TEMPERATURES really shot up at Saigon Bar in One Bangsar last Saturday as tantalising pole-dancing moves were the order of the night - all with a view of raising funds for the Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Over 150 guests were drawn to the Exotic Pole and Fit Pole Dancing finals, that kept everyone entertained
for about four hours.

With appearances by Malaysia's own health and fitness celebrity Kevin Zahri as well as director of Talent Hub and Latin dance instructor Fiona-Jane Gomez, the top six finalists tried their best to impress the judges with a three-minute selfchoreographed solo routine.

One of the most entertaining performances was by Wee Hooi Shee who eventually emerged as the champion in the fit pole section.

Wee, who won RM2,000 in cash and another RM3,000 worth of prizes said: "I was surprised to win since most of the routines were very good.

"Coming from Kuala Terengganu, I have a background in traditional-Chinese- Malay-ballet dancing during my primary and secondary school days. I practised for three to four weeks and have been learning pole dancing for three months before the contest." The second prize winner was Jon Ti Yi Hong, who has been studying pole dancing since July last year.

The Exotic Pole section's top prize went to Kerry Ann Khoo, a professional dancer who performed in Puteri Gunung Ledang. She said: "I have never attended any pole dancing class, so I had to learn the skills on my own. I  choreographed the routine myself and took two to three weeks."

Second place went to Monique Milan, who has been learning the dance since February.The highlight of the night was when competition judge Fiona-Jane Gomez stole the limelight with her basic but enthralling moves
on the pole.