Pole Cupid Evolution
Created by 123polingTeam
Last updated: May 12, 2025
Looking to level up your Cupid game on the pole? This folder is your personal Cupid roadmap—organized to help you build strength, balance, and control through every stage of your pole journey.
Inside Pole Cupid Evolution folder, you’ll find:
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7 unique Cupid pole variations
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6 pole combos that include Cupid variations
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A progressive training structure: start with the beginner-friendly Cupid, then move into intermediate variations and combos, and finally explore advanced pole moves like the Classic Cupid, Cupid Crunches, and more
Each variation links to a full step-by-step pole tutorial. You’ll get clear breakdowns, entry cues, grip tips, and common mistake corrections.
Want to see how to include pole cupid in combos? Here is a link to our YouTube compilation video, featuring demo clips of all six Cupid-based pole combos in one place.
Heads up: this folder includes preview images only. To actually train each variation and pole combo, log in to view the full video pole lessons.
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Last updated:
May 12, 2025
Cupid Stand is your starting point for building a strong Cupid foundation. This beginner-friendly variation looks simple, but don’t let that fool you—it requires full-body engagement. Focus on squeezing the ribbon foot in toward your glutes for better grip, while pressing the other foot away to help you stabilize. Both legs are working to keep the shape secure and clean. You’ll learn two entry options in the full lesson: → from a sideways climb (easier for beginners), or → from an invert entry (if you’re already comfortable going upside down). The tutorial also breaks down common mistakes and shows how to fix them—so you can build confidence and stay safe as you progress through the Cupid series.
Twisted Cupid is a beautiful and secure move that adds a unique visual twist through rotation in your torso. To stay stable, make sure your top leg is actively engaged by squeezing your heel toward your hamstring. At the same time, press your bottom leg away from the pole to create tension and balance. This lesson includes two entry options: from a sideways climb or from a regular invert. If you are going for the invert, make sure to train your outside leg pull-up first. That skill is covered in a separate lesson. The move also includes a spotting technique for extra support. For best results, warm up with some twisting exercises to prepare your spine and make the rotation feel more comfortable. This variation is closely related to a move called Snowflake, which you can try next. Its full lesson is also available.
Born Free is an intermediate combo that connects Snowflake, Flying Witch, Aerial Frog, Twisted Cupid, Sideways Climb, and Front Hook Lock. All of these skills are taught in separate lessons, so you can build them up individually before putting them together. This combo lesson focuses on how to transition smoothly from one move to the next, helping you create clean flow and confident movement. It also includes ideas for what you can add if you want to extend the combo and make it your own.
The Pretty Combo by Nicole ThePole is a creative intermediate combo that includes modified versions of several classic moves. The Cupid Stand is adjusted with the hand placed under the knee instead of above, which changes the balance and feel of the shape. The Flatline Scorpio in this combo is also a variation of the standard version. To help with transitions, it is a good idea to train a few key moves separately. The Twilight Combo teaches you how to move from an outside to an inside leg hook, which is the same transition used between the Cupid Stand and Flatline Scorpio. Later in the combo, you move from Flatline into the Illusionist, briefly passing through a Superman position. Being comfortable in that shape, even for a moment, will help you connect the moves smoothly.
Classic Cupid is the well-known pole shape that always looks impressive, but it takes serious engagement to hold. This is an advanced pole move with only two points of contact, so every adjustment matters. Push away with your non-ribbon foot to keep your hips lifted and open the shape. At the same time, squeeze firmly with the ribbon leg to anchor yourself and prevent sliding. Your torso is angled away from the pole, so your core has to work hard to support you. This means strong oblique activation, a tight back, and full-body tension to stay in control and keep the shape clean.
Cupid Crunches are an advanced pole conditioning move that will seriously challenge your strength and control. If you’re solid in your Classic Cupid, this is a great way to take things further. You’ll need full-body engagement to hold the shape—squeeze hard with the top knee, push away with the bottom leg, and keep your hips lifted and off the pole. From there, you lower your torso and crunch back up, using deep core, oblique, and back strength. Breathing helps power the movement too. Inhale as you lower, and exhale as you crunch back up. This lesson is part of our bootcamp series for pole-specific strength. You can use Cupid Crunches as a conditioning drill or even as a dramatic or funny element in a performance. Beginners can start training the engagement from the floor, even before learning the full Cupid. More advanced students can practice it from the air once they’ve built the proper strength and control. Either way, this move is a great tool for improving body awareness, grip, and core activation.
Flying Cupid is a more intense variation of the classic Cupid, using the same points of contact but with added challenge. You’re still squeezing the ribbon foot with your glutes, but now you’re pulling that foot with your hand, which can create a sharp sensation at first. It might feel uncomfortable in the beginning, but your body will adjust over time. You’ll still need to press away with the non-ribbon foot to lift your hips and keep the shape open. That push is especially helpful if you’re not super flexible or working toward a full straddle. This move is all about tension, control, and a bit of pain tolerance. The full pole lesson teaches how to start from the floor, including hip placement and pressure drills. It also covers two entry options—sideways climb and invert—and helps you identify which skills to work on first. You’ll also get ideas for what moves you can learn next and how to combine Flying Cupid into your combos.
Falling Cupid is a more intense version of Flying Cupid. It is best to feel comfortable with Flying Cupid before you try this one. The bottom foot is in a different position here. Instead of pressing through the arch, you press the front of your ankle into the pole. This creates more pressure and can feel painful at first. It is normal to get a bruise in that area. Your body will get used to it over time. This move looks very flexible, but you do not need to be super bendy to do it. The bottom leg can stay bent. As you lean back, you twist to the side and reach your ribbon hand toward the ball of your foot. That hand does hold the pole, but it does not give support. It is just for the look of the shape. This lesson is taught by Australian pole star Amy Hazel. She shows two entry options. You can try it from a sideways climb or from an invert. She also explains how to spot the move safely.
This is an advanced combo that connects strength, control, and multiple grip techniques. You’ll need to be comfortable with bicep grip, forearm press, and an elbow hook, as all three are used throughout the combo. The lesson is taught by Tea Srsen and includes instruction on both static and spinning pole, so you can choose the version that fits your style. To prepare, it’s a good idea to practice each move on its own first. The combo includes Gemini, Cupid Stand, Upside Down Passe, Chopper Invert, Shoulder Mount Chopper, and an Aerial Sit-Up from Inverted Front Hook Lock. Every move has its own lesson you can follow separately. Once you’re ready, this combo helps you bring it all together. The transitions are challenging but rewarding. The lesson also gives you ideas for what to add if you want to make the combo even longer.
Cupid Attitude is a powerful and stylized variation that builds on Classic Cupid and Cupid Crunches. You should feel solid in both before moving on to this one. The shape may look playful, but it takes serious control. You’ll push away with your non-ribbon foot for leverage while squeezing your ribbon heel in toward your glutes to keep the pole secure. That push from the bottom leg is what helps you hold the shape and lift back up. Once you lean down, your body is almost upside down. Coming out of it takes strong quads, glutes, obliques, and core control. This lesson is taught by Tara Meyer. She guides you through the prep from the floor first, so you can build the movement step by step. Then she teaches how to enter it from a regular invert. You’ll also learn what common mistakes to avoid. What makes this lesson extra helpful is that it’s taught on both static and spinning pole. Tara also demonstrates how to spot the move, which is great for instructors or anyone training at home with a helper.
Rollover Cupid is a fun and unique way to flow from the floor into a standing Cupid. It combines shoulder pivots with a strong Cupid shape and creates a smooth, connected movement once you get the coordination down. Lifting into Cupid from the ground takes full-body control. You’ll need to squeeze with your ribbon-side knee pit while pushing off the floor with your non-ribbon foot. Your glutes, legs, and core all need to work together to power the lift. This move is taught by Carlos Franca. In the full lesson, he walks you through the entire combo step by step so you can build it piece by piece. He also shares ideas for what you can combine it with if you want to extend the combo or make it your own. Each suggestion links to a separate lesson, so you can train the add-ons as needed. Tip: wear a shirt when first practicing this move. You’ll be pivoting on your shoulders more than once, and the fabric will help you glide and avoid skin burn.
Cupid Switch Combo is a fun and dynamic sequence that looks impressive when done with control. It starts with a drop from Cupid Attitude into an Outside Leg Hang. From there, you switch to an Inside Leg Hang, flow into Jamila, and finish in a Pole Sit. This combo is great for building smoother transitions between inverted and upright shapes. It helps you practice control while changing directions and positions on the pole. In the demo, Tara Meyer finishes by stepping down to the floor. But if you’re doing this combo higher on the pole, you can keep the flow going by linking it into other moves that start from a Pole Sit. This makes it easy to customize and expand the combo in your own style.
The Blossoming Combo is a beautiful and flowing sequence, but it is definitely a challenge. You’ll need flexibility in your front splits, shoulders, and back to move through it smoothly. Make sure to warm up well and practice each move on its own before trying the full combo. This combo starts in a Cupid and then transitions into a front split. As your non-ribbon leg slides down, you’ll lose a bit of height on the pole. The next move is Arched Fox, which continues from that lower position. To stay in control and finish the combo cleanly, try starting your Cupid a little higher than usual. That extra height will give you room to complete the sequence without getting stuck near the base. The lesson is taught by Ashley Fox. She guides you through each step and helps you connect the shapes with intention and flow.
