Why Pole Dance Shouldn't Be Deemed Inappropriate
Pole Dance is Art, Not a Moral Issue
Pole dance is a powerful, expressive art form that blends athleticism, creativity, and self-empowerment—yet it is often unfairly judged due to misconceptions about sensuality.
Being judged for our involvement in this art form is disheartening, but we refuse to let stigma define us.
- Pole dance is diverse – It includes fitness, contemporary dance, acrobatics, and artistic performance.
- The stigma is frustrating – Dancers face misjudgment and moral policing simply for practicing their craft.
- It is physically demanding – Strength, endurance, and skill are required—this is not just about aesthetics.
- We deserve respect – The assumption that pole dance is inappropriate ignores its history and artistic value.
- Education is key – Learning about its origins and health benefits can help shift outdated perceptions.
Amber's Perspective: Embracing Pole Dance as Art and Fitness
This article was inspired by a recent interaction that we had with a dance teacher convention that wouldn’t consider allowing us as vendors at their event simply because we have pole dance imagery in our portfolio. This is the response I received when asking for clarification why our application was denied: “We work with dance studios who primarily serve children and therefore avoid the promotion of adult content like pole dancing. We recognize that it is an art form, but it is not the right fit for the culture of our client base.”
This response was frustrating not only because it assumed something about this form of dance, but also because our association with it disqualified us from participating in an event we were really excited to have saved up for. Judging an art form purely because it involves a pole is very short-sighted. Having led competitive children’s dance groups and competed myself in the past as well as watched Brooke compete masterfully at Pole Sport, I can assure you that there is a wide range of sexuality present in both. Just as we don’t want to assume that dance is inappropriate, we shouldn’t assume that pole dance is either. It’s all dependent on how you approach it.
Fun Fact
Exposed skin is a must when working intermediate and advanced pole moves. Exposed skin allows you to stick to steel or chrome based material.
Brooke's Journey: Empowerment through Pole Dance
I started my journey into pole dancing back in 2017. I had a picture in my mind before taking my first class of all women attending being young, conventionally attractive, and comfortable with moving sensually, which at the time intimidated me, so I asked a friend to go with me. I was surprised that many of my classmates were women of varying ages and sizes during our first class. We were all women seeking an exciting new workout, community,y, and connection. A surprising number of women were moms looking for ways to break out of their comfort zones and carve out time to celebrate after long days of caring for their families. It was a space of acceptance and liberation.
After a year, I inevitably enrolled in showcases, performance troupes, and competitions to show off the tricks and flips I had mastered. However, I realized I had held back from openly sharing this sport with the outside world due to its stigma. While many of my friends offered unquestioning support, a few expressed disappointment that the performers of sensual pieces didn’t fit the younger, thinner beauty standards. To them, I say: you’ve missed the essence of this art form, and perhaps you’re why we seek the haven this sport provides. Pole dance is about using the body as a medium for self-expression, regardless of age or body type.
It’s not uncommon for many people, both men and women, to seek this sport as a creative and emotional outlet after sexual assault as a way to reclaim their bodies. Many studios train their instructors to be sensitive to this possibility and provide everyone with a safe, welcoming space.
While pole dance is often associated with sensual movement, this aspect only scratches the surface of its potential. The beauty of pole dance, along with other aerial arts, lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer a sensual, creative, comedic, performance-based, spiritual, or athletic approach, pole dance accommodates a wide range of expressions and styles.
My doubles pole partner and I have leaned into the athletic aspect of the sport and while we won second in the state, she was unable to celebrate that achievement with her family for fear of rejection from religious upbringing. There are murmurings of this sports future inclusion into the olympics, I hope others can cast off its taboo nature without the need to prove its legitimacy.
Regardless of the stigma attached through religious, corporate or societal associations, the sport continues to garner more widespread interest and participation.
Seven years after starting pole dance I’ve seen cis men taking the strength based classes like they ARE training for the olympics, queer communities offering LGBTQ specific classes as means to embrace their gender fluidity and women upwards of 70 years old taking private lessons to stay fit and embrace their sexy bodies when modern societal standards fails them.
This sport should not be cast aside as taboo but embraced as another facet of therapy, self love, body celebration, and a damn good workout like many other ‘accepted’ dance forms.
Expand Your Understanding of Pole Dance
Pole dance is more than just movement—it’s an art form, a sport, and a powerful means of self-expression. If you’re interested in learning more about its history, benefits, and impact, here are some valuable resources to help expand your knowledge:
- Historical Context – Pole dance has a rich history that spans cultures and centuries. From its roots in traditional Chinese and Indian pole disciplines to its modern fitness and performance evolution, understanding its background helps break common misconceptions.
Learn more about the history of pole dance here. - Health Benefits – Pole dance is a full-body workout that enhances strength, flexibility, coordination, and confidence. It engages multiple muscle groups, improves endurance, and provides physical and mental health benefits.
By diving into these resources, you’ll better appreciate pole dance and its contributions to art, fitness, and personal empowerment. Whether you’re a dancer, a fitness enthusiast, or just curious about the sport, these insights will help you see pole dancing in a new light.
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