By Susan Schwartz
Queensland’s best pole champions will test their endurance, flexibility and creativity as they battle for pole position at La Boite on June 21.
The competition is in its 10th year and reflects the growing interest in pole dancing, with 15 pole dancing studios in Brisbane alone.
Queensland State Heat Organiser Nicole Harbour, who will also compete in the doubles heat with Chelle Haffner, said the competition focused on fitness and technical abilities.
“Pole is all about physics, and once you understand the mechanics of the opposing forces that help to hold you on the pole, it becomes much easier,” Ms Harbour said.
“Many people think you need a lot of strength to do pole, but while pilates is great for pole dancers’ core strength, and some people cross train with weights, the main thing is that you need a lot of stamina.
“This competition really highlights that because it is fitness based, so it is not as showy as traditional pole – you don’t have to wear heels and shoes are optional.”
Ms Harbour owns her own pole fitness business Studio Eden where she instructs using her dance background.
There will be 40 competitors across four divisions – amateur, professional, groups (doubles), and a battle round where competitors are expected to improvise a routine to music they haven’t heard before.
Each competitor will be judged on criteria such as their tricks, transition, floor and acrobatics, performance elements, theming, musicality, stage presence, costuming, and fluidity; and groups are also judged on synchronisation.
For tickets go to https://tickets.laboite.com.au/qld-pole-2025
