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 I’m one of those girls now, I will admit it. I take a pole dancing class.
I have always wanted to do this, not just since it became ‘oh so trendy’.
I have long held a fascination for strippers and their feats of gravity defiance. Plus, I really enjoy any opportunity to get semi-naked and parade about, doing impressive, tricky, up-side-down things. It’s just how I roll.
But it’s getting this whole ‘legitimate’ fitness thing now, isn’t it? “I take pole dancing in between my Tuesday spin class and Thursday night Pilates! Oh, it’s just wonderful exercise, it’s not tawdry at all. Upper-body strength. Flexibility. Core fitness. Blah blah blah.”
See, that is all well and good, but the fitness junkies are forgetting one thing: It is tawdry and that is why I like it. I dig on the sleazy origins. Pole dancing began in strip clubs, pioneered by lithe, semi-naked cherubs as a way to solicit more cash from the drooling, intoxicated patrons that frequent such establishments. And don’t you forget it.
Sure, it’s cool to bust out a bitchin’ aerial split on the pole in your expensive trainers and co-ordinated workout gear, but it’s far more impressive if done in a tiny G-string and a pair of ridiculous stilettos. Or even better, fully nude.
Many instructors make excuses, or seem embarrassed about the more naughty aspects of pole, stating their status as dancers first and I do not doubt this. It takes remarkable strength and co-ordination to not just pull off the most basic pole tricks, but to make them look awesome and effortless. But they tell stories about the clubs in hushed, apologetic tones and sound slightly mortified at revealing aspects of performance: “Well, it is a fully nude show…” Or: “I’ll just warn you, the performance is at a…gentlemen’s club.” Shock horror! Pole dancing has ties to strip clubs? No! I never would have imagined!
Be proud, I say. Bring on the boobies, the ridiculous plastic-soled heels and the dental-floss G-strings. Athletic Pole Competitions are awesome and sweet and all that, but clubs are the bread and butter, and you should never be ashamed of your roots. Besides, I have always been of the opinion that everyone should get their tits out in front of a large group of people from time to time. It’s empowering and fun, especially if they’re waving money.
Marlee Jane Ward
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