[PoleDanceItaly]

In the video you posted (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYESpVLx1bc), the passage to go into it is correct, the bended arm is ok while the other arm usually is down and straight as you can see from the video of Marion who created this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D706osdFJVA min 2:09.

It doesn't need a lot of felxibility but for sure if your back is bendy is less painful. The most important thing is that your back should be attached on the pole and not too much distant.