A performance that raises eyebrows and questions about true welfare for the community.
If you thought ‘Pole Dancing Routine for Migrant Workers’ would make it onto your 2023 Bingo card, you might want to reconsider your luck.
Migrant workers at Tuas South Dormitory were recently treated to a pole dancing performance as part of their Chinese New Year celebrations, as justified by the dormitory operators. Other entertainment included a lucky draw and a variety show, as mentioned in their conversation with Mothership.
And what a spectacle it was.
A makeshift pole and a chair took centre stage, framed by a golden rabbit decoration. The dancer, dressed in red stilettos (presumably for good fortune), confidently navigated the pole and chair.
Rows of migrant workers observed as the iconic Chinese New Year song (‘Feeling Good’ by Michael Buble, of course) played in the background. Front-row attendees pulled out their phones, eager to capture the moment.
It’s challenging to gauge the workers’ true reactions since we only see the backs of their heads. However, now and then, someone turns to their friends, sporting sheepish smiles.
It remains unclear whether those smiles reflect discomfort, amusement, or perhaps a mix of both.
Discomforting Oddity
Nexus Point Investments, the dormitory operator, explained that the event company recommended pole dancing as an enjoyable performance for the audience.
“We hope that people can enjoy pole dancing without preconceived notions and appreciate it as an internationally recognised competitive sport,” the operator stated plainly.
But here’s the crux of the issue: no one is criticizing the art of pole dancing. It’s simply an awkward fit as (a) part of a cultural celebration and (b) hosted within a dormitory for migrant workers.
Pole dancing has successfully shed its negative connotations. The discipline requires incredible coordination and core strength—an athleticism I can only dream of achieving. It has also empowered a range of individuals, from plus-sized women to older adults.
Kudos to the dormitory operator for their apparent progressiveness—an unlikely combination of words, to say the least. They seem proud of their mission to destigmatise misconceptions surrounding pole dancing. Or so it appears.
While the pole dancing routine might have garnered some enthusiasm, an equally strong narrative was woven into their justification: the act of misdirection.
The Concept of Welfare
By framing critics as viewing through “preconceived notions”, the focus is diverted from the fact that a provocative performance was presented before an audience of men—men who likely experience limited intimate interactions beyond commercial arrangements.
Just ten seconds into the video, the performer strikes a suggestive pose. An audience member turns to his friend, flashing another sheepish smile, as if to convey, “Can you believe this is happening?”
This evokes a familiar discomfort I experienced during my own Basic Military Training recruits’ night. Although there were no pole dancers, the women significantly outnumbered the men on stage, and we felt almost obligated to enjoy the spectacle. Some of my platoon mates certainly did; I mostly felt like a captive audience.
One might argue that such performances serve as a morale booster for migrant workers—an entertaining distraction from their daily challenges.
However, I would wager that these individuals would prefer equitable treatment and systemic reforms that combat abuse and exploitation. True dignity for them extends beyond a display of pole dancing skills.
Moreover, why was a pole dancing act deemed appropriate for a celebration meant to honour the Lunar New Year? I suspect this was the only CNY celebration across the island featuring a pole dancer.
While it’s essential to acknowledge the efforts of the dormitory operators, at least they attempted to do something for the workers.
Yet, if their claim of progressiveness holds any weight, then the ultimate form of welfare would involve investing in improved living conditions for these individuals.
No poles or pole dancers required. Now, wouldn’t that be the real progress?
