A contestant competes during the 2nd China Pole Dance semi-final in Tianjin municipality. (Photo : Reuters)
Mistaken preconceptions could be the most difficult issue for the world's first-ever pole dancing team, as its planned formation was announced in China on Jan. 21.
The news revealed that 11 women will be selected to join together under the name "POLE 11," and even though exceptional physical strength and dexterity is required to be a team member, an article from the Women of China website indicates that the stereotypical views of pole dancing could be more burdensome for the ladies.
A female Chinese pole dancer from Changchun, the capital of the northeastern Jilin Province, explained to the website that pole dancing "can reveal women's spirit and dancing talents through the way it uses graceful posture and movement."
The dancer, who gained attention for practicing her physical art in the snow, while the temperature was -20ºC, spoke of a "long history of prejudice," whereby a legitimate activity is merely perceived as "sexual activity" that is "associated . . . with strip clubs."
In fact, it is highly likely that the majority of people are unaware of the connection that pole dancing has with the ancient Qin and Han dynasties of China.
During the period from 221 B.C. to A.D. 220, dancers would hold onto a pole and hang in a perpendicular fashion with solely the use of their arm strength. Pole dancing further developed into an acrobatic act that was seen in circuses, whereby a more striking performance was devised, consisting of climbing, sliding and stretching, in which extraordinary strength and skills were displayed.
Due to China's extensive history with pole dancing, it is seen by the Chinese as an aspect of domestic culture rather than a practice adopted from the West.
However, the standing tiptoe is an example of a newer development that was imported from Western culture. Some proponents of pole dancing now hope that it will eventually be included as an Olympic event.
