Putting new sport in pole position

Fresh from a national dance competition, pole fitness instructor Anna Ashton is keen to see her sport gain popularity in Queenstown and plans to open a studio on Gorge Rd by the end of the month.

"Pole fitness is a sport that combines fitness training, music and dance. It can be described as a gymnastic art. It is a way to get fit and have fun at the same time," she explains.

Anna Ashton (36) moves with the grace of a dancer and with an obvious strength that gives weight to her claim that pole dancing is an effective way to get fit. She discovered pole dancing when she worked as a show girl in clubs in Japan, Canada and the UK, and saw that pole fitness was performed as a sport in many countries overseas.

In 2005, she settled in Queenstown and started teaching yoga, and nine months ago she began teaching pole fitness from a small studio at her Arthurs Point home, where she lives with her husband and 3-year-old daughter.

More than 50 women have signed up for her six-week course, many of them returning students. The growing popularity of the sport inspired Ms Ashton to establish a larger studio in town.

"As many of the students get to a more advanced level, I needed a larger studio with higher ceiling and taller poles, so that there is room for more acrobatic moves. I will still keep classes small, but with 15 poles in the studio, it will also be easier to cater for events and parties. I have done a few hens' parties, which was a great success, and I would like to expand that part of the business," she said.

Pole fitness as a sport is still a relatively new concept in New Zealand. But the first national competition - Miss Pole Dance New Zealand - was held on October 24. It was advertised as "strictly a sport and fitness event".

Thirteen finalists performed a 7min routine, which was judged on style, tricks, endurance, flexibility, costume and theme.

Ms Ashton was one of the competitors, but even though she did not win the title and the right to represent New Zealand at the international Miss Pole Dance, she was happy with her performance.

"I did a strong routine that focused on fitness and advanced moves, but many of the contestants, including the winner, did more theatrical performances with better attention to theme and costumes. I already have a great idea for my costume for next year, but I will keep that a secret for now."

She hopes that a couple of her students will join her in performing at next year's competition, and is considering hosting a local competition for Otago and Southland to give new and advanced dancers exposure to competing in the sport.

While pole dancing has traditionally been for women, the fitness element has also attracted men to the sport.

So far only women have signed up for pole fitness in Queenstown, but Ms Ashton is planning to start a class for men.

"For the official opening of my new studio, I am arranging a performance by one of New Zealand's top male pole dancers. It will be a good way to show the variety in the sport."