Brazilian writhes to win South American pole-dancing crown

Brazil's Rafaela Montenero, 24, has taken first place in South America's premier pole dancing competition, where women writhe on a pole in a mix of eroticism and acrobatics, organizers said Wednesday.

Montenero, from Sao Paulo, delivered her vertical best to take the regional prize late Tuesday, following a similar triumph to become Brazil's Miss Pole Dancer 2009.

In second place was an Argentine dance instructor, 29-year-old Maria Luz Escalante.

Both women travel to London in May to compete in the pole dancing world championships. (AFP)