Cancelled ribfest pole performance shows stigma remains around activity: advocate

By The Canadian Press

MONCTON, N.B. — The case of a New Brunswick pole artist who saw her performance at a Moncton, N.B., ribfest abruptly cancelled last weekend is drawing attention to the lasting stigma around an activity once associated mainly with strip clubs.

Christine Johnson wrote in a Facebook post that her scheduled show at the festival, organized by the Rotary Club of Moncton West and Riverview, was cancelled minutes before she was set to go onstage, and she was told her act was not family friendly.

Johnson’s Sunday post detailing the incident drew media coverage and hundreds of supportive comments and shares

Rotary Ribfest Moncton responded in a Facebook comment Tuesday saying Johnson would be offered an apology, adding that the situation had a positive side because Johnson raised awareness of stereotypes around her craft.

In 2017, the International Pole Sports Federation was granted observer status by the Global Association of International Sports Federations, formally recognizing pole as a sport in a step toward the possibility of future Olympic participation.

Elisabeth Magalhaes, director of the Canadian Pole Fitness Association, said perceptions of pole artists and athletes have come a long way in Canada but misunderstandings persist among people who have never seen a performance.

Magalhaes said more public performances will hopefully lead to better understanding of the athleticism and artistry involved to prevent future experiences like Johnson’s.

The Canadian Press

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