FEELING DISCOURAGED

misslizzy217 started this discussion · 10/7/2009

HEY LADIES, I AM FEELING SO DISCOURAGED AT THIS POINT. I DONT HAVE ANYONE TO POLE WITH AND NO CLASSES HERE SO I AM SOLEY WATCHING VIDEOS AND TRYING TO TEACH MYSELF...... WHICH JUST ISNT WORKING. I CANNOT SEEM TO GET THE "HALF BRACKET" HOLD DOWN WHICH I WANT TO DO BECAUSE ALOT OF BEGINNER MOVES REQUIRE IT. CAN ANYONE SHED SOME LIGHT FOR ME BECAUSE I LOVE BEING ON MY POLE I JUST FEEL SO DOWN ON MYSELF...... THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR THE TIPS! YOU GIRLS AND GUYS ARE SO AWESOME! 🦇

6 replies

amcut · 10/7/2009
Mm! Have you tried veena's lessons?? They're particularly helpful. ...I always get confused with the names of holds, so someone come in and define half bracket, because I'm imagining flag hand position. If you're talkin' split grip, which I do know lots of beginner moves require, I'll let you know that it's not that beginner. It puts a lot of stress on the lower arm if your upper arm isn't taking the weight, which it will when you're superstrong!
DancingDani · 10/7/2009
I am in the same boat! I am awaiting my DVDs in the mail, and have tried some 'beginner' spins on the pole from youtube, but I am just not physically strong enough to hang off the pole and not look like a floppy fish. I think my problem is more upper body strength than anything, and I purchased a gym membership, but I have yet to go. Maybe this is your issue as well? I know that I read a post by instructors saying that some students who have little upper strength can get discouraged easily, and that working on strength can dramatically improve things. I also use the vertical dance forums for some pole info...maybe this will help? From VDF:What would you tell someone just starting to learn on their own? What tips do you wish to share? 1. You've made a large investment on an expensive piece of equipment - the pole. Spend a few extra bucks and get a couple of GOOD instructional DVDs. Research and find the ones that are best for teaching safety, form and function. 2. Don't rush. Learn a move or a few moves well before you move on to more. 3. There is a lot to learn about body mechanics and form. Proper body alignment and engaging the correct muscles protects you from injury as well as improve your strength and control of your spins and tricks. Make certain you learn what these are either through research or the use of good DVDs. (think of two kids in the yard trying to do cartwheels for the first time and think of a gymnast performing a cartwheel...there is a difference) 4. Don't rush through your moves. Finish them with grace and make them look pretty. Make an "exit" - dont just jump up to stadning then rush into something else. 5. Don't JUMP into your spins! 6. Don't look down at your feet all the time...look ahead or out to your "audience" pretend or real. 7. Don't compromise your posture! Head up, shoulders back, back straight, etc! 8. Progress at your pace...not anyone elses. 9. Don't invert without a crash mat or a spotter who knows what they are doing. I have also heard that traveling for a couple classes (private or otherwise) can be a really big help as a start off point, so, say you go to one class and learn as much as you can and ask questions and then go home and try it all with the DVDs, it may help you fix some of the basics and get a good base for the rest of your pole experience. Good luck!
FreeTheSun · 10/7/2009
Is this what you're talking about? Half bracket grip- Holding the pole with one hand over and one hand under so that both thumbs are pointing in the same direction. This is the more common grip for most spins and tricks as gravity and centrifugal force require that one arm pulls in toward the pole as the lower arm pushes the body out and away from the pole (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2146899/pole_dancing_vertical_fitness_101_the.html) What spins are you trying to do that use this hold? Cause I'm having a hard time seeing the hand positions so maybe if you could give examples of spins that use this hold, we can be more helpful. Don't be discouraged, pole is hard.
Veena · 10/7/2009
Pole dance can whip your body into fantastic shape, no doubt....but for those who do not have a background where strength was involved, you tend feel stuck a bit sooner than some with the more strength based moves. When that happens adding some weight training can be helpful...you can even do strength work with your pole ( I have a full body work out in the lessons ) It can also be that your not positioning your body right while trying the grip...If you only watching videos and not hearing any instruction, you could be missing a small but important body adjustment. 😀
misslizzy217 · 10/7/2009
ITS THE HOLD WHERE YOUR UPPER ARM IS HIGH AND YOUR LOWER ARM IS LOWER WITH THUMB DOWN I BELIEVE. LIKE A SIDEWAYS V. I THINK IM GONNA JUST GET THE LESSONS FROM VEENA! I NEED EM, I KNOW ITS ONLY 20 BUCKS FOR A MONTH BUT I FEEL GUILTY TAKIN THAT DUE TO THE ECONOMY AND I HAVE A FAMILY BUT I NEVER GET MYSELF ANYTHING SO WHEN I GET HOME IM GONNA GET EM! IM EXCITED NOW LOL! 👸
Trena · 10/7/2009
You're right to get Veena's lessons. She's a great instructor!!! 👍