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Studio classes or purely Veena?
As a new pole student I am interested how you all learn? Have any of you learned strictly through this website? How many of you go to classes as well? Any suggestions for this petite 45 year old? I am very strong but not very flexible! I just want to hear about your journey as I start mine!!
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30 Replies
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I started out in a studio and then switched to Veena's lessons around the intermediate advanced stage. If you are strong enough I think online only is fine. There are members here who started out online. I began in a studio and I was very weak so my instructor had to tailor the first lesson to my capabilities since I couldn't even do the standard lesson at first. I think also you should make sure to start a stretch routine even though I find that not being too flexible in the beginning isn't a big deal you'll want it down the line and for me it sucks to know I could've been flexible enough to do advance moves my body is now ready for if I had focused on it when I started.
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An important consideration is that Veena's lessons are focused around building strength first. We have a conditioning section and the beginner lessons forgo some of the typical spins in order to work through a progression of moves that will strengthen you and prepare you to be more successful with intermediate and advanced moves.
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I've done 6 lessons at a studio so far and will continue there, but I think I will get lessons here too. I like being able to do it at a studio cos it helps to have a teacher right there to correct you when you nuff something up and it's nice to have dedicated pole time with others girls. Plus our teacher is really good at breaking down the moves for beginners. First time we learn a spin she got us to just keep putting our leg up and down into the entry position so we got used to how it feels to make the correct contact. Then she got us to sit on the floor, around the pole in the position of the spin so we'd know what we're supposed to aim for. It was really good cos taking that first leap (literally) was a bit scary but she made it really fun 😀
Having said all that, I realise some people don't live near a studio or can't afford lessons and Veenas lessons sound like they are pretty cool. I'm looking forward to having hers so I can compare my teachers move and her moves and learn from both of them 😀
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Plus!! (sorry forgot this) Veena looks so graceful in her moves! It's so beautiful and I'm determined to nail that 'ballet' style grace that she seems to pull off so effortlessly, so I want to start copying her right from the start!! <3
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I am just starting out and i am going to get veena's lessons in about a week and I have no experience in dancing, gymnastics none of it. I am just going to be doing veena's lessons. I have been doing push ups and stretches to gain strength and flexibility for later. It will take me a little longer then others but i will get the strength and eventaully get the moves down. for me its purely veena
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I think if you can afford to go to a studio you should cause the teacher will be there to correct you. and you will learn the moves correctly
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I don't have any studio around so i learn only from Veena lesson but now that i'm more advanced i can learn with video from the girls. The lesson here are very well done and complete for strenght, flexibility and pole move. Of course sometime i wish i had someone with me for motivation or spoting me in more scary moves
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Veena's lessons are great for those of us w/o studio access, but if you have a studio, take in person lessons. It is so beneficial to have a live instructor to help you, correct you, etc. They are there to spot you in difficult moves. It's much safer to have that in person lesson,and you get feedback right away on what you need to fix. I miss having studio classes. Dancing with other women feels good to. You can supplement with Veena's lessons as well, while at home and practicing, so it's not necessarily and either/or situation.
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You should test out both studios in Portland to see what you like. Diva Dena has brass and SS stationary poles that can spin as well. Brassy's pole only spin except one, which is stationary, so everything you'll learn there spin-wise will be on a spinny pole. Personally, I think spins should be learned on a stationary pole first, then moved to spin mode. Like I said in my blog though, the diameters are different, as well as the finishes. Stainless is good for staionary pole spins cuz you can glide down the pole. Brass and powder coated can get kinda sticky and tweak your wrists. For tricks, either of the 3 finishes will work, but the thicker diameters will be easier to start (although the stickiness of the 38s as Brassy can help keep you on the pole, but you still need to squeeze more than the 45 and 50 withyour legs regardless.)
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There are good and bad studios, and anyone can open up a studio and call themselves a pole instructor. So, if you have access to a studio that has quality instruction that's always great! There are many studios around the world that suggest their students sign up for my lessons here in addition to taking studio classes. This allows students to continue pole training out of studio. There're also studios who have modeled their teaching after my methods (strength first, spins are NOT beginner moves). On Studioveena, you'll find quality instruction that's easy to follow! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif
I developed the Veena method and designed the lessons so an "at home" learning experience can absolutely have a great success rate! As far as feedback, you can always contact me, either on the lesson your having trouble with, by leaving a comment, or by sending me an email. Also I'll gladly meet you in the chat room to video cam with you and help you out! Sometimes members post videos to the site, asking myself and the members for trouble shooting advice. It's not like learning from a DVD, because you can get help if you need it. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif
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I'm taking both. I started out in a studio…the instructor kinda focus on "quantities" then "qualities" (you just don't teach invert on your 3 day of pole class just so you can get more students….) Then I did StudioVeena only which is great, you can focus on strength training or a certain move but you need to be more self aware as to whether you really "get it". Now I'm taking lessons on top of Veena which I think it's a great combo, because I can still practice/learn new moves when I'm at home but when I'm at my lesson, the instructor can spot me and "adjust" me so I"m doing it correctly (plus…I suck at "fluidity" so it's GREAT when a live person can show me some seexxxxy moves!! hehe…) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif
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Right now I am purely Veena, since there is no studio here in town. If they opened one up, I would be first in line to get a class. Hehehehe https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif
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I prefer studios b/c I'm more hands-on, but I still have Veena's lessons and check it out once in a while. I also agree with Veena, it depends on your local studio. Apparently mine happens to be Body & Pole, thee best/biggest studio with some of the best instructors you can ever ask for. If I didn't have that option and based it on NJ studios, I would prefer Veena's lessons, hands down.
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I agree with veena and others, a studio is great if it's a quality studio. Also, studios focus on different styles of pole, so depends on what your need/focus is. Because of my pole goals/focus, the studios closer to me don't meet my needs (as great as the studio may be) so I travel 2 1/2 hrs as often as I can to a studio that has variety and I can attend a class/workshop that meets my needs. I also have veena's lessons which have helped me tremendously.
Veena is open to chat, video chat, and providing tips when asked and has bailed me out of being stuck with a move a time or two 🙂
I do miss a studio environment because I do better in a group setting. This goes for pole, fitness programs, etc. But it's not always an option. You are young (compared to me LOL) and have accomplished more than I ever thought possible. I take it slow and realize there is a lot I may not accomplish, which is fine. Just enjoy the journey and have fun. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
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I attend a studio only at the moment but if I had a computer at home and an Internet connection I would have Veena’s lessons too as I have a pole at home and struggle to remember new moves properly after the studio lesson.
I recently trailed Veena’s lessons and I think they are totally worth the money. I pay £27.50 for 5 weeks of classes so the lessons would be a great way to supplement my learning at home. I wouldnt pole on my own though, I really think you need a spotter to correct you and help you. I will never invert alone as I live on my own I don’t want to risk falling, so the studio is a necessity for me.
I agree with others in that I enjoy poling with a group and watching others achieve and learn alongside me, it’s a great atmosphere.
I would always attend a class but I would love to have Veena’s lessons too x -
I love both going to the studio- and poling at home w Veena. I honestly dont think I would have progressed as fast if I didnt have a pole at home and also learn w Veena! You only have so much time in the studio. I find I learn form both situations and they are a great compliment to each other. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif
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Here are some forum topics you might be interested in reading too…https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif
https://www.studioveena.com/forums/view/Would_you_recommend_the_lessons_on_here_20110213043730
https://www.studioveena.com/forums/view/Studio_Veena_Lessons_2010-02-07_200231
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I currently only go to a studio and am waiting for some more cashflow to come in so I can add Veena's lessons to the mix. I really like the fact that she has exercises and stretches that I can make a workout of at home, and I recently bought a pole to practice on. With that being said, I LOVE my studio and will take classes there until I "graduate" from all of the levels. I am hoping to be able to teach in about 6 months, so the more help I get, the better.
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I started in a studio and then got SV lessons after I felt I wasn't progressing much. I have made huge strides since starting her lessons…some things I def. had to start from scratch because I was taught incorrectly at the studio. One of my fav. things about the lessons is they focus on strength first. Once you have a bit of muscle to support the moves to come you will be SO much more successful. I always felt so discouraged at the studio cause I was relying on momentum in spins or kicking/hopping into holds. I love Veena's strength lessons and completely credit them for getting me my aerial invert and shouldermount. The lessons are a huge value for you–you get foam rolling, stretching, strength AND conditioning, and many many lessons on moves whenever you need them! You can't get that kind of conveinience or value for your $ in a studio.
Why I miss a studio–the commraderie, it help so much to have other people struggling through stuff with you and cheering on your successes. It is important to have a spotter for some adv. moves, and also someone to help point out helpful advice (this happens here with videos though).
Did you say if you have a pole at home? Once you have a home pole, if you can afford it I'd say do both, or maybe just do studio lessons a few times a month. Both are valuable, but as a beginner esp. I'd say start at home with Veena's lessons. Good luck!
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If you can afford both, then do both, as long as the studio you have access to uses safe teaching methods. Like Veena said earlier, anyone can just open a studio and call themselves a pole instructor.
The closest pole studio to me is a three hour drive (one way) which obviously is just not doable, so I use Veena's lessons. I would like to attend to a studio for the socialization factor, but honestly, Veena's lessons are the best I have seen so far out of any DVD or other online lessons available. I've taken other online lessons that were good, but still left me struggling with a few moves. However, once watching Veena's videos on those same moves, I usually was able to do them within just a few tries. She breaks everything down extremely well, and for the amount of information you get and how profesionally everything is presented, they are almost ridiculously cheap.
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I have been lucky enough to do both Veena’s lessons and also attend different studios. I’m currently at 3 different studios, but I’ve been to 6 all together, and all studios are definitely not created equal. I love Veena’s lessons because I can play them over and over again, and see what I’m missing. There are moves that I had been working on for a long time, but finally got them after watching Veena’s lessons. However, I also love the supportive, encouraging atmosphere at the studios. The energy in a class can be so different than just practicing alone. Also, if you don’t have your own pole, or if your space is small, going to a studio can be really great. I get something out of each studio whether in person, or here on this site. Maybe I’m just addicted!!
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As someone who does not pole at home (until my living arrangements change), I am deeply unhappy with studio learning. Although I feel that I have had quality instruction, I'm also painfully aware that I've already spent about $550 on lessons at one studio and have already committed to $200 in lessons and a $100 Karol Helms workshop at a new studio.
I realize for less than half of the money I have spent thus far on instruction, I could own my own pole and practice for free as often as I want. For all that money I've spent thus far, I've gotten an average 4 hours a MONTH of practice. My studio has stainless steel poles that don't spin, but at my snail's pace of classes, progress is so painfully slow I'd never even be ready to start learning spin. At this point I'd rather transition to self-guided practices with DVDs and Studio Veena, but open pole sessions run $15/hour at one local studio, is only scheduled once a week at that, and is often canceled.
Just something to think about. If you like burning cash, never feeling like you can get enough practice time, being watched by less advanced students, and being constrained to a limited diet of moves without the creativity to experiment and try cool moves you've seen and to free dance, going to a studio may be for you.
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As a studio owner/instructor, I ALWAYS suggest Veena lessons to my students in conjunction with live classes ~ Even if they don't have a pole at home.
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A good healthy mix of BOTH is great if you have the option to attend a local studio 🙂
Veena's lessons are fabulously broken down and are accessible across the globe. What's greater than that?? Veena (and Webmaster) are also fantastic about getting back to you if you have questions, concerns or just downright need help with something.
The SV community (as you can see here) is also a great group to be involved with. It seems like there is always someone willing to reach out whether your a newbie or have been around since the begining 😉 It's nice to have a group to celebrate your achievements with and get feedback from.
Which brings me to pole studios. I'm fortunate enough to attend classes @ Brass Vixens in Toronto. Fabulous instructors that think outside the box and keep things fresh whether you're basic/beg/int/adv.
I agree with the above statements, a quality instructor/studio is a blessing! Instructors / Students encourage eachother and also help you step outside of your comfort zone. 🙂 Some people just need a push and a classroom environment just might do the trick.
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I’m self taught through SV and YouTube. I LOVE the specific instruction Veena gives. I did buy a groupon for a studio near me….I’m not impressed with it, honestly, which sucks. After such great instruction by Veenas videos….it makes the instructor look pretty unprofessional, and more of a pole play hour. That’s not what I want( or expect to pay for),I can do that at home.
My neighbor does pole with me, she’s 43 and we have learned together at my house from the beginning, on YouTube then added SV. Good luck! You’ll love it. It’s my drug of choice and I’m addicted 🙂
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