My daughter is taking classes. I went with her the first time to check it out. It was either dumpy older women or athletes in the class.I even gave it a try and failed miserably :)
I love watching my daughter work out on her pole, its great exercise and shes so thrilled when she conquers a new move, it keeps her constantly motivated to keep going . She was so proud the day she got strong enough to climb the pole. I am sure there are some who focus on trying to look sexy, but all the ones I have seen are in it for the exercise and self accomplishment aspects.