International Pole Championship

The International Pole Championship (IPC)^[1] is a competition organized annually by International Pole Dance Fitness Association (IPDFA).^[2] It is the brainchild of renowned performer and instructor Ania/Anna Przeplasko (pronounced pshe plaz ko). It is the world first international pole dance fitness championship where winners are credited solely for their dance skills, trick techniques and overall showmanship. The IPC is the only pole competition that gathers the world’s best men and women. Winners of national championships are granted entry to this championship. Undiscovered talents can submit a video entry via the IPC website where the winner of online voting gains, along with the title Pole Idol, sponsorship to the Grand Finals.

The Competition

Competitors compete in two categories: Pole Fit and Pole Art. The competitor with the highest total score from both categories wins the title of Ultimate Pole Champion. There are three divisions: men's, women's and disabled.

Pole Fit focuses on the fitness aspect of the routine. Competitors in this category are given higher points for technical difficulty and execution of the tricks.

Pole Art focuses on the artistic aspect of the routine. In this category, competitors are given higher points for the originality and choreography of the pole dance routine.

To receive the maximum amount of points, performances have to be well executed with careful attention paid to the synchronization of dance moves to the music. Movements have to be precise, clear and easy to recognize, and movements relevant to their discipline of greater difficulty and complexity will receive higher scores. Transitions between moves should be smooth and orderly. Individual confidence is recognized, with stress placed on energy, enthusiasm, and strong stage presence. Creative openings and endings to performances as well as theme and story also receive high scores. Choreography is judged on level of difficulty, use of relevant movements, transitions, and synchronization with music.

2008 – Manila

The first International Pole Dance Fitness Championship was held in Manila. Finalists for this competition were chosen solely via video entries. Ten finalists from nine different countries competed for the title.^[3]

2009 - Tokyo

In 2009, responding to a demand by both men and women, IPC opened a category for men – the world’s first. The new category received worldwide media attention, refuting the claim that pole dance is designed for the amusement of men.^[4]^[5] Competitors this year were also submitted applications via video entries. Judges from around the world from various sport and dance disciplines judged the entries and picked the finalists. Fan participated and voted online for their favorite competitor via the IPC website. The winner won the title of Pole Idol.

2010 – Tokyo

Another world first - a new category for the disabled will open, inspired by sight impaired pole dancer Marie Dunot from France who had entered IPC 2009. The competition will have a live audience of 3000 fans. National champions from different countries will compete, as well as an open category for competitors who submit a video entry. Fans from all over the world are expected to go to Tokyo to support their favorite competitor.^[6]^[7]

Year	Men - Pole Fit	Men - Pole Art	Men - Ultimate	Women - Pole Fit	Women - Pole Art	Women - Ultimate	Pole Idol	Disabled
IPC 2008 Manila	-	-	-	Yuko Hatsumoto JP	Marsha Yuan USA	Anna Marie Garbo PH	-	-
IPC 2009 Tokyo	Dave Kahl AU	Simonko Saimas SP	Dave Kahl AU	Amanda Duffy USA	Domanova Svetlana RU	Mai Sato JP	Sarah Cretul USA	-

References

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