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If You’re Teaching Your 8-Year-Old to Pole Dance, Don’t Be Surprised When People React Strongly
A UK morning talk show has found itself in hot water after showcasing elementary school-aged children participating in “pole fitness” classes. Although pole dancing has evolved into a popular fitness trend for women, this segment sparked a wave of outrage.
ITV’s This Morning decided to dive into the heated discussion surrounding children’s involvement in pole fitness. They featured three young girls, aged eight and eleven, demonstrating some moves they’ve learned in class. Decked out in spandex shorts and crop tops, the little ones showcased routines that would typically be associated with adult pole dancing. Unsurprisingly, this left many viewers saying, “Absolutely not.”
In a follow-up interview, two of the girls’ mothers, Susan Thompson and Emily Clarke, defended their decision to enroll their daughters in these classes. They argued that the movements resemble gymnastics and that any sexual implications are purely constructed by adult minds. Emily remarked, “There’s a pole on the playground where they play. They climb it, spin around it, and slide down. What’s the difference?”
However, the audience of This Morning was not convinced. Following the segment, Twitter erupted with sharp criticisms directed at the parents and the show itself for airing such contentious footage. Viewers labeled the dance as “perverse” and accused the moms of “sexualizing children while masking it as exercise.”
While it’s clear that pole dancing can be a fitness endeavor and a form of self-expression, it’s also deeply intertwined with adult themes of sexuality in our culture. Introducing children to an activity often associated with strip clubs, especially while they’re dressed in revealing outfits, understandably raises eyebrows. Psychologist Rachel Adams, who appeared on This Morning to discuss the topic, stated that it’s “inextricably linked to adult pastimes” and suggested that ages eight and eleven might be too young for such exposure.
Although the children involved are likely unaware of any sexual connotations, and their parents probably have the best intentions, pole dancing as an activity just feels more suited for adults. Plus, one has to wonder why kids in an “exercise class” are donning cropped shirts and showing midriffs instead of wearing traditional gymnastics attire.
Ultimately, kids’ pole fitness classes seem like an over-the-top way to achieve the same physical activity that could be accomplished in a standard gymnastics setting. There’s really no compelling reason to swap out the balance beam for a pole, and it’s hard to blame anyone for feeling a bit uneasy about the whole situation. After all, pole dancing isn’t quite the same as sliding down a pole at the playground, and many people are noticing that distinction.
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Summary
A UK morning show faced backlash after featuring young girls in pole fitness classes. While parents argue the routines are similar to gymnastics, many viewers found the presentation inappropriate. The debate highlights the cultural associations of pole dancing with adult themes, raising questions about the suitability of such activities for children.