[TARA WHITSED | Shepparton News]

‘‘Pole is the only place you can feel safe to express yourself freely,’’ Rebekah said.

Four young Mooroopna-based dancers have taken out several of the top prizes at a recently held Wonderland Events pole and dance competition in Melbourne.

The women’s combined efforts saw them take out first place in the three categories they entered at the Pakenham-based dance competition this month.

Rebekah O’Hara, 21, Rachel O’Hara, 18, Simone Khann, 28, and Shanae Griffiths, 21, placed first in their lyrical group piece with Rebekah also taking out first place in her lyrical solo.

‘‘I got first overall for the solos,’’ Rebekah said. She also placed first in her inter/advanced pole solo.

Rebekah was joined by Ms Griffiths, who took out second in the inter/advanced pole solo section.

The dancers said they took just one month to prepare for the event, practising every day in the lead-up, having never danced as a group before.

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