Dancers in pole position

10:49am Tuesday 19th June 2007

POLE dancing isn't something you would associate with your grandmother but a Redditch class run by one is heading for an international showcase in London.

Pole dancing classes are being run at Millsborough House in Smallwood by instructor Corinne Locke, 44, who has four children and two grandchildren.

After months of tough training, her class will be travelling to the capital for Pole Unity this month, which will involve schools from around the world performing their chosen style of pole dance in front of an audience of hundreds.

Corinne said: "It's something different and we are trying to get away from the stigma of pole dancing and show people that this is about getting fit."

Group member Emma McDonald, 32, from Coughton, who has two children, spoke about how pole dancing had given her a new lease of life.

"We practice twice a week for two hours to get our routine up to speed and looking as amazing as possible," she said.

"I absolutely love it. I never thought I'd be hanging upside down by my ankles on a pole.

"I actually had a pole fitted in my home at the end of last year for more practice. It makes for a good topic of conversation when I have people round to visit," she added.

The event is supporting the Make A Wish Foundation, which grants wishes for children and young people living with life-threatening illnesses.