Dancers who use short poles

Onga01 started this discussion · 9/17/2013

Since moving away i now only have access to a short pole. its probably 30 to 40cm taller than i am. i can still do my usual inside/ouside hangs, supermans, laybacks, but i can only do 1 or 2 moves before having to come back down. I feel so restricted! so for all you veeners out there who use short poles. whats your favourite dance combos and tricks? can you link me vidoes and photos for ideas so i can learn something unique.

12 replies

Sierra Taye · 9/18/2013
I have a short-ish pole too.. I think it's 7' 8" or something like that. I don't really get to practice my climbs veyr much, which sucks. I'm interested to hear what you all have to say about this, I'd love to get some ideas as well!
scorpiotrickster · 9/18/2013
The ceilings in my house are only 7'2", and I'm 5'3",so I can barely climb 2 feet up on my pole. It is annoying, but also probably safer for me since I am somewhat of a daredevil and the low height gives me less distance to fall. I practice my climbs and high up stuff at my studio where I have a spotter and a crash mat.
korinne · 9/18/2013
I spent a few months working on a very short pole. I thought it was actually really helpful. It helped me 'tighten up' my transitions so I could stay on the pole longer without coming down. I also got much better at controlling my shoulder mounts and inverts, keeping everything very flat and direct because there wasn't much room to fix it if you make a mistake! It's also a great way to practice deathlays if you're afraid of heights! Yeah, having a short pole sucks for a lot of things but you can really think of it as a training experience!
paintilady · 9/19/2013
Korinne is right! If you have a shortish pole, spin pole will work better as you can climb, pose and practice maintaining a position, then invert into a leg hook, maybe slide down a little pull back up, and by keeping yourself on the pole, and not touching the floor much but you can concentrate holding poses on a spinning pole ..... building strength, and learning transitions in and out of moves while you are "stuck" on the pole. At least that's what I find feels better on a shortish pole. If that makes sense. Since climbing up and transitioning down a tall pole is not possible try maintaining poses in the middle of the pole, it's a whole different pole world! Hopefully you have spiny mode! :)
Cherry Bomb Jac · 9/20/2013
I used to have only a short pole as well and I did what I call the "short climb". Basically as you climb each time you reset your hands, allow your body to slide down the pole. You essentially keep re-climbing the same 3 feet but get the benefit of a continuous climb. Also starting things like shoulder mounts, spins etc from a laying position and lifting your body into the position is the same workout as lifting from stand.
Lady Glitter Sparkles · 9/21/2013
Before when my pole was in the house I had a little more climbing room, but now that its in the garage it seems I'm just able to get on the pole and I'm already at the ceiling. I ageree with working to stay on the pole longer & using spin more.
CapFeb · 9/21/2013
I'm 5'10" and my garage is only 8 1/2 feet tall. I struggled with this a lot more as a beginner, but I still sometimes kick my ceiling in aerial shoulder mounts and aerial inverts. My advice would be to get comfortable with your caterpillar climb and gemini climbs on both sides, if you do not also have the luxury of a spinning pole.
graceful weakling · 9/23/2013
I have small 4 pole studio my poles are 9'6" not very tall but as most of my business is beginners I like the height so I can spot them safely ! My home pole is 9'3, and I agree with all the comments on keeping things tight !! I had a gal come who was used to 14 foot poles and she flopped into many moves and became frustrated when her hangs slipped and she ended up to low to continue ! I don't slip much once I am set as I don't have 3 extra feet of pole :)
korinne · 9/23/2013
I consider 9'3 pretty tall! My home pole is 9' and I thought it was decently tall!
Aeryna · 9/24/2013
Im 5'10 and have just 8' ceilings lol i think drops etc would be more exciting if i had more room and i can wear heels but otherwise it isnt too bad. Super invert etc need to be practiced either by shoulder mounting from a seat or rolling into a shoulder dismount position closer to the ground. And learning holly drops was tough but i got stronger and eventually could do it withount being on the floor. Makes u more body aware which is great. Just dont climb a lot like every other person on this thread already said lol
IrishOrla · 9/24/2013
I feel your pain guys mine is also very low :( not good with measurements so all I can tell u is its low! All I want to do is get on my pole and climb and climb and climb but this is only possible in pole class!
VonnBpoling · 9/26/2013
I mostly climb and slide down and just keep going from there and pretend I have plenty of room lol