Sheila Kelley
Self
Overview
The feature documentary follows women of all walks of life, all ages and ethnic backgrounds, as they shed trauma, body image shame, sexual abuse and other issues locked in their bodies, and embark on a journey to reclaim themselves. The film also gives a rare window into the world of Pole artistry and expression.
Cast
Reviews
4 min readThe Pole as Pulpit
I didn’t expect to leave Strip Down, Rise Up thinking about church. Not the kind with pews and hymnals, but the kind where the body becomes a vessel for something bigger than itself—where sweat and muscle and gravity conspire to create a kind of secular sermon. Michele Ohayon’s documentary doesn’t preach, exactly, but it does something just as potent: it lets its subjects testify.
And what they’re testifying to isn’t just the physical thrill of pole dancing, though there’s plenty of that—spins that defy physics, limbs contorted into shapes that look like they should hurt but don’t. No, what lingers is the way these women talk about their bodies as sites of both wounding and healing, as things they’ve spent years apologizing for before finally learning to inhabit them.
The film follows a handful of women—some professional dancers, some beginners—as they navigate pole studios in Los Angeles, their stories unfolding in intimate, often raw interviews. Sheila Kelley, the most recognizable face here, is a former L.A. Law and The Good Wife actor who discovered pole in her 40s and later founded her own studio, S Factor.
She’s the film’s de facto guide, her voice warm and insistent as she talks about pole as a path to reclaiming agency. But the real power of Strip Down, Rise Up lies in the way it centers the women who don’t have Kelley’s platform: the survivors of sexual assault, the women grappling with body dysmorphia, the ones who show up to class trembling, unsure if they’ll ever feel at home in their own skin.
Ohayon’s approach is observational, almost fly-on-the-wall, but there’s nothing detached about it. The camera lingers on hands gripping the pole, on feet pointed just so, on the way a dancer’s breath hitches before she launches herself into the air. These aren’t just pretty shots; they’re evidence.
Audience Opinions
Broad evidence
Audience 7.2/10
"A raw and empowering documentary that resonates deeply with survivors and pole dancers but may feel repetitive to casual viewers."
Viewers praise the film for its emotional depth and the way it highlights the healing power of pole dancing for women, particularly survivors of trauma. The personal stories shared create a strong sense of connection and inspiration. latestnetflix.com's view is that however, some find the pacing slow and the narrative structure too predictable, with a few noting it lacks the variety needed to sustain broader interest.
What viewers praise
- Emotionally powerful The documentary’s focus on personal healing and empowerment strikes a chord with many, especially survivors of sexual abuse.
- Authentic representation Pole dancers and participants appreciate the genuine portrayal of the pole community and its transformative impact.
- Inspiring stories The personal journeys of the women featured are moving and offer a sense of hope and resilience.
- Strong direction Michèle Ohayon’s sensitive handling of difficult topics is widely commended for its respect and depth.
Common complaints
- Repetitive structure Some viewers feel the film’s narrative becomes predictable and lacks variety in its storytelling approach.
- Slow pacing The documentary’s deliberate pace may test the patience of those not deeply invested in the subject matter.
- Niche appeal While impactful for its target audience, the film’s focus on a specific community may limit its broader appeal.
Recommended for
Documentary enthusiasts Survivors of trauma Pole dancing community Empowerment story seekers Fans of raw personal narratives
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsNetflix’s "Strip Down, Rise Up" Unpacks Pole Dancing as Therapy—And Sparks Debate
Netflix’s 2021 documentary Strip Down, Rise Up strips away the stigma around pole dancing, framing it as a tool for healing and empowerment. Directed by Michèle Ohayon, the film follows a group of women—many of them survivors of sexual trauma—as they reclaim their bodies and confidence through pole fitness classes. latestnetflix.com's take is that but behind the glossy Netflix release lies a story of polarizing reactions, industry pushback, and a cast of women who weren’t just subjects—they were advocates.
From Trauma to the Pole: The Film’s Mission
The documentary centers on Sheila Kelley, founder of the S Factor pole-dancing movement, and a diverse cohort of women who turn to pole fitness as a form of therapy. According to the film’s synopsis 
, participants include survivors of abuse, women navigating body-image struggles, and even breast cancer survivors. The pole becomes a metaphor for resilience, with Kelley’s S Factor method positioning sensual movement as a path to self-acceptance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34ztUdw_w5k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MMXqjMe1WQ
Ohayon, in a director discussion , describes the project as an exploration of "how women can rise from pain through movement." The film’s trailer teases raw emotional moments, from tears on the studio floor to triumphant performances, suggesting a narrative that’s equal parts vulnerable and victorious.
Pole Dancers React: Praise and Pushback
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3zW8obo0aQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWrxUtn4xqs
Not everyone in the pole community was sold. Several pole dancers took to YouTube to critique the documentary’s portrayal of the sport, arguing it leaned too heavily into trauma narratives while sidelining the athleticism and artistry of pole fitness. One reviewer called the film "problematic" for framing pole as primarily therapeutic rather than a legitimate sport, while another praised its representation of healing but wished it had showcased more diverse skill levels.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IARPfAyPUew
Sheila Kelley, however, doubled down on the film’s message. In an interview , she framed pole dancing as a form of "feminine leadership," arguing that reclaiming sensuality is a radical act for women conditioned to suppress their bodies. The documentary’s release on Netflix—amid a wave of body-positivity content—positioned it as both a cultural statement and a lightning rod for debate.
Behind the Scenes: A Director’s Passion Project
Ohayon’s involvement hints at a deeply personal investment. In a discussion , she reveals the film was years in the making, born from her own journey exploring movement as healing. The 112-minute runtime suggests a deliberate pace, prioritizing emotional arcs over flashy editing—a choice that divided critics. While some praised its intimacy, the film’s 6/10 rating on SensCritique reflects mixed reactions, with viewers split on whether it struck the right balance between inspiration and exploitation.
Rumors swirl about tensions between the filmmakers and some pole communities, though specifics remain unconfirmed. What’s clear is that Strip Down, Rise Up wasn’t just a documentary—it was a provocation, forcing audiences to confront their biases about pole dancing, trauma, and female sexuality.
The Aftermath: Where Are They Now?
Since the film’s release, Kelley has continued to expand S Factor, while the documentary’s subjects have largely faded from public view. The film’s legacy, however, endures in ongoing conversations about pole’s place in fitness and feminism. Whether it’s remembered as a groundbreaking exposé or a missed opportunity depends on who you ask—but its impact on the pole community is undeniable.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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