Video: A taster of some
of the pole fitness competitors

by Katie Alston

kalston@thekmgroup.co.uk

A POLE dancing competition aimed at changing stereotypical
attitudes to the art form was launched on Saturday.

Held at the University of Kent in Canterbury, 26 competitors
from universities around the country battled it out in five
categories to win trophies, medals and certificates. There were
prizes for best tricks, best entertainer, 3rd, 2nd and 1st place in
each category of beginners, intermediates, advanced, mens and
doubles.

The event was hosted by Kent Pole
Fitness, a student based society in Canterbury, to promote health
and fitness through exercise involving the use of a vertical pole
for gymnastic purposes.

Around 50 people cheered on the competitors who demonstrated
their strength and flexibility.

Amadea Hills, who helped to organise the event said: “It is a
very demanding workout and the society feels very strongly about
promoting it as a fitness based society and moving away from the
stereotypical views of 'pole dancing’, which is what most people
assume it to be.

“It took a lot of organising but we want to make this an annual
event.

“Hopefully we showed that anyone can take part and have a go, it
isn’t exclusive.

“There is of course more to pole dancing than most people give
it credit for. Although there is a great deal of skill involved, it
is a lot of fun.

“We were really pleased to see so many people from universities
around the country take part and hopefully next year it will be
even bigger and better.”