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Why are there sex toys at competitions?
Not that there is anything wrong with sex toys, but the pole community is always espousing that we are about the fitness and artistic aspects of pole, and we are trying to separate competitive pole from the stigma attached to it from the “adult entertainment industry.” Also, there is nothing wrong with this industry, however I feel that for the pole fitness world and competitive pole dance to evolve into its own rights, there needs to be a separation from the sexualized side of pole… Thoughts?
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22 Replies
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I've never seen it in 8 yrs.
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I just see it as there are different styles in pole. Bellydance, for example, has several styles: Egyptian, American tribal, tribal fusion, gothic, etc. The sexy side of pole is what draws some women to it in the first place. Bell
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I have seen pure romance booths at comps. I suppose that counts as “sex toys.” But keep in mind that the booths I have seen focus on enhancing COUPLES intimacy. Ie they are catered to the “spice up your marriage” crowd. And I have most often seen these at events sponsored/hosted by studios who definitely advertise to the “feel sexy and spice up your marriage” pole dance fitness crowd. just look at the advertising for the hosting studio and you will usually see some consistency in what booths they have at their events.
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I see your point, I mean, they don't sell dildos at the ballet or weight lifting competitions…but then again pole IS still a sensual thing and at this time, taboo for some. Not that ballet can't be sensual 😉 I just don't really see anything wrong with it. I like what AerialGypsy said. What do they sell at weight lifting competitions? Protein powders and whatnot?
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One of the things I like about pole, that has made it possible for so many in the pole community to gain prominence, is that there are many different competitive circuits which all have unique goals and focus. Some comps specifically reward sensual movement and sexy attitude while other competitions specifically penalize it. It does not bother me that there is so much variety and I do not think it hinders pole from gaining respect and exposure. The industry will naturally fracture and follow those different paths. For example, there are cheerleading competitions that focus almost exclusively on complex stunts and formations, and there are cheerleading comps that are basically dance squad competitions. That huge difference has not hindered, in general, “competitive cheerleading” in becoming widely recognized as a legitimate competitive athletic venture.
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My opinion? Why does it matter?
I know that Midwest is sponsored by Lovers Lane and gives away a trip to Hedo. The World Pole Dance Competition was HELD at Hedo in 2009. We buy shoes from adult stores and many of us buy our pole wear from them also. I really do not see the big deal.
And as far as what they sell at bodybuilding competitions? You would not believe! Much of the sexual stuff tends towards making you last longer or getting a stronger erection but I have also seen lubes at The Arnold.
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SOME people are trying to separate various pole events to be fitness oriented instead of sensual…but some are not. For some the sensual side is the appeal of pole dancing.
For me…as a dancer, studio owner and instructor – I embrace the sensual side of pole and while I'm not opposed to the fitness side of it, I don't feel a need to MAKE it fitness oriented or to promote it that way just to appease the masses.
For me…as an event organizer, in addition to the above, I am happy to accept sponsors of any respectable organization which does not exploit or otherwise injure anyone in the process of running their business. Lovers Lane and Hedonism are respected organizations/businesses. You probably WILL see some sex toys on the table at the Lovers Lane booth!
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" any respectable organization which does not exploit or otherwise injure anyone in the process of running their business"
THIS
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I’ve never understood or felt the need to exclude anything from pole. If an event organizer chooses to sell dildos at a pole competition or whatever it’s not any of my concern.
I will say, however, I’ve never personally been a fan of such contraptions. So long as I don’t have to promote anything in my performance or emblazon any of those brands on my body or pole (like a Nascar event) I’m okay w/ it.
I understand the argument on both sides of the fence but, still, no one is forcing anyone to take part. You can always walk out on anything that you feel does not appropriately express the image you represent.
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There are sex toys there to relieve the tension of a killer performance. lol In other words why not?
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I like Ani's response – a post performance tension reliever! lol!
Most of the booths at comps are small local companies, for example, Pure Romance is a large company that a single person purchases a bunch of merchandise and sells, primarily to women. The amazing thing about pole is that it has empowered many women to open their own businesses from educational websites live Veena to studios, clothing lines, etc so why not empower a local woman who sells products women would find useful? Pole exhibitions are a great opportunity to network and promote local women's businesses. At least that is how I see it. So why wouldn't I include sex toys? I've had purse vendors and make up vendors – neither product has much to do with pole either. 🙂
Unless you are selling pole specific clothing, grips or poles – there aren't a lot of pole specific related manufacturing, merchandise and distributors out there. I've seen chocolate sold at a pole event (and was ever thankful it was) but Dove chocolate is hardly pole related and if anything is a bit counterproductive to the fitness industry. Again, though the chocolate was YUMMY and made for a great treat after competing!
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Additionally, to repeat what Mary Ellyn said…event organizers have vendor booths that need to be filled, our job is to sell those booths to businesses who will provide products our demographic will like so that both the attendee and vendor are happy. This is very difficult. Sex toys actually sell very well at pole events, with the main reason I think being, that most pole dancers are a bit more open minded and most people use sex toys/products if they are having sex and most people are. Pure Romance for example sells high quality products that do not break easily and they also have a bath and body line – which I have/still use to this day but the only way for many of us to get our hands on these products is to go to a party. There is no Pure Romance store where you can replace your favorite vibrator or grab lube. This makes events (pole or not because I have seen them at Bridal Shows as well) the perfect place to sell some stuff.
*I have not tried any of the sex toys from Lover's Lane so I cannot comment on their quality but Pure Romance makes an awesome silver bullet. Mine just finally crapped out but that because the cat kept turning it on – sorry TMI.
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Off topic — but Charley, you have a very interesting cat.. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif
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While I hadn't seen it yet I totally agree with Mary Ellen and Charley. They both brought up great points. Let them support the pole community:)
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@Marle LOL! Yes! We left the bullet on the night stand and the cat stepped on the controls and turned it on, after that he was a little obsessed with and everytime we left it out he'd find it and eventually broke it. lol.
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