While browsing at all the perspectives out there regarding how the pole dance portion was received in the mainstream, I came across a USA Today’s opinion article, sexualizing the halftime show while forgetting football cheerleader’s mandatory outfit, sexy dance moves & ridiculous pay. Better yet, what about the 2019 Superbowl halftime performance featuring a shirtless Adam Levine?
Women born in the ’70s are fast approaching our 50th decade in life. Our generation grew up with blatant sexism in marketing. “Keep her where she belongs” was a popular advertising slogan. Another NOT favorite from the ’70s was, “because innocence is sexier than you think.” 🤢 This Madmen perspective DID exist and permeated our everyday. Barbie’s boobs, anyone?
Women approaching our 50’s had a confusing message from society and advertising; staining the awe & wonder of discovery of self. It’s 2020 and the world is still working on removing the male lens or, the sexualizing of women (at least in first-world counties). To do this, we have to own what is rightfully ours, as women – as individuals.
In the ’70s, we had Pam Greer, Gilda Radner, Tina Turner, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda & others who cleared the way for women to be seen as multi-dimensional and complimentary capable humans. In the ’80s, it was Blanche, of the Golden Girls, who helped women recognize sex appeal/charisma/spirit/it factor/swag can give you life, at any age, if you let it.
Now, 40-50 years later, through the art of pole dance, 50-year-old, JLo has caused an uproar. 43-year-old Shakira’s electric mix of belly dance, Columbian traditional dance, and Lebanese tongue celebration was just too much for regular programming in America! Oh, My!
As a pole studio, we are grateful to Jennifer Lopez, the Superbowl’s Halftime powers-that-be, and Shakira for showcasing the dynamism of women’s strengths, including just how powerful sexy can be.
2020 is off to an amazing start & we’re here for it.
