butterfly

vamp79 started this discussion · 6/9/2011

I had never attempted this move until yesterday. I rarely make it to my weekly class due to mt work schedule so I've been practicing at home with veenas lessons instead. When I tried the basic butterfly I just did not feel secure getting my legs in position. It did not feel secure at all. How solid does my caterpillar need to be before I can try this move? I stll have some days when I can't hold the thighs parallel to floor/butt high position. Any tips?

11 replies

horsecrazy12987 · 6/9/2011
I actually usually go into from an inverted v, though I do do it from a caterpillar sometimes. Have you tried from that position? I just pull myself up into the v, hook my leg, and slide my hands down into split grip position. It takes a little practice, but I feel perfectly stable in this position. Are you working on split grips yet, or are you still just doing the forearm grip and holding yourself in close to the pole?
vamp79 · 6/9/2011
I haven't done any split grips while inverted. I was reading old threads and noticed that some find it easier from a gemini. Will have to try that tonight. I actually feel a little scares of letting the leg drop back
horsecrazy12987 · 6/9/2011
A gemini would probably be the easiest way to get into it; you can just hang there on your leg, then put your hands into the position you need. You will get it eventually; it just takes practice. The butterfly was my nemesis move for a long time. I finally left it alone for a while, came back to it after a long hiatus, and all of a sudden I could do it; it's one of my favorite moves now. It is definitely kind of scary at first, though.
vamp79 · 6/9/2011
Thank u so much for the advice. I will try from a gemini today. Hopefully it clicks. I feel like I'm strong enough to do it, just not brave enough.
poleprincess89 · 6/9/2011
I always thought the easiest way to do it is from an inverted crucifix. just flip upside down into an inverted crucifix that feels really secure. if you can hold on by just your legs, you will feel secure. then put your arms in the split grip position. alternate trying it with either hand on top and the other on bottom to find which position feels more comfortable. then when your arms are locked and holding your upper body away from the pole, keep holding on tight with your legs. slowly pull the leg that is behind the pole back. if you get scared, just bring it back to the pole. with practice, you'll be able to extend your butterfly further. if you want just the basic butterfly, bend both legs. this is easier because you get a tighter grip with the leg that's still on the pole. i guess the most important part is feeling safe up there. make sure you're really comfortable in inverted crucifix, can hold on with just your legs, and are holding on tight and locking your arms on the pole. hope that helps!
vamp79 · 6/9/2011
I will try from an inverted crucifix as well. Thanks! My inverted crucifix is very solid so that might be what I try first since my knee pit is sore right now.
amy · 6/9/2011
for the butterfly, whichever leg is dropping back, the same side arm should be lower on the pole. if you're going to switch hands, then you need to switch legs too. generally i think the butterfly feels more secure when you are laying your entire calf against the pole, and not just hooking at the knee.
poleprincess89 · 6/9/2011
thanks for pointing that out amy. i forgot to mention that about the bottom hand being the same side at the leg going back
vamp79 · 6/9/2011
I came home and tried it but nothing. My pole was slippery today though so I will try again when its more grippy. it did feel better from a basic invert though so at least I know that it will be easier than from a caterpillar. Thanks ladies! I will update when I try again.
poleprincess89 · 6/9/2011
do you have a chrome pole? because sometimes my pole gets slippery and it's chrome. it's either because it isn't warmed up or it's dirty. i clean mine with white vinegar. maybe try that if it's chrome. i find that the chrome poles are more slippery
horsecrazy12987 · 6/9/2011
Wait until your pole is nice and warmed up before trying it--I could do a butterfly in my sleep now, so I can usually manage for a few seconds at least even on a very slippery pole, but when I was first learning I could not put on enough liquid chalk. Like I said before, this move took me ages to learn, and basically scared the crap out of me for some reason. You'll get it eventually, it just might take a while.