I’ve always thought “stripper fitness” was less of a trend and more of a gimmick. But the promoters of a recent event in Utah apparently disagree.
The first pole fitness competition in Utah took place in Davis County, and the resulting controversy served up a bit of media attention. Not surprisingly, the event promoters are claiming that not only is this a legitimate fitness activity, but they hope it will one day become an Olympic sport, much like gymnastics.
Really?
I think media-savvy promoters hijacked the word “fitness” to give this event legitimacy it does not deserve. And here’s why:
1. The event is officially called Pole Fetish 2009. Not "Pole Fitness," but "Pole Fetish." If the promoters were trying to keep the event out of the gutter, right off the bat it’s an epic fail.
2. The event is co-sponsored by Ogden Adult Dance & Fitness. If their services are for “adults only,” as is stated in the business’ name, it implies that it isn’t appropriate for children. And while all fitness pursuits are not safe for children due to muscle and bone development, we all know physical fitness is appropriate at any age.
3. The event rules state that, “Performers were required to keep on the same clothes from start to finish, as well as wear something that covered breasts and buttocks.” Last I checked, I don’t recall seeing similar rules in the sport to which the promoters keep trying to compare it. Shawn Johnston never got a .10-point deduction for tossing her leotard at the judges.
Maybe I’m a fitness purist. Maybe I’m being puritanical about the whole thing. But I stand by my belief that “fitness” and “fetish” are not interchangeable terms.
32 comments:
This is disgusting! It promotes the objectification of women. There are plenty of real forms of exercise available!
I agree. I recently presented at a fitness conference in San Fransico and walked the trade show. There I found "Pole Fitness" this led to a man walking over and trying to put a dollar in the dancers (strippers) lack of clothing. I felt that having the booth led to this behavior. I agree that the woman was very fit, but that activity will never be found in my gym. And shame on the conference for allowing fitness fetish into the trade show. As if we need more skin in our industry. This does not attract the 86% of the population that is not coming into our facilities.
I recently watched a Youtube video of the winner of the Australian Pole Dancing championships. The contestant looked in awesome shape and her routine highly acrobatic, so there is definitely a major fitness requirement involved in this sport.
I'd say change the outfits and shoes and "down-sex" it, and I don't see why this should not become a legitimate fitness or sport activity, very much like rhythmic gymnastics.
I've have been teaching & promoting fitness full time for 26 years. Recently a class started in my area. A few of my fitness professionals friends and I decided to try it. Well, we thought that it would be a piece of cake since we are all in great shape....well.....it was super tough. a lot harder than we anticipated. I don't think it is for main stream fitness clubs but it is for sure fitness. It takes much upper body strength. My advice, try it before you knock it. We thought it would be a joke and it killed us!
As a personal trainer and fitness instructor I was always a bit cynical of pole dancing. Let me tell you after having taken an 8 week course, I have all new respect for the amount of strength that is required to perform these pole moves. It is a full body workout that requires incredible strength both upper and lower body. There's s good reason why strippers bodies look the way they do. It is athletic.
Ok. So perhaps "Fetish" was a poor choice of word given the connotations it implies about what the event might consist of, never mind some people's pre-existing prejudices for using pole dancing for fitness.
But sometimes people call things a "conference." A "show." A "convention." In salsa dancing, they call it a "congress" - which I've always thought was an odd term, considering you learn to dance all day, watch professionals dance later, and dance socially all night. "Congress" doesn't really fit the bill.
But, I don't even think they were trying to use "fetish" and "fitness" interchangeably. I think that's a weak point to conclude with, when you are clearly just uncomfortable with the idea of pole dancing as a form of exercise.
Granted, the "performers must keep on clothes" clause wouldn't need to be said in a gymnastics competition - but it's necessary. First of all - a moot point, but you quoted that from the news article you linked to; if it were in the rules it wouldn't be in the past tense. Those are the writer's words.
Secondly - come on. Are you trying to say that everyone is as accepting of pole dancing as they are of gymnastics? No, of course you aren't. So why even make the comparison? This rule was stated so people don't make assumptions about what the event is going to entail, and so that it remains showcased in a professional, fitness-oriented light.
Pole dancing does certainly come cloaked with a bit of sexuality, whereas something like kickboxing or rock climbing doesn't. But that's part of the beauty of it. And that's part of why women take it on as a way to get fit - because they can have fun doing it, and it's not fun for those women to do pull-ups in sets of three. And whether it's a trend or not, something that inspires people to get fit and better their lives - and that might even give them a feeling of empowerment, as women so often say that pole dancing does - is something to be admired, not disparaged.
Have you ever seen what people can do on poles? Do you have any idea the level of fitness required to not only do some of these moves, but to make them look graceful and sensual at the same time? If you haven’t, I highly recommend viewing a video that can be found on YouTube of a woman who took first place in Miss Poledance Australia 2006. She then went on to be in Cirque du Soleil. Do you think what they do isn’t fitness, too?
And your "Really?" response surrounded by white space after writing, "the event promoters are claiming that not only is this a legitimate fitness activity, but they hope it will one day become an Olympic sport, much like gymnastics" prompts me to ask you this question: Have you ever tried it?
I'm with you. I don't think it deerves to be dignified by calling it fitness or a sport. My husband and I own an independent co-ed facility. He runs the grop fitness program, but I absolutely put my foot down on this issue. It is NOT appropriate for a co-ed facility that wants to maintain a professional image.
First, I'd like to thank everyone for the unfailingly courteous and intelligent comments.
Richard, Laurissa and Amy pointed out that pole dancers are not exactly fitness slouches, and I agree with them. I don't doubt for a second that it takes great physical strength, flexibility and skill to suspend yourself in various positions from a stationary pole.
What I'm saying is, it doesn't matter.
Amy suggested I have a particular beef with pole dancing as exercise. The truth is, I don't have a problem with anything as a form of exercise. I have a problem with what people try to sell as exercise. Studies have shown that sex burns enough calories to work off a slice of pizza, but I don't think sex is a viable addition to a club's group exercise programming schedule.
It is impossible to watch someone pole dance and not think of strippers. I don't care if you call it fitness or exercise or a sport (and I'm not the one who likened pole dancing to gymnastics, by the way — one of the event competitors made the comparison in the linked article. I just repeated it for effect, which prompted Amy's nudge). Strippers are inexorably linked to pole dancing, and that makes it a difficult activity to market to a population that isn't all that keen on joining a gym in the first place (as one anonymous commenter pointed out).
Selling fitness isn't easy. Selling stripper moves as fitness is even harder.
Heaather: it's impossible for you to think of pole dance and not think of strippers. I've never seen a pole dance in a strip club; I don't have the strong association you do. OTOH, I have seen poles used in Cirque du Soleil shows (like Mystère) and am enthralled by the athleticism and artistry that those performers demonstrate.
For me, it's impossible to think of pole performances without thinking of Cirque du Soleil!
If women (or men) are interested in pole dance and it gives them incentive to exercise, power to them. If lots of people started doing this, it would naturally remove the stigma around the activity.
Hi I worked on the Pole Fitness Booth in San Franciso.
Our dancers in San Fran were in sports tops and shorts. Fawnia Monday is a well known sports fitness model and also a muscle figure model and Estee is a Gymanastics champion. the guy who may i say worked for a slimming tablet company showing at the show tried to put a note onto fawnia whilst she was upside down in a very dangerous persission. Needless to say all on the stand pounced at the guy and he was told off by the convention. This is not what we were promoting we were and still are promoting Pole Dance as a fitness.He was the ONLY small minded person who was disrespectful. It is a dance and it is a fitness. And YES it is in Gyms already. In fact in the UK it is in Gyms, Uni's, everywhere.
I will agree that Pole Fetish is probably not the right word to use but hey i presume they were trying to think of something to discribe how addictive Pole dancing is. A fetish means that it is something you are completley addicted to if you wikkipidea it you have clothing fetish, sports fetish, political fetish. Therefore we have POLE FETISH.....
Any how the US will catch up soon to the UK to the amazing fitness regime pole can be, and they will open there minds, as the show in san fran was fantastic and we were welcomed with open arms as an alternative fitness. See you there next year xx
Just because YOU can not look at a pole dancer and not think of strippers it doesn't mean anybody else can't.
Had you ever been to one of my pole dancing classes (I'm a pole dance instructor and a studio owner) you'd be rid of that stereotype pretty darn quick. We have regular women of all ages on classes, wearing sports sneakers, shorts and T-shirts. And they're sweating and working their butts off.
For anyone to think that'd be in any way related to sex or stripping they'd have to be seriously perverted. Think of it this way... Just because someone does a lap dance on stage does it mean everyone who sits on a chair or uses a chair in any way is definitely a stripper too? A pole is just a piece of equipment that's handy for exercise, and that's all. The rest is your own stereotypes and bigotry.
I have taken Pole Fitness into some unlikely places and been met with already booked classes.
I don't think you need to sell pole fitness - there are people who will want to try it and others who will have misconceptions or simply not like dance oriented fitness regiments. I come in do my program and go home - I think it sells itself.
While I agree that you cannot interchangeably use fetish and fitness - I stand by the fact that pole fitness is a very good work out and very fun - just like Zumba, jazzercise, salsa and belly dance.
It sounds like your issue is more about the presentation. I cannot agree more that is should be unspoken if pole is a fitness regiment that there is "no nudity" "no removal of clothing."
You are correct in saying that poles are linked to the exotic dance world therefor we feel the need to overcompensate how innocent the classes are - and they are.
I do hope in the near future we'll be able to offer our classes without the preconceived notion that instructors are former showgirls or that our class teaches some to "strip" it couldn't be farther from the truth for most pole dance classes (while yes there are some that do go for the exotic thing see S Factor.) Most of us just like spinning around and hanging upside down. We have seen changes in our body and many of us are ACE certified instructors who carry insurance and we with the best interest of clients would like to share something fun and something new.
Many pole classes combine the actual pole moves with movements from ballet, modern dance, pilates and yoga.
"...that makes it a difficult activity to market to a population that isn't all that keen on joining a gym in the first place."
I'd like to disagree with this. I take pole dancing classes and I love it. However you would never find me in a gym. To put it simply I just don't see the point in exercise for excercise's sake, I don't want to join a gym, if that was the only form of exercise available to me I would be a couch potato.
What attracts me to pole dance is the fact that it's interesting and fun. I'm an ex-gymnast and I feel the comparison between the two is apt, it takes so much strength and flexibility and a lot of the moves are interchangeable (handstands, backwalkovers etc).
Also just on the comment about the clothing regulations - gymnastics actually does having clothing regulations in particular regarding the leg cut of the leotard and gymnasts have been penalised in the past for not following them.
"This does not attract the 86% of the population that is not coming into our facilities"
I can attest that a large number of that 86% comes to our pole dance classes!
Very few of my students belong to a health club. The majority come to us having never done any workout at all.
They progress through the courses and begin to tone and feel good and are inspired to work out even harder just so that they can do more advanced pole work.
It's not just a form of fitness but a style of dance - just like all forms of dance, it tones and builds muscle. The further you progress the more demand there is on core strength and endurance.
There isn't a single form of dance that isn't about enjoying the form and movement of the body both for the performer and for the observer.
Many styles of dance are extremely sensual like the tango and latin dance. Some of the outfits worn in dance competitions are extremely suggestive - why does a latin dancer "need" a sheer dress in a competition that gives the illusion of showing more skin?
In pole dancing, more skin actually needs to be exposed in order to grip the pole during advanced moves and climbing.
"Fetish" was a poor choice in my opinion in a world where pole-dancing for the main stream is new and we are working to develop a different image. However, the point was that pole dancing is an obsession for many of the performers.
And there should be nothing wrong with hosting a pole dance course in a co-ed gym since many men are getting into pole dancing as well.
Intent is everything. We do not stroke body parts, we do not hump the pole or lick it. However, why is it wrong for women (or men for that matter) to enjoy something sensual IF that is what they want? For those who have actually been to a strip club instead of imagining what really goes on there...you know that what is being taught in pole dancing schools is nothing like what you see in the majority of clubs today.
Does it belong in a traditional fitness center or should it remain in a dance studio? I think that depends on the style of pole dancing that the course is based on. As many have said...try it before you judge it.
Despite commenters' rampant speculation on my personal experiences as a pole dancing spectator, I maintain that you don't have to regularly stuff ones in a G-string to associate pole dancing with stripping.
And I don't doubt that it's a popular fitness activity in some facilities. But is pole dancing a candidate for widespread devotion, like group cycling, step aerobics or kickboxing? No. It's just not.
If a fitness facility owner wants to add pole dancing to the group exercise schedule, I am confident he or she knows the club's membership demographics well enough to feel sure it's a good fit. But, come on! Pole Fetish 2009 was held in Utah, people. UTAH. An undeniably gorgeous state populated with many undeniably conservative people. And while I'll bet the majority of those folks don't hang out in strip clubs, chances are they still associate pole dancing with stripping.
Like I said, it's a hard sell.
It is a hard sell, and you are right, pole fitness/dancing is obviously associated with stripping...But Heather Peavey you are making the sell harder!
Can I firstly point out that group cycling, step aerobics and kickboxing are not for everyone either!
Are the replies on here being read? Hunny, you can't just ‘BE RIGHT’, there are other views, and as the Blog Editor, you can't open a can of worms and then expect the worms to stay put!
I am also a pole fitness instructor, never stripped – I never had the body or the confidence to do so – do any of the other negative bloggers on here?
If you haven't stood in a room full of strangers, got your kit off and danced with confidence for them - NAKED, then how can you possibly have an opinion on it or the people that do it? I think that takes balls!
I would never speak with conviction on the handling of a German tank, cos I have never driven one! I would never comment with passion on the conviction of a politician cos I have never been one! I would never judge a chess competition cos I can't play chess. So why is it that some people think that their opinion is important or relevant or correct when it comes to strippers or pole dancing/pole fitness without first hand experience?
Pole Fetish 2009... Bad choice of title for a pole fitness competition agreed, but baby – if it gets this much attention, I think they NAILED IT! It got you blogging about it and us defending it, did you expect that?
One last thing, would you find a whole community of step aerobics students passionate enough about their choice of fitness to be up in arms and defending it on a blog? I doubt it.
Have fun at step class peeps, you don't know what you are missing, and with some of the opinions stated here, some pole fitness instructors are probably glad you are...
If narrow minded idiots like yourself can't see the pole for the strippers then that says A LOT more about you than it does about any of us participants.
If you look at the history of salsa and ballet then they were also 'tabboo' in their first stages.
take your blinkers of woman, this is the 21st century!
You're right — there are other views on this subject, and the comments section of this blog welcomes them all. With the exception of Suzy, everyone has either agreed or disagreed with comments both honest and respectful. (It's entirely possible that I am an idiot, but please keep those sentiments out of the comments or I'll have to delete them. Thanks.)
My original post stated that people promoting this particular event used the term "fitness" in an interview to give it credibility it didn't deserve. There is obviously a place for pole dancing in the fitness arena, and I don't mean to make selling it to fitness consumers more difficult than it already is. But I would argue that events like Pole Fetish 2009 are doing exactly that, and there should be a clear line drawn between "fitness" and "fetish.
Actually, in the UK, the majority of mainstream fitness centres and gyms do run pole dance classes. Obviously, they do so because they are a popular and effective way to keep fit and build strength and flexibility, and they make money from them.
No one denies pole dancing is sexy, but we have long got over the idea that it is synonymous with working as an exotic dancer and having loose morals. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the author of this piece.
Puss
I love that this post has gotten more comments than any other post on this blog ever, so it seems, or at least since August 2008, since that was as far back as I cared to click back. It shows what a controversial issue it is.
I do think pole dancing as fitness can have widespread devotion - as it seems it does more so in the UK. And I think it is not a hard sell at all. Tons of women, like someone else commented, would rather do this to get fit than go to the gym. It's intriguing, it's exciting, and the fact that it is tied to something considered taboo - and yet, is not when brought into the group ex room - is part of its appeal for a lot of women. Women are sensual beings; if they can bring that to their fitness and make it work for them, then more power to them. What helps make it "sell" is the same reason why there are rock climbing gyms: you're not necessarily always thinking "fitness fitness fitness" - a lot of people do it just because it's fun, and getting more in shape comes as a side perk.
Heather - I really want you to try it. I'm dying for you to try it. Honestly, I bet a lot of your blog readers would love if you tried a class or two and posted what your opinion was then. If you hated it, thought it was way too easy - then fine, that's your opinion. But at least it would be based on your experience.
If you ever decide to - make sure you check out more than one studio in your area. Here in Denver, we have two studios that couldn't be more different in teaching approach. One has young, fit teachers and heels are encouraged; the other has an older, equally fit and beautiful teacher, who is classically trained in dance and danced with New York’s Joffrey Ballet. She does not allow heels, there are no mirrors in the studio, and she starts classes with stretching and yoga, and emphasizes an appreciation of our bodies and the connection between the women in the committed group classes.
There is such a wide range of studios and teaching when it comes to this type of fitness; I really encourage you to try it out.
Sex is also linked with the sex industry and sex workers, yet I am acquainted with many individuals who pursue and enjoy sex who are not sex workers and I don't believe others link them to the sex industry either. The point isn't about what some individuals think about pole fitness, it's what each one of us thinks and whether we even question the validity of those thoughts. I practice pole fitness myself, I rarely wear platform heals or do very many slinky moves around the pole (though I find nothing wrong with it), but I do practice pole as an aerial art, just like trapeze, aerial silk or the lyra (hoop). Youtube 'Felix' or 'Jenyne Butterfly' for some examples of some elite athletes and aerial artists, then you will see why a growing number of pole and sports enthusiasts believe this should be an olympic sport. There are people who wish to use pole dancing as a strictly erotic exercise, but there are many of us who adore the athleticism and beauty inherent in this aerial art. You can also view my aerial work (though, I don't claim to be as accomplished as Jenyne or Felix!) here: http://www.youtube.com/user/emjaffe71
And, btw, thanks for bringing this topic to light and sharing your concerns and thoughts on the matter. The only way we can be informed is by first sharing our thoughts and getting the feedback and thoughts of others - I hope I have been able to shed some light from the perspective of someone who practices fitness pole, but if minds remain unchanged and keep an unfavorable opinion about fitness pole, that's okay, too. I can only question my own thoughts, the thoughts of others remain their business :-)
I have been pole dancing for fitness for 2 years now. I'm crazy about it, and do it pretty much every day. I've honestly never had a hobby I enjoy so much BUT - I have never, ever danced like a stripper. No hip wiggling, no hair flicking. I am an ex (regular) gymnast and I still consider myself to be a gymnast of sorts. My style is very similar on the pole than it was on the mat, beam and bars - graceful lines, pointed toes and athleticism. I attend classes in my local gym where this style is taught - it's very popular here.
Having said that, and I realise I may be shot down in flames by other pole dancers for saying this, I do agree with some of what you're saying. Pole Fetish was an awful, awful choice of name for a start. This kind of thing does nothing to help change the image of pole as a recognised fintess activity. I see alot of "fitness" pole dancing which is still very suggestive e.g - girls wearing heels, provocative body movements etc. Where as I have absolutely no problems with this style WHATSOEVER to watch and have seen some breathtaking routines that are way more advanced than I'll ever be, I'm not sure it's doing alot to change the image and I don't consider it to be "true" fitness pole. How can it be? It just doesn't work to say you're doing something purely for fitness, then break out the corset and stillettos in which to perform it!
Now I am not by any means a prude, I'm an open minded girl with a healthy appreciation of erotica and have been known to go to strip clubs in the past - but I would never dance in this style myself. To me it's completely different and very, very alien to perform (I'd feel like a complete muppet trying to "act" sexy for a start). To me, it really is gymnastic dancing. Although I realsie that the link with the world of stripping is there, I would personally like to see in the future for there to be a much clearer distinction between fitness and erotic pole dancing. If pole is EVER going to be taken seriously as a sport, the two do need to move apart or it's never going to work.
I would like to re - itterate once more that I have no problem with strippers and erotic pole dancing. The style has it's own particular merrits, and in an ideal world I would like to see a distinction between fitness and erotic pole that recognises the merits in each whilst defining them as two very different things with none of the "blurred" bit in the middle that's claiming to be both. In plain and simple terms, you're either doing it for sexual entertainment/titilation or you're not. I'm not!
Sarah/Goldstar (couldn't be bothered to sign up for an account
"Despite commenters' rampant speculation on my personal experiences as a pole dancing spectator, I maintain that you don't have to regularly stuff ones in a G-string to associate pole dancing with stripping."
You missed the point. If you want to change what you associate X with, then choose some different associations. Choosing media-rich activities will have a huge impact on your associations. If you view a copy of Mystère or Saltimbanco, you could well fundamentally alter your perception of pole dancing.
If you view videos that teach Pole Dance technique, that will also alter your perception.
If you personally participate in Pole Dance exercise, that will also alter your perception.
Everybody always has preconceptions and prejudices about things they've never experienced. That's not bad. The mischief comes when one continues to repeat those misconceptions when they've been given clear suggestions on how to expand their horizons.
"And I don't doubt that it's a popular fitness activity in some facilities. But is pole dancing a candidate for widespread devotion, like group cycling, step aerobics or kickboxing? No. It's just not."
This is also something that neither you -- nor anyone else -- has to judge. The marketplace gets to decide what's valuable.
IMHO, the most valuable contribution you could make as a journalist would be to actually try the activity for a few weeks then report back to the community.
"But, come on! Pole Fetish 2009 was held in Utah, people. UTAH. An undeniably gorgeous state populated with many undeniably conservative people. And while I'll bet the majority of those folks don't hang out in strip clubs, chances are they still associate pole dancing with stripping."
I'll stipulate that the promoter of this event chose a poor name. Fortunately, we don't have to base our evaluation of the activity on one promoter's silly choice.
So your issue is that the word "fetish" was used in the title of a fitness competition?
The promoters of this contest have every right to use the work "fitness" because that is what they teach and that is what the judgment of the contest will be based on.
I think it is just semantics myself. While I agree "fetish" does give off the wrong vibes because people do not associate the word "fetish" with any other meaning besides sexual in nature - I think we all know that the competition was innocent and was infact a show of strength, grace, agility, flexibility and dance. All of those qualities can be associated with various types of exercise.
I think it quite clever of the girls to name it as such - good marketing get people talking and they sure are talking!
I'd also like to add to a previous poster in stating that I do infact teach at a coed gym and have never had an issue with anything. If anything the men have become slightly interested themselves in learning how to do tricks.
I'll also add that there is a huge pole community throughout the USA and the world. Its great because when we travel we get to meet people we have known for ages via the internet. We are very defensive and protective of one another, we help each other, we support each other, we are very bonded by our hobby. Just like gymnastics, bike riding or yoga - we are a very tight group and its a growing family each day.
You know, Crystal, I'm starting to get an idea of just how big — and vocal — the pole community is.
It reminds me of the time I wrote an article about exergaming. I was surprised to find out how close-knit, passionate and supportive that community is, too.
Just like the pole community, as I'm learning today. It's impressive, to say the least.
I am a pole fitness instructor, I have a degree in kinesiology, certifications in pilates and have been in the fitness industry for over 10 years. To me, pole fitness does not objectify women, it is closed minded, judgemental people both men and women who do that. I had never been to a stip club before I started taking classes. I decided to check one out and was pretty disappointed with the pole skills and alomst mortified with some of the stuff they were doing, it was NOTHING like what I learned from taking classes.
Pole fitness & pole dancing are actually quite empowering to women and the reasons why they do it are very diverse. It really helped to increase my self esteem however cheesy that might sound and I made a lot of friends in class... all totally normal people- teachers, nurses, etc. I started teaching because I really feel that pole dancing is the best mind body workout there is because the students really want to learn (and did i mention that it's fun!). What i love about the classes are how encouraging student are to one another, that's something you don't see in traditional exercise! I've compiled some information on the origin of modern day pole dancing if you'd like to read and see a youtube video on Mallakhamb.
http://www.bodyandpole.net/origin.html
This is excellent, I feel rather smug cos you know what... you don’t have a clue how big the names are on this blog....
If you wrote a blog on boxing and then found out that Mohamed Ali, Amir Khan, Floyd Merriweather and Ricky Hatton had responded to it, even anonymously, you would be impressed with yourself.
Well…! Be impressed Heather!
If you actually knew anything about the pole fitness industry you would be VERY happy with the people who have taken the time to reply to the bigoted and ill advised comments on your blog and with the amount of people who have now read this blog who are in the industry.
Your personal change of heart is wonderful to see, I hope you will end up at a pole fitness class or two as suggested and let us know how it went!
Seriously…. Be very happy with this blog, you got the attention of some VERY big names… If you want to get some real pleasure from this post, I suggest you do some research to find out exactly who got riled enough to reply…
Oh and let us know how your next blog goes, the one about ice skating, or kick boxing or step aerobics, I bet nothing beats this one!
After reading some of the negative comments about poling I have to say I am gay male instructor, which doesnt really put me in any of your pathetically judgmental boxes. I am there to teach an incredibly difficult graceful form of gymnastic dance in a mixed environment... so its co-ed all the way! Everyone who has tried pole as a form of fitness either loved it or found it too hard compared so easier forms of exercise! I think in first place the word erotic should not have been used, but also in argument I dont think people who just like to moan about something they know little or nothing about or what they do know is one sided and warped should yap on either!
Anonymous said...
"I have been pole dancing for fitness for 2 years now. I'm crazy about it, and do it pretty much every day. I've honestly never had a hobby I enjoy so much BUT - I have never, ever danced like a stripper. No hip wiggling, no hair flicking. I am an ex (regular) gymnast and I still consider myself to be a gymnast of sorts. My style is very similar on the pole than it was on the mat, beam and bars - graceful lines, pointed toes and athleticism. I attend classes in my local gym where this style is taught - it's very popular here.
Having said that, and I realise I may be shot down in flames by other pole dancers for saying this, I do agree with some of what you're saying. Pole Fetish was an awful, awful choice of name for a start. This kind of thing does nothing to help change the image of pole as a recognised fintess activity. I see alot of "fitness" pole dancing which is still very suggestive e.g - girls wearing heels, provocative body movements etc. Where as I have absolutely no problems with this style WHATSOEVER to watch and have seen some breathtaking routines that are way more advanced than I'll ever be, I'm not sure it's doing alot to change the image and I don't consider it to be "true" fitness pole. How can it be? It just doesn't work to say you're doing something purely for fitness, then break out the corset and stillettos in which to perform it!
Now I am not by any means a prude, I'm an open minded girl with a healthy appreciation of erotica and have been known to go to strip clubs in the past - but I would never dance in this style myself. To me it's completely different and very, very alien to perform (I'd feel like a complete muppet trying to "act" sexy for a start). To me, it really is gymnastic dancing. Although I realsie that the link with the world of stripping is there, I would personally like to see in the future for there to be a much clearer distinction between fitness and erotic pole dancing. If pole is EVER going to be taken seriously as a sport, the two do need to move apart or it's never going to work.
I would like to re - itterate once more that I have no problem with strippers and erotic pole dancing. The style has it's own particular merrits, and in an ideal world I would like to see a distinction between fitness and erotic pole that recognises the merits in each whilst defining them as two very different things with none of the "blurred" bit in the middle that's claiming to be both. In plain and simple terms, you're either doing it for sexual entertainment/titilation or you're not. I'm not!"
WHEN oh when are we going to stop creating such a divide between sexiness and fitness? Why does an activity no longer qualify as "fitness" just because of a head flick or a booty shake? For God's sake, when are we women going to stop punishing ourselves and each other for being sensual beings????!!! Surely as a pole dancer yourself, you understand the level of fitness that's required to perform pole moves - whether you're wearing heels or sneakers or ballet slippers or gumboots. In fact, there's a whole workout in itself in wearing stilettos as opposed to having flat feet. Pole dancing is a workout for the whole body which requires a combination of strength, flexibility and co-ordination. Why create a divide? Your body is not differentiating between "she's shaking her booty" and "she's doing aerobics". Your body is responding to movement, increased heart rate, muscles pumping. It's only our brains that are creating this ridiculous divide. How can this not be obvious???!!!
@ The poster above;
I agree that erotic pole is no less physical that the style I do - it's the same moves and as you rightly said, probably more difficult if anything with the addition of heels and therefore it still keeps you just as fit so is therefore still technically a fitness activity - you won't get any argument from me there - that's not what I was saying. I'm certainly not punishing myself or anyone else for being sensual and enjoying sexuality. I think being comfortable with your body is a glorious thing and that includes pole.
My point was is that erotic pole is not going to be taken seriously as an actual sport. I would love to see fitness pole in the Olympics one day and that's just not EVER gonna happen unless it's a version that doesn't involve the heels and hip wiggles. I'm just being realistic - fitness pole's only chance at getting taken seriously is to re - invent itself as a different thing.
If I'm dancing for my boyfriend or to be provocative (if I were capable of doing so - as I said before I'm hopefless and being "sexy" on the pole lol!) then there's no problem with dancing erotically - and as a bonus it also keeps me fit. If however pole WAS acepted as a legitimate sport and I were competeing, I'd damn sure be wanting them to look at and judge me on my moves, not on how sexy I looked!
Sarah/Goldstar
To the anonymous poster who said, "For God's sake, when are we women going to stop punishing ourselves and each other for being sensual beings?"
I am in complete agreement.
But the thing is, the views on pole dancing are so skewed - and they are so similar to the views held in regards to stripping. What it boils down to is an objectification vs. empowerment argument.
And people in the fitness industry aren't easily swayed by something that can cause so much controversy.
Good points. My reply is that again, why are we so hell bent on proving to anyone else - the fitness world or the Olympics Federation for that matter - that what we do is valid? Why not just enjoy what we do. As we have all seen, there are plenty of people all around the globe who are passionate about pole dancing. Our energy is better spent furthering what we do than fighting some war to prove ourselves to anyone. Besides which, god knows what the Olympics would do to the raw beauty of the dance. Pole dancing is that wonderful. It needs no further validation.
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