I was in a metal club recently and had the same conversation with a friend. I can appreciate the amazing skill and athleticism but I really don't find it sexy at all.

i had a lap dance - and it was the most awful thing ever..... I have huge horror stories about it. And kept getting nasty flash backs. PLus deending on the clients in the club - the place can be pretty skanky!!!
Pole dancing looks great - the skills they can do are amazing. But I don't find it a turn on. I just thought it was cos I was a girl - but not all dude like it much either.

Wow, my lap dance experience wasn't as bad as your appears to have been I just felt kinda detached from the situation and not turned on.

I'm thinking of joining my local group of pole dancers to try it out. I know they have a few guys doing it already and it should be good for upper body strength