From the Belfast Telegraph 24 Novβ¦β¦. A federal judge in North Carolina ruled that a form of Irish dancing is erotic and that strip clubs should not face discrimination. In ruling in favour of two erotic dance clubs, Judge Tilley quoted the evidence of University of Maryland anthropologist and dance expert Dr Judith Hanna, who has studied the sexual meaning of Irish set dancing and other dance types.
The strip clubs had hoped the ruling would end a five-year battle by erotic dancing clubs against a state law that forbids professional dancers from touching their bodies erotically. State inspectors had prosecuted a strip club in North Carolina after inspectors saw some of the dancers move suggestively on stage.
The club faced a day suspension of its permit before it decided to fight the case. After it won the first round before Judge Tilley in , the state assembly rushed through an updated law that banned erotic dancers from dancing in a manner that mimicked sex or that included suggestive fondling of body parts.
However, Judge Tilley said that even a fully clothed person could be prosecuted if their dance routine appeared to mimic sexual acts. That judge has it right. In view of this most encouraging judicial decision what better advertisement! What amazes me is how the ladies who do the traditional dances of Poland and Lapland manage to keep warm.
You know, those Lap-dancers and Pole-dancers. Is Irish dancing heading in this direction? Of course, at one time dancing was frowned upon by ecclesiastical authorities. The honorable judge is probably following in this ancient tradition. When I was in my late teens, dancing at the local church youth club was severely regulated by the local priest. Put me off dancing for ever, I can tell you. Danny Mackay, I know you mean that in jest, but unfortunately you could be right.
