Pole dancing classes... for a minor?!
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
Canada
February 2, 2009 5:31pm CST
Our local talk radio station has a call-in discussion in the afternoons. Seems today's caller has a 13 year old daughter who wants to take pole dancing for exercise. The mother is in favor and approves of this but the father says "no way!"
The large metropolitan city nearest where I live has many places where you can take these classes and at least one markets the activity as "alternative fitness". I don't have any issue with it. I don't have good upper body strength and I can only imagine the improvement I could get in a class like that. From what I've read, so far, most of these classes are attended by older women looking for fun and fitness or to surprise their partners. They're a popular activity for bachelorette parties and groups of friends. Many of the places offer coed classes, too.
Interestingly, not all sites I looked at stated upfront that their classes are 18+. I can't imagine that anyone would allow a 13 year old to attend. Most of the callers to the radio show said they would not allow their 13 year old daughter to take pole dancing for any reason but there were some who said that the girl wouldn't have any understanding of the classes as anything other than dance/exercise. My belief is that no 13 year old is that naive anymore... and even any kid that's seen several episodes of CSI knows a good deal! LOL
I'd be interested in people's thoughts on this. Could you conceive of allowing those under 18 to take these classes? Do you think that minors who show interest in these classes are truly interested in fitness?
3 responses
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
20 Mar 09
I have got a nice bridge to sell that caller. The people who believed that a 13 y/o would be clueless about this are truly clueless.
This maybe a fun alternative fitness program but not for a 13 y/o she should learn step dancing or swimming or tennis.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
20 Mar 09
Amen to that, Debs_place! Kids are growing up SO fast these days (I won't say "maturing" because they really aren't one and the same). They know about - and DO! - things at 13 that we hadn't even thought about yet at that age. To say a 13 year old doesn't recognize the sexuality/sensuality of pole dancing is beyond naive.
@eych24 (56)
• Philippines
7 Feb 09
I don't a thirteen-year-old should be allowed to talk pole dancing lessons. This activity is too sensual. I agree, no 13-year-old is naive anymore. Why she wanted to take lessons in the first place is beyond me, but how the mother could approve is just beyond this galaxy. The father was right not to allow the daughter. She should just go into figure skating or street dancing or wall climbing - stuff for any age group.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
7 Feb 09
You know, eych, I sometimes wonder if mothers are living vicariously through their daughters for things like this? I see young girls all the time whose mothers let them wear fashions that are pretty risque for their age, or they are permitted to wear lots of makeup, or "sexy" shoes... which, ultimately, I know it's up to the parents to decide what they are comfortable with. But I also know parents that have their kids in activities because they wanted to do them when they were young and they didn't get to. Or, maybe they want to be the "cool" parent that gives permission for things that other parents won't. I don't know... I'm theorizing here... but I just don't get it either.
@Jlyn22 (204)
• United States
3 Feb 09
I think 13 is too young to be taking that kind of class. There are lots of other types of things she can go do for excersize at her age. I personally really want to take one of the pole dancing classes cause it is suppost to be the best workout, but I wouldnt like it if I saw little kids there trying to do it.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
6 Feb 09
I've heard lots of people praising pole dancing classes too... I haven't seriously considered taking one (yet?? LOL!) but I think anything that gets people active and having fun is a worthwhile pursuit... although I wholeheartedly agree that I wouldn't approve of pole dancing as a pursuit for a 13 year old :\
