Tribute to Ty Knutson - President of X-POLE USA

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the recent passing of Ty Knutson, President of X-POLE USA.

In a journey that started over 20 years ago, when pole fitness was still misunderstood and often dismissed, one person had the courage to see what others did not. That person was Ty Knutson, the founder and President of X-POLE USA - a visionary who helped transform pole dancing from a hidden art form into a movement of strength, creativity, and empowerment.

When X-POLE first launched, pole dancing was far from mainstream. It existed on the fringes, battling social stigma. Ty looked beyond the judgment and saw the athleticism, precision, and artistry of pole. Alongside X-POLE founder and creator Clive Coote, he helped develop a product line that made pole dance exercise safe, accessible, and professional - with X-POLE USA delivering that innovation into homes, specialty studios, gyms and onto performance stages across America.

Under his direction, X-POLE USA didn’t just sell equipment - it built a community. It opened doors for instructors, performers, and fitness enthusiasts to express themselves confidently and proudly in a discipline that celebrates strength, grace and individuality.

Ty’s passion and vision were instrumental in bringing Hollywood stars into our community and elevating the visibility of pole and aerial exercise. His partnership with the Arnold Sports Festival further solidified pole and aerial arts as legitimate sports and fitness disciplines, allowing them to reach global audiences. His early support for events such as Pole Expo and Pole Convention nurtured a vibrant community, fostering connections and collaborations among enthusiasts and professionals alike.

His commitment to the safe training of both instructors and students led to the launch of the XPERT training program, now the largest of its kind, which has trained countless instructors worldwide, setting a new standard in education and skill development.

Today, pole stands as a respected dance form, art, fitness, and sport across the globe. Every spin, climb, and inversion in a studio owes something to the foundation Ty helped lay - a foundation built on resilience, respect, and an unshakable belief in the potential of this sport.

Ty’s journey with X-POLE is more than a business success story; it is a story of cultural transformation. His legacy is written not only in the development of poles but in the empowerment of the countless people who found confidence, health, and community through pole and aerial fitness.

Thank you, Ty, for 20 years of leadership and for proving that courage and vision can turn even the most misunderstood art form into a worldwide celebration of movement and strength.

Ty’s legacy will continue to inspire and influence the pole and aerial world. His passion, vision, and commitment to excellence will be deeply missed but will live on in the hearts of all those he touched.

As we remember Ty, we honour his contributions to the amazing community he helped build.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ty's family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

For further information or to share your memories of Ty, please contact us.

We kindly ask that people respect the privacy of Ty’s family during their time of grief.