Pole Party: Zeta Bar Pole Dance Competition This Saturday

A pole dance competition at the Hilton? Who’d have thought it? Dancer and instructor Cicilia Yang, for one. Yang’s Pussycat Dance Studio is organizing Beijing’s first five-star pole dance contest at Zeta Bar this Saturday (May 29). We put her through her paces ahead of the event.

Where did you first come across pole dancing?
When I was in Las Vegas about five years ago, there was an art pole dance show – not like a striptease. The dancers were very professional and dressed in fancy costumes, elegant and pretty like ballerinas.

What do your older relatives think of pole dancing?
They have no prejudice about pole dancing. Actually they didn’t know anything about it originally. Because we don’t have any strip clubs in China, when pole dancing first arrived we respected it as a very healthy exercise. There’s no bad influence or concept about pole dancing.

Should pole dancing be an Olympic sport?
I don’t really think so. Pole dancing is a dance, like ballet, jazz or tango. It’s an art, not a competitive sport. Pole dancers should be dancers, not athletes. If I say “Should ballet be an Olympic sport?” what’s your answer? Pole dancing should be on the stage, not in a stadium.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about pole dancing?
Strippers? Striptease? I don’t really know. I just dance. If you see my dance, you’ll change your mind automatically. I think everybody can tell the difference between eroticism and art.

Are there many pole dancing competitions in Beijing?
Not from what I know.

Is there fierce rivalry between the competitors?
Yes, I think so, because the dancers all want to catch everyone’s eyes. Every competitor will create their own moves, so you’ll see a lot of new pole tricks.

Isn’t the Hilton an unusual venue for a pole dancing competition?
I don’t think so. We are promoting it like American Idol – “Pole Dance Idol!” No matter who you are, no matter how well you can dance (or not), as long as you are a girl and you can dance, we welcome you to join us.

How is the competition going to be judged?
There will be a judging panel with several judges from different walks of life. The audience can also vote for their favorite dancer.

What’s the secret to winning a pole dancing competition?
Practice, practice and practice.

What’s your killer move?
Oh! A lot. Some moves seem very simple, but I can do them differently from the others – my back is very flexible.

Can you teach us how to do it?
Why not? Come to the studio and I will show you.

If you could teach anyone how to pole dance, who would you choose? Why?
I never think about this. I can teach anyone who likes dancing. Pussycat Dance welcomes every woman, no matter your age and shape.

Finally, can you tell us a joke about pole dancing?
“Look! A Pole dancing!” That can mean three different things. How amazing is that …

The Zeta Bar Pole Dance Competition Finale Party takes place on May 29 at Zeta Bar. RMB 99 (includes one free drink). 10pm.