Photo Gallery Poles Apart
For several years now, pole dancing has been making the leap from being a form of nightclub entertainment to being a widely accepted form of exercise. On Saturday, the World Pole Sport Federation held its world championships. Alesia Vazmitsel from Belarus took home the gold.
Second place was taken by Laurence Hilsum from France.
Contestents are judged by their artistry, strength and originality. Here, Yevgeniya Stockling from Switzerland.
The victors: Joining champion Vazmitsel and runner-up Hilsum on the podium is Hanka Venselaar from the Netherlands (left).
For the first time ever, there was also a category for male pole dancers at the Budapest event. Here, Matty Shields from Australia shows off his talent.
Nobody, however, could compete with Evgeny Greshilov of Russia.
Greshilov on the podium with silver medalist Keem Martinez from Britain and bronze medal winner Lois Lebrec from France.
A competition for doubles pole dancing was also introduced this year for the first time. Here, Kate Johnstone and Kate Bendy from Britain.
Here, Olga Gordienko and Valentina Cervakova from Russia.
