5 Things: Yan Xui's Ways to Piss Off a Male Pole Dancer

By Emily Wetzki, July 21, 2014

A That's weekly series where we ask a Shanghai-based somebody to tell us 5 Things specific to their life. It's that simple. Yan Xui is a 20 years young Beijing-born athlete who first started pole dancing in 2008. He spoke to us while preparing for The 4th Chinese National Pole Dance Championship in Tianjin.

1. "What's wrong with boys dancing? Can't boys be dancers?..."

I would blame the stereotypes people have about pole dancing on their overly conservative thoughts. It takes ages for people to accept new things and new concepts because they have never seriously learned about this dance, despite it originating in China thousands of years ago.

2. "It's like me asking you why you like eating..."

I like pole dancing because I like dancing and challenges of course. It's like me asking you why do you like eating. It's because you're hungry and you wanna eat more, isn't it?

3. "Dancing on the pole requires power and friction, and only by wearing less can I maintain the pose on the pole..."

How about you wearing a cotton-padded jacket and dance for me? How am I supposed to keep balance on the pole if I don't wear less? Dancing on the pole requires power and friction, and only by wearing less can I maintain the pose on the pole and move consistently to show my power. One thing to remember - what I'm doing is dancing, and whether you watch through tainted glasses or not is up to you.

4. "I'm not a Hercules or a Popeye..."

Strength comes from hard practice, and I keep practicing everyday. I'm not a Hercules or a Popeye who keeps eating spinach.

5. "My parents and friends are proud of me no matter what, and I love what I'm doing..."

I'm not a bank robber nor an arsonist, I just love dancing. Through pole dancing I have learned to be consistent and patient, and I keep a good body figure through practice. It changed my bad temper and I grew to be a real man. I've got the perseverance to do something I like while at the same time I get to live a steady and happy life. My parents and friends are proud of me no matter what, and I love what I'm doing.

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