Izelle van Niekerk (30) will compete with five other dancers on 20 September at the University of Johannersburg's Theatre. The competition is a very prestigious event in the pole dancing community, with international judges.
Van Niekerk won a place in the advanced category with her video entry earlier in August. With eight years of pole dancing experience, Van Niekerk is an instructor at her studio, The Pole Sanctuary, in George, and currently teaches 10 beginners and an intermediate pole dancer, Samantha le Roux.
During Van Niekerk's fundraiser last Saturday for her trip to Johannesburg, both she and Le Roux gave their guests a taste of pole dancing. The guests had to learn an easy routine - complete with a bit of strip tease - and then had the chance to see the experts in motion.
Pole dancing is quickly earning recognition as a sport, said Van Niekerk.
"If I manage to win the national title of Miss Pole Dance South Africa, I can compete internationally for the next year," she said.
According to Van Niekerk, it would be a huge honour to compete at the World Pole Sport Championships in July next year in the United Kingdom.
Samantha le Roux (34), a student of Van Niekerk's, gripped in a 'brass monkey' position, during her routine at the fundraising event last Saturday. Le Roux competed with Van Niekerk for a place in the national pole dancing competition.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS: MICHELLE PIENAAR, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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