I remember a few years ago going to a pool party and talking with a lady who was learning pole dancing. My only prior experience with pole dancing had been at those some of those dubious venues, which we see on TV. I got the feeling that she was going there somewhat for the comradery of exercising with others, but I also suspected sexual undertones...but towards the enticement of her husband.

I don't see why it can't be an Olympic sport. It appears to require a lot of strength, and a good routine has to be choreographed. So, yes why not. Smashing social barriers with beauty, form, grace and style, in a aesthetic rather than an erotic manner. Although I wonder if complete separation of the aesthetic from the erotic is ever possible or wanted for that matter.

Although I wonder if complete separation of the aesthetic from the erotic is ever possible or wanted for that matter. — Cavacava

How many dirty old men watch the gymnastics just to see the young ladies tying themselves in knots whilst wearing very little in the way of clothes?

Yes, I think the force of Eros can be decadent, pornographic, prurient but it can also be ascentive, pushing us emotionally and rationally, the force behind creativity and in this sense inseparable from the aesthetic of beauty.

I took a couple of pole dancing classes. From what I'd seen it's great for the core, but in the end I decided to quit as I felt out of place.