VIDEO: Pole dancer’s routine with a message wows judges

VIDEO: A MAROUBRA woman has become a pole dancing world champion — at 44 years of age.

• Planning guru's vision to save southeast Sydney
• Airport cleaning contract 'has left ratepayers short changed'

A MAROUBRA woman has become a pole dancing world champion — at 44 years of age.

Andrea Ryff, who runs the Achieve Pole Studio in Botany Rd, Mascot, saw off competition from around the world to win the Masters category at the International Pole Championships in Brisbane last month.

Andrea Ryff won the judges over with her technical routine with a message. Picture: Joel Carrett

“It’s amazing, I couldn’t believe it when my name was read out,” she said.

Pole dancing has gone from a sleazy buck’s night staple to a certified sport which is now seeking Olympic status.

Ms Ryff had to perform a routine which incorporated a powerful message in less than four minutes.

Ms Ryff runs the Achieve Pole Studio in Botany Rd, Mascot. Picture: Joel Carrett

“It was inspired by plastic pollution and the damage we are doing to our planet. I performed with a plastic globe and plastic bags to get that message across.

“It is something I feel very strongly about and I think that came across for the judges.

“My performance ended with me freeing the world from a plastic bag to the sound of seagulls.”

As well as marking her on the message the judges were scoring her on technique and skill on the pole.

“It does get more difficult as you get older,” she said. “For example you can’t push certain parts of flexibility as far. But I don’t see age as a barrier. The great thing about pole is that you can achieve anything if you work hard enough.”

She said the sport does not discriminate by age or sex. Picture: Joel Carrett

Ms Ryff is a relative newcomer to the sport, having only taken to the pole eight years ago.

“It is something I feel really passionate about,” she said. “It is such a good way to get and stay fit and it’s empowering.

“I’ve seen it change a lot even in the years I have been involved. It used to have a real stigma but now it’s seen as a sport. I would encourage everyone to give it a go.”

For more details visit achievepolestudio.com.au.

Ms Ryff’s routine aimed to highlight the problem of plastic pollution. Picture: Joel Carrett