Discussions

Someone shared information about Rodney James offering burlesque and 'Cougar Dance' workshops in the US during August and September, coinciding with a pole competition. They asked studios interested in hosting to reach out.

A member started a thread to share weight loss and toning progress, hoping to find motivation and accountability with others. They encouraged posting pictures and workout details.

The author was looking for fun, low-cost cardio routines to do on non-pole days, as dance classes are currently unaffordable. They wanted something structured, rigorous, and motivating to help warm up for stretching.

Someone shared their positive experience with a Jillian Michaels workout DVD, specifically 'No More Trouble Zones', noting its intensity and effectiveness for building strength. They were very sore afterwards but plan to incorporate it into their routine.

Someone announced a June challenge themed around celebrating diversity, inspired by the World Cup and the international membership. They encouraged people to explore new music, costumes, and props.

Someone asked about a specific grip technique taught in a thigh rest lesson, noting discomfort when following the instructor’s advice to point fingers down the pole instead of wrapping them around. They were hoping to understand the reasoning behind the technique.

The author expressed frustration with a plateau in their pole journey, feeling a disconnect between their mind and body and being unable to learn new moves. They wondered if others experienced similar challenges.

The author is feeling discouraged about their progress in pole, having practiced for five months and primarily mastering spins. They are struggling with inverts and despite working on strength, aren’t seeing improvement.

The author pulled a muscle in their shoulder after being unexpectedly pulled by their dog. They are concerned about potential long-term issues and asked for suggestions on how to proceed.

A member shared an article about pole dancing at 50, noting how relatable it was during a difficult divorce and health challenges. They highlighted the author’s point that pole dancing benefits mental and physical wellbeing.

Someone is offering a pole dance instructional DVD set for sale, as they received it as a duplicate gift. They are open to offers on the set, which is brand new.

Someone is experiencing wrist and forearm pain while practicing planks, bridges, and handstands, and is concerned about potentially losing progress on a newly achieved handstand. They are looking for suggestions on how to alleviate the pain and prevent it from worsening.

A member proposed a pole jam in Tallahassee, Florida on July 24th, and asked if anyone was interested. They were open to hosting it at a home or studio, and contacted two local studio owners.

A member was selling Dryhands grip aid on an online auction site for a discounted price with free shipping. They shared the listing with the community.

The author, a pole instructor, shared feeling extremely fatigued, sore, and experiencing joint pain due to a demanding schedule of teaching and personal practice, especially after preparing for a competition. They wondered if this was normal or if they were simply 'whiny'.

The author, a long-time pole instructor from London, introduced themself to the community and shared their experience running a pole school and producing fitness DVDs. They were excited to connect with others.

The author asked about the difficulty and timeline for learning an elbow stand on the pole, and what exercises could help. They were specifically struggling with getting their feet off the ground.

Someone asked for advice about pole dancing during pregnancy, as their friend's doctor wasn't very informative, particularly regarding inversions. They wondered if certain moves, like the cradle, might be especially risky.

The author announced that Amber Richard will be teaching workshops at Aradia Fitness in Brampton on July 5th and 6th, including conditioning, flexibility, and pole choreography. They provided details on pricing, times, and how to register.

The author asked the community what kind of video content would be most appealing on a pole dancing studio's website, offering three stylistic options: hip hop/clubby, dramatic/stylized, or graceful/fluid. They were seeking advice for creating videos to attract new students.

A new member joined the forum and shared that they are excited to connect with others who enjoy pole dancing, especially given their background in gymnastics. They were happy to find the community.

Someone is asking about how much space is needed for a pole and whether their room is large enough. They are considering purchasing a pole and are concerned about safety.

Someone was looking to buy or temporarily rent the Art of Pole DVD series, offering to pay for shipping and a rental fee. They were hoping to find someone willing to part with their set.

A new member introduced herself, sharing that she recently purchased her first pole and is enjoying learning despite having no prior dance experience. She mentioned she's been recording her practices and plans to share videos for feedback.

The author is looking for affordable safety mat options for pole dancing on a tiled floor. They asked where to find mats that won't break the bank.