The women, competing in the world pole fitness and sports championships in Romania's capital, Bucharest, face a challenge even before they climb onto the pole: persuading people that this is a tough sport that should be an event at the Olympic Games, and not an erotic number staged in men's clubs. (Photo: AP)
Olena Minina of Ukraine performs in the finals of the Pole Sport Fitness World Championship 2016 in Bucharest, Romania.
Contestants from 12 countries, including China, Russia, Britain, Italy and Romania took part in the women's final held at the Children's Palace in southern Bucharest.
Diana Romaniuc, 7 years-old, reacts upon seeing the shiny outfit of a belly dancer before competing.
Belly dancers warm up before performing an entertainment number.
The Alliance of Parents from Romania called the Romanian national finals, where youngsters compete, \"a step toward infantile prostitution,\" and more than 100 non-governmental groups signed a petition.
Denisa Maria Preda, 6 years-old, performs in the children category of the Romania Miss Pole Dance Contest.