Ex-Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn outraged after venue 'bans' women's empowerment group over her 'borderline pornographic' pole fitness routine
A women’s empowerment group has been banned from an events centre in a row over fitness pole dancing, labelling it ‘borderline pornographic’.
Organisers of the WILD &WILD event led by ex-soap star Sarah Jayne Dunne said staff at Alderley Park – a business and events venue in Cheshire – had objected to part of the private presentation.
The 44-year-old told how, after being pushed into uncomfortable photoshoots for so-called lads' mags in her youth, she was finally able to take control of her image using pole fitness – a sport she said was as a form of empowerment and strength.
During the 45-minute presentation in the venue’s atrium, Ms Dunn changed into gym shorts and top to playfully give a short demonstration using a portable pole, before inviting attendees to have a go.
She also presented a slideshow highlighting her emotional journey, which included pictures of her family and an image of her performing pole fitness with her leg in the air.
But organisers said they were left ‘confused and embarrassed’ when a senior female member of staff objected – despite those attending being visibly moved and inspired by the talk, they claimed.
And they said the staff member branded the slide ‘borderline pornographic’ and demanded the demonstration ‘stopped now’ claiming she had had a complaint from a convention from Taiwan being held in the venue at the same time.
Ms Dunn said that she was ‘floored’ when she was then approached directly by the woman claiming her demonstration was ‘inappropriate’.
‘My talk at WILD & WILD was about empowerment about self-worth, autonomy and challenging outdated narratives and it was received with warmth and positivity by every woman in that room,’ she told the Daily Mail.
‘The fact that a senior female representative at Alderley Park chose to label professional fitness imagery as ‘pornographic’ shows how deeply ingrained the stigma around women’s bodies still is.
Former Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn was 'floored' to be told that an 'empowering' demonstration of her sport, pole fitness, could be deemed innappropriate
During her 45-minute presentation at the WILD & WILD event, Ms Dunn gave a short demonstration (pictured) – which an Alderley Park employee described as 'borderline pornographic'
‘Pole fitness is an athletic, artistic sport that builds strength, confidence and community – not something to be sexualised or censored.’
Soon after the event WILD & WILD, which had hired the space for the private talk, was informed it had been banned from hosting any future events at the venue in an email.
Founder April Wild, who has regularly hosted networking events including the group’s annual summit at Alderley Park, said she was ‘in shock’ after receiving news of the ban.
The email said that following ‘issues’ during the event on September 16 the venue had ‘taken the decision to cancel all future bookings’.
Last night Alderley Park appeared to be backtracking claiming that those issues were with ‘health and safety’ concerns around the portable pole – and that no formal ban had ever been put in place.
However, the initial email from staff claimed visitors at the venue had been ‘made uncomfortable by what took place’ and they wished to maintain a ‘respectful environment for our customers’.
Ms Wild said that after the event she was verbally warned that she was facing a ban but there had been no mention of any health and safety concerns.
‘The issue appears to have stemmed from a single complaint, reportedly regarding our keynote speaker, Sarah Jayne Dunn, who was invited to share her inspiring career journey from television to fitness to entrepreneurship.
‘During her talk, Sarah gave a brief demonstration of her sport, pole fitness, wearing standard activewear comparable to yoga or gymnastics attire.
‘At the end of the event, a manager made an offensive remark, describing the demonstration as ‘borderline pornographic’ and ‘inappropriate’ – language that was deeply hurtful.
‘She went on to say I should have pre-approved the slideshow which I went on to defend, pointing out that Sarah was wearing clothing in the images.
‘Then she went on to say even though it was an inspiring talk, “you will probably be banned from hosting future events here”...
‘Then I received the email confirming it and I was in shock all day. This comment and the email was made despite the fact that the environment was safe, respectful, uplifting and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees.’
Both Ms Wild and Ms Dunn wrote about the incident on their social media pages and received hundreds of messages of support from outraged women who vowed to boycott the venue.
A spokesman for Alderley Park said the venue had been supporters of WILD & WILD, providing free-of-charge spaces for their events for the last year.
They added: ‘As with all events hosted at the Park, we are there to provide a safe and inclusive space for attendees as well as our customers.
‘We were concerned about the safety of the temporary pole, and had not been given prior notice to ensure its safe installation.
‘We want the Park to be a place for everyone and are keen to work with all our event partners to ensure that this is the case.’
