DALLAS (KDAF/CNN) - It takes a lot of strength, flexibility, and training.
"It's a cardio workout, it's strength, endurance, it's flexibility, it's technique. So, it's a total body workout," event organizer Toy Later says.
Well, it takes all that, and a good grip. Despite what you see, be careful calling them dancers.
Miss Texas Pole Dance organizer Rashida Hobbs says, "They're not really considered pole dancers. People need to know there's a difference between an exotic dancer and a pole dancer. They are truly athletes."
Sensuality is important, so is performance.
"The sensuality, the freedom of self-expression. Pole can be, not just fitness, but you can also make it very artistic."
However, what it all comes down to is athleticism.
Miss Georgia Pole Dance Nicki Shaw says, "I'm looking for lines. I'm looking for flexed feet. I'm looking for someone who can bring more of a fitness and an athletic side to the sport."
Brynn Route teaches 'pole fitness in Austin. She says she struggled to find a workout she could stick to.
"I hated going to the gym, I hated running. I just could not get behind any form of exercise until I found pole dancing--and I just fell in love."
Sunday, she was one of dozens of women competing to become Miss Texas Pole Dance.
Organizers put the event together to draw more respect for the sport.
Hobbs says, "I wanted to give women an opportunity to showcase their skills, agility, and training in pole fitness. And to really display that this is an art as well as a sport, so people can recognize it as a legit fitness."
Jennifer Huff of San Antonio was named the new Miss Texas Pole Dance at Sunday's competition. She says pole dancing is an amazing art form.
Source: KDAF/Doug Magditch