It's a wrap! Pole-dancing sensation leaves rivals in a spin
Sadly, it's a little late to be included in the Asian Games this autumn but Hong Kong has its first-ever pole-dancing champion.
Melody Rose (pictured) was crowned the winner last Wednesday night at Club M1NT. The event, organised by Pole Divas, attracted a large number of competitors, who were whittled down to 12 finalists. In the end, Rose, who splits her time between Australia and hometown Hong Kong, was declared the champion for her 'mix of grace, beauty and athleticism' in front of a full house.
'I first came across pole dancing in Hong Kong three years ago,' Rose explained. 'I have always been attracted to unusual kinds of dances. I thought it would be easy, just walking and dancing around the pole. Turns out it is one of the hardest things I have ever learned. But after my first class, I immediately fell in love with the sexiness of it and the challenge.'
Using her Easter break to come over and take part in the contest, Rose has already had to return to work in Sydney. However, she will represent Hong Kong at the pole-dancing world championships in Europe in 2010.
'I always come back when I have long holidays ... I'm not a sporty person at all. Indeed, I'm very clumsy when it comes to ball sports, but I have always been pretty good with dancing. I'm also very shy when I'm off stage, believe it or not.'
However, Rose makes it clear that pole dancing is not an easy discipline. The glory of victory comes from months of agony. 'I have bruises everywhere. I mean, absolutely everywhere.'
