissions for us to view the video prior to sending a link.

http://

Terms & Conditions

By submitting this application, you consent to the following: The £20 application fee is non-refundable. Any submissions made outside of the website will not be considered and fees will not be refunded. Videos that aren't permitted to be viewed by the link and require access will not be considered or chased and the fees will not be refunded. Your submitted performance video and cover letter will be reviewed and discussed by our panel of judges for selection purposes. All content will be treated with confidentiality and will not be shared outside the judging panel. You acknowledge that it is your responsibility to ensure all necessary travel documents, including visas, are in place if selected to perform.

I agree to the Terms & Conditions.

Donate

Frequently Asked Questions

Real questions, real answers

Q: Can I submit the same application for ‘Expansion’ as I did for ‘Audacity’?
A: Yes, we will judge the new application from scratch.

Q: If I am successful in my application for 0121, can I still apply for the London shows?
A: Yes, our smaller touring shows such as 0121 are different from our bigger London shows, so we have made an exception to allow all performers to partake in both if successful.

Q: Intermediate queer/BIPOC poler in Amsterdam, how can I get involved without performing?
A: To get involved without performing please sign up to our mailing list where we share all of our updates first.

Q: Have you always had beginners enter? If yes, who were your beginner artists previously?
A: Yes, we’ve always welcomed beginners.
In our 2023 show, Anomaly had only been pole dancing for a number of weeks at the point of applying.

Q: What is the performer selection process like?
A: Please see our application processes here

Q: Does it matter if there are people in the back of your submission video?
A: Not at all. Blackstage aims not to be elitist and to consider that not everyone has access to big empty spaces,
we accept videos of all qualities as long as we can see what you’re capable of.

Q: Any general tips for applicants?
A: Just be your truest self, show us what you can do - really let go and enjoy the performance element.

Q: Do you have to be an advanced/long-term pole dancer to perform at Blackstage 2024?
A: Not at all, you could have been pole dancing for 10 days or 10 years, it’s about what you can do.

Q: Are applicants welcomed from absolutely ANYONE? Despite level, following, performance experience…
A: Yes, two of our performers from our April 2023 show had never performed at the time of their application.

Q: Is the application video supposed to be the routine we would perform in the show?
A: No, you can do whatever you want.

Q: When will we know if we got a place?
A: By the 21st of December

Q: If we are successful, does the final routine have to fit with the theme of the show? (2023)
A: Even though the theme hasn’t been revealed yet, each performance will definitely fit the theme without having to do anything.
I know this is vague but you’ll see what we mean when we announce the theme! (2023)

Q: I’d love to apply, but I don’t know if I am POC enough to - I don’t want to take this from people who are
A: If you’re a Person of Colour and a pole dancer you can apply!

Q: Should the pole submissions also be what you perform?
A: No, they don’t need to be. Historically, only one person has performed the same routine.

Q: What is the theme this year?
A: All will be revealed spoon enough!

Q: Will a BSL interpreter be provided?
A: A BSL interpreter will be provided if there are members of the Deaf or hearing-impaired community who
disclose they would like access to this.
This being said, please disclose this information if possible so that we can provide this for you.

Q: Not sure if I have properly understood, do we have to pay 300 euros just to apply?
A: No, the application fee is £20.

Q: What can white folks do to support this incredible space?
A: You can support Blackstage by sharing and liking our content,
attending our events and putting money into our organisation.
This can be done via www.blackstage.com/donate.

Q: Is there a limit on number of applicants you can receive before you close submissions?
A: Nope! This we are open to an unlimited number of submissions at this time.

Q: Can I submit more than one entry?
A: Yes, please be aware that it is £20 per submission.

Q: If we wanted to do 4 minutes for the performance, can we submit just a 2 minute snippet?
A: Of course!

Q: Does the video have to be submitted in the same style i’ve listed?
A: Yes, please have the style stated match the submission video.

Q: If the submission doesn’t have to reflect the performance, what should the submission focus on?
A: Anything you like, just be you!

Hiring Policy

At Blackstage Pole LTD we exist to uplift and celebrate BIPOC pole dancers in an industry where exclusion and discrimination have long been barriers to success. As part of our mission to create space for underrepresented talent, we prioritise hiring BIPOC dancers to perform, teach, and represent our community. This approach is in line with the Equality Act 2010, which allows positive action to address systemic disadvantage.

For all other roles (e.g., admin, event staff, management), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, as we believe a diverse team strengthens our community.