Netizens are polarised by the idea of pole dancing at the National Day Parade

pole dancing
POLE dancing - where scantily clad women writhe around a pole on stage - is making an appearance at the National Day Parade (NDP) this evening, but opinions are polarised over whether it is suitable family fare.

Online forums have been running hot with posters either for or against the performance at a formal occasion celebrating the nation’s birthday, with families in the audience.

After all, the dance originated in strip clubs and only recently became a mainstream interest taken up by women as a fun fitness activity.

Some were worried that the performance by 10 members from Acropolates, which describes itself as a pole ‘fitness’ studio, sends the wrong message to youths.

They include Mr Cheah Khuan Yew who wrote in to The Straits Times online forum expressing concern about ‘the portrayal of women in skimpy outfits and sensual dancing at the NDP’ since ‘pole dancing has its origins in strip clubs, however toned down the sensuality is now’.

Human resource executive Gregory Ho, 25, who saw the pole-dancing act at an NDP preview, told LifeStyle: ‘I can’t see what pole dancing has to do with Singapore. The performance was a bit raunchy and it shouldn’t be the way, especially when there were so many kids around.’

However, not everyone sees the inclusion of pole dancing as risque business.

Ms Poh Sze Phing, a 24-year-old life sciences graduate from the National University of Singapore who also saw the act at a preview, said: ‘I didn’t expect to see pole dancing. The performance was very interesting and not sleazy at all.’

Indeed, the dancers themselves are wondering what the fuss is about.

Source:Straits Times