It’s Ciara — no one else

SINGER-ACTRESS Ciara Sotto jests that the pole is her new favorite dance partner. She first tried competitive pole dancing in Las Vegas; in Manila, she started studying with Sfazhiva and Myla Tan and Lala Ilaw of Movement Dance Studio a year ago. Ciara won the celebrity edition of “Talentadong Pinoy” last November and will compete in the grand finals on March 13. She put the skill to good use again when she played Mimi in 9 Works Theatrical Production’s “Rent” recently. She recommends pole dancing as a fun way to keep fit. “It tones muscles, exercises the abs, develops strength and stamina.” Best of all, she said, “It works out the mind as well. It’s liberating. It’ll help shed inhibitions. Pole dancing is for powerful women. You don’t even need a partner!” Bayani San Diego Jr.