her world

In Singapore, more are taking to the pole to express themselves, challenge stereotypes, and build a supportive community where strength and sensuality go hand in hand. Here’s how they are reshaping the narrative.

Ask anyone in Singapore’s pole dancing scene, and chances are they’ll name Jasmine Han as one of its most recognisable figures. The 46-year-old co-owner of Mad Collection, which launched in 2015, has been involved in the sport for almost two decades.

“A friend of mine wanted to lose weight after having a baby, so I asked, ‘What do you want to try?’ We googled pole dancing lessons in Singapore – and that’s how it all began,” she recalls.

Jasmine met her business partner Sharon Seah, 50, at an event in 2010, and soon after, Sharon joined the Robinson Road studio as a co-owner.

Unlike Jasmine, Sharon has never taken a single pole class, which she candidly chalks up to “just being lazy”.

“I come from a slightly different background – I was in the medical field before,” says Sharon, who was the former head of Occupational Therapy at a restructured hospital. “I’ve known Jasmine for quite a while as a friend, and I came on board to help with the business side of running a pole studio.”

It’s not just their fitness backgrounds that set them apart. While Jasmine is often described as a “force of nature” and “a little chaotic” – bold, unbothered and uninhibited – Sharon serves as the duo’s grounding force, bringing balance and structure to their partnership.

“Growth is always important – our team gets the chance to learn from international pole stars we bring in as guest instructors. They often jam together, and we facilitate team-building along the way. There’s a strong sense of community here.”

Sharon Seah, co-owner, Mad Collection