Ups and downs of G.E.M.'s big gigs

Rising Canto-pop singer Gloria Tang, better known by her stage name G.E.M., is working hard on her pole-dancing skills and her fear of heights for her three shows at the Hong Kong Coliseum next month.

'I'll be pole dancing on a rising stage and have had to spend quite a lot of time to overcome my phobia,' says 19-year-old Tang.

She will become the youngest singer to stage solo events at the top venue but, with the shows all but sold out, she seems a bit too worried about her finances.

'I installed a new sound system and a mirror wall at home so that I could practise dancing,' she says.

'I have to use my own money for all this and will be content if income from these concerts can cover the expenses.'