Pole dancer upset as church show refused

Sophie Badger says her performances can be "more akin to ballet, gymnastics or aerial"

A pole dancing teacher said she was "disappointed" to be told she would not be able to perform a dance at a Christmas event.

Sophie Badger, who runs Constellations Fitness in Glastonbury, Somerset, applied for the second year in a row to do what she says is a family-friendly pole dance at the town's Frost Fayre.

She claims the former vicar at St John's in Glastonbury had objected to her performance last year.

Glastonbury Town Council said the application had been declined because there was not enough physical space to perform the dance.

Ms Badger said refusing the performance was "problematic"

Ms Badger said she was told she would be able to perform at the fayre last year.

But when she asked for details, she was told the vicar had refused to host the dance at St John's Church and her performance was cancelled.

The vicar has since left the church.

'It's really elegant'

"We celebrate the roots of pole, I want to make that really clear because it's important we don't take away from that," Ms Badger said.

"However, we also offer lyrical classes and pole fitness classes. It's more akin to ballet, gymnastics or aerial.

"People are into aerial silks, it's very similar, quite acrobatic and really elegant."

She said refusing the performance was "problematic".

"If you are going to sexualise it - which is what people are doing - it seems unfair and a little worrying," she said.

"Women should be allowed to show some skin without people sexualising them."

She said she has not heard from either the church or town council about her performance this year.

'Not enough space'

St John's church told the BBC that the Frost Fayre is a "wonderful event" that "celebrates peace and goodwill".

"Both St John’s and St Benedict’s are always delighted to be part of it," the statement continued. "This year both churches will host a number of local business market stalls, and we understand that live performances will take place on the five stages scattered around the town.”

Glastonbury Town Council said: "Several factors have reduced the amount of performance space available across the Frost Fayre.

"St John’s Church has made the decision to not have a stage for performances and the town council is undertaking significant construction works that has removed several previously utilised spaces," the council said.

"The town council can only apologise for the disappointment felt by this applicant, and many others at not being able to participate in this year’s Frost Fayre."

However, Ms Badger said she did not receive any communication about the decision.