AN OPEN day at a city pole dance studio was a great success with many people leaving the event with a better understanding of the sport.

The Art of Dance, based in Seaton Lane, just off Mutley Plain, opened its doors at the weekend, to shed light on the dedication, strength and effort needed to take part in pole dancing as a sport.

Some of the instructors showed off their skills by performing moves that amazed visitors.

"It was a success and what was nice was some of our students brought their mothers and daughters along to show what they do," said proprietor Sam Remmer. "And when they go home and say they pole dance, they do not get that negative reaction any more."

She added that the open day was organised as part of UK Pole Dance Day, a countrywide initiative aimed at educating people about the sport.