Pole Dancing As Sport: Time To Start Looking For Uniforms?

The Huffington Post Canada   First Posted: 12/06/11 10:02 AM ET Updated: 12/06/11 10:35 AM ET

Googling the term "pole dancing" is more often associated with teenagers ogling a computer screen than getting inspired. But Jenyne Butterfly is aiming to change that, most recently with her YouTube video "BEST Pole Dance Ever," currently at 150,000 hits and climbing every minute. The salacious name might be what makes you click, but the jaw-droppingly impressive acrobatics is what will make you stay.

Watching the video is like entering a whole new world, not just thanks to Butterfly's moves, but the options that crop up on the right side of the page. Were you aware there were contests called Miss Pole Dance Alberta and the World Pole Sport Fitness Championships? Or, for that matter, that pole dancing is called "vertical dance" by a pretty significant population? Neither were we.

The popularity of Butterfly's performance couldn't come at a better time, as members of the Pole Fitness Association renew their attempts to have pole dancing recognized as an Olympic sport for the 2012 London Games. Likening the skills required to gymnastics, the group has gathered a petition with more than 6,000 signatures.

Do you think these moves are Olympic Games-worthy? Tweet us at @HuffPostCaLiv or leave us a comment below.

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Googling the term "pole dancing" is more often associated with teenagers ogling a computer screen than getting inspired. But Jenyne Butterfly is aiming to change that, most recently with her YouTube v...
Googling the term "pole dancing" is more often associated with teenagers ogling a computer screen than getting inspired. But Jenyne Butterfly is aiming to change that, most recently with her YouTube v...
 
 
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Endogenous Light Nexus
There actually is light within you
06:34 AM on 01/18/2012
DANG that was fun to watch
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
snapshot1940
"We have met the enemy and he is us"
11:22 AM on 12/27/2011
He!! yes. This is just as athletic as the rings for men. Add some compulsory moves like the floor exercises and this would be a fantastic event.
09:24 AM on 12/18/2011
Totally agree that pole dancing should be in the Olympics. It requires so much strength and really can be beautiful
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
JPMac
02:51 PM on 12/08/2011
Jenkins, get me the head of the Olympic committee on the phone stat!!!!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Curtis Scarbrough
Willing minion for the feline overlords.
08:49 PM on 12/07/2011
I do realize how many people would love to see this as an olympic sport, and I am all for that. However, keep in mind the potential consequences! In the interest of gender equality, this will possibly lead to the sport of male pole dancing.
01:37 PM on 12/08/2011
Male pole dancing is already a sport with several national and international super stars and title holders!
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
snapshot1940
"We have met the enemy and he is us"
11:24 AM on 12/27/2011
The men compete now in something similar called the rings with no female equivalent. Why Not!
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Sh00Fly
Here's your 50¢ - You happy?
06:06 PM on 12/07/2011
Well it's already had a National Competition for years.
If curling is considered a sport, then there is no reason why Pole-Dancing can't

Can't wait to see the future of the Olympics.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Curtis Scarbrough
Willing minion for the feline overlords.
08:41 PM on 12/07/2011
They might actually be worth watching in the future.
05:05 PM on 12/07/2011
Pole Dancing and Professional Ice Skating must have been invented by a man.
05:02 PM on 12/07/2011
Takes a pretty good athlete to do those tricks. I'm sure it would draw a crowd. However I think it might be better as a new medical procedure, a gynocological exam.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Matt Lindner
My micro-bio is empty
04:03 PM on 12/07/2011
Those who consider it a sport may well be shocked once they reach the professional ranks.
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Sh00Fly
Here's your 50¢ - You happy?
06:07 PM on 12/07/2011
A person needs to be in shape in order to perform rhythmically and seductively on a pole.
03:50 PM on 12/07/2011
I taught her everything she knows.
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OutAtFirst
Mountain goat, desert rat and sea dog
12:26 PM on 12/07/2011
It obviously takes a great deal of training and a ton of committment, but not everything that has those qualities needs to be an Olympic sport. In my opinion there are already too many Olympic sports...synchronized swimming, BMX, mountain biking, rythmic gymnastics, dressage, table tennis, freestyle skiing, snowboarding, canoe/kayak. OK, maybe ping-pong.
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
rdavidw
10:03 AM on 12/07/2011
I was keeping up with her till she did the pretend walk down ... darn it.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Luuke
09:48 AM on 12/07/2011
I've got a ton of $$$ bills for you girl
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Sh00Fly
Here's your 50¢ - You happy?
06:07 PM on 12/07/2011
Make it rain, make it rain. 8-)
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09:35 AM on 12/07/2011
I can pick up a walnut with my toes. So there.
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SocialistBoy
No pix no reply
09:44 AM on 12/07/2011
I can smash one with my heel!!!

'El Jumbo Shaman'
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10:31 AM on 12/07/2011
Do we have talent, or what? ;-)
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Sh00Fly
Here's your 50¢ - You happy?
06:08 PM on 12/07/2011
Next Olympic event: Creative Non-Twist-Off Beer Bottle Opening
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09:34 AM on 12/07/2011
I wish they would quit secretly filming me. Geez.