Pole dancing has been growing in popularity over the years, both as a fitness activity and a professional art form. However, despite its undeniable athleticism and beauty, pole dancing remains heavily sexualized by society. Why is that? In this blog post, we’ll explore the roots of this stigma, debunk common misconceptions, and dive into the cultural significance of pole dancing today.
The Origins of Pole Dancing and its Association with Sexuality
To understand why pole dancing is often viewed as inherently sexual, we need to look at its history. Pole dancing, in its current form, evolved from two primary sources:
- Exotic Dance in Strip Clubs: One of the key reasons for pole dancing’s sexualization stems from its association with exotic dance in strip clubs. During the 20th century, pole dancing became a staple of striptease performances, where women performed erotic dances that often involved suggestive movements. This connection between pole dancing and erotic performances cemented its perception as a sexualized act.
- Traditional Dance Forms: However, pole dancing isn’t only rooted in strip clubs. In some cultures, pole dance shares similarities with traditional forms of acrobatic pole-based dances, such as Mallakhamb in India, which focuses on strength and flexibility rather than sensuality. While these traditional dances are far from sexual, the mainstream only picked up on the exotic elements of pole dancing.
Media Portrayal and Societal Influence
The media has played a crucial role in perpetuating the idea that pole dancing is only for sexual entertainment. From movies to music videos, pole dancing is often portrayed in a sexualized context. This one-sided representation amplifies the stereotype that pole dancing exists primarily for the male gaze.
Moreover, societal norms around female sexuality are often tied to control and judgment. Women expressing their sensuality openly, as is common in some forms of pole dance, are frequently judged more harshly, reinforcing the stigma around the activity.
The Shift: From Sexualization to Empowerment
While the sexualization of pole dancing has deep roots, the modern pole dancing community is actively working to change the narrative. Here are a few reasons why pole dancing is much more than its sexualized perception:
- Fitness and Strength: Today, many people practice pole dancing for its physical benefits. It requires an immense amount of strength, flexibility, and endurance. The intense physical demands make it a full-body workout, building core strength, upper body power, and cardiovascular endurance.
- Artistic Expression: Pole dancing is an art form. Many performers use the pole as a medium for storytelling, combining dance, gymnastics, and choreography to create powerful performances. These performances are not inherently sexual; rather, they’re about creativity and the fusion of art and movement.
- Empowerment and Confidence: For many, pole dancing is an empowering experience. It allows individuals to embrace their bodies, express themselves without judgment, and build confidence. In fact, the sensuality that sometimes accompanies pole dancing is celebrated within the community, as it encourages body positivity and freedom of expression.
- Breaking Gender Norms: It’s important to note that pole dancing isn’t exclusively for women. Many men are prominent in the pole dancing world, challenging gender stereotypes about who can engage in this activity. The involvement of all genders highlights that pole dancing is a skill that transcends societal norms.
Why the Sexualization of Pole Dancing Needs to Change
By continuing to sexualize pole dancing, society is undermining the talent, skill, and dedication it takes to master this art. The perception that pole dancing is "just" a sexual act reduces the accomplishments of pole athletes and performers to mere objects of desire, rather than celebrating them as skilled artists and athletes.
Moreover, this stigma prevents more people from trying pole dancing for themselves. Many are afraid of judgment or ridicule, holding back from experiencing the physical and emotional benefits it can offer.
Moving Forward: Pole Dancing as a Recognized Art and Sport
The good news is that perceptions are changing. As pole dancing gains more recognition through international competitions and mainstream fitness, the narrative is slowly shifting. The community continues to push for pole dancing to be seen as a legitimate sport, and there have even been talks about including it in future Olympic Games.
By educating the public, showcasing the athleticism behind pole dancing, and encouraging open-mindedness, we can move away from its sexualized past and toward a future where pole dancing is respected for what it truly is: a powerful form of art, fitness, and self-expression.
Conclusion
The sexualization of pole dancing is deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and societal factors. However, as more people embrace its physical, artistic, and empowering elements, the conversation is shifting. Pole dancing is a versatile art form that transcends its outdated sexualized stereotype, and it’s time to give it the respect it deserves. Whether practiced as a sport or performance art, pole dancing has much more to offer than society’s narrow lens of sexuality.