Las Vegas Dance Short 'Pole Kisses' Brings A Queer-Led Story To The Screen

'Pole Kisses' is an upcoming dance short film based in Las Vegas with an entirely female- and queer-led cast and crew.

Directed by Maria Tran, the project follows Violet, a beginner pole-dancing student struggling with confidence, self-image and feelings she does not yet know how to name. When she is drawn to her more experienced classmate Roxanne, reality begins to blur with fantasy.

The script was written by UNLV alum Shannen Velasco and draws on their experiences navigating queer identity and pole-dancing classes. Local musician and content creator Michi Kollette will play Violet, while Pole Sport Organization medalist Jada Jones will play Roxanne.

The production also collaborated with Fawnia Mondey, described as the first pole-dancing teacher at Pole Fitness Studio. The team says it hopes to strengthen a Las Vegas filmmaking community focused on collaboration, local artists and underrepresented voices.

An Indiegogo campaign will support production costs for a September shoot.