An Atlanta dance studio has sparked a fiery debate online following the promotion of its "Mommy & Me" pole dancing classes, where children as young as four learn alongside their mothers. Pink Poles Studio found itself in the crosshairs of controversy as footage of the classes, showing participants engaging in pole techniques, circulated widely on social media. Despite the stir, the studio coordinator, Royalle Lazard, has firmly defended the program in an interview with FOX 5, stating that "everyone was fully clothed" and emphasizing that the activity was a wholesome bonding exercise, not an exotic dance.
The contentious video that triggered the backlash was posted to Instagram and quickly ratcheted up to over 5.5 million views. The studio owner, Tiajuanna "Tia" Harris, expressed her dismay over the response, telling The Messenger, "People were just over-sexualizing kids. Not willing to understand the history behind it." Lazard added that the class sold out swiftly and that it was a "little gut-wrenching" to confront the negative feedback, which included harsh comments and accusations of sexualizing young girls.
Defenders of the class compare the pole activities to playground fun, pointing to the similarities with the monkey bars children clamber over in parks. Tia Harris highlighted this comparison, and said the kids were listening to kid-friendly music during the sessions. The classes, she argued, are fundamentally about fitness, community’s acceptance, and fostering "strength, and confidence in a playful and supportive environment."
The pushback against the pole dancing classes comes amid a broader conversation regarding the sport's legitimacy. Lazard noted that pole dancing is recognized as a sport in 36 countries and mentioned the International Pole Sports Federation's efforts to include pole sport in the Olympic Games. With the support of organizations such as the International Pole & Aerial Sports Federation, those in the pole community continue to champion the activity's formal recognition. Harris underscored this movement telling The Messenger, "This is a happy place. This is a safe space...nothing, anyone says or does will change that!"
Nevertheless, despite the criticism, Pink Poles Studio plans to carry on their "Mommy & Me" classes. The next session is already marked on the calendar for February, showing that the studio is standing its ground amidst the social media tempest.
