Your best/favorite pole accomplishments in 2011

glitterhips started this discussion · 12/29/2011

This is piggybacking off of the blog I just wrote about my own pole accomplishments this year but I want to see everyone else's too! What were you most proud of this year in terms of pole? It can be anything from performing for the first time to getting your splits or that trick you worked on for ages and finally nailed three months later. Let's all share what we are proud of 🎅

36 replies

lucifairy · 12/29/2011
Inverted v :D after a year of struggling and failing epically I finally did it in November...not perfect but hey! It's there :)
JiggaLuv87 · 12/29/2011
Definitely when i got my scorpio and my FIRST aerial invert😀. It still looks sloppy especially since Im just getting back on the pole but I was SUPER proud despite the pinchy pole burn LOL. Next up, the dreaded TG Handspring💪
heathalynne · 12/29/2011
Aerial TG lift, aerial SM lift, and FULL splits on both sides. :DDDDDD 2012, give me a phoenix and center split, PLEASE! LOL!
Mary Ellyn · 12/29/2011
For me it was hosting the Midwest competition and getting so many wonderful people together for it! I'm also just thrilled that the year has ended with me finally being back on track after a shoulder injury in late 2010 that prohibited me from working out and stretching for most of the year and now I'm getting back in shape and will be ready to start working on new advanced moves again. Finally I've become at least a bit more comfortable performing in front of an audience which was my primary goal a year ago!
heathalynne · 12/29/2011
Besides tricks, most proud of "getting out there". Media wise, I'm in a lot this year. CBS Sunday Morning Show (USPDF/NYPD), Travel Bum: I Think I'm In Love: Episode 1 (Body & Pole), News 12 Get Fit Fridays (Go Diva), Exotic Curves Fitness's website (intro page and soon to be more), APFC's Best of the Red Carpet highlights, Rodney James' testimonials, Body & Pole's 1st place costume, Svedka Vodka's Hottest Bot, Shoeholics short film, NJ Monthly magazine. And I'm the Tite Grip CEO's right-hand lady. ;)
amy · 12/29/2011
hm. good question! i'ev been thinking about this a bit too, and i realized that most of what i worked on in 2011 was fluidity, flow, and extension... i don't have many specific tricks that I worked on, but two of the ones that made me proudest were the jamilla/apprentice/cradle to split grip ayesha levitation (taught by David Owen) and the aerial russian/oona split (i always thought i'd be too chicken to do that!). i really didn't ever think that i'd be strong enough for either of those, but they both clicked first try! another one that i'm proud of is the true grip handspring, although i'm still working on it on the other side and i'm not sure i'll ever be able to do an aerial deadlift 😈 in terms of everything else related to pole-- i can't bleieve i've kept up blogging every day for nearly a year!! that is a huge accomplishment for me, and i'm so happy with the great response that i've gotten on the blog. i feel so grateful that people actually want to read it! i'm really thankful to Bad Kitty, Vertical magazine, and Veena ❤️ for supporting me and letting me contribute to their blogs/publications. i'm learning so much every day that i teach... i'm still not always happy with the way i break things down, or how i run every class, but i'm getting better at it and i am still so excited to come in every day and try to communicate my love for pole to my students 🙂
LopsiJulie · 12/29/2011
I think I'm most proud of my two performances: one a competition (came second!) and one for circus. Both are posted on on SV. I think it's amazing to see that I can string some tricks together and make a story. It's also what I enjoy the most. My goal for next year is: splits (again :( ! ) and phoenix! I know they are tough, but I've always had the mentality of go big or go home. Sadly, I don't think I'll be performing this year as my ULTIMATE goal is to complete my phD. LOL! That means that my pole goals and dreams are not top priority. (I was debating entering the All Wales comp on March 31rst, but intermediates is full and I don't think I'm quite ready for advanced without lots of practice... which I don't have the time at the moment. I think I'm going to have to bow out.) xx
ShonaLancs · 12/29/2011
Starting pole is my best accomplishment! Best thing I have ever done ;-) Secondary to that is doing my level 2 exam, proud of myself for executing all my moves as best as I could and for keeping my nerve. Still awaiting my result - fingers crossed its a good one.
CeledaBcn · 12/29/2011
I'm with ShonaLancs, starting pole and discover that comunity that is StudioVeena.com xD Happy new Pole Year for all ❤️
NinaPoles · 12/29/2011
Starting pole dancing! I have wanted to for so long, and in July I finally signed up for my first class :) As for actuall tricks etc, I am most pleased with getting my regular climb after struggling for so long, then getting both my side climb and x ankle climb right away after that, as well as getting my cross knee release on my first try ever :)
HotelChick · 12/29/2011
I'm proud of everything I've accomplished since beginning pole dancing in March. Every big trick or tiny dance move is an accomplishment for me, as my goals when I started dancing were to increase my strength and move with grace. My journey is slower than some, but I'm proud that I've stuck with it so long and that I make time to dance each week despite my rediculous work schedule. And I know I will continue to dance because my pole goals are endless. Maybe sticking with it is my greatest accomplishment? My greatest joy, which I rank higher on any list, is the support and friendship of the community I've found in the studio and right here on SV. I haven't the words to express what you all mean to me, but, this community has changed me and impacted my life in immeasurable ways. Thank you :)
glitterhips · 12/29/2011
Wow all your responses are so inspiring girls!!! So awesome to see all the different ones :)
daisyheadmayzie · 12/29/2011
Plank or layout. Whatever you may call it. Completed 2 nights ago. Am now soaking in Epsom salts as I type. Aaa high sweet victory - you were worth it :)
TrixieLovett · 12/29/2011
FINALLY got that dang elbow grip Ayesha. I'm also sooooo unbelievably proud of several students who mastered their own nemesis moves. I think THOSE ladies are my biggest/best accomplishments. Proud mama!!
Lyme Lyte · 12/29/2011
Inverted "V". Not the best but can do it. I still have a few days to get the Extended Butterfly that I've been working on for six months now......if I get that, then THAT will be my biggest accomplishment. Happy New Year!
Juicy J · 12/29/2011
Thanks Glitterhips for starting this thread!!! 🙂 My proudest 2011 achievements are: 1. Being brave enough to switch pole studios to Bobbi's Pole Studio in Sydney City as I always knew it had high standards and was harder in some respects than other studios I have been to. 2. Performing in front of an audience including for my loved ones thanks for Bobbi's! 😀 Prior to this, I had NEVER performed for an audience! 😮 3. Nailing the Inverted V as well. It took me SOOOO LONG and even though it isn't perfect or polished as it should be, I'm slowly getting there and doing it better than I used to! 4. Getting lower in my splits - not a full split yet but getting there! Looking forward to learning more tricks in 2012 and perhaps taking up online lessons from Studio Veena! 😀
jade s · 12/29/2011
Glitterhips, thank you so much for posting this inspiring and postive forum : ) I didn't think about it at all until this post, but this made me stop and think about how much I've really grown this year. I've really tried to focus more on my dancing and musicality more than tricks, but I've gotten my invert and inverted V solid now without jumping into it, and can nail it every time. I got the x-ankle climb and spinning climb, my plank, and open V-plank, scorpio, gemini, inverted crucifix, x-knee release... Those are all things that I never in a million years thought I'd ever be able to do... but I still can't get that darn catepillar! Oh well, I guess that will have to be my goal for 2012!! I am really looking forward to a new year and seeing the continued progress of all the wonderful Veeners on this site!! Happy poling in 2012!!
FuzzyNavel · 12/30/2011
This is wonderful to read! For me I am most proud of the connections and friendships I've made this year with other polers and Veeners. I tend to be a bit introverted and not the most confident person, so I had to push myself a bit to overcome a fear of rejection I suppose. And now I am even poling with friends! :) Pole has broken down a lot of barriers for me and it has illuminated quite a few I feel drawn to try to overcome. As far as more tangible accomplishments--I got the shoulder mount and aerial invert! (in the same night and I cried...a bunch!) For 2012 I want to focus on becoming much more balanced and sure of myself. I really really do not want to care about what others think or worry that people joke about me behind my back....easier said then done, but its gotta happen!
sexygyrl · 12/30/2011
Poling is my best accomplishment. My first class was a disaster at best, but I went a second time anyway. I have started exploring other workouts too. I am proud of every single thing that I have learned because most of it wasn't easy or on the first try for me. I can't wait to see what 2012 holds. Happy New Year ❤️😀
nilla · 12/30/2011
Regaining my pole strength after having my baby was my biggest accomplishment. It seemed much harder the second time around but I've now surpassed the level I was at when I had to stop inverting because of pregnancy. Congrats on everyone elses accomplishments as well!
Krista Bocko · 12/30/2011
I have had a REALLY interesting year, to say the least. A little background: I have been an at-home poler for years, since 2007. I don't really count that entire time, because I had a baby in there (😀) and was off the pole for over a year due to that, and I started hooping pretty hardcore, and I've always found it difficult to balance the two (seems I'm always alternating between being heavy into one or the other). So...I host these hippie party things at my house--we make natural body care stuff and eat and drink wine etc...at one of them in the spring (April I think) , I had my hoop friend come demo her fantastic mini twins skillz. Then one of my friends there asked if I'd bring out the pole for a demo, most of my friends didn't even know I poled. So..I did. This was the first time I'd ever poled in front of a group (in jeans and boots, no less!) Soon after that I got a groupon for a local pole studio , which I hadn't known existed, and went there a couple times. I met kobajo there. :) She also told me about SV and I think also about another Pole studio that was going to open in July that's even closer to where I live.. I went at pole harder after that, started teaching small classes in my home studio for my friends that kept asking me to teach, and then I became a certified pole instructor last month. I will also be teaching at the pole studio that just opened up in July (the same studio kobajo teaches at). Soooo, I went from a closet at-home poler that had never taken a class or been in a studio, to becoming certified and teaching in a studio, all in the space of a few months. Crazy! I've also learned a bunch of moves this year, which has been amazing too. :)
minicoopergrl · 12/30/2011
Where do I even start??? This year has been amazing. Tricks: Finally getting the CAR and getting over that point of no return feeling. I still have to ease into it but that fear will disappear soon. Competition: Yeah I havent won yet and im ok with it. Ive gotten back on the pole horse and im gonna keep trying until I cant do it anymore. I was the most proud of my performances this year than before. The Battle: OMG what can I say. I had 4 studios compete, a huge audience and was able to raise $1000 for PCOS Challenge. Hard work does pay off! Team Lulu: all the press that ive gotten recently, its crazy. Im mostly proud of my sponsor - Platinum Stages for taking me under their wing. Im incredibly thankful for what they have given me and I know theres nothing but great things in store for me in 2012
Charley · 12/30/2011
TG aerial lift, The fonji, flatline to split grip aysha, the jade!!!! Personally, working with a choreographer, someone who could pull out my talent and emotions and teach me how to dance with my heart. Doing an incredibly raw and honest performance for the first time in my life and remembering my choreography and letting myself slip into the moment. Getting a standing ovation just for my dance for ME and creating something that people could feel. Getting 2nd place for that routine was awesome too, but the long emotional journey of tears and frustration that took me to that stage and the intestinal fortitude it took me to become a character - to become myself on stage was amazing!!!!
Laura KittyCat · 12/30/2011
Recovered from a broken finger (motorcycle related), jumped back on the pole and won my first competition in July, came in second at the final round (lost to a wonderfullu talented lady who performs burlesque professionally. And i started teaching basic pole at a new studio in the area TML fitness. Pretty good year, pole wise. I also did karol helms and becca bucher workshope, got all 3 variations of cartwheel/handspring mounts to straight edge :)
TiaMaria27 · 12/31/2011
For me it has been the entire pole journey, from getting the courage to start classes at the beginning of the year, to nailing my shoulder mount and elbow/split grip ayshas a few weeks ago! In the space of one year I have gone from not being able to hold myself up on the pole to gaining such confidence, strength, control and flexibility! The impact it has had on my self-image and respect for my body is amazing! The whole pole journey has been a great achievement for me (including finding SV along the way!) Bring on 2012!!!!🥂

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