An Atlanta-based pole dancing studio has found itself at the center of an online storm after a video of its 'Mommy and Me' class went viral. Pink Poles Studio, which offered the workshop for mothers to practice pole techniques with their children, has triggered a far-reaching debate on social media and beyond. The class, as depicted in the footage set to the 1998 "Rugrats" movie tune "Take Me There," showcased children alongside adults in a series of pole dances.
The workshop drew ire from those concerned about the oversexualization of children, with comments ranging from bewildered to outright angry. "Kids and pole dancing are 2 things that shouldn’t anywhere near each other," one user wrote on Today.com. Someone else asserted, "Pole dancing is associated with strip clubs and therefore inappropriate for children. It’s simple." Despite the backlash, Tiajuanna "Tia" Harris, the owner of Pink Poles Studio, defended her class, noting that pole dancing is an internationally recognized sport and could even be a future Olympic event.
In her defense, Harris stressed the fitness angle of the classes, "These kids aren’t twerking — nothing inappropriate, nothing sexual is going on here," Harris explained, as reported by Today.com. "What we’re doing is teaching them to use the apparatus as a fitness tool. It’s no different than gymnastics or ballet." She evoked a heartwarming response from a parent who said that her son felt like "Spiderman" after attending the class—a testament to the innocent and playful nature of the exercises, according to Harris.
Concerning any potential sexualization critiques, the studio's website clarifies Harris's intentions and her background. "The age-old adage insists that 'Kids should be kids.' At Pink Dance and Aerial Studio, the kids are doing just that – being KIDS!" Harris had no history as an exotic dancer and aimed to create a popular nightlife spot in Atlanta that celebrates strength and confidence, as mentioned on Fox5Atlanta.com.
Additionally, the Global Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF) defines pole sports as a blend of "dance and acrobatics," requiring a combination of "great physical and mental exertion, strength and endurance," a notion which underscores the physical challenge rather than any other connotation. Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a parenting and youth development expert, is quoted on Today.com in support of exercises like pole sports for the co-experiential growth they offer parents and children alike. Yet, she advises parents to be prepared for potential questions as children grow and become more aware of societal perceptions.
