An Atlanta dance studio has defended its “Mommy and Me” pole dancing lessons after being accused of “hypersexualizing” children.

Tiajuana “Tia” Harris, owner of Pink Pole Studio, hit back at critics, saying the pole dancing program is inappropriate for children in society. interview with Fox 26 Houston.

“Who would think that's the way to go to a strip club? That's not the way we see it,” Harris told the magazine. “The kids we're introducing to them might not even know what someone does with a pole in a strip club. We're introducing it as fitness, and the kids are learning how to do it. They're trained to know. That's what they're trained to do.”

Pink Pole Studio has announced new “Pole Fitness” classes starting in February. Instagram post The announcement said pole dancing classes “break down stigma and set standards” by teaching minors how to do “tricks” and “spins.” (Related: Michigan middle school field trip ends with students pole dancing)

Harris writes: studio website Pole dancing lessons are “typical mom and me time,” she said, adding that lessons often include “mani-pedis,” “matched looks,” and “mom-daughter shopping.”

“It's a different device. It's just something people aren't used to, and we're not going to avoid it,” Harris told Fox 26 Houston. “We're going to introduce this to kids and let this device get us where we need to go.”

Opponents of the pole dancing class took to social media to voice their opposition.

“I think it's very irresponsible for That Mommy and Me Pole Dance Studio to record and upload a video featuring kids in a workshop,” one user said. I have written On Twitter.

Another user: “I agree” Added. “Those who say, 'It's like gymnastics,' are well aware that weirdos also watch children's gymnastics videos online. Generally speaking, children are recorded that way and posted online. It doesn’t need to be published.”

Agree. Those who say “it's like gymnastics” are well aware that weirdos also watch kids' gymnastics videos online.Generally, children do not need to be recorded and published online like that

— Kaylani Juanita (@kaylanijuanita) January 9, 2024

“Mommy and Me pole dancing class is actually insane. I know it's a good workout but damn,” said a third user. I have written.