An Atlanta pole dance studio has sparked controversy after hosting a "mommy and me" workshop. Critics accused him of sexually exploiting children.
Pink Poles Studio announced on social media that starting in February, they will offer new lessons for children to learn "tricks" and "spins" through "Pole Fitness".
"We're here to push boundaries and push boundaries," the studio said on Instagram, posting a video of very young children holding poles, spinning and doing complex moves.
Studio owner Tiajuana "Tia" Harris says on her website that in recent years, "typical mommy and me time" has been crafting and crocheting, matching clothes and shopping.
And now, he said, he's "unraveling this road piece by piece."
"Moms can unleash their inner child by trying different fun tricks and tricks with their daughters (or sons!), says Studio.
"Despite the overwhelming response and sold-out event, some online sites accused the workshop of oversexualizing young participants."
But the studio hit back at critics by saying "kids will swing, slide and spin on a pole under the guidance of an experienced children's gymnastics teacher (with a group of mums and friends cheering them on in the background!").
Harris explained that she had "no experience as a guest dancer or performer," adding that "the media often misrepresents pole fitness as pole dancing in pole clubs."
The school emphasized that "bare fitness is not undressing" and that young people "wear age-appropriate gym clothes and adult students are fully clothed."
He added that the show was not made for "male eyes".
"Poly is a sport and if any of these kids want to compete in the Olympics they can and will!" Who's to say they won't be the next Gabby Douglas or Simone Biles? He wrote the exam.
But despite the confirmations, the ad polarized social media, with many criticizing the episode.
"I think it is very irresponsible of me and my mother to record and post videos of our children in the workshop," said user X. "It is even more irresponsible for mothers to allow their children to be filmed." "." . And published it on the Internet."
Another ""it's like gymnastics"" crazies are well aware that kids watch gymnastics videos on the Internet.
"I don't think children in general should be caught and posted online like this," the user added.
One person called the idea "crazy" and said, "I know it's good training, but damn."
And another criticized the studio for releasing videos featuring children.
"Especially when a girl spreads her legs. The user wrote, "Opened (SIC) for sex."
But one person expressed his support.
"I love physical training. As long as the kids are fit and healthy, I'm there for them." The user wrote, "Many pole dancers are not expressive." "I don't know why you all think that. Someone must be watching you right now, sir."
Harris has defended his research from online attacks.
"Pole dancing is recognized as a sport and it's going to be part of the Olympics, so we're not going to back away from it," she told Fox 26.
"When we look at it, we look at fitness. We don't see anything sexual," Harris said. "Adults don't take their clothes off here, so kids can't take their clothes off."
