Mission Accomplished?

I would love to say that everything went off without a hitch but that would be less than truthful. I am referring, in fact, to my first public pole dancing performance which took place this past Thursday evening.

Tucked in, made up, stretched out, KFC snacker for fuel--oh yes, only the best in performance enhancing supplements for Bunny. Side note: KFC you are fucking cheap. Yes, I understand that my snacker was a mere $1.19 but when has a chicken nugget inside a dinner roll constituted a sandwich? Especially with competition like the McDouble (which Bunny consumed as a post pole dancing celebratory meal) coming in at a dollar or the Wendy's sour cream and chive baked potato for that matter. And one chicken nugget does not even count as an appetizer. Everyone knows that six is the minimum number of chicken nuggets that should be present at any one sitting--you think a four piece will do it only to kick yourself when you don't have the last two to finish off the little packets of sauce. Six chicken nuggets =snack  one tampon-sized "snacker" = no more KFC for Bunny. Anyway....

There are six of us total to dance and only one other girl is a student like me. The youngest of us is 19 and the oldest is a very graceful, powerful, late forty something. I'm told to dance first (least experienced) which is fine with me, I would much rather go first. The ladies and I go about our business of stretching, dressing, primping and very friendly chit chat. Each is so kind and supportive--they really made it a lovely time for me. It has been my experience that it only takes one slightly catty female to ruin the entire vibe of a room. Women have an impeccable knack for dragging others into their bad day. Of many of the backstage experiences I have had, this one was so chill and so comfortable-- for lack of a more exciting word.

So it's time to dance. The crowd is a little thin--well, to be accurate a lot thin. Apparently there was a concert at a bigger local venue that sucked up much of our crowd. An audience is an audience and being that this is a benefit for a local non-profit everyone wants the show to go well. I get up there, I'm ready...music..and skip in the cd...music stops...music starts...skips ...music stops...music starts...skips--you get the idea. As the DJ frantically and unsuccessfully keeps trying to load and play the fucked up cd (not one I provided, mind you). Note to self: make sure you bring an extra copy of your music next time to help out a frazzled  DJ. People are giving me the same look as when they're watching the dryer cycle at the laundromat so I decide to take a seat until it's sorted out.

I plop down in the chair next to my husband who's giving me a look that says where's the hidden camera? "Of all the things that could have gone wrong," I said a little deflated "this is not what I anticipated." Resting my chin on my hand I looked up to a young photographer with a giant camera asking for a picture. I obliged. Why not? She handed me a business card from a local weekend publication and disappeared. If I find the picture on line I will be sure to post it . I am curious to see my expression..and ya know, if my cleavage looked good.

After a few desperate minutes of confusion, Maria (my teacher and host of the event) pops up to the DJ stand with her laptop and the evening commences. I danced well--considering by the time I got through the actual dance everyone had already had enough of hearing my song! I didn't mess up. I felt good. I completed my mission--to pole dance in public. Can I ask for more than that? Probably not.

The rest of the dancers were absolutely amazing. Their skill, flexibility, strength and confidence has inspired me to go further with my pole dancing for sure. It was beautiful to watch. It may not have been a cabaret in New York or a competition in Philly but it was a cool experience. There were a couple of young ladies in the audience who gave me a little nod after I finished dancing. At first, I wasn't quite sure what to think. I wasn't wearing my glasses and thought maybe they knew me and I didn't recognize them. When their names were drawn as winners of a free pole class (they apparently put all their drawing tickets in that bag) I realized they were enthusiastic newbies such as myself and I interpreted their silent kudos as the if you can do it, I can do it nod of approval. That was just as rewarding as not falling on my ass! Maybe more so.

I don't quite understand why this art form is not more mainstream. If you like gymnastics or figure skating or ballet  you will love this. Trust me. Whatever notions that are floating around in America's collective mind on this topic are wrong. Feminist is not a word I've ever used to describe myself but I do feel I'm an intelligent, forward thinking, pro woman type of gal. In all honesty, I'm really fucking sick and tired of other women making derogatory comments or thinly veiled judgments about exotic dancing in all or any of its forms--especially in the name of "feminism". In my opinion, exotic dance showcases the beauty and power of the female body. The dancer is in control of what is revealed and how the body is used and is also being paid accordingly. How is this exploitive? Is this really negatively effecting womankind?

Women are knowingly or unknowingly objectified throughout their lives--that is not going change at least not at  it's most basic human level. It's just not. So why not take charge of it and make something beautiful and provocative? Are male body builders being exploited or objectified? No one is boo hooing them.

I wonder how much of this negative sentiment is truly about the objectification of women and how much of it really has to do with our society's fear of our own bodies.

These were just the thoughts running through my head as I blasted back my McDouble on the car ride home.

Anyway, I had a great time. Now as far as the burlesque festival--I will find out about that Tuesday, I believe. Little Bunny is not feeling very positive about that one. I really want to do it. It would be a wonderful opportunity but I wouldn't be at all surprised if they passed me up. At least for the time being. I'll let you know how it turns out.