Chinese Poles

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

The poles are sometimes covered with rubber to improve grip. However, the 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 recognize 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 push ups in this position, and even fewer can rotate the legs around in a circle-this requires enormous core strength.