This time of year, between seasons, I pull out the ol’ Nordic ski poles and do some of what’s known as dryland training. In other words, running up and down Abe’s Hill with ski poles but without skis. (For the record, this kind of workout is out way more fun now while anticipating the arrival of winter than in, say, February, when you’re supposed to be actually skiing and not hoping for more snow, as we did last year.)

Without fail, the phrase “pole dancing” enters my mind as I run over the hill with poles in the dark. Maybe this practice is akin to a snow dance.

Turns out there are many forms of what could be referred to as “pole dancing”, all of which include being fully clothed…