A POLE dancing school is staging its first student showcase at 5pm in Walkabout Reading on Saturday July 16.

Reading Pole Arts is a small pole fitness studio that combines the artistry of pole dancing with the athleticism of yoga and gymnastics.

What began in 2014 as a means of correcting Reading's lack of affordable and accessible pole fitness classes has since become a thriving pole based community.

Brooke Hoyt, who runs Reading Pole Arts and has a background in cheerleading, said: “Our aim is to empower students through the medium of pole fitness and pole dancing.

“The show will exhibit a variety of different styles of pole dance including contemporary pole dance that mixes elements of ballet, theatrical routines, even comical ones and, of course, the classique, sexy style of pole dance.”

Tickets cost £7 in advance and £10 on the door. Go to www.readingpolearts.com for more information.