I need some help out there...

MimiMinx started this discussion · 8/13/2011

I've had my own pole for quite sometime now but haven't devoted much time to practice. I'm pretty much still a beginner. Pole dancing is something I would really like to become good at. But I need some help from some of you more experienced dancers.... What's the best way to start? Should I begin training in heels or trainers? Should I take lessons or learn on my own? Should I buy dvds? What other gear would be helpful? How often should I practice? What ways can I start as a beginner and gradually progress? Help get me on the right path ladies! :)

8 replies

Dancing Paws · 8/13/2011
If you have access to a class, I would definitely do those! If you want to practice at home, you can try practicing what you learned in class, or you can get Veena's lessons (which I recommend highly) to help you. Veena's lessons have way more than most DVDs have and are more affordable. Heels are depending on preference. I learned in heels, but when it came to practicing inverts, I found them to be a safety hazard. They are good for spins in that they add to the momentum and they add weight to your feet, so it helps strengthen your abs more. They also help with climbs. I usually practice at home in a tank top and shorts/ yoga pants and a sports bra. Some girls use grip aids like itac 2, dry hands, tite grip, etc. I gave up on them as they do not do much for me. I use mighty grip tack gloves and ankle protectors. Also, you should get a crash mat. I got the yoga direct one from amazon.com.
Dancing Paws · 8/13/2011
You can practice a few times a week. Always give your muscles a day of rest between pole days. Start out at the pace your body tells you is right. Everyone is different.
ellieRox · 8/13/2011
Hi mimi, welcome to the world of pole! :) you'll be addicted in no time. I started poling and usually still do in my bare feet. Although I can pole in heels i'm just more comfortable in my bare feet. Its your own preference although you mite want to play about in heels to get used to it and it does make you feel more confident! Always always warm up!!! You can do youself a right nasty injury if you don't. I began poling at home learning my watching youtube vids but really wish I hadv of found this site first as the lessons on here are fab! I kinda jumped a bit too far ahead and needa try relearn the basics where as here their all in order. Have you ever taken lessons or what inspired you to buy a pole? Hope this helps a bit!! :)
MimiMinx · 8/13/2011
To everyone, thank you so much! I first got interested when I learned how strong and skilled pole dancers really are. I love working out so I thought it would be great for me. I went to vegas and took an intro pole dancing class and it was fun and I actually caught on quicker than I thought. I watched more videos on it when I got home and ever since then I've been hooked. Living in Chicago, there are so many classes available but I want to make sure taking a class vs learning from home is really worth the money.
Veena · 8/13/2011
Hi welcome!!! The ladies have some great suggestions. I wanted to add that if your looking to learn at home I have the lessons here all organized in the order in which you should work on them. I start you off with strength building moves first. There are also conditioning, flexibility lessons and routines. Each section has a "getting started" lessons that explains how often you should perform the exercises and gives you other great tips. If you have questions on a lesson you can leave a comment right on that lessons and I'll get back to you with help. 🌸 As for shoes I always suggest working with bare feet first, then move on to doing things on the ball of the foot, then heels. Here is a sample of a lesson Pole sit https://www.studioveena.com/user_registrations/example_view/18f0621c-b91f-11df-856f-001b214581be Butterfly https://www.studioveena.com/user_registrations/example_view/4cd0054b-9630-42dd-9748-057f0ac37250 ❤️
Luna Marie · 8/13/2011
Hi and welcome! I take lessons at a studio because I'm not able to have my own home pole yet and I absolutely love it but I do still recommend Veenas lessons on here they are extremely affordable and well worth it. As far as heels go I started learning in bare feet and still prefer dancing bare foot :) Good luck and happy poling!
tarah · 8/14/2011
I highly recommend Veena's lessons!! going to a class is great for motivation, but I would say that you can learn alot more for your money with SV, since you have your own pole. also, I think you will find it easier to learn barefoot, and then try heels. and get used to walking in the heels first, if you're not already used to them, lol 😁
Kobajo84 · 8/15/2011
Hi Mimi and welcome to the SV community and the wonderful world of pole! Should I begin training in heels or trainers? When I teach, I like my beginner students to learn in either bare feet or using "foot undies" (http://www.amazon.com/Capezio-Womens-footUndeez-Lyrical-Modern/dp/B000TKHYYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313387495&sr=8-1) or dance paws (http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Paws-XS-Dark-Nude/dp/B003521CSY/ref=sr_1_1?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1313387535&sr=1-1) Avoid heels at first until you are comfortable in your dance moves then progress to a shoe with a short heel and work your way up to taller heels. Should I take lessons or learn on my own? Should I buy dvds? Learn from every avenue you can. The online lessons here are a good place to start. DVDs, watching Youtube pole videos, or taking a studio class are also great. You should explore every outlet possible for learning. There are so many resources out there. Take advantage of as many of them as you can. What other gear would be helpful? As you progress you will learn about your body and the issues you run into as you go along- sweaty hands & grip issues, bruising, need for increasing flexibility...etc...as you run into each of these issues, as many of us have along our journeys, you can search the topic here in the forum or online and you will find answers to your questions and tools that have worked for others that you too can try. How often should I practice? What ways can I start as a beginner and gradually progress? If you have the means to do so with your time, I'd recommend every other day on the pole practices. Make sure to have a rest day in between any strenuous activities to allow your muscles to recooperate. On your "off" pole days you can do some light stretching, floor work, or pole dance transitions that don't involve getting on the pole. Hope some of that helps! ❤️