'Ring around the rosies, pocketful of posies,” croons Korn frontman Jonathan Davies with his husky, childish voice.

The nu-metal band's nursery rhyme lyrics are what Tauranga pole dancer Libby Winehouse is dancing to tonight.

Libby Winehouse.

'It's a fairly alternative routine – it's to Korn,” Libby says with a laugh. 'So it's a bit more of an angry rock style rather than a lyrical dance-based routine.

'[There's] definitely sharper movements, a little bit more gymnastic based stuff. 'It's a different feel to what I've done before so it's been fun to train…a little painful.”

Libby is one of 17 pole dancers, from The Studio in Tauranga and Hamilton, performing in the New Zealand Amateur Pole Performer at The G2 Bar and Events Centre on Friday, April 22.

The Studio owner Joanna Burch says the girls have been fine-tuning their routines for a few weeks now and are eager to get on-stage.

This reporter bets it'll be a good show. We've met some of the girls before when Libby and fellow performer, who goes by the name Scarlett, kindly let us in to their world combining dance and acrobatics on a vertical pole.

They'd just won their first competition at the 2015 Pole Stars NZ competition in Nelson.

Balancing their sculpted bodies in precarious positions on the pole at The Studio in Mount Maunganui during a photoshoot with The Weekend Sun, Libby and Scarlett make every move look effortless.

They don't muck around, they're not bothered by the audience of a photographer and reporter – they're professionals.

This reporter catches herself staring. It's not being rude, it's by pure admiration. Their flexibility, strength and skill is impressive.

The NZ Amateur at The G2 Bar and Events Centre on April 22 showcases entries from beginner to professional pole dancers. Doors open 6.30pm, competition starts 7pm. Tickets are available from www.iticket.co.nz