VIDEO: Pole dancer heads to London
GREYMONT – 34-year-old resident to represent South Africa in the World Pole Sport Championships in London.
Pole sport and dancing is arguably one of the most physically demanding and challenging athletic activities as it requires one to twist and spin in acrobatic ways around a pole, which demands strength from the upper and lower body.
Greymont resident Tammy Smith is ecstatic because she recently qualified to represent South Africa in the World Pole Sport Championships to be held in London on 25 and 26 July.
The 34-year-old said she hopes to be in the top five positions by the end of the competition.
“I need to be in the top 10 on the first day to qualify for the finals on the 26th. I hope I will represent the country in these finals and be in the top five,” she said.
According to Smith, the competition will be stiff because there are numerous rules competitors have to follow.
“There are certain moves we have to add to our routines and a lot of regulations around our routines.”
Smith qualified for the international competition at the national competition at the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria.
“The competition was tough but I am happy I managed to come first in the elite division of the competition,” she said.
Smith was a gymnast for 12 years before venturing into pole sport.
“I had three beautiful children and after that I was looking for something that would challenge me in a new way but still give me the fitness I used to get from gymnastics.”
According to Smith, pole sport is almost like gymnastics.
“The only difference is that with pole sport you use one pole and with gymnastics you use more equipment,” she said.
Tammy Smith participated in this competition in 2013 and she finished eighth.
“I recommend pole dancing as a sport to everyone. It is a good way to stay fit. You don’t need to be a certain body type or have a sporting background,” she added.
To those against pole dancing as a sport Smith said, “ Try it out instead of talking down on it and saying it’s derogatory for women. Go see people dancing and you will see how amazing it is”.
According to Smith, this sport helps with self-esteem issues.
“It helps you see that you can achieve things you didn’t know you could,” she concluded.
