Pole dancers win national champs

Three of Napier's best pole dancers have returned from the recent New Zealand Pole Champs with a clutch of winners' medals.

Alesha Hunt, 24, won gold after first beating competition from throughout the country and Amy Bethune and Paula Seymour's "cops and robbers" themed dance earned them silver medals in the pairs category.

Pole dancing had long been the victim of pop culture misconceptions but Ms Hunt said it was great for general fitness.

"I honestly think it's the best and the most fun thing I've ever done. I definitely see it as more of a sport and I think 'try it before you judge it'."

Her routine was a mixture of pole work and dance, choreographed by owner and instructor Christine Crowe.

The international judges scored the contestants on an overall rating of agility, strength, tricks, flexibility and endurance.

Despite not necessarily possessing the best pole tricks, Ms Hunt thought her routine won because the other contestants' "transitions weren't quite choreographed".

She discovered pole dancing after meeting someone at her cousin's birthday, who suggested it as a fitness option "if you're looking for something new".

Ms Bethune, 22, said it was "just a lot of fun", and it encouraged women to gain confidence and stay active.

Instructor Christine Crowe has three years' experience in the job and choreographed all the routines herself. She came from a ballet background.

Last year a pupil from her business also won gold at the inaugural Wellington NZPC. She describes herself as "proud owner" of Napier's Pole Secrets Pole Fitness.