A group of women dancers, once brushed off as “bedroom gymnasts,” is now advocating for what many perceive as a questionable form of entertainment to be recognized as a potential Olympic discipline.
“We put in just as much effort as any other athlete, if not more,” shared Australian Felix Cane, part of a new wave of professional competitors who affirm that their activity is a legitimate sport.
At least 25 countries, including Britain, China, Russia, and Brazil, boast federations linked to World Pole Dance, which is responsible for organizing the official world championships. This organization characterizes the annual event as an exhibition of “sheer physical strength with mesmerising skill and stamina,” featuring moves such as the “outside leg hang,” “pencil pose,” and “inner thigh hold.”
Some competitors confessed to being hesitant about disclosing their passion for pole dancing. Natasha Wang, the 2011 champion of the US Pole Dance Federation, revealed that she kept her activities secret from coworkers until she began to achieve success in competitions.
The proposition of including pole dancing in the Olympics has prompted mockery on social media. One critic questioned, “Why not include lap-dancing?”
Supporters of the sport argue that such criticisms merely diminish the efforts of women engaging in this demanding and athletic pursuit.
“Men should take pole-dancing classes,” Cane suggested. “That way, they can truly appreciate the difficulty of mastering even the simplest moves.”
by Buford Balony
