[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!

[Baudelaire]

Two years ago i tore my hamstring in the same place as you describe. I went to regular physio for about 6 months who gave me movement exercises to help even out the scar tissue (foam rolling recommended) and strengthen the muscles around the tear. Although still not having made the gains back to where my hamstringa were before the injury, I’m grateful that a professional opinion gave me insight into what i was asking my body to do and how to prevent further injury. Slow and steady with flex training 🙂

[Baudelaire]

Tiggertail, if only!!

[Baudelaire]

If only you were in Australia! I have a 4.6 meter pole for sale that i kept when i moved out of my warehluse. It was custom madr by Pussycat Pole who do all the comp poles here in Aus. Extra reinforced and super spinny 🙂

[Baudelaire]

@veena Jamilla Deville put the split variation on her instagram – always gorgeous! 💜

[Baudelaire]

Ive always danced on brass. Only tried chrome a handful of times with mixed success and havent used stainless steel or titanium. I tend not to gwt too sweaty though, so havent had grip issues with brass – some girla i dance with have all sorts of concoctions of grip aids So it seems to depend on skin type too.

[Baudelaire]

I have two!! Pussycat poles are by far my favourite! Have never had any trouble and Leanne is amazing with customer service 🙂

In fact i still have one for sale if youre keen – 4.6m tall (can be cut), 45mm brass spinning with a stationary lock. Pm me if you need more details 🙂

[Baudelaire]

Poling in tight spaces can be a good thing! A few years ago i had a 4.6metre pole in a warehouse – space for days! Now i live in a regular house with only 2 and a bit metre ceilings and i kick the walls when i extend out to a ext butterfly. But the smaller space has taught me to be more controlled, straddle with a tighter tuck and my body awareness when doing big spins has grown remarkably. Its not all bad 🙂

[Baudelaire]

I tend to find the most grace when i slow down. Sometimes it feels like your hanging in a move for ages but when looking back at the recording i may have only done one revolution. Watching pros dance i also find they hold poses and really extend through their hands and toes, emphasising control which to me leads to grace.
Another tip i was told once was to try and make every movement and transition a pose in itself. If a photographer snapped ypu midway through a butterfly to inside leg hang what would they capture? It helps me remember to control and extend through thr transitions as well as the moves themselves

[Baudelaire]

symonesal, doesn’t seem to be an xpert training in Sydney any time soon 🙁
how did it compare to the Vertical Dance training?

[Baudelaire]

Scarlett Honey, did you end up taking a course? I’ve been looking around to see what options there are in Australia, and finding one that would give me flexibility, rather than just learning through a studio. I liked that you could couple the Vertical Dance courses together to get a discount but it’s a big commitment to online learning! Would love to know how you went 🙂

[Baudelaire]

Hello Capeleto!
I too find my niche is something slower and more expressive. The head rolls, booty shaking and hair flicks have their place but don’t always fit the songs I like and the way I dance.
I have found lots of inspiration in the Pole Art videos from Helsinki for making my own choreography in this style. You should check them out!

[Baudelaire]

Hello!

When I lived in my warehouse I had 4.6m ceilings (15 Feet?) the only option was a one piece pole secured to the floor and ceiling – a pressure mount at that height is too unstable. I would be very wary of putting extensions on extensions!

It had three bolts in the concrete floor and two in the beam on the roof. I was also worried about flex especially with brass but Pussycat Pole in Australia reenforce the pole with a central stem. It was a 45 and we had three people on it at one point, steady as a rock!

Now I live in a regular apartment so have a more normal sized pole, but the 4.6m “queen” is for sale if anyone is interested 🙂
*apologies for th blantant plug*

Always put safety first!

[Baudelaire]

I hurt my hamstring/hip 3-4 weeks ago and am only just starting to be able to go into deep lunges and touch my toes again. I went to see a physio and she checked out my range of motion and massaged the area before giving me site specific exercises to rebuild the muscle around the injury. You will need to take it very easy on that leg to not over extend it while its still healing. I’d try and see a physiotherapist if possible.

[Baudelaire]

http://m.gumtree.com.au/v?adId=1018474662

 

Sorry, previous link did not work.

 

Pole is 45mm brass, spinning with stationary lock. Currently 4.6m tall (used in a warehouse) but can easily be cut to new size and installed with simple handyman skills!

 

$800 ono

 

Cheers,

Mel

[Baudelaire]

Jamilla Deville Pole Studio in Sydney invites drop ins and casual classes. Practice time and classes are scheduled on their website 🙂

[Baudelaire]

Jamilla Deville Pole Studio in Sydney invites drop ins and casual classes. Practice time and classes are scheduled on their website 🙂

[Baudelaire]

My ceilings measured at 4.6 m (just over 15ft). I went with a Pussycat Pole. It’s bolted in both ends and reinforced through the centre. I couldn’t be happier with it! Everyone was worried it would flex but it’s as solid as the 3m 50s we use in class.

[Baudelaire]

Butterfly into pyramid looks fanstastic when controlled 🙂

[Baudelaire]

Butterfly into pyramid looks fanstastic when controlled 🙂

[Baudelaire]

Butterfly into pyramid looks fanstastic when controlled 🙂