Poles apart from seedy image

Pole-dancing club has been associated with seedy strip clubs: erotic dancers walk on stage, take off their clothes and their moves on the pole are quite suggestive. However, the once vilified pole dance is now a hit with modern feminists, who claim it helps them feel better and lose weight. Beijingers have already discovered the art of pole dancing, which is a mixture of ballet, gymnastics and weight training, according to Dannis, the lead instructor from Royal Sound International Dancing Center (RSID).

Pole dancing movements burn 400 calories per hour while toning arms, shoulders, abs, buttocks and legs.

"So pole dancing improves confidence, self esteem and body image," says Dannis, who was winner of last year's National Pole Dancing Championships. He even encourages his female students to wear high heels and hot pants, so they feel "sexy" during the routine.