[Baudelaire]

Just caught up on this thread. I’ve had a few falls in my time and set out to find the best way to train myself to fall safely. Like @dustbunny says, if you learn to control the fall safely, you will have the muscle memory and awareness for when it counts. I wrote about what I learned on my blog – https://melnutter.com/2016/04/04/what-happens-if-you-fall/
and have also talked about overcoming fears
https://melnutter.com/2016/02/28/turning-towards-fear/

So glad @LatinPoler that you are continuing to improve!!

[Baudelaire]

Hi @hannimator!

Thank you for your kind words 🙂 i have both ballet and contemporary dance classes to be of so much help for pole. I hope you find a class near you to try it out!

[Baudelaire]

I have some articles about floorwork and training away from the pole on my blog. Let me know if you find them helpful 🙂

https://melnutter.com/2016/06/03/floorwork-rising-up-to-the-challenge/

https://melnutter.com/2015/12/30/what-to-do-when-you-dont-have-a-pole/

https://melnutter.com/category/cross-training-series/

[Baudelaire]

I train at Sydney Pole in Camperdown, but also have a pole at home.
In Surry Hills your closest studio would be Studio Verve, and Sky Sirens which do pole and lyra. then Pole Dance Academy is in Redfern, and Bobbi’s in the CBD.
All have a different feel so you’d be able to find a class and instructor that you mesh well with.
Pretty exciting to moving country! Let me know if you have any more questions 🙂

[Baudelaire]

I’m in Sydney! Happy to show you around or introduce you at Sydney Pole 🙂 Do you have an idea of where you might be located?

[Baudelaire]

Thank you for the feedback @Poleisnewtome . It seems many people are finding it helpful 🙂

[Baudelaire]

@kulotsalot so sorry to hear you fell. Butts are a good landing point though! Be sure to try it again with a spotter 🙂

@sandykarasik1848 what a nasty fall! Lucky you came away with just a black eye. Thanks for sharing your story 🙂

[Baudelaire]

That looks sore Kelley 🙁 make sure you rest it until it heals!

[Baudelaire]

http://melnutter.com/2016/04/04/what-happens-if-you-fall/

Post is up! Would love some feedback, on here on in the comments section. From the discussions here and on other online forums it seems this is really something people want to learn about.

[Baudelaire]

After reading this discussion I got thinking about falling and safety while pole dancing. Turns out there is very little said on the topic, beyond grip aids, installing your pole correctly and “chin to chest” mantra.
I am currently putting the finishing touches on an article that will be out on my blog http://melnutter.com tomorrow. Collating ideas from martial artists, circus performers and the like, I can hopefully add to the knowledge of how to learn to fall safely. I feel that if we had this kind of training our confidence might not be blown so much when we do fall, and the chance of injury would be reduced.
I’ll post the link here to when it’s up 🙂

[Baudelaire]

I’ve been able to split grip handspring for over 6 months, but can only lower down into cup, elbow and forearm grip. I had to ask specifically to be taught twisted grip as in our studio it’s not the recommended technique. My instructor showed us a push out from inside leg hang and the transition from a cross ankle release into tg ayesha. I found these ok after working out how to get my shoulder around the pole. I’m glad i learned the other grips first though, a kind of confirmation that my shoulders and back are strong enough for tg to do it safely. Pretty sure I’ll never kick up into it though. The logic on that bewilders me!

[Baudelaire]

Hi Catsanctuary177663,
I fell from a windmill early last year and gave myself a concussion. It was in the studio, I had done the move a number of times, keeping my hands on as I moved my body around the pole. Then the instructor asked to “do it with more momentum” obviously it looks more impressive when the move is more dynamic.
I must have been a little too enthusiastic and next thing I knew I was on the floor, crumpled around the pole with a very sore head!
It’s only been recently that I’ve had the courage to try the move again. Thankfully I have a wonderfully understanding instructor who was able to spot me, and take the time to let me work through the fear.

I think falls can help us. I’m much more aware and focused on where the contact points need to be in certain moves, and asking for a spot is not something to be ashamed of. The more thoroughly you understand a move will only help you in the long run, even if it’s feels like your progress is slow at the moment. Your fear of getting into a move a certain way, may also inspire a new creative entrance or variation that helps you feel more secure!

I wrote about overcoming my fear on my blog (http://melnutter.com/2016/02/28/turning-towards-fear/). I’m sure there are many polers with similar stories.

Stick in there and give yourself time. Being kind to yourself and focusing on other strengths in the meantime will help you move on.

🙂

[Baudelaire]

I have found lots of pole dancers who atruggle with choreography, so i put it to my studio (Sydney Pole) and they are letting me run a choreography workshop over the Christmas break! If you’re in Sydney come along! I’m so excited to be able to give back to the pole community, and to share some of my choreography tips 🙂

[Baudelaire]

Depending on your skill level of course

Combo 1 –
Brass monkey to… climb above to a sit/layback/drop split ; double knee hang (one of my favourite poses at the moment) ; forearm grip/pistol grip straight edge or ayesha/static v ; jeniero

Combo 2 – is your gemini an inside or outside leg hang?
Inside leg hang – Dismount to floor with inside hand up, add back arch and slink down ; superman ; jamilla ; broken doll ; dragons tail ; if ypu have enough height you can drop into a ballerina
Outside leg hang – pike, jade, reverse meat hook ; superman ; cupid variations ; butterfly

The list could go on

Both moves are pretty versitile in terms of being able to transition to others. Keep in mind how the music flows though and if you want to stay up the pole or come down for floor work and / or spins. Its best to let the music guide you.

Best of luck! And dont forget to have fun while trying!

[Baudelaire]

It’s amazing what audiences love compared to tricks you think you’ve worked so hard on and then just go under the radar.
I always find a “look mum no hands” trick is a good crowd pleaser – hangbacks, cross ankle release and leg hangs. Make sure you hold your tricks for atleat 8 counts too. It gives you time to extend through the pose and especially if spinning gives the audience time to take in what you’re doing.
Best of luck!