Pole Fitness champs

Five beautiful ladies from Skye Aerial Arts and Fitness in Ballito competed in the first Pole Sport League (PSL) competition hosted in Durban on September 5 and 6, bringing home impressive scores and top honours.

Pole Fitness, a style of pole dancing, is actually a serious and competitive sport. This is not your stereotypical stripper in sky high heels, skimpy outfits and heavy make up dancing provocatively around a pole.

“There is a huge misconception about this sport. We are trying to break away from the stripper and bachelorette party association. This is a clean sport – no make up, no jewelry, no sexy outfits and no glamour. People need to get their minds out of the gutter and see what it is actually about,” said Skye Aerial Arts and Fitness owner and trainer Sheelagh Francis.

Francis and four of her students competed in the pole routine and pole poses sections of the PSL competition.

Courtney Erasmus (14) competed in the junior bronze category and achieved third place. Chantal Jansen van Rensburg entered into the senior bronze and snatched first place – this was her first time competing. Francis competed in the silver division and placed fourth.

Those who achieve over 70% go through to the Jo’burg nationals in April next year to compete against Cape Town and Jo’burg.

The competitors create their own choreography and pole combinations and perform it in front of the judges to music, incorporating mandatory moves.

Anya Grobler, Erasmus, Christine Petry and Francis entered into the Pole Poses section with everyone bringing home gold.

Erasmus impressed the judges with her top performances and grabbed the titles of top achiever of the year as well as top achiever on her level.

“Strength, fitness, flexibility and endurance are emphasised and increased in this sport. It also boosts confidence for the performer being able to achieve something you never thought your body was capable of doing. You are always chasing the next move and you watch your strength progress,” said Francis.

If you feel like giving pole fitness, silks or lyra a try contact Francis on 084 957 8692 or on sheelaghjane@gmail.com.