do you have what it takes to be professionally sexy?

Vertical Desires is returning to Columbia, MO in August 2026 with its final theme: Lucky Number 13 - Superstitions. If you are interested in being cast in the show, you must be available to perform in Columbia, Missouri the weekend of August 28-30, 2026 and follow the information below.

About the theme: Lucky Number 13 - Superstitions
This is going to be our 13th show, a number that some people fear and others view as an opportunity for growth and change. As humans build superstitions around many concepts, we are developing this year’s theme to celebrate all things superstition! Also, in acknowledgment of change, we would like to share this will be the final Vertical Desires for the foreseeable future. We hope you can join us for our final performances.

local performers:

Casting for Vertical Desires: Lucky Number 13 group acts will take place at Muse Pole Fitness on Friday, May 29 @ 6:00p & Saturday, May 30 @ 6:00p. Both in-person audition dates will hold identical auditions. Application forms will be available April 6. Performers will be notified of their assigned audition date no later than May 22.

Please arrive early to warm up; a warm up will not be provided in the audition. Any and all selected dancers must be available to attend weekly rehearsals at Muse Pole Fitness beginning in June, based on your submitted availability leading up to the show. Please bring heels to the audition.

Auditions will be leveled by the following times each day:

  • 6:00-7:30p – Upper Int/Adv (performers should be comfortable performing shoulder mounts and/or aerially inverting)

  • 7:30-9:00p – All levels (advanced performers should plan to stay)

If you are interested in being cast in group choreography but are unable to make the audition date, please email info@verticaldesires.com by May 8 for instructions on submitting a video audition. 

Click here for group application

soloists and guest acts:

We are looking for the top sexy pole artists in the nation to feature as soloist performers or guest acts. All accepted guest performers will be paid positions + local housing options will be available.

This will be a two-night event with a different lineup of guest performers each night. Applicants need to submit the following by Sunday, May 31st at 11:59p CST: 

  • A thoroughly developed performance concept for your proposed piece for Vertical Desires: Lucky Number 13. This should include the concept itself, song title(s) and artist(s), and any potential props.

  • One 2-4 minute video demonstrating your "professionally sexy" style. While this does not have to be finalized choreography nor a completed piece, this SHOULD be match the style you would like to bring to the Vertical Desires stage and be representative of your current skill set. Videos of the proposed performance piece are welcome. We accept all styles of sexy, and are looking for exceptional performance quality that makes you stand out. All videos must be submitted in an upright via YouTube or Vimeo, have adequate lighting, keep applicant(s) in the frame, and must be of a single continuous performance. Multiple videos may not be spliced together. Applicants that do not follow these video guidelines will not be accepted.

  • A $10 application fee. You will receive feedback on your submission.

Click here for soloist/guest Application

All applicants will be notified by early to mid-June whether or not they are cast in this show.

Questions on applying? Please email info@verticaldesires.com or reach out on our Instagram. We will do our best to respond within 24 hours!

gROUP aUDITION faQ:

  • We have performance openings for dancers of all levels. What we are looking for regardless of skill level is your X Factor, ability to learn choreography and perform in a group setting, and a great personality to work with!

  • Each audition day will be completely identical, and we will split performers based on availability and leveling distribution between the two days.

    If you can only make one day, you will be given priority to that day.

    If you can make both days please let us know! We will let you know one week in advance (May 22) which night you are assigned to. Letting us know if you can make either day will help EVERYONE get a fair chance to audition.

  • Yes - we accept performers based on video auditions every year.

    Note your performance quality will shine best in person, so please make every effort to attend the in-person audition if you are able.

    If you need to audition by video, you will receive 2-3 short pieces of choreography to learn and return, along with a video of you dancing in your strongest style. You will need to film these on your own and will not be permitted to share the choreography with others.

  • When you audition for the show, you will complete an availability form we will use to set our rehearsal schedule. Each piece will rehearse for one hour per week. Performers are permitted no more than 2 absences per piece they are cast.

    There will be mandatory dress rehearsals the weekend prior to the show as well.

  • Yes. All group performers will be paid for each piece they are cast. Payments will be sent out approximately one week after the completion of the shows.

Soloist faq:

  • Your concept should make clear around what superstition (or idea of luck) you are performing.

    You should list the superstition itself, as well as how you will portray or embody it. We want to be able to envision your piece from your write up. We encourage you to include any costuming ideas you have and props you plan to use.

  • You are welcome to submit up to two concepts - if you choose to do so, you will need to indicate your first and second choice.

    We would like to put an extensive array of concepts on stage. Having two nights of shows will help split up duplicates, but if we have many talented performers submitting the same theme, we may utilize performers’ backup choices to keep the variety of themes more diverse.

  • Vertical Desires is a #professionallysexy pole show. We love to celebrate all styles of sexy! This can be using heels, barefoot, or any other type of footwear. Your style can be smooth, slinky, hard-hitting, playful*, or anything in between.

    Note - we do respect the difference between playful and youthful. This is an 18+ show and we will not accept themes that may be considered as sexualizing minors.

  • Yes! We are also accepting duo and trio acts for guest performers.

  • While we love aerial performances, we are only looking for pole performers for this show.

  • No. Links to social media or large folders will not be accepted.

    Our hashtag is #professionallysexy. Taking the lazy route shows tells us that you are disinterested and likely to fall short in other areas of the show. We are SO excited to put this final show together and looking for artists that are equally as passionate about bringing their specific and unique ideas to life on the Vertical Desires stage.