An 82-year-old Italian woman is proving age is not a barrier when it comes to a new career.
Idanna Abignente, from the Italian town of Pino Torinese, has been dubbed the world’s oldest pole dancer after taking up the sport at the age of 70.
Abignente first became curious about pole dancing when a friend of her son opened a studio.
Twelve years later, she competes internationally and shares videos of her impressive skills with more than 35,000 Instagram followers.
“I train two or three times a week, even more when I compete, and I always win because there are no other over-80s,” she joked to Italian outlet La Stampa.
Abignente has competed in more than 70 categories, with her oldest rival so far a 74-year-old American woman.
“I still haven’t met anyone over 80, but I’d really like to,” she said.
While pole dancing is often associated with adult entertainment, Abignente is keen to highlight its athletic demands.
“It’s a very complex sport,” she shared. “You have to learn to trust your body and tolerate fatigue.”
“And, as with many other disciplines, it leaves its mark and requires tenacity, determination, consistency, and a high pain threshold.”
Despite the physical demands, Abignente has no plans to stop.
“Not everyone has to do pole dancing, but everyone can stay active,” she explained.
When asked how she has maintained her flexibility, she said regular movement had been key.
“I’ve always moved, I’ve always been physically active and I’ve always tried not to let myself go,” she said.
Abignente admits she has a sweet tooth but said balance and consistency were more important than strict rules, “even when your body protests.”
Her message is simple: it is never too late to try something new.
“Pole is for anyone,” she said.
Pole dancing has increasingly moved beyond its nightclub associations to become a mainstream fitness and competitive sport, with franchises and independent studios across Australia.
There are also several annual competitions, including Miss Pole Dance Australia, described as the longest-running pole dancing competition in Australia.
Like gymnastics, pole requires significant upper-body strength, core stability and physical endurance.
Images: Instagram
