The pole dance community is known for its supportive and inclusive nature. Recently, a song with the title “Porn Star Dancing” sparked a passionate discussion within this community, prompting introspection about how pole dance is perceived and the stigmas it faces. This article delves into a forum discussion initiated by a pole dancer concerned about the song’s implications, exploring the diverse reactions and opinions within the community.
The Initial Concern: Stigma and Misperception
The original poster expressed a significant discomfort with the song, despite acknowledging its catchiness and appeal to some. Their primary concern stemmed from the ongoing battle to reshape public perception of pole dance. They articulated a fear that associating pole dance with “porn star dancing” would reinforce negative stereotypes, pushing it further into a realm of “unapproachable, dark, and dirty dance.”
While recognizing the inherent sexiness of pole dance and appreciating the dance in the song’s video, the poster drew a firm line between pole dance as an art form and the adult entertainment industry. They voiced a clear desire to avoid the label “porn star dancing” being applied to their own practice and to the wider discipline of pole dance. The core of their argument was a yearning for respect and recognition of pole dance as a legitimate dance form and athletic pursuit, free from automatic suspicion, disgust, or dismissal. They questioned whether holding this view made them overly sensitive, but ultimately asserted the importance of defending pole dance from mischaracterization.
Diverse Community Reactions
The forum thread quickly garnered a range of responses, showcasing the multifaceted perspectives within the pole dance community.
“It’s Just a Song” – A Pragmatic View
Several commenters adopted a more relaxed stance, emphasizing that the song is simply a piece of music and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Evarut, for instance, advised against getting upset, suggesting that songs are made about all sorts of topics and that pole dancers come from diverse backgrounds, potentially including some who have worked in adult entertainment. The commenter even used a humorous comparison to “porn star cooking” to lighten the mood.
Dayanara echoed this sentiment, highlighting the song’s genre as rock and pointing out the involvement of mainstream artists like Ludacris in some versions. They drew a parallel to other popular songs with suggestive lyrics that are widely enjoyed in social settings. Dayanara conceded the original poster’s point but argued that the song, likely to be a fleeting trend, didn’t warrant significant outrage. They expressed a belief that the association between strippers and pole dancers is deeply ingrained in public perception and unlikely to disappear easily, regardless of this particular song.
Shayshay21489 also viewed the song as simply “fun to dance to” and not something to be overly concerned about. They acknowledged the persistent need to educate people about pole dance as an art form and expression, recognizing that opinions will always be divided. They saw the ongoing need to defend pole dance as inherent to their passion for it.
Concerns about Misinterpretation and Double Standards
Englann86 voiced a stronger concern, focusing on the potential for misinterpretation by a closed-minded public. They worried that embracing the song, especially with a prominent pole dancer like Jenyne Butterfly in the music video, would be exploited to reinforce negative stereotypes. The fear was that the wider public would seize upon this association to validate prejudiced views about pole dancers.
Workingfire raised a different but related point about double standards. They expressed annoyance that while the song glorifying stripping received no criticism regarding the pole dancing itself, pole dancers often face harsh judgment and accusations of being “sleazy” even when distancing themselves from stripping. This highlighted a perceived hypocrisy where pole dancing in a stripping context was accepted in the song, yet pole dancers outside of that context still faced stigma.
Englann86 further elaborated on this double standard, noting the common misconception that all pole dancers are either strippers or aspiring strippers. This perception, they argued, unfairly labels pole dancers and contributes to the negative stereotypes the community is trying to overcome.
The Role of Jenyne Butterfly
Several comments touched upon the significance of Jenyne Butterfly’s presence in the music video. Englann86 specifically highlighted this as a key point of concern, arguing that Jenyne’s involvement elevates the song’s association with the pole dance community. They questioned the community’s eagerness to embrace the song given this connection, suggesting a need for more critical reflection. The presence of a respected figure within the pole dance world in the video amplified the discussion and raised the stakes of community reaction.
Moving Forward: Pole Dance Identity and Public Image
The forum discussion reveals a community grappling with its identity and public image. While some advocate for a lighthearted approach, seeing the song as inconsequential, others express valid concerns about reinforcing negative stereotypes and hindering the progress of pole dance as a recognized art form and sport.
The debate underscores the ongoing tension between embracing the sensuality inherent in pole dance and distancing it from the often-misogynistic stereotypes associated with the adult entertainment industry. The inclusion of Jenyne Butterfly, a respected figure, in the video complicated the issue, prompting a deeper consideration of the message the community sends by embracing or rejecting the song.
Ultimately, the discussion itself is a positive step. It demonstrates the pole dance community’s willingness to engage in critical self-reflection and address challenging issues related to perception and stigma. Navigating these complexities is crucial for the continued growth and acceptance of pole dance in the wider world.
