[Jenn]

Thanks Fleur, it seems so much more simpler than it is! I am glad i am not the only one struggling with this one. i get into it from several moves… sometimes from basic invert, from SM, crucifix and sometimes from gemini/inverted pike. but i think my hand grip is always low no matter how i do it. i tried to loosen the grip between my legs to lower my body down, but i couldn’t seem to do it without sliding out of it. i guess its just a matter of practicing it until the my legs will cooperate w me!

[Jenn]

I put my pole up by myself all the time. Once you get used to it, it becomes much easier. I would recommend purchasing a magnetic leveler device too, to help you make sure the the pole is perfectly straight. I have found mine to be extremely helpful and a real time saver.

[Jenn]

Awesome! I am working on this move right now… I can get into it but can’t hold the grip for longer than a sec… I want to be able to do it and wave my legs like I’ve seen some dancers do. Good for you girl!!!! Nice work w the knee swing too!

[Jenn]

Woo hoo! Good for you! This move is my nemesis, because I can’t even bare the pain for a second to let go! I keep getting into position but chicken out before I can let go. Bravo to you girl! Hopefully one day, I’ll grow some balls and just go for it!

[Jenn]

just curious, what boots did you have before? are you looking for knee high boots? chunky heel or stilettos?

I would recommend this website, their prices are very reasonable compared to a lot of the other dancer websites.

These are the ones I have…http://www.snaz75.com/pl-slick-100.html. The heel is pretty chunky and allows you to wedge the pole in the crevice perfectly, which has helped me to practice a lot of moves. They fit me really well, but I’ve noticed some of my friends have had difficulty fitting them over the calf.

[Jenn]

Thanks for the very descriptive review! I am sure many prospective pole buyers will find this post extremely helpful. I also own an Xpole, and find it grippier than my friend’s PS pole, but I wish the Xpole converted to spin mode like PS does. That way I could change modes mid-song. With Xpole, you have to actually stop, get the allen wrench out and unscrew the those little bolts, where as PS, is so simple you could do it easily without anyone noticing. Oh well, maybe someday Xpole will upgrade their design.

[Jenn]

There is no such thing as "cheating" when it comes to practicing on static vs. a spinning pole, IMO. Both techniques present their own sets of challenges and skills. They are two completely different as far as I am concerned. I do think that practicing on one may complement the other. For example, you need more strength to hold a static pose when the pole is spinning, so that would translate to being able to hold poses longer on static. Practicing on static enhances grip control, which strengthens the grip in spinning mode.

Personally, I prefer static, because I first learned on static, and have not developed the skills and strength necessary to pole comfortably on spinning. I do play with it from time to time, but I can only do a few tricks and combos. Although, looking back, I wish I would’ve dedicated a little more time to practicing on spinning mode.

[Jenn]

Thanks for the suggestions, Lola! I will def be looking those up as I have never heard of some of them.
I usually go into it from a split heel and I can’t do the banana splits yet. Never thought of butterfly, so I’ll have to try that out.

[Jenn]

I also transitioned into the cresent moon (i think thats what you call it) for the first time too https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

Yipee.

Congratulations Jeng! I could do a CKR way before doing the CLR. I can do the CLR now, but I am afraid to try the crescent moon move. I fell out out of it once when trying, because I lost the grip between my thighs when I pushed up on from my arms after grabbing the pole behind me. Do you have any advice that could possibly help me with that one?

[Jenn]

When are you all planning another one? I wanna come next time!!

[Jenn]

I have a pair of chunky platform boots, which are awesome because i can wedge the pole between the heel and stay there all day! it really helped me learn the split heel and the kneeswing/cupid. I have a pair of spike heels too. I find that my dance style and song preference is a little different depending on which heels i am wearing. the spiked heels make me feel sexy and soft and the chunky heels make me feel like a hardcore rocker.

[Jenn]

i haven’t really noticed a difference between the two finishes in regards to spins, with the exception of the reverse grab. That one is more reliable on the TG. But if you are going to take classes, I would suggest you wait and sample the poles they have, then decide what you want. Do you know what kind of poles they use? One thing is certain, everyone is different. Some people have complained of too much grip when spinning while others complain of too little. I think it all boils down to personal preference.

[Jenn]

I own a TG and a chrome pole and I personally prefer the TG grip-wise. I had bought the chrome one first and had it for a year before I decided to get a TG. I have had the TG for about 3 months, and have already noticed a big improvement in my abilities.

I have also never heard of a silver titanium Xpole. I am curious about that as well.

[Jenn]

Good for you! That is awesome! I understand what you mean. Sometimes I get really frustrated w a move after practing and practicing it. And then when I stop worrying about it and give it a little break, the move will just click the next time I try it. I think, sometimes, it may be muscle memory catching on.

[Jenn]

I rub my butt a lot w my hands… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif wish I could stop that, but I never feel like my hands are dry enough!!

I never noticed your hands looking any specific way when you dance. But if you want something to do with them, here are some ideas, depending on the type of dance..
For sensual dance, play with your hair or touch your body a lil bit. Or like Veena said, incorporporate belly dance and do the snake arm thing. If its a faster song, you could always throw your arms up or backinto the "tada!" position when doing a trick. I’ve seen a lot of dancers do that in performances w lot of tricks. I think it’s to help summon applause from the audience.

But honestly, I think your arms look fine, really. If the movements are too deliberate, that could make the routine look too planned and then it won’t seem natural.

[Jenn]

Congrats on your progress!! That’s awesome! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Jenn]

mine had done that once after my boyfirend decided to swing on it real hard, and i was sure he broke it. i took it down and put back up and the thumping stopped. i think he just dislodged it slightly, causing it to be crooked. Try to take it down and re-erect it, see if that fixes the problem! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Jenn]

wow, love it! especially the moves catalogue that gives examples of moves to transition from each move you look up. very cool!

[Jenn]

most of the moves i’ve learned from watching others’ videos and asking for advice on the forums. my tip: use lots of couch cushions when you practice! also, make sure somome knows what you are doing in case you at home alone.

[Jenn]

You are echoing a thought i’ve had many times in the past! I understand completely where you are coming from. So many times, in the last year, I have thought to myself, "what the hell am I even trying to do here?!" I mean I will never be as good as some these dancers on youtube, as strong, flexible, or even as pretty. I have my own body image issues, hence the reason I rarely post any videos of myself and even then, only for a short time. I’ve been discouraged because I see how fast some people advance and can do things I can’t do. I do workout on a regular basis, and do a lot of other activities, so I feel like I should be better than I am. I can’t dance well, I have grip problems, and I am frustrated very easily. Sometimes, I will try to build up motivation by watching a video on youtube for inspiration only to find myself feeling even less motivated because I am nowhere near looking that good or having those abilities. I have friends that are amazing on the pole and are super flexy and graceful, and here I can’t do any of that! It can very discouraging at times.

Pole can be a very difficult and frustrating activity. But it’s also an art form, it is so individual. Usually, when I get really down on myself and want to throw in the towel, the most helpful thing I can do is to remember that its about me, not anyone else. I have to stop comparing myself to others. I’ve had to take breaks from pole dancing and the forums, because my self-esteem has taken a big dive at times. Now, I try to just dance for myself, and for the joy of dancing. I don’t record my practices because I don’t care what they look like, and if i do record it, it doesn’t get posted on a website where just anyone with access to the internet can see it. I do like that Veena has added the video posting feature here, that was a great idea!

I hope that everyone here has helped to make you feel a little better about your situation. I think we all understand exactly what you are going thru and have been there ourselves at one point or another. Just remember that the forum is here to be helpful, not hurtful. One thing I love about the pole dance community is how friendly and supportive everyone is! No one here is going to judge you, just as we hope you are not going to judge us! If you need to take a break, then by all means, do what you need to do. In fact, sometimes it can help to take a step back at times. I hope you do not give it up for good though. That would be a shame!

[Jenn]

I have a similar problem, in that I do the same things over and over, or I end up stopping while I am trying to think of my next move. It’s like I forget all the stuff I know once the webcam is recording! One thing I am going to do to help myself, is try to think of some good combos, write them onto a list on a poster and then post them on the wall near my pole. That way I can glance at it when I am dancing and remind myself of different moves I can do. I’ll let you know how it works out!

[Jenn]

hmm.. i see what you are saying about keeping the body centered. I do the same in that my body is always to the side of the pole when doing my aysha/straight edge w forearm grip. i am going to play with this tonight. hopefully, i will make some progress. i appreciate your input. let me know if you think of anything else!

[Jenn]

i stretch my arms and shoulders and chest by doing this move…

face your body away from the pole, legs are hip width apart, reach behind and grab the pole with a straghtened arm, hand grip thumb up, and lean out. keep your back/torso firm. hold that position for 30 sec to a min. then flip you grip so that you are holding the pole thumb facing down, and repeat stretch. Make sure to do both arms! Then try it with both arms gripping the pole behind you, (thumbs down). That may be diificult at first, but as the muscles loosen up it gets easier. This stretches the muscles in your arm, the shoulder and chest muscles well. I do this after I warm up, it helps me with my superman, my pencil and my reverse grab spins. And it feels so good too!

[Jenn]

Wow that is so awesome for you! I have had issues with my 50mm Chrome pole as well, and Xpole was very friendly and helpful. They did forget about the replacement part that they were supposed to send me and it took a couple of monthes to finally get it, tho.

A friend of mine, ordered a PS back in NOVEMBER, and the dang thing didn’t get there until the beginning of January, however it was defective and now she is still waiting for them to replace the defective parts!!!! That is almost 4 monthes since she ordered her pole! I told her she should call them and demand a discount or refund. She tried to talk to a service rep, amd the guy tried to convince her that the pole was damaged in shipping, and that the machines they use are perfect, so it couldn’t be their fault. WTF?!

Between the two, I would def reccommend Xpole over PS! It sound like you got a great deal too! I hope you enjoy your new pole!

[Jenn]

Do you have a good solid grip with your legs? I sometimes have trouble with this when the pole is either too cold or my legs are too dry. Also make sure your hands are in the right place on the pole. Bottom arm in front of your head or shoulders, top arm at chest height.