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Pole Dancing Championships Come To LA

Pole Sport Organization at Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles.
A performer competes at the Pole Sport Organization at Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles. (courtesy Pole Sport Organization on Facebook)

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — It's not just for gentleman's clubs anymore.

More than 150 pole dancing artists from around the nation will be at the Los Angeles Convention Center on Friday and Saturday for the 2013 Pacific Pole Championships.

The event — which is part of a series created by the Pole Sport Organization in 2012 — features contestants from four skill levels and three age groups ranging from 18 years old to 40 and over.

Performers are evaluated on multiple elements including: technique, difficulty, balance of program, musicality, and stage presence in Dramatic, Entertainment, Championship, and Showcase categories.

Founded by California Pole Dance Championship 2011 bronze medalist Amy Guion and former ice skater Bayleigh Pettigrew, the event grew from a small community movement to a large national brand in just under two years.

"We've received a huge amount of support from other dancers and pole dance companies with these events," Guion said. "We wanted to start an event that was by the community, for the community."

There is no nudity involved in the competition, which organizers said highlights "the art of pole dancing" instructed at more than 3,000 "pole-specific" clubs and gyms across the country.

Click here for tickets and information about the Pacific Pole Championships.

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