[Maryse Godden | The Sun]

The event – which was started by the Pole Sport Organisation in 2012 – features contestants from five skill levels and compete in six different categories.

Kerri N’Fuego also competes in the ‘Exotic’ performance category
Kerri N’Fuego also competes in the ‘Exotic’ performance category [GETTY IMAGES]

Combining dance and acrobatics, originally began as entertainment in strip clubs, pole dancing soon became mainstream as a form of exercise and expression
Combining dance and acrobatics, originally began as entertainment in strip clubs, pole dancing soon became mainstream as a form of exercise and expression. [GETTY IMAGES]
 

Katrina Anderson competes in the ‘Exotic’ performance category
Katrina Anderson competes in the ‘Exotic’ performance category

Incredible images taken at the event shows contestants using the poles to do impressive handstands, forearm stands and elbow balances.

There is no nudity involved in the competition.

Combining dance and acrobatics, which originally began as entertainment in strip clubs, pole dancing has since become a popular form of exercise.

Performers are judged on a range of elements including – technique, difficulty, balance, musicality, and stage presence in Dramatic, Entertainment, Exotic, Showcase and Doubles/Groups categories.

Founded by Amy Guion, a California Pole Dance Championship 2011 bronze medallist, the event grew from a small community to a national brand now competing globally.

The organisation’s website states over 2,000 pole dancers compete each year in the competition series.

For results visit www.polesportorg.com.

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