depressed, struggling and BLEHHH

rubberstarlet started this discussion · 6/9/2009

Dam guys, with work, school and a full time boyfriend I haven't had time to practice. lately the weathers been cold/rainy so I put the pole up! man its been a month since my last spin. I lost all strength and knowledge O_o feels like I'm starting over every time. I dont think i'll be an awesome poler, but i want my spins to be faster, and stronger arms. Plus i have sweaty ass hands! haha i feel i look so bad i cant even post a vid up yet! Hmmm maybe I should record myself and see. Any tips? or info how long it took you to progress...or gain confidence thank you

7 replies

nikki_christie · 6/9/2009
Hey you sound just like me!! I have exams next week, and for the last couple of months have not been able to pole at all almost! But I do find that if you get into the right mood, change into poling clothes, give the pole a good wipe down with lots of alcohol, put on some loud music and just have a good poling session you quickly realise that things aren't going as bad as they seem. Sometimes you can only get things like moves or spins when you are in the right frame of mind, and that requires that you signal to youself that it is POLETIME and POLETIME ONLY when you do get a moment to practice! Progress is weird, it goes in spurts and then laaaaaaaags for ages! If you feel like you are not getting anything new just focus on perfecting a few old things. Don't get hung up on moves, it just frustrates you. For me, I learnt to invert early on, but then it wasn't until I went for classes at the gym that I was able to actually do anything once upside down. I also think it makes a difference if you have somebody there to physically show you the moves or not. I find that it takes me waaaay longer to learn moves on my own than when somebody shows me how to do it. And something I often seem to forget - its not a race - the pole will still be there when I get that surge of inspiration, its for enjoyment not another thing to add stress to my life. And definately film yourself, you will probably be plesantly surprised, and it will give you a really good indication on what you might be doing wrong with some moves! Hope that helps!! xo Nikki
rubberstarlet · 6/9/2009
haha aww thank you! xoxox hmm I'll take your advice on "pole time only" when i practice my guys screaming on vent playing warcraft... and the tvs on and all i hear is family guy or other cartoon on adult swim. no music! i have noticed my mood change from a class from home...i'll wait on being upside down. Once I'm up there i lose grip and slide down haha.
Caramel_Dlite · 6/9/2009
❗ Rubberstarlet post a video please!!!! ❗ Personally I hate making videos of myself as well (I've only got one so far) because I feel awkward watching myself, it's like an out of body experience. Is that how you feel as well? But if you're worried about negativity, you only need to read all the comments on everyone elses' videos to know that at SV you'll only get feedback and support from all the lovely members. Everyone loves seeing new dancers and watching others grow as a dancer. You seem to have a spunky personality which I'm sure would come through in your video. Definately put music on that you absolutely love and block out those damn warcraft noises! And stop doubting yourself, that's probably part of the reason you're struggling. Think of the moves you're good at and perfect that, and then test yourself by learning something new. I think you'll be surpised at how much stronger you really think you are. I'll be looking out for a new video of you soon 🫡
Kari828 · 6/9/2009
I totally agree with Carmel! Post a vid! i was AWFUL (and still am haha) when i fist posted vids, but thats what helped me the most. You get great feedback and suggestions which really help motivate you and show you what you're doing wrong. Post a vid! it will really be helpful i think! don't be so hard on yourself, everyone has to start somewhere! xoxo
cbr600girl · 6/9/2009
Dam guys, with work, school and a full time boyfriend I haven't had time to practice. lately the weathers been cold/rainy so I put the pole up! man its been a month since my last spin. I lost all strength and knowledge O_o feels like I'm starting over every time. I dont think i'll be an awesome poler, but i want my spins to be faster, and stronger arms. Plus i have sweaty ass hands! haha i feel i look so bad i cant even post a vid up yet! Hmmm maybe I should record myself and see. Any tips? or info how long it took you to progress...or gain confidence thank you Doesn't the weather in So Cal suck? What is up with this June Gloom? It's been non-stop cloudy and rainy for like a week and a half! I did some poling last night and had no grip at all! Usually I have too much grip! I can finally invert and can do an inverted crucifix once in awhile. I am trying to do the catterpilar, but I can't get myself coordinated. I am having so much trouble with the falling angel knee hold. It hurts my calf so much. The only time I can do that move really good is when I have my vinyl knee high boots on and then they slide down too! Uggg. I feel I am learning sooooo slowly! You should definately post a video. I posted some and got some really great advice and cirtique that has really helped me. I will be posting another one soon of my struggles to do inverted crucifix and the other moves. Hang in there and keep practicing.
benicebehappy · 6/12/2009
Yay someone else who plays WoW! I cant really give advice as my pole skills suck ass, but I do find the longer I stay off it the harder everything becomes in a short space of time. You should post a vid, i bet its not even half as bad as what you think 🙂 And at least that way the more experienced ladies here will be able to give advice easier 🙂
Rouge_LAmour · 6/12/2009
believe me, everyone goes through this stage. and it will return. The best thing is to accept it as part of poling and focus on another part for a while. If you can't get good pole time, move the pole - or the WoW player. (BTW, have you seen the Guild?? http://www.watchtheguild.com things will make sense to you) It's not just strength, it's also muscle memory and we all know how easy it is to forget something if we haven't done it for a while. Don't worry, it will all get much better!! Cold and rainy makes poles less sticky too.