Controversial School Fitness Option-Pole Dancing, Anyone?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

28 Feb 2009 09:55 AM

I realize that many college co-eds resort to uh, shall we say, creative means to pay for their educations, but I must admit I was a bit stunned when I heard that a European high school was actually making it easier for students to learn the ropes of pole dancing, in case they needed to put their skills to use in the future.

Am I the only one who equates pole dancing with strip clubs?

Apparently administrators at South Devon College in the United Kingdom don't see the relation. In their eyes pole dancing is merely a source of fitness. At least that's what they used to think. Pole dancing, which is taught at dozens of dance schools around the world is a good source of exercise. However, when a voluptuous female demonstrated her skills during South Devon College's Be Healthy Week activities, she wasn't the only one sweating at the end of the performance.

The busty dancer was trying to show students how invigorating a good pole dance routine can be, but she ended up turning a few more heads than anticipated... and not in a good way. The curvy female's first demonstration was held in an open area of the school and drew a huge crowd of students ranging in age from 14 to 19. Those students ended up getting an eyeful of the dancer twisting, turning, bending and demonstrating other semi-erotic contortions. Needless to say, when she returned the next day for a second demonstration, she was asked to move her show into the more private sports hall.

According to reports, the change of venue didn't sit well with the dancer, who complained that the move enhanced the negative stereotyping that plagues, the art of pole dancing. The dancer was reportedly irate that school administrators didn't see the value of her demonstration. Her goal, she maintains, is to teach kids that there are other ways to burn calories and gain flexibility other than running, swimming and playing soccer.

Meanwhile, school administrators say they stand by their decision, which was based more on the fact that students had been disruptive in class following the dancer's demo. Apparently, many of the pupils recorded the pole dancer on their mobile devices and were too busy swapping pictures and videos to pay attention to teachers.

Do you consider pole dancing a legitimate fitness option?

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Jazzercise: It isn't What You Think

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Andrea Hermitt (5472) 28 Feb 2009 04:20 PM

for adults... sure... for kids... no.

Samual (11722) 01 Mar 2009 08:14 AM

There are virtually no clubs in the UK that allow pole dancing of a sexual nature, so here it is done as a form of exercise and strenght training, like aerobics.

mcmama (51978) 01 Mar 2009 08:28 AM

Any links to where we can see what it is without eroticism?

Do guys do this too?

Michele Cheplic (37236) 02 Mar 2009 09:57 AM

Samual pole dancing? Now THAT I WOULD pay money to watch!

Angel Lynn Diamond (224) 10 Mar 2009 07:47 PM

It is too bad that such a stigma is attached to pole dancing. I have heard that it is a great form of exercise. I saw a girl on the internet, a gymnast, and she was all grace and beauty. It was performed on one of the gymnastics sites. It was not intended to be erotic, but more so to show her excellent gymnastic abilities. You could see that it took great strength in body motion control.

Samual (11722) 11 Mar 2009 06:42 AM

Michele, no one has enough money to get me to do that!