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China's Newest Fitness Trend: Pole Dancing

Posted Jul 25, 08 8:58 AM CDT in Science & Health,  Arts & Living,  World 

(Newser) – The latest fitness craze among women in China is pole dancing, and it has nothing to do with strippers, reports the New York Times. Drawn for the exercise, camaraderie, and confidence boost, women are flocking to a growing number of gyms and dance classes offering it. Even without the seedy strip-club connections, however, the trend is raising eyebrows.

“People here have never seen a pole dance, and for that reason they don’t associate it with stripping or women of ill repute,” says the Chinese woman credited with importing the fitness regimen. But the sexual movements offend some in a culture that has long frowned on such things, even though the women keep their clothes on. “Five years ago, this wouldn’t have been permitted,” says one.

Source New York Times

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Competitors pose before the start of China's first pole dancing competition. The fitness craze has only just taken off in the country; most people don't associate it with erotic dancing.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
A pole dancer performs during China's first pole dancing competition in Beijing Saturday July 14, 2007. More than 50 competitors from across the country, both male and female, are taking part.   (AP Photo/Greg Baker)
A pole dancer performs during the finals of China's first pole dancing competition in Beijing Sunday July 15, 2007. Touted as a fitness regimen, pole dancing has taken off in China.   (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
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