Chinese poles are vertical poles on which performers climb, slide down and hold poses. The poles are most often between 10 and 30 feet in height and 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
Some poles have a slightly larger pole that rotates around the static central pole using ball bearings. This rotating pole allows a performer to spin on the vertical axis, giving a performer the ability to incorporate rate of spin into a performance. Bringing the body closer into the pole causes the performer to spin faster. A few Chinese pole tricks have been incorporated with pole dancing techniques.
The poles are sometimes covered with rubber to improve grip. However, the rubber can cause friction burns on parts of the artists' bodies. Acrobats often wear multiple layers of clothing to prevent such burns and bruises.
The most famous trick is "the flag", where the artist hangs straight out at 90 degrees from the pole with his or her core and arm strength. This requires a very strong upper body. A few people are able to do pushups in this position, and even fewer can rotate the legs around in a circle. Requires enormous core strength.
