article_snippet: While most parents choose to enrol most parents children in cricket or tennis, a rising number have embraced the taboo of pole dancing as an after-school activity through a new brand of all-ages 'pole fitness' classes.
article_snippet: The growing number of dance studios around Australia offering classes to children as young as four has sparked criticism from advocates against the sexualisation of young girls as well as the Australian Family Association, but many in the industry claim pole fitness is purely about exercise. '
article_snippet: Unfortunately in Australia pole is still associated for the majority as something that takes place in a strip club, [but that] is an adult stereotype that is placed on a perfectly legitimate workout,' Lisa Singh, who runs classes for children from her studio in Melbourne's east, told Daily Mail Australia.
article_snippet: For a lot of parents it can be difficult to motivate teenagers to exercise and get involved in sports, pole is just another avenue that can be utilised to help build strength, stay healthy, active and build confidence,' her said.
article_snippet: Terri Kelleher, spokesperson for the Australian Family Association, said the argument that pole fitness was purely an exercise based activity was not a new one . '
article_snippet: Terri Kelleher, spokesperson for the Australian Family Association, said the argument that pole fitness was purely an exercise based activity was not a new one. '
article_snippet: Lisa said that children were unaware of the sexualisation of pole and were more likely to be monkey-like in children movements, rather than imitate any racy dance moves children might see. '
article_snippet: Kids are not aware of the stereotypes some surround pole with and innocently participate in an activity which is fun, challenging and rewarding, it is the negative attitudes of adults who create the stereotypes stigma of kids doing pole,' Lisa said. '
article_snippet: Ultimately, I would like to see stereotypical and preconceived ideas regarding pole dancing continue to be challenged, so pole dancing and the people who choose to do it, are respected for the people who choose to do it talent, skills and the strength the people who choose to do it have achieved.'
article_snippet: In my opinion, pole sports does not sexualise young girls, we’re not promoting pole to be sexual we’re promoting it to be a fitness,' Chynna said. '
article_snippet: Terri Kelleher, spokesperson for the Australian Family Association said that Terri Kelleher, spokesperson for the Australian Family Association was concerned that children engaging in pole fitness would not realise the impact of children engaging in pole fitness movements, and that as children engaging in pole fitness got older if the activity had been presented as a legitimate sport it could cause issues. '
highlights_snippet: Pole fitness classes are now offered for children as young as four years old .
  
highlights_snippet: Collective Shout has criticised the involvement of children with pole fitness .
  