Two is better than one

SINGAPORE - With the theme from Mission Impossible playing in the background, she wrapped her legs around her partner's waist and let herself fall backwards, head dangling metres above the ground.

While this may sound like a scene from an action movie, it was part of a performance by Mrs Valerie Teo and Mrs Joey Tan for the SG Pole Challenge 2014.

The pair were one of two Singaporean teams taking part in the event's Open Doubles category.

Despite being in close physical contact the entire time, Mrs Teo, 40, who works in marketing, said the experience was not awkward at all.

"We actually love it. In fact, I refuse to perform without (Mrs Tan)," she said.

The duo met when training for an event in 2010, and their friendship grew to the "cosy" one they have today.

HUMBLING EXPERIENCE

When asked about the key difference between Doubles and Singles pole dancing, Mrs Teo said: "It is a very humbling experience as you have to share the glory with your partner,and a very unique experienced that can only be achieved with a special partner."

Mrs Tan, 29, said the doubles event requires a lot of trust because at times, her partner does not even touch the pole and is completely supported by her.

Asked what their husbands think of their interest in pole dancing, Mrs Teo laughed and said: "When we first started, they were apprehensive, but after attending our first performance, they got hooked and now attend regularly.

"Sometimes they even give us input on our performances," Mrs Teo said.

Even though pole dancing is physically demanding, Mrs Teo does not intend to quit anytime soon.

"Despite the pain, it is extremely addictive - you get a unique high you cannot find elsewhere," she said.

She and her partner eventually received a consolation prize in Saturday's competition at the Jubilee Hall in Raffles Hotel.

About half of the finalists were from Singapore with the others from countries such as Korea, Japan, the Philippines and China.

timgoh@sph.com.sg

This article was published on April 7 in The New Paper.

Get The New Paper for more stories.

[[nid:100249]]