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Wow what a night….  Enmore theater in Sydney was oozing talent last night at the finals of the Miss Pole Dance Australia 2012 competition.

Part of Cleo's winning performance. Image supplied by Sascha Haycraft.

It all kicked off with a stunning opener from the Bobbi’s girls and I have to say it’s the best opener I’ve seen yet – great chorie by Bobbi.  There was big hair, bigger boots and legs that went on for miles.  There were wide eyes when Lina (from Bobbi’s in Singapore) held a spinning handstand with splits, leg waves and backbends for over a minute and the crowd just erupted when Cleo appeared onstage behind a drum kit.

The whole evening was strung together with high energy and heaps of giggles from the fabulous Miss Maxi Shields and the raunchy Chilli.  We all got a treat when Maxi got her newly acquired  ‘boobs’ out – all natural of course – but were equally surprised, and a little disappointed, that Chilli keep her bottom covered this year.

The level of pole dancing was so high that for any sniff at the title all the combinations had to be totally seamless, with multiple complex tricks laced with style and panache.  All this was shown by the newly crowned Miss Pole Dance Australia 2012 – Cleo.  For her, X really did mark the spot, literally.  Her costume came set with glowing crosses over her corset, which was removed to show a couple more on her boobs.   Her no-hand splits had us on the edge of our seats and her triple static V’s from mid-pole were perfectly executed.

Image supplied by Sascha Haycraft.

Cleo’s pole dancing skills were utilised to their maximum.  She’s super flexi, super strong and she pushes her moves just that little bit further each time she’s on stage.  She was odd’s-on favourite and didn’t disappoint.   Most of the audience members I spoke to picked her to win, including Duncan West and Lux L’etoile, who I bumped into at the Thai across the road before the show.

It was the delightful performance from Carlie that won her second place.  This was my personal favourite pole show of the night, as it had me in hysterics.  She struggled onto the stage using a zimmer frame, dressed as an old lady, and stayed true to character for the whole routine; shaking around looking flustered while holding her tricks.  The big reveal added to the fun, for instead of sexy lingerie she stripped down to nanna nickers and bra to continue with some one-arms spins.  Of all the moves, I was most inspired by her push-up while in a Static V hold… I will get that…one day.

After Chelle’s performance a friend whispered that “she’s gonna demolish everyone with that”, and she pretty much did, as she came third.  Her great strength was matched perfectly with the track You Oughta Know from Alanis Morrisette.  My mouth was just agape while she was on stage for her moves were outstanding and so clean cut.

Image supplied by Sascha Haycraft.

Lou Launders was awarded the Sponsor’s Choice title.  I should imagine it was those snake hips that did it.  Her performance was super slow and controlled and she looked great in her one-arm split hold.  That’s one I’ll be trying next week I think.  Not sure I’ll look anywhere near as good though.

The whole evening was a great affair and I want to congratulate every single pole dancer on stage for their tremendous skills and dedication that got them to the final.  It was a hard-fought battle, so all the girls should feel very proud of themselves.

While the evening went well, with a couple of great guest performances from US pole dance stars Alethea Austin and Natasha Wang, Felix Cane was sorely missed and we’re all sending heaps of love and support for her full recovery.  She is on the mend though and fingers, toes and eyes crossed that she’ll be flying high again soon.

Image supplied by Sascha Haycraft.

I’m really glad I got the opportunity to see so many great pole dance performances at one event and it makes me proud of the how Australia is presenting itself in the pole world.

Check out for the doubles write-up here and take a look at our Facebook page for more photos.