Doctor takes to pole

Sherry Bremner is doing her PhD in physics at the University of Cape Town. But she's ditched her lab coat for something a bit more revealing.

Bremner and graphic designer Simone Hodgskiss are hard at work perfecting their pole-dancing routine for the World Pole Sports Championships in London.

In April, the Capetonians bagged gold in the duet division of the national championships organised by the Pole Fitness Association of SA - and that was their passport to the international competition next month.

But, to hoist the South African flag on their spinning poles, the girls have to raise between R20000 and R30000 to pay for travel, food and accommodation.

"The exchange rate is messing with us at the moment - R15 to £1!" said Bremner.

They have held a few fundraising events but, with only a month to go, she said they must now focus on training with coach Cezanne Carstens, rather than worrying about money.

The duo say it is unfortunate that pole dancing is still associated with strip clubs.

"We have to shake off the stigma that is still attached to the sport," said Hodgskiss.

The International Pole Sports Federation is promoting "pole [dancing] as an athletic, gymnastic sport" and wants to see it recognised as such at global events such as the Olympics.

Bremner and Hodgskiss started pole dancing less than three years ago, to keep fit.

"I found it was a lot of fun and it turned out to be more athletic than I had thought," said Hodgskiss.

Donata Fell, owner of Pole Dance Cape Town, said that, though the sport is relatively new in South Africa, its popularity has grown dramatically in the past few years.

Tracey Simmonds, one of the founders of the Pole Fitness Association, said she has "every confidence" that Bremner and Hodgskiss will excel next month.

"Sherry and Simone are outstanding athletes as well as artists," said Simmonds.

"We were blown away by their technique, precision and ability to work with one another."