Videos on social media showed a dancer in hot pants performing her routine on the pole to loud music as children in marching band uniforms look on, stunned.

As a result of the bizarre decision, Lai Rong, principal of Xinshahui Kindergarten in Shenzhen, China, has lost her job.

Parents took to social media to vent their anger.

“Pole dancing at a school welcome ceremony? How can I trust my children with them? I’m going to pull my kid out and ask for a refund,” one parent posted on WeChat.

“Is the principal an idiot?” said another on Weibo.

Ms Rong later apologised for the “horrific viewing experience”.