Page 13: Why men could be banned from Melbourne pole dancing studio

All men — even “extravagant, fabulous gay” ones — could soon be blocked from a Melbourne pole dance studio chain. But its owner says the plan to ban men is all about inclusivity. This is why.

The politics of the pole has sought an exemption from anti-discrimination laws.

VCAT could soon sign off on Australia’s first pole-dancing studio to ban men in its classes so females can freely express their sexuality.

Pole Divas founder Kennetta Hutchens told Page 13 pole dancing has always been about women dancing for themselves and “feeling free to express their sensuality in a safe environment”.

Men joining in these classes is incompatible with these goals, she says.

Pole Divas studios have banned men from attending classes.

“Having men in the space can make women feel self-conscious, therefore stifling their freedom of expressions and developing a sense of sexual and physical empowerment,” Hutchens told Page 13.

In an affidavit to VCAT, Hutchens says she wanted to teach the art of pole dancing to women as an alternative and specialised form of dance and fitness.

“At my pole-dancing and aerial hoop studios, we want their progress and empowerment to come from within rather than from what others might think,” Hutchens states.

Pole Divas student competition Unleashed.

POWER OF THE POLE

No longer just something for men to ogle over, the power of the pole may soon attract a new audience as an Olympic sport.

Pole dancing has broken free of so-called “gentlemen’s clubs” and their pawing patrons.

Pole Divas has become a booming female-friendly franchise since starting 15 years ago.

Back in the noughties, Hutchens’ main concern was destigmatising pole dancing from its strip clubs origins.

She wanted to promote pole dancing as a vehicle for self-expression and empowerment.

A Pole Diva student competes at Unleashed competition last month.

“I had to fight really hard to make it a legitimate form of fitness and for people not to think something untoward was going on, or that we were just training strippers,” Hutchens said.

“That’s what I was dealing with for years. There are still people that think that if you come and train for a pole dancing class, it’s just because you want to become a stripper, which is so unfortunate.

“Initially it was important to clearly differentiate it from the gentlemen’s clubs from which pole dancing emerged, and avoid any element of sleaze associated with these origins.”

Fast-forward and the climate has changed, a lot.

The studio has worked to destigmatise the art form.

GENDER BENDING

Pole dancing is now so entrenched as a sport it is being considered for the Olympic Games.

It also has its male adherents who have voiced concern they were being discriminated against by not being able to attend Pole Divas classes.

Hutchens said she had to protect her business from litigation.

“The climate has changed,” Hutchens said.

“For years, there were no specific rules because no guys ever wanted to come in.

“But I came to realise we had to make a decision, do we welcome these men into the studio or don’t we?

A dancer performs a trick on the pole.

Pole Diva’s owner Kennetta Hutchens. Picture: Supplied

“In the end, it’s not about excluding them — it’s about inclusiveness. Inclusivity of females and feeling comfortable and part of a sisterhood.

“It is really tricky, but our policy is that we are open to anyone who identifies as female. But anyone who identifies as a male, no.”

There are exceptions.

“Trans women can take part in our classes. But I can’t say, even if you are an extravagant, fabulous gay man that you can come in, but other men can’t.”

The decision has ruffled some sequined feathers and Hutchens says she did not make the decision to ban men lightly.

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights commissioner Kristen Hilton told Page 13 that navigating anti-discrimination laws is not always easy.

The Pole Divas studios are spaces for women only.

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There have been exemptions from the Equal Opportunity Act for female-only spaces, such as in Fernwood gyms, or women-only swimming sessions.

“In some situations, discrimination on the basis of sex is an effective way to promote gender equality under the Act,” Hilton said.

She added recognising trans or gender-diverse people as their identified gender was also an important step in creating a safer, more inclusive Victoria.

“I don’t want to upset people or leave people out,” Hutchens said.

“But I want Pole Divas to be a place of acceptance and inclusion, where women can be free to dance without fear or judgment.”

VCAT is yet to hand down a decision in the case.