A 27-year-old pole dancing instructor from the U.K. named Lucy Misch has certainly made a name for herself. She was invited to Saudi to give lessons to the wife of one of the wealthiest, most influential men in the kingdom. Qahtani, one of the relatively few women in the country with a job, was so intent on learning how to pole dance she arranged for Lucy to avoid airport security.
As if bringing poles and pole dancing to Saudi wasn't enough, they took pictures of abaya-wearing pole dancers. And some Muslims in the U.K. are apparently furious.
“I found your photos disrespectful towards women who wear the hijab with dignity in Saudi and who would never step next to a dancing pole knowing its hideous roots,” said one person.
But Lucy's not bothered by their opinion.
“I want to make it clear that pole dancing does not have its roots in strip clubs,” she says. “There has been a tradition of performing on the pole in China and India for centuries—way before Spearmint Rhino got their hands on it. It's vital more people see it and realize it doesn't have to be about shaking your bits.”
Qahtani is in it for the exercise. Though, really, good on her if she's using what she's learned to seduce her husband! The lady's got to have a few tricks up her sleeve, being her husband's only wife, which is also relatively uncommon in Saudi Arabia.
As if bringing poles and pole dancing to Saudi wasn't enough, they took pictures of abaya-wearing pole dancers. And some Muslims in the U.K. are apparently furious.
“I found your photos disrespectful towards women who wear the hijab with dignity in Saudi and who would never step next to a dancing pole knowing its hideous roots,” said one person.
But Lucy's not bothered by their opinion.
“I want to make it clear that pole dancing does not have its roots in strip clubs,” she says. “There has been a tradition of performing on the pole in China and India for centuries—way before Spearmint Rhino got their hands on it. It's vital more people see it and realize it doesn't have to be about shaking your bits.”
Qahtani is in it for the exercise. Though, really, good on her if she's using what she's learned to seduce her husband! The lady's got to have a few tricks up her sleeve, being her husband's only wife, which is also relatively uncommon in Saudi Arabia.