Chinese Poles

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Chinese Poles are vertical steel poles on which circus performers climb, slide down and hold poses. The poles are generally between 3 and 9 metres in height and approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter. A few Chinese poles tricks have been incorporated with erotic pole dancing techniques.

To improve the grip on the poles they are sometimes covered with rubber. This rubber leaves burn marks on the Chinese pole artists shoulders. These marks are used as a sign in the circus world for Chinese pole artists to recognise each other.

The most famous trick is "the flag" where the artist hangs straight out from the pole with his or her hands. This requires a very strong upper body. A few people are able to do pushups in this position, and even fewer can rotate the legs around in a circle-this requires enormous core strength.