Pole dancing is a lot harder than people think, as you have no doubt just discovered. 😀 It takes time to get to the level you are trying to perform at. There is nothing wrong with you, you just have to start at the bottom and work up, just like any of sport or hobby. 👍
For example, can you imagine trying to play even a simple riff on a guitar without first learning about finger placement and what notes are where? It's just the same with pole. And although it can be tedious, you need to do the basic spins and holds first, before climbing or inverting. That is HOW you get your arm strength - by doing the beginner things. (Alternatively push ups, pull ups, bicep curls, shoulder press etc at the gym.)
The sticky feet (or grippy skin)? They come with time and practice. Being able to hold on upside down without sliding is a combination of muscle strength in your legs, and sticky skin grip.
My advice is you should master most of the following moves before you try climbing or inverting, as they will build your strength (thus your grip) and familiarity with the pole (also helps with grip):
- Front hook AKA butterfly spin
- Back hook AKA backwards tart
- Fireman AKA cross legged spin
- Lollipop AKA Knee grip fireman
- Sunwheel AKA snowflake
- Chair spin AKA seated lady
If you can do all that... CLIMBING TECHNIQUE:
- Put your leg against the pole with you shin running diagonal across the nearest face of the pole (to you), the inside of your knee on one side of the pole and your outside/top of your foot on the other side of the pole. (As you have seen in videos)
- Now PUSH your knee and foot in towards the pole. (So your knee pushes on direction, and your foot the other).
- Now grip the pole with your arms above your head, push off with your foot that is on the ground (just a little, don't want to jump), PULL with your arms and push down with that leg that's on the pole (keep the knee and foot pushing in towards the pole though 😉) aaand try to bring your torso in to the pole - all at once! 😎
Good luck!
