When Men Dance. Construction of Masculinity in Male Pole Dancers

This diploma thesis examines current phenomenon of pole dance/sport. This activity which was originally performed in strip clubs was relatively recently redefined as a fitness activity offered at pole dancing studios initially for women, but now also for men. Despite the efforts to redefined pole dance as a fitness activity in the eyes of the public pole dance is still associated with its erotic roots and (therefore) with women. According to previous research pole dance is seen as a feminine and feminized activity. Men's participation in these activities is, according to studies, associated with the belief that those men are effeminate or homosexual and therefore construct their gender identity in ways which are inconsistent with the social ideas of masculinity. In this thesis I explore the ways in which male pole dancers construct their masculinity within this unique environment. I also explore what participation in the world of pole dance mean to men who take pole dancing classes and/or who teach them as well as the stereotypes placed upon men to act in a certain way to be considered masculine. In this research I also discuss the role of the body on construction of masculinity. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with six Czech male pole dancers over the age of 18 and examined..