MY EROTIC BODY: Breaking The Stigma Around Pole Dancing

Across mainstream media, pole dancing has been almost exclusively depicted from a misogynistic lens. It’s often shown as sleazy, desperate, and for the sole purpose of male pleasure. Often in film, we see pole dancers as faceless – only appreciated for their bodies and the cheap thrills they can provide. This style of dancing has been immortalized in films like Showgirls, and Striptease – and that’s not exactly the good kind of recognition. 

For years, I’ve been curious about pole dancing. There was a small studio across the street from my home. The name, Night Moves, was very provocative. The windows were covered, but I was also in awe of what was behind the door. The studio was located on the same row as a Christian thrift store, the local Republicans meeting space, a Citi Trends, and a string of failing businesses. I’d never gone because I was afraid. But over the years it grew to the point that it moved to the other side of town and changed its name to something more palatable and commercial. At that point, I regretted never going.

In Michele Beck’s new documentary My Erotic Body, she offers an empowering insight into the world of pole dancing – free from the male gaze. In the film, she introduces us to a group of women who decide to take charge of their own bodies. In this enlightening documentary, she explores the allure of pole dancing and the liberation that often comes along with it. 

My Erotic Body has enjoyed an impressive run on the festival circuit. So far it has won Best Short Documentary award at New York’s Chain Film Festival, and has shown in the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, the NYC Independent Film Festival, with more appearances in the upcoming months.

Breaking the stigma around pole dancing and the art of the strip tease

For decades, there has been a stigma around pole dancing and its sexual nature. While the stigma still exists, it’s loosening little by little. Over the past few years, hundreds of pole studios have opened across the world, allowing for women to explore an alternative means of expression.

A performance artist who often challenges gender expression, director Michele Beck decides to take a pole dancing class. Initially uninterested in the experience, Michele‘s perception is changed as she witnesses her teacher transform from a normal woman – to a sensual goddess. Michele‘s class takes place at the S Factor in New York – a studio founded by Sheila Kelley – an actress who was empowered by her role in Dancing at the Blue Iguana. While a lot of studios have removed the erotic aspect in exchange for a fitness focus, S Factor still thrives on female sexuality. However, S Factor promotes a sexuality that is not primarily for the consumption of men. The S Factor studio is mirror-free and dimly lit so it can promote an inclusive environment free of judgement. Each woman is encouraged to embrace her feminine side and to build her confidence. In each class, a small sisterhood builds as the women share an intimate experience.

While the women are not performing for men, they still delight in dressing themselves in risqué attire. One of my favorite sequences is when some of the women show off their favorite garments to wear. Each woman has a certain piece they love, that helps them to get in touch with their erotic creature. Pole dancing allows many women to become a better version of themselves. After a significant amount of time taking classes, Michele noted the improvements in different areas of her life. She acknowledges that the classes gave her more of a sense of confidence and an appreciation for her body.

My Erotic Body: True erotic expression is not defined by one type of woman

The greatest aspect of My Erotic Body is the women we get to know in the film. On the surface, they don’t fit the stereotypes of what pole dancers have been painted to be in the mainstream. Each woman is unique. In the group of women featured in the film, one is a teacher, another a cancer survivor, and a few are mothers. All the woman vary in age, body type, and backgrounds, and have their own reason for taking pole dancing lessons. My Erotic Body shows that a woman’s true erotic self is not defined by a specific body type, age, or what society deems as attractive.

While I did have my doubts about pole dancing, My Erotic Body eased any fears I had. It’s definitely worth a shot. Would you dare to try?

How do you feel about pole dancing. After seeing My Erotic Body, would you ever consider it?

My Erotic Body’s next festival stop is at Porn Film Festival Berlin in October. It is also now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Le_teLvwfw