Artistic or inappropriate? This pole dancing fair performance has everyone talking

A single performance at a Colorado fair ignited an intense debate that caught the community off guard.

Families and attendees found themselves divided over what counts as acceptable entertainment.

The discussion quickly spilled online, turning local opinions into a nationwide conversation.

The Colorado State Fair in Pueblo faced backlash after a pole dancing routine performed by local studio 'Peacock Pole Art' on Friday night drew widespread attention.

The video, showing a performer in a black swimsuit dancing around a pole, went semi-viral on social media, sparking criticism for its proximity to children.

This was not an unplanned act, as Peacock Pole Art had been performing at the State Fair for four consecutive years, recognised as Southern Colorado's premier pole dancing studio.

Studio owner Santos responded firmly, defending the act as artistic and family-friendly.

'I want to clarify that our performers at the Colorado State Fair was part of an artistic, athletic, and fully age-appropriate pole performance.

Pole is often misunderstood, but it is a legitimate sport and art form—recognized worldwide—with strength, flexibility, musicality, and storytelling at its core.

We take great pride in curating routines that are empowering, tasteful, and suitable for a family-friendly audience.

This was not a nightclub act, nor was it intended to be 'inappropriate.' It was a celebration of movement, creativity, and culture—just like the other dance and acrobatic acts at the fair.'

The online reaction exposed deep divisions.

Some parents criticised the performance for being inappropriate, while others praised the performer’s strength and confidence.

'Folks are commenting on how strong the pole must be,' wrote one supporter. 'I'm coming on here to comment how strong she is: Physically strong, mentally and emotionally strong. Wow!'

Humour also appeared in the debate. 'I don't know which is stronger, that weld or her confidence,' observed another commenter.

However, critics remained vocal. Nolan Babin, a fair attendee, said, 'It was inappropriate for kids, and this is a kids' location. I was a little shocked that this is happening out of there.'

Fair management scrambled to respond, acknowledging a lack of transparency in booking.

'The events that took place Friday, August 29, on one of our free entertainment stages at the Colorado State Fairgrounds are unfortunate and do not reflect the Fair's commitment to family-friendly entertainment.

This was part of a series of performances booked by a third-party stage production vendor.

The performance's content was not transparently disclosed before the performance began.

However, the Colorado State Fair takes full responsibility for the performance and for allowing it to continue.'

General Manager Andrea Wiesenmeyer added, 'At some point, they brought in a third party with the peacock, full fitness, and body art, and so that was not on our list, not on our schedule, and we were not aware.'

The incident has prompted reflection on vendor oversight and event management, as well as how organisers navigate differing cultural expectations of family entertainment.

The controversy also reflected broader societal changes in perception.

Pole dancing, once confined to adult entertainment venues, has entered gyms, studios, and fitness centres worldwide, blending athleticism with artistic expression.

Support came from unexpected quarters. Gilbert Ortiz, former Pueblo Clerk and Recorder, said, 'I would absolutely support this lady coming back next year, and I would tell her to continue her beautiful artistic expression.'

The four-year history of the act suggests that either the performance had changed or social media amplification intensified the reaction.

While some attendees expressed outrage, others defended the artist’s right to perform.

This division mirrors larger generational and cultural shifts in how art, fitness, and entertainment intersect in public spaces.

The debate in Colorado serves as a microcosm of a global conversation about art, appropriateness, and public standards.

Whether supporting parents concerned about family-friendly environments or advocates for artistic expression, one thing is certain: these discussions are far from over.

What's your take on this cultural clash—should pole dancing be included in family events when framed as fitness and art, or remain in adult-only venues regardless of its artistic merit?