Chinese pole
AChinese poles are vertical poles of aluminum 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.
Some poles have a slightly larger pole that rotates around the static central pole using ball bearings. This rotating pole allows a performer to spin on the vertical axis, giving a performer the ability to incorporate rate of spin into what would otherwise be static moves. By bringing the performers body closer into the pole causes the performer to spin faster. 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.
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.
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