“THE vibe and energy of the pole-dancing studio is nothing like I have ever seen before” says Jenny Hayes, managing director of Trick Fitness in Mitchell.

“People come here to get fit and to have fun, most of them say: ‘I have always wanted to try it’.

“If you’ve had a bad day, as soon as you walk into the studio you instantly forget about it. Not only because you are concentrating on the exercise, but the support you feel in the studio benefits you both physically and mentally.”

The 31-year-old mum from Gungahlin opened the gym and pole-dancing studio, Trick Fitness, in 2010 with her husband Andrew and also organises and competes in Miss Pole Dance Australia ACT heats.

The competition, which will be held on Friday, June 12 in The Auditorium at the Vikings Club in Wanniassa, showcases the strength and dedication of aerial performers from across the ACT.

“Miss Pole Dance Australia ACT heats are all about the show, the girls go all out and spend thousands on costumes,” says Jenny.

“The routines last for three to five minutes and the judges look at the costumes as well as the technicality and execution of the tricks.

“They give more points to the girls if they do a hard trick, but also if they do a simple trick that is executed perfectly. The girls need to have the whole package.”

Miss Pole Dance Australia, the most prestigious pole dancing competition in the world, began in Sydney in 2005 and is held across Australia. This year will be Jenny’s fifth time competing and third time organising the ACT heats.

“I am definitely a trick star, not a performer,” she says. “My favourite trick is the ‘bird of paradise’ where you are at an angle on the pole with one leg above your head and you’re holding yourself up with your stomach and shoulder.

“If you win Miss Pole Dance Australia ACT heats you get lots of prizes, as well as a crown, trophy and sash. You then go on to compete in the national competition and then the world competition.

Jenny says the competition sponsor, Active Creatures, makes a lot of things that are good for the pole; for example, the short shorts are comfortable and perfect “as you need your skin to grip the pole”.

Pole-dancing instructor at Trick Fitness, Zoe Featonby, says that the support she receives from Jenny and the other dancers has helped her improve her flexibility despite having a spinal fusion at the age of 16.

The now 24-year-old, who also works as an occupational therapist, says: “After moving to Canberra in 2013 I didn’t know anyone so I decided to do pole dancing. It’s so fun, it gives you great strength, flexibility and it’s very challenging.”