Pole Dance Championship 2012, New York City, United States

In Australia, "Miss Pole Dance Australia" was started in 2006. Allegra took home the first prize in the latest 2010 competition, and Amber Ray was first runner up. The first United States Pole Dance Federation Championship was held on March 19, 2009, first place was taken by Jenyne Butterfly. The 2010 winner of "Miss Pole Dance Canada" was Crystal Lai, who went on to win the People's Choice Award at the worlds. Miss Pole Dance World 2009, which was held in Jamaica and opened to all nationalities, was won by Australian Felix Cane. The 2010 event will take place in Zurich, Switzerland. Miss Pole Dance World 2010 which was held in Switzerland and opened to all nationalities, was won by Australian Felix Cane.
Pole dance in the media
Like other trends, pole dancing has its share of celebrity following. Actress Sheila Kelley was so taken with the sport, which she learned while preparing for her role in Dancing at the Blue Iguana, that she launched her own pole-based exercise programme.