In pole position

With the participation of professionals and the establishment of the China Pole Dance Championship in 2010, more people have the opportunity to learn about it.

Xu Yiting, founder of Mulan Pole Dance Studio in Shanghai, has witnessed the expanding market in recent years.

"There are more than 2,000 people who have attended classes in my studio, and now we have over 100 active members," says Xu, who launched the studio with her trainer in 2019.

Xu started to practice pole-dancing in 2015 after seeing a show in Thailand.

"In recent years, the approach to pole-dancing has changed, from wanting to make money to a fitness activity," Xu says.

In 2015, people learned pole-dancing from her mainly for commercial performances. But in recent years, educated and well-paid people from different walks of life have been learning, motivated by interest.

Xu says five years ago, her pole-dancing choreography was "very sexy", and now it's more about "displaying skill and power".

Learning pole-dancing has become a lifestyle, and people can make friends in the process, she says.

"I often hear my 'students' say they have made good friends in the studio. Because they're all beginners and pole-dancing requires help in some moves, they always encourage one another," Xu says.

Pole-dancing amateur Song shares a similar idea.

"I didn't grow up in Shanghai, nor did I go to university here, so I don't know anyone except my colleagues at work," Song says.

"Since I started dancing, I have met friends from different industries and cities.

"On holidays, we gather for practice and drink and chat, forming a hobby-oriented independent female community."

Ke tells Jiemian: "Pole-dancing is not only good for exercise but also for entertainment. It can be a fun way to exercise.

"A lot of people are still resistant to it and think it's erotic, whereas going to the gym doesn't have that psychological barrier. Society will accept it over time, maybe three to five years, maybe even 10 to 20 years. I and all pole-dancers will continue to work on this."