To think "vertical dance" is ridiculous

[nightowlmostly]

I recently joined a new gym, and they have so-called vertical dance classes.

Since when did pole dancing transform from being a means of objectifying women into a legitimate excercise? I am proud to call myself a feminist and don't understand this at all.

Can anyone explain what is going on in this post-feminist society when otherwise independent and enlightened women feel that hanging off a pole in a manner only ever designed to appeal to men is an empowering pastime?

I'm far from being a prude or anything, I just don't get it.

I definitely share your misgivings about the popularisation of pole dancing as something "harmless" and "empowering" - I don't think it's either of those things. However, I do think it probably constitutes a pretty mean workout and if that's what I wanted, I might go for it - obviously with no intention of ever doing it in front of any kind of audience, ever.

I was under the impression that its just something a bit different. Exercise but using a different type of equipment, ie a pole, for a laugh and to make it more fun and less likely to get boring.

I think you might be over thinking it tbh!

The name vertical dance is a bit ridiculous but yanbu.

There are really 2 types of pole dancing

1. The type done for men, lots of gyrating, bending over etc etc.

2. Proper pole dancing which can be stunning and an amazing workout. Honestly look at youtube at some of the routines, there is an australian girl whos name escapes me who is amazing! Its beautiful when done properly.

Personally I think reclaiming the pole is a good thing. Not about liberating women as such but more about changing mens perception. The more they associate the pole with sweaty, puffed women with red faces and sweat bands holding back their hair the better IMO.

Excercising using your full body weight is hard work, how many adults can manage a hand stand these days? So I can see how it makes a good workout and it is something different and interesting which excercise needs to be to keep a lot of us on track.

I also think that it is quite sad that we have allowed ourselves to become so indoctrinated that even women now see pole dancing as "for the pleasure of men only". It is just a pole, how you use it is up to you!

Look up Felix Cane on you tube, totally stunning. Perhaps some think that they are reclaiming it by doing it as exercise. 'Dancing on poles' has always been a circus / performance act and was done by men. People around the world had different takes on performance; Indian rope climbers, the Chinese acrobats. It was taken over by women as a means to earn money and of course as a way of men earning money out of women.

Other forms of dance where used in the same way but did not become as popular such as belly dancing which was once performed for woman by women. Older women may find doing gymnastics again embarrassing, PD involves more strength and flexibility. So what if it can be perceived as sexual. Women are sexual and beautiful as well as having other atributes.