Slow progress frustration

AmySmithWildlifeArt4336 started this discussion · 12/23/2015

Hey guys just looking for some motivation Really..... Have been poling since may but only once a week maximum... Due to lack of transport. I own a pole but have to keep it at my boyfriends and only use it once a week so my typical routine is one instructed class and then the next week practicing on my own pole. I have a background in dance but never did pole till may... Anyhow the point is I feel a bit discouraged about how fast I'm improving. Feel like others who have been going for less time are improving way faster than me... Probably the most advanced moves I can do right now are: Jade (not flat yet though) Superman Iguana (bow and arrow and fang) Cupid Teddy Extended butterfly Inverted D Reverse grab spin And I am currently training Ayesha but can only occasionally hold for two secs at best. I have been soldiering on trying aerial inverts for months now but still only manage one occasionally. I still struggle with very controlled inverts (at the moment I swing my leg to get up, not jumping at all but certainly not fully controlled). Am I doing really rubbish for about 7 months in??! Amy

5 replies

AmySmithWildlifeArt4336 · 12/23/2015
P.s for pics/vids of my pole practice to see my level better search vertical_dance on Instagram
catmoves2718 · 12/23/2015
All of the moves you listed there are at least solid intermediate level moves, and I'd classify most of them as advanced. When I've taken "level" classes at various studios, these types of moves weren't introduced until at least a year into regular classes, and even then, a lot of the students struggled with them. What I'm trying to say is that your progress isn't slow, if anything I'd characterize it as remarkably fast, especially if you are only dancing once a week. I assume that you must have been in good shape when you started to be able to achieve this so quickly. That said, your progress will tend to be slower if you pole once a week or less. More consistent practice (but not over-training) will tend to result in faster progress. Like anything else, pole takes practice.
catmoves2718 · 12/23/2015
P.S. Veena wrote a really nice blog on a similar topic, you might find it helpful. https://www.studioveena.com/blogs/view/567b1881-5ac4-40b1-b25a-000aac110002
Girl On A Pole · 12/24/2015
Poling 18 months and only starting extended butterfly now. The EB is really a handspring which is most definitely an advanced trick. In my studio most of those moves are classed as higher intermediate or early advanced. And Ayesha is not something taught until advanced either.
Veena · 12/24/2015
Hi! Don't loose sight of why you started or enjoyed pole by getting caught up in feeling that you SHOULD reach a particular level by a certain point! Everyone progresses differently and there's no timeline for pole. I do agree that maybe reading the blog I just posted might help. Also, pole moves tend to be progressive in nature so make sure you've got a nice handle on the fundamentals before moving on to more challenging pole work. The lessons here are listed in a progressive order if you'd like a reference point 😊