Pole Dancing Is Sexist, Let The Men Join — Rants David Mitchell

Pole dancing lessons are being offered to female students by the The Cambridge Union Society.

The spokeswoman said: “If an intelligent, independent woman wishes to learn a particular form of dance in respectable surroundings we see nothing degrading in that.”

David Mitchell, however, wants to know why the boys aren’t invited.

In a piece entitled Actually, you won’t find female empowerment halfway up a pole, the middle-aged, male comedian takes aim at the undergraduate logic.

Pole dancing is grim and I don’t see anything empowering about learning it. Even if you say that it’s just dancing and good exercise, surely it would be more empowering to learn a dance that can be employed in contexts other than strip clubs? And if, as Francisco claims, it’s “not intended to be sexual”, why is it only for women? Shouldn’t men get the chance to be empowered too? I told you it was sexist!

He has a point. Pole dancing has known health benefits not only is it a great cardiovascular work-out, it also tones your core muscles. It teaches balance, flexibility and pelvic thrusts timing. So why should a penis disqualify you?

Please write to The Cambridge Union Society here, and strike a blow against sexism.