The song titled “Porn Star Dancer” has sparked considerable debate within the pole dance community. While some view it as a catchy tune for dance routines, others express concerns about its potential to reinforce negative stereotypes and undermine the progress made in establishing pole dance as a respected art form and athletic discipline. This article delves into the diverse reactions and underlying issues surrounding this song and its implications for the pole dance world.
The original blog post initiating this discussion highlighted a central apprehension: the fear that associating pole dance with a “porn star dancer” narrative perpetuates the stigma that many in the community actively work to dismantle. The author eloquently stated their struggle against public perception, emphasizing that they cannot comfortably dance to a song that seemingly equates pole dance with a “dark, and dirty dance” associated with pornography. They drew a clear distinction between the artistry of pole dance and the explicit nature of pornographic content, arguing that labeling pole dance as “porn star dancing” is not only inaccurate but also deeply damaging to the image of the art form. The core sentiment was a desire for recognition and respect, hoping that one day, identifying as a pole dancer would evoke admiration for athleticism and artistry rather than suspicion or disgust.
Responses to this initial post revealed a spectrum of viewpoints within the pole dance community. Some commentators echoed the original author’s concerns, emphasizing the potential for misinterpretation by a close-minded public. One response vividly illustrated this fear, imagining a scenario where the song, amplified by the presence of a respected pole dancer in its video, could be twisted by critics to validate prejudiced views: “See? I knew all you sleazy pole dancing women wanted to be dirty porn stars, I just knew it.” This perspective underscores the sensitivity surrounding public perception and the constant battle against ingrained stereotypes that pole dancers face.
However, not all responses were negative. A contrasting viewpoint suggested a more relaxed approach, dismissing the controversy as an overreaction to “just a song.” This perspective argued that songs are made about diverse topics, and the existence of a song titled “Porn Star Dancer” should not be interpreted as a definitive statement on pole dance itself. Drawing a humorous analogy, one commenter questioned, “What if the song would have been porn star cooking?” to downplay the seriousness of the issue. This reaction highlights a segment of the community that prioritizes enjoying the music and dance without overly concerning themselves with potential external interpretations.
Another insightful comment brought attention to a perceived double standard. The commenter noted a lack of criticism directed at the pole dancing featured in the music video itself, contrasting this with the frequent negative and judgmental comments leveled at everyday pole dancers online. This observation raises a crucial point about societal biases: are pole dancers only deemed acceptable or even celebrated when presented within a mainstream, commercialized context, while amateur or non-professional dancers face unwarranted scrutiny and moral judgment? This double standard further fuels the frustration of those striving for genuine recognition and acceptance of pole dance outside of hyper-sexualized portrayals.
The debate also touched upon the unavoidable association between pole dance and stripping. While some argued that the song simply glorifies stripping and should not be taken too seriously, others recognized the deeply intertwined history of the two. One commenter acknowledged that “stripper and pole dancer will NEVER divorce each other,” suggesting a sense of resignation to the enduring public conflation of these terms. This perspective, while perhaps pragmatic, underscores the ongoing challenge of differentiating pole dance as a multifaceted art form from its historical roots in exotic entertainment.
Despite the differing opinions, a common thread throughout the discussion was the passion for pole dance and the desire to defend its integrity. Even those who advocated for a less serious approach to the song acknowledged the need to constantly “prove to people and educate people about pole dancing being an art form of expression.” This shared sentiment underscores the resilience and determination within the pole dance community to navigate public perception and advocate for the recognition of their chosen art form on its own terms. Ultimately, the discussion surrounding the “Porn Star Dancer” song serves as a valuable opportunity for the pole dance community to reflect on its public image, address internal disagreements, and continue working towards broader understanding and respect for pole dance as a legitimate and empowering activity.
