[Charley]

I started on static pole because my pole didn’t have spin mode way back then. I am not the best spin pole dancer to be honest, I love for upright moves and floating moves but I heavily dislike doing advanced holds at the moment on it.

I think the key with spin is start slow, don’t push so hard, you don’t have to gain momentum on a spin pole. I would literally sit at the bottom of my pole and do slow spins, then fast, then a little faster. It’s good to come downa lot when in the early stages of spin mode, do a spin, come down, do some floorwork, get back up do another spin, come down, transitions, another spin…until over time you are comfortable to withthe spinning.

Also remember that extending out slows the pole, pulling in makes it faster.

One thing static dancers do on spin and I just learned this – is we try to go into moves too fast because on static you hold for few second and go into something else, on spin you really should hold poses longer so everyone can see your pose, this also gives you more time to get into a new pose. Does that help at all? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif

[Charley]

I gave some more thought to lifts as I am also working on them as we speak…I feel like you also need a very, I mean very strong back to these. I can so a sort of lift but it’s no where as effortless as Sarah’s. It’s also repetetive motion and muscle memory. I can feel myself get into a flag position and not able to take that deep inhale and continue pushing through – my body gets confused as to what I want it to do.

A good exercise for this is to do a sloooooow come down, work on iron X – work on going back up out of an iron X.

Another key point that Karol pointed out to me was posture – belly button to the sky.

[Charley]

Hi Roamey – I would love to travel to other studios! I am totally open to teaching in new places.

Now as far as building strength – I don’t do anything besides pole. I do want to explain though. My current workout schedule is 5-6 days a week. I have heavy days and light days. I always do a cardio warm up, followed by light stretching, followed by 20 minutes of basic dancing around the pole, using transitions, floorwork and basic spins. I work drills on both sides of my body, I work spinny pole drills as well.

So even though I am only doing pole work – I have found a way to make it just as good as if I were doing pole in addition to work outs. I often practice wearing ankle weights too and always stretch for atleast 20 minutes after.

You mentioned Sarah Cretul – do you mean her TG lift? I cannot do it yet I think having strong obliques specifially is key but also strong shoulders and shoulder flexibility. I am currently working my shoulder strength to get this,

[Charley]

My instructor charges monthly … I assume that is normal. If we miss a class we have a chance to attend another but if we don’t she still gets paid. dunno how much

When you pay is it non refundable?

We do not ever refund money and we make sure every student knows this ahead of time, students who have to miss a class are encouraged to join an open class or come to an open pole to practice. This way since I am paid on head count I still get paid for my time.

[Charley]

Welcome to the forum! Pole Dancing is a great way to lose weight and build strength.

You might consider doing the lessons here in addition to studio lessons – Veena has a lot of basic movement and strength building lessons that you should do before spins.

Another product I like for beginners is the S Factor book, it’s very floor work based – there are some advanced pole moves but much of the wall work can be done on a pole.

Congrats on your new journey and addiction. Warning the forum is as addictive as poling itself!!!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Charley]

Posted some feedback on your video! You are a very good dancer https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Charley]

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif I have only waxed once – never again!!!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif

To spot this: have your spotter help lift you up, you’ll begin in eros – use the inside arm to give your self a push – have your spotter at your back, holding underneath and have them take you all the way into an upright position.

It’s not so bad once you get used to it. I have to be sure to do it a lot so I don’t get scared of it – I’m a fraidy cat https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Charley]

I love this move – I stil count to 3 before I do it.

I haven’t fallen out of it – it doesn’t mean you can’t but if you push straight up into it – it’s not so bad. My first attempt was spotted and if you can you should have a spotter for this or go to an open pole somewhere and ask for a spot.

[Charley]

YAY! Shopping time! Remember the venue requires us to wear a booty short and a full top, they won’t let us wear swimwear https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif

Full top = sports bra or other non bikini top – no triangle tops

http://www.metrodetroitpoleshowcase.webs.com

[Charley]

I pole is swim wear all the time. Be careful of the jewelry though – if it dangles it might not last long, or scratch your pole.

IS this for the showcase?

[Charley]

oops didn’t mean to come off that passionate or intense, haha. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif

But hopefully Veena’s performance gives you an idea of what to do. I thought she was brilliant and I wished I’d have thought of it.

[Charley]

Congrats on getting a new pole!

Mine is on carpet and never had a problem – you should check it periodically- especially before spinny activity – because the carpet will depress some.

I have the star pole and it’s great because you can put it up anywhere but it’s also $600 – half the price of an X. If you don’t NEED a stage pole I wouldn’t spend the money on a stage.

[Charley]

I would draw a four foot circle around the pole to mimick slightly the room you will have for landings.

X-stages spin very smoothly and can take a lot without tipping. You should ask about weights though because I have seen Karol tip a stage up a bit – granted it was the fastest allegra I have ever seen, but none the less – get all the information. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

Good luck with your comp – which comp is it?

[Charley]

The lyrics are just too vulgar for a public forum. I am so sorry but we need to use radio edits only. It’s not my call but the venue’s call. Last time they decided not to promote the event for worries about the city shutting it down, after they saw the event and the dancers they are very excited to have us back and to promote us.

I get it – not everyone understands what we do and how we do it and what we wear. It was a good experience and opportunity to introduce pole dancing as an art to people who would not usually see it that way.

As a matter of fact there were 2 guys who came out and told me they were there to see girls, because it’s cheaper than a strip club – they left with their jaws dragging the ground – they came up to me later and said how much strength and grace we all have and how beautiful the show was and how different it was from what they thought they would see. They left appreciating the art of pole and I was so happy for that.

[Charley]

Hey PB – here is Veena from July at the same venue we will be at. She also started with floor work onthe stage behind the poles. It was so pretty. This is the exact same set up we will have. Ignore all my screams lol!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIgSA2KKTJ4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Charley]

I’m a poor pole instructor and an over the counter make up buyer….are there over the counter brands that are highly recommended besides the Loreal HIP stuff?

[Charley]

In my mind it’s more like a twisted plank. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

Here’s the names for it from wikipole – all the names its known by
Advanced Layback

Love Heart Legs Plank

Reverse Attitude Layout

[Charley]

Wikipole just added a picture gallery so you can browse by image and see the name if that helps. the VD gallery was my first list of moves too and it’s pretty thorough.

[Charley]

I believe http://www.wikipole.org calls this the lady garden or advanced plank/layback and Felix also does a version that is called something with hearts.

For me I try to turn my torso sideways so I can bend my lower shoulder back. I do this with the same grip as an advanced plank which is thumbs facing down. I thought the hardest part of this move was getting my upper body in the right position – it requires a bit (not a ton) of back flexibility. Hope that helps https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

I adore this move – it’s so pretty.

[Charley]

Is the make up forever stuff expensive?

[Charley]

I’m not gonna lie – this one scary move. I can do it but I always have to hold my breath and close my eyes! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Charley]

Hi Karen! i miss our lessons too!!!! It was so much fun to work with you because you could do so much!!! I’ll see you soon at the WPS jam. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Charley]

Well….a lot of competitions use 45’s but most bars willk have 50’s. So…I say start with 50 unless you have really small hands.

[Charley]

yup thats the bumslide…as far as advice – I’m not much help as I find the burn incredibly painful so I have a cheater version that isn’t nearly as nice.

[Charley]

I haven’t checked the link yet but a friend of a friend went to BM and she said there were tons of poles everywhere! She even had pole burn from trying them! YAY! lol she had "pole burning, man!" hahahahaha