Irmingard
Forum Replies Created
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Keep at it! I've been doing it four years.. Wasn't inverting for a year. Watching videos can be intimidating. Don't let it discourage you. Build at your own pace and you will watch your strength grow over time. You will get better. I promise!
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I've written a few articles for Vertical and all bias aside I will say based on quality, content and business practices they are the best in the industry. The grammatical errors and a variety of separate issues in other magazines are really just not up to par. Vertical is offering digital downloads in the new year and updating the site…. Also Jenyne is the current cover girl!
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Thanks, ladies! I was in some sort of inverted position. The weird thing is when it happens I don't really notice. It's only a few hours later when it hurts so not sure what set it off. It's already getting better but yes I will have to be more gentle going into those spins. Also test the speed of the pole as some tend to spin more than others….
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Your body and skin will get used to it. I remember when I first started when even climbing the pole hurt me. Different people have different sensitivies. Evenually you will learn to apply pressure in the right places and the bruising and burning will calm down if not disappear completely. I do find, however, time to time even simple moves will leave me sensitive if I'm havng an off day. A lot of the times it's just a mental probelm and if you find yourself getting lost in a song you won't even notice the pain!
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One of the nice things about pole dancing is that you get muscle tailored to your own body type since you are using your own body weight as resistance. You won't get bulky in one area unless you repeatedly use the same moves or only dance on one side. I think toned muscle mixed with curves and feminine "softness" is beautiful. Each body type is different though. And different things look good on different people.
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A lot of clubs or special events will hire pole dancers to perform. I suggest looking into this. Maybe linking up with someone in the nightlife industry such as a promoter or publicity firm that handles events like this. Get a professional reel or video together, headshots, resume… The more you present yourself as a professional performer the more you will be treated as such. I've performed in NYC and it is no easy task. It's a lot of self promotion, making connections…. But once you have a few connections and people become more familiar with you, the good news is, new referrals will come through! Good luck!
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I'm sorry to hear about those with unsupportive moms. My mom was a bit skeptical at first but she has always been my biggest fan. I showed her Youtube videos of the more classic style dancers and she was impressed. I now send her mine when I make them. I even signed her up for a class so she could see what it was all about! She was so proud and telling me all about how she got her fireman. But she was humbled too when she couldn't climb to the top of the pole!
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Men have the upper body strength for pole! Many varied forms of pole around the world (Mallakamb, Chinese pole) are actually male-dominated. I do admit it took me awhile to get used to it and many of the moves such as spins seem feminine. Check Duncan West out. He makes it sexy and masculine! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzUcwW2X72A
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Interesting points Charley. I agree about the rebranding. The thing is, I like the sexy elements of pole. It's healthy to express your sexuality in this way. And although pole isn't always sexual, it can be. I don't think it's possible to have one side have the sexy stuff allowed and then also have the public respect it as a serious form of fitness with absolutely no sexiness. Can we have our cake and eat it too? I don't know…
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I love the diversity of everyone's backgrounds. Goes to show all the naysayers how talented and intelligent we are as a community. There is no "pole dancer type."
I'm a concierge during the day, freelance publicist, singer/actor/dancer, pole instructor, writer
Whew! I also worked in journalism for several years.
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Many in the pole community may not agree with me on this… but while I don't think there's anything wrong with children pole dancing (there are poles on playgrounds) I don't think it's neccessary to fight for the right for them to do so. Pole doesn't have to always be sexual but it can be very sexual and it does have roots in exotic dance. I think it's difficult for the average person to separate the two. When most people hear about pole dancing they still think about strip clubs. That may take a long time to change and may never change. Pole dancing has gymnastic elements but it is not the same thing as gymnastics… Like I said, I'm not against it, it's just not something I would fight for.
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That's so funny, Charley! I thought I was the only one who thought of pole dancing to Ani DiFranco music! I love it because she's such a feminist and her music is so folksy. It doesn't make sense… But her music speaks to me and makes me want to MOVE!
Also remembered this one… Lover I Don't Have to Love by Bright Eyes.
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Here are some of my favorites. I tried to include more unconventional pole music.
Overlap- Ani DiFranco (live version)
Awake My Soul- Mumford & Sons
This Years Love- David Gray
Sweater Weather- The Neighborhood
Heavy in Your Arms- Florence + the Machine
Heart's a Mess- Goyte
Maybe- Janis Joplin
Anything by Radiohead
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What an interesting topic. I totally agree with the idea that bachelor parties have been sensationalized. It’s stupid. I don’t understand why if men are making a commitment for the rest of their lives they would be engaging in behavior that completely contradicts that. (Well I do understand but it isn’t right). Anyway, to your question… I used to work as a bartender for private events at a normal bar in the city. Men would hire strippers to come in and the things they would do were awful… It made me so sad to know these men were married or getting married. I lost hope in the reality that monogamy could exist. These strippers did things I doubt ever happen at monitored strip clubs. I’m sure many of these men told their wives or girlfriends they were just “going to a bar for the night.” Little did they know…. I’m not trying to scare you. I’m just pointing out that maybe the strip club isn’t such a bad thing. I think if you have trust with another person. You should be confident that they will be honest with you and act honorably. Are you absolutely sure you wouldn’t be ok with him going and not getting lap dances? Lets face it, men are a bit more sexually primal than we are.
His friends are going to rag on him no matter what if he doesn’t go, I think there’s no way around that. I don’t think that’s right I just dot think you can avoid that. If you absolutely are not ok with it, stand by that. Every relationship is different and you shouldn’t have to feel unnecessarily uncomfortable. I think if you and your husband decide he won’t go that he should be the one to tell the group and you stay out of it. This way it’s clear the decision is his.
Trust is a beautiful thing. Good luck to you!
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Chemgoddess is right. There are different ones for different levels and styles. You can message me if you have questions. I teach beginner pole series at Shockra!
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Oh and Prana of course! They missed her credit on there.
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Marlo, Mina, Nadia, Reiko, Michelle, Kyra, Autumn, Danielle & Crystal! I'm really hating the comments ignorant jerks are leaving on the video. Ugh.
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It took me a year to invert. Yes a year! I was on and off poling and during that time I built a strong foundation before I flipped upside down. Don't feel discouraged about those who can invert. You don't know their background or how long they have been dancing. Try working on perfecting your spins and climbs, this will build your strength. Also try crunches on the pole to work towards your goal of inverting. Never kick or jump into an invert because this could cause you to injure yourself. Ideally you want to lift up from a standing position only using your core and leg muscles as you tilt your upper body back. Part of the fun in the process is watching growth and development. Try tracking your progress. You will see how much stronger you get every week if you keep at it. Good luck!
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I got the medium since I was unsure and it's just a tad too big. I'm hoping it shrinks with washing. I would get the small if you usually wear a xs-s
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I've used the X Pole sport before. It's fairly easy to put together and pretty versatile as far as ceiling height since there are many options for removeable pieces. But with this, it is also not a seamless pole. Whatever pole you get make sure to install it under a beam and use a level!!
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This is an interesting discussion. Obviously it's important to a lot of people or it wouldn't have received such a strong reaction. It shouldn't polarize the community so much though.
I see both sides. I see the side of those that feel USPDF has been elusive in aspects. Why should it be forbidden to offer feedback or ask questions? Especially in cases where details have been hazy. I also see the side of the organization which has been one of the leading names in competitive pole dance for a reason. They offer women across the country an outlet to compete professionally and have given noticeable recognition to pole dancing. And as we have heard, it is not easy to create and run a competition. Do I think they are a perfectly run organization? No. Do I think there is some secretive reason behind the reason why? No. Do I think they should be open to feedback or questions as they are developing? Yes.
Those on both sides need to take a step back and realize we are not so different in the outcomes we seek. I'm sure everyone in here can agree they would welcome a safe and fair competition that would promote pole dancing in a positive way. That "ideal" competition will take work and some tweaking. We are a brand new industry. But let's not assume the other side is on a witch hunt to take us down or a conniving powerhouse. What we need is an open dialogue. I'm sure once either side opens up in a non-defensive way they will see the other side more receptive to discussion.
Maybe USPDF did not handle this competition or those past flawlessly. For example the deadline issue could have been more clearly expressed and when there was confusion should have been explained. This is still a hazy component in which an explanation is reasonable to ask for. I'm sure that issue won't happen next year though. I don't believe there were ill intentions behind the misinformation though. I really don't. And I think however messy it was in choosing the line-up, there will be some amazing dancers in this year's competition.
I hope USPDF remains receptive to constructive feedback for improving competitions and communication with the public in the future. I also hope those bringing up those questions remain respectful and empathetic.
Finally I will say this. We don't need to all agree to be peaceful. Opposite views are great! We need respect though. This respect has been broken on both sides here. Before we speak we should ALL be mindful of the power our words hold. Let's just try that way and see what happens. Then go from there.
