While most of China’s senior citizens prefer Tai Chi or square dancing after retirement, a 74-year-old granny in southwest China’s Sichuan province spends her time pole-dancing.

Dai Dali first walked into a pole dancing classroom at the age of 65 and instantly fell in love with it. After years of practice, she is now able to pull off many intense moves such as hanging upside down from one leg, ballet in the air, and split moves.

China’s oldest pole dance competitor even won the Fifth China Pole Dance Championship.

Talking about her enthusiasm for pole dancing, Dai explains that her daughter encouraged her to try square dancing as a way to help with the pain of losing her husband 14 years ago. Not only did she master it, she had also found her gift in dancing and starting learning other styles too, such as Latin, Jazz, ethnic, and eventually pole dancing.

“I like pole dance because I enjoy the feeling of gyrating on air,” she said. Although some of her friends and family members have voiced concerns about her choice of hobby, Dai is determined to continue pole dancing, showing the world that age is just a number.

Bruises and pain haven’t stopped her from mastering difficult techniques. In order to practice more often, she even had a pole installed in her bedroom.

To showcase her skills and promote pole dancing, she frequently participates in talent shows. Videos of her showing off her impressive pole dance moves has gone viral on online and Dai has become an Internet sensation.

While some netizens applaud her, others think it’s inappropriate for someone her age to take up pole dancing, since some people are still uncomfortable with this kind of dance.

“It’s just a dance, it isn’t vulgar. My family members all support me. I want to prove that age doesn’t mean anything as long as you persist,” she concluded.