garynnnjb5232 started this discussion ·
I know alot of dancers get discouraged looking at other advanced/proffesional dancers because we think subconsciously think that you have always been adavanced/proffesional. tell us how and when you started, and your journey.
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I started approximately two years ago taking lessons at a local studio.One reason I started was because I had just got out of an emotionally abusive relationship and sought to do something empowering. Another reason was simply because I always admired how beautiful and fun it looked- I needed a way to get fit that was more than just hitting the gym or the treadmill. I am so NOT a gym rat- I get bored too quick! Plus I love dancing... !! The studio I attended was great, but unfortunately now I can't really afford ongoing classes. I purchased an x pole and I am now primarily a home learner and self teacher.
@emcain003143 what level are you at? And what did it take you to get there. Inverting, gracefulness etc.
I first took pole lessons in the Philippines back in 2013. A friend was really into it and sold me a Groupon for 8 wks of intro classes. Learned how to do some basic spins, pole sit/plank, and to climb. I was soooooo full of bruises everywhere! Then I moved to Rwanda, no lessons there! So stopped after 8 classes. Fast forward to Nov 2014, turns out someone had just started doing lessons here in Kenya! So I signed up again and have been going once a week for pole since then. Still very bruise-tastic, though I think I'm getting more used to it. I advanced fairly quickly due to 10 yrs of ballet training, leaving me with lots of body/movement awareness and flexibility even though I quit ballet when I was 18, ~10 yrs before I even started poling. I was also doing quite a bit of strength training which also helps tremendously! After about 4 months we were taught to invert I feel guilty when people ask me when I started and then look so defeated, saying "I'll never be that flexible, ever! No way can I do that in 6 months (or whatever)." It's an individual journey. I just happened to have a headstart. But sometimes I don't know if it's aspirational or demotivating to put me in a class with lower-level polers. One woman once said, "Oh, I'm so glad to see you struggle and fail for once. I thought you just did everything perfectly all the time!"
mystical ·
Kulosalot.. That lady that said that to you shouldn't of said it, that was so rude.. Just cause you were stronger and doing your best don't mean you don't struggle with pole work or freestyles etc.. So sorry to hear that.
I started my pole journey 18 months ago. I came from ballroom and latin. Also do a lot of yoga. Always hated gym. I used to watch a lot of pole stars and I remember one time I asked my husband: " Do you mind if I join a pole studio instead of gym?" He supported me on that. I moved fast due to being in a great shape but injured myself quiet quickly by overdoing and not having a proper instruction at the beginning. My injuries made me realize how important conditioning is and also seeking a proper instruction when learning. U-tube and star tricks are not reliable material for starters. So when I came to VS I realized this is the place to learn and share your progress. I stopped watching stars for a while. And please Don't take me wrong on this. Watching pole stars and big competitions was all very inspiring... at the beginning, but kind of faded for me. Now I just watch for technical part. What I really enjoy watching is "real people"... all talented beautiful ladies whoever post their creativity here. And that what I find very inspiring because as it reflective on my learning and practice also seems to be more achievable and doable after I watch someone do it here and work on my staff. Or if i see also choreo tastefully done it encourages to work and create mine own. Haven't posted any routine yet but it's coming... soon
I started june 2014. im IN LOVE with pole. I've got beginner, and MOST intermediate down. Im perfecting everything before i move on to advanced. I was in shape but the gym was booooring me. Im learning how to invert correctly right now, freestyle, and strength training hard.
@garynnnjb5232 I have most "intermediate" moves down (at least what i understand as being intermediate) and a few "advanced" moves down. Working on more advanced level things now. It took a lot of research. Since I don't have an instructor present anymore I have to read about moves, watch videos, and find very well broken down explanations (which can be hard!) or else I have a really difficult time learning new moves.Other than that, just lots of practice was needed. Right now I am particularly concerned with flexibility & conditioning as I move into some more advanced stuff.
@mystical - To be fair, the woman who said that has been my training partner for the past few months, though she is at a lower level than I (we are in a semi-private class together, where the teacher teaches us diff things and switches between the two of us). When she said it she was clearly joking around so I didn't take offense, but I'm sure there's a grain of truth in there somewhere. I can imagine it being frustrating trying to nail an invert on your 20th attempt and barely getting your toes to touch the pole, meanwhile always being in class w/ someone who is mostly doing/learning upside-down tricks. For my part, I've been working on the ayesha in class for probably 2 months now, and still can't get it to happen. Yes, I get frustrated, too, especially when I see the tutorial vids where everyone does it with such ease and control! But then I remember it's classified as "Advanced" here, and considering I only started poling regularly Nov of last year, I should probably chill the f out! :D Right now I'm also trying to learn more transitions and more dance parts so that I don't freeze when the music comes on. It's a lot of fun and makes me focus less on what I can't do!
mystical ·
Kulotsalot yes I can see both sides of the story.. I understand the frustration about trying to get a new trick and you know you can do it but you keep practicing and practicing and still don't have it but one you will nail that trick.. so many people focus on what they can't do instaed of what They can do but keep practicing you'll get it..
