(WTVR) – The Olympics could see a spike in ratings if sex sells. Pole dancing advocates are suggesting that the activity usually associated with dim nightclubs be recognized as an Olympic sport. The Pole Fitness Association and other advocacy groups are petitioning to have vertical dance, added to the London 2012 lineup.
Pole dancing has been recognized as a fitness routine recently, with more than 500 pole dancing studios popping up across the U.S. Amateur pole-dancing enthusiasts participate in national and international championships.
One big obstacle is standing in the way of the pole fitness bid: its notorious past. Pole dancing advocates want to be taken seriously, but to achieve legitimacy they’re trying to tone things down.
A Facebook post on the Pole Dancing Association of America’s web page recently put out a call for “good positive role models for the pole dance community.” The PDAA is recruiting for a PSA that they plan to broadcast nationally.
Pole fitness, with a petition of over 6,000 signatures has a bit further to go. What do you think: Is pole dancing an art, a sport, or strictly a sexy pastime?
