Hang time with a nightclub pole dancer

Chocolate club is a staple nightspot among Beijing's Russian expatriates, as well as those who enjoy being around scantily clad Slavic dancers and singers. Julia Petrova, a 23-year-old pole dancer and recent arrival in Beijing, tells METRO the secrets backstage.

METRO: How does one train to become a pole dancer?

A: Dancing, not just pole dancing, is an important part of my life. I took my first choreography class when I was 9 years old. I practiced with the Ensemble of Modern Dance and later entered the Altai State Academy of Culture and Fine Arts. Before coming to Beijing three months ago I worked as a dancer in Russia for five years.