The International Pole Championship (IPC) is a competition organised every second year by the International Pole Dance Fitness Association (IPDFA). It is the brainchild of renowned performer and instructor Ania/Anna Przeplasko (pronounced pshe plaz ko). It is the world's first international pole dance fitness championship where winners are credited solely for their dance skills, unique tricks, techniques, overall performance and showmanship. To enter into IPC Winners of National Championships are granted entry to the semi-final division of the 4 phase elimination process. Undiscovered talents can submit their video entry via the IPC website. Semi-finalists are chosen by panel of experienced International Judges, and announced online via social media platforms. Fans enter into an online voting system to choose their favourite semi-finalist who joins the world most proclaimed performers entered with the title of Pole Idol, together with a sponsorship to the Grand Finals. The Competition Competitors compete in two categories: Pole Fit and Pole Art. The competitor with the highest total score from both categories including deductions for mishaps wins the title of Ultimate Pole Champion. There are five divisions: men's, women's, doubles Masters and disabled. Pole Fit focuses on the technical aspect of the routine. Competitors in this category are given higher points for difficulty and execution of their unique tricks, performed on both spinning and static poles. Pole Art focuses on the artistic aspect of the routine. In this category, competitors are given higher points for the performance, theme interpretation originality and choreography of their pole dance routine. To receive the maximum number of points, performances have to be well executed with careful attention paid to the synchronisation of dance moves to the music. Movements have to be precise, clear and easy to recognise, and movements relevant to their discipline of greater difficulty and complexity will receive higher scores. Transitions between moves should be smooth and orderly. Individual confidence is recognised, with stress placed on energy, enthusiasm, and strong stage presence. Creative openings and endings to performances as well as theme and story also receive high scores. Choreography is judged on level of difficulty, use of relevant movements, transitions, and synchronisation with music. 2008 – Manila The first International Pole Dance Fitness Championship was held in Manila. Finalists for this competition were chosen solely via video entries. Ten finalists from nine different countries competed for the title. 2009 - Tokyo In 2009, responding to a demand by both