discouraged today

clobgobbler started this discussion · 7/22/2009

I'm frustrtated with my progress...I've been poling for 2 months or so and am thrilled when I learn a new move. I'm working on my gemini & butterfly & cross knee release. I've actually gotten the cross knee 3 times-not graceful by any means though... I am in awe & discouraged when I watch a video of someone who moves like they've always done this & they are as new as me. I realize everyone learns at their own pace & it's "what you put into it" but I've been busting my arse...I'm just so bruised and my forarm is strained..& I'm whining now... I guess I just need to hear that this is HARD for other newbies....

7 replies

tashatasha · 7/22/2009
I can only hope I can do what you can at two months. I recorded a video of me within my first hour of having my pole. It is HORRIBLE! I can't keep my arm straight. I pole burned my wrists. Ended up wrapping a pair of undies around it so I could keep going. :desperate!: 😂 After wearing panties on my wrist for a while I realized that I can cut a hole in a pair of baby socks and wear them as wrist guards until I go out and by some. My son is 18 months and he looks better playing on the pole than me! He actually kind of fights me for it. So cute.
kasanya · 7/22/2009
It is hard! But it seems to me if you're working on inverts like that after only 2 months of poling, then you're doing pretty darn good!!! I'm jealous, anyways. I've been at it for nearly 3 months now and all I've really managed to accomplish are the usual beginner spins and a rotator cuff injury. I would love to be as advanced as you! 🤓 🥂 🥂 🤓 Your anecdotes are too funny, tashatasha! 😂
babymaddy_2007 · 7/22/2009
Ive been poling for about 2 months also and I cant even get into an invert so you are way ahead of me!! lol Im still working on my spins!!!
Veena · 7/22/2009
Don't be discouraged. 🥂 Never compare your progress to other dancers!!!. There will always be someone who can do something better than you can. Think back on the first time you tried to pole dance? I bet your better now right? Judge your progress by your progress. 🌸 Don't be to upset about the injury. I am an advanced dancer and personal trainer and I some how hurt myself!! I always warm up and stretch and know about proper forum....I still have know idea what I did, soooo it can happen to anyone. 🤓
SissyBuns · 7/23/2009
I second Veena. I'm a beginner too (3 months in) and I am always in awe of people who have been poling as long or for a shorter time then me. Don't ever compare yourself to anyone. It' s a waste of time LOL. Just keep on dancing and as you improve be proud of what you can do! 👽 😁
miss fern · 7/23/2009
Hello! I totally understand how you're feeling. I teach beginner classes and the hardest thing is getting them to believe in themselves and keep at it! I was the crappiest pole dancer I have EVER seen when I started. It took me 3 months of going to lessons twice a week before I could climb the pole! And it took me a year before I could invert at all, and longer to invert with some kind of grace! As for looking sexy- - oh my gosh I cringe at my old videos; I was so awkward. Plus, I had top wipe down between every basic spin! But now I can do stuff I used to think was humanly impossible! 😛 Please try your best not to feel discouraged. *hugs* Although looking at fantastic talented girls' pics and vids can be inspiring - it's also worth looking at some clumsy beginner vids that are worse than yours, or to see your friends struggle with something you now find easy. Sounds a bit cruel but it IS an ego boost coz it reinforces how much you have achieved. Which brings me to the key point: Just look how far you've come already, and remember that every stage of poling is fun. It's not like you're having an awful time, but you have your eye on the big prize (being awesome one day). You're having fun TODAY! And it can only get better! xxx
kasanya · 7/23/2009
I actually go out of my way to watch beginner to intermediate dancers' videos... not because they're an ego boost, but because I find them instructional! They're a great source of ideas for combos and dance moves that are actually currently achievable for me. I even take notes of things I see that I want to try out. (Am I a geek or what?) 🤓 On that note, I was actually just thinking earlier today that it would be really handy if we could set an approximate skill level on our Members profiles (ie. Beginner - Spins and Transitions, Intermediate - Basic Inverts, etc etc) and then also add that as a search filter in the Video section.