the purpose of having poles is to aid with balance and rhythm. regardless of looks or style, if you can ski without poles, esp. in the park, your balance is probably pretty good. if you cant ski without poles, and especially if you cant skate out of the flats without poles, your balance and technique might need some work. everyone should get their technique down so that they are capable of skiing without poles. the most important thing about skiing is not how you look, so who cares if someone rocks the poles or not.
'I think I'm going to listen to my body on this one and straight air it.' -wolf