The
opening sequence of Strip Down, Rise Up shows us a montage suggesting the
healing power of erotic bodies on women dealing with shame and trauma of
everyday life. The Michèle Ohayon’s documentary
currently streaming on Netflix gives us a peek into the lives of people who
pole dance – it shines light on themes like competition, eroticism, and
athleticism. The Netflix original has Michele Ohayon at the forefront, exposing
the healing properties of this sensual art form.

In
the documentary, we see a group of women embark on a six-month long journey
with celebrity instructor, Sheila Kelly. All members of the group come with a
set of emotional baggage. One of them is a widow processing the affair of her
late husband,while the other one is a survivor of sexual abuse. These women are
all struggling with body image issues, sexual identity, and self-loathing.

In
addition, there’s Amy Bond – a competitive pole dancer and pro bono attorney –
who’s helping other women realize the worth and strength of their bodies. She
is empowering these women and helping them shed the life-long shame they’ve
been carrying with them because of their unhealthy relationship with their
bodies.

All
of these stories we witness on screen are chanting the profound lesson of
female empowerment and body autonomy. You’ll be moved by this terrifyingly
transforming life experience where women reclaim their own bodies.

In
the past, we’ve watched several movies that are centered aroundthe theme of
shame. In this documentary, it was an enriching experience to watch these women
deal with shame. At one point, it is said “Shame
will hold you prisoner, but really all shame wants is to come into the light
and be let go.” This is a strong message for women as it encourages them to
let go of their inhibitions and break free from the norms set by society.

The
documentary puts the spotlight on female body without sexualizing it. The
documentary is different, as it’s created by a mostly-female crew, which is
evident from the narrative. The documentary sensitively deals with body shaming
and teaches you to embrace all shapes, sizes, and colors. At no point would you
feel that the bodies are being objectified. On the contrary, it simply address
the capability of female sensuality.

The
visuals are breathtaking and the experience is illuminatingly cathartic as you
witness a 50 year old widow let go off her apprehensions and the decades-long
guilt. However, you’ll also find that some women give up as they’re not
prepared for the discomfort the program would bring to their life.

The
documentary is not one-dimensional, it covers all grounds
and considers freedom of all kinds. It gives women the encouragement they need
to rebuild their homes and snatch back the right over their body – something
the society ripped them off long ago.

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documentaries.

Guess
we can all agree that the major documentary reveal that imprinted our mind were
that of the astonishing wonders of pole dancing.