DORI MONSON

Pole dancing class for kids raising eyebrows

Sep 10, 2012, 11:25 AM | Updated: 3:03 pm

cedargrove
A business owner in British Columbia is under fire for fitness classes she’s offering.(www.twistedgrip.ca)

The teacher of a pole dancing class in Duncan, British Columbia is catching some heat. It’s not that the moves she’s teaching her women students are too sexy, but that her most recent students happen to be children.

Kristy Craig, the owner of Twisted Grip Dance & Fitness, said that she decided to offer the class after an woman inquired for her little girl.

“I’m finding that people against it don’t understand the nature of the class,” Craig told the Dori Monson Show.

Children’s faces light up in Craig’s studio when they come in for their class. Kids climb a pole like they climb a tree and they love the crash mats that make it safer than the average tree climb.

It’s a fitness class, and according to Craig “pole fitness” has changed so much in the past 10 to 15 years, it doesn’t have the same stigma once attached to the hustle of the strip club.

“It’s just another form of dance.”

Craig asked Dori what hip-hop dance has over jazz dance or swimming over gymnastics; pole dancing is just another work out that she says works posture, strength, and grip.

Her youngest student is a 5-year-old girl. And Craig explained that the majority of students have parents who have taken the adult classes and they saw their own bodies change. At some point, they may have a pole of their own in the home, so the kids are already exposed.

While it may seem innocent enough, like playing around on a tether ball pole on the playground, Dori isn’t convinced the stigma will ever change.

“There are a lot of ways for kids to get fit without spinning around on a stripper pole,” Dori said. “Don’t give me this ‘it’s just another way to get fit and have fun.’ It’s a stripper pole.”

Stephanie Klein and Alyssa Kleven have contributed to this report.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Pole dancing class for kids raising eyebrows