[Jill]

I’m in Hollywood (right over the hill from Van Nuys). There’s definitely no shortage of pole studios in L.A.: BeSpun (Hollywood), X-polesitions (North Hollywood), S-Factor (near West Hollyood), Allure (somewhere around here), to name a few. I went to BeSpun briefly, it was great! Good luck with your move, and I think you’ll love it here! Especially the weather https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Jill]

Thank you Veena for all your hard work creating all these new lessons! They’re so valuable and I love the variety of strength building to advanced tricks and everything in between, including lap dance moves https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

I don’t think all the lessons are organized into the different levels yet and I’m not sure if I’ve seen them somewhere or not.

I’ve found the way they’re ordered to be really helpful, the moves build on each other so the more advanced tricks make more sense to me and seem less intimidating. I didn’t see the logic of the order until I worked through several lessons. It’s worked so well for me and I can’t wait to see what’s coming!

[Jill]

(hookedonpole), what part of cali are you in? I’m in Hollywood and I know there are several others in the LA area…

[Jill]

Perfect, thank you for the responses! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Jill]

That’s so sweet! I loved your dance, especially the shoulder/fan legs move you did at 1:40. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Jill]

I’m excited to have found this website and look forward to being part of it https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

Welcome to SV!! I too love your and Webstwe’s vids, I love the "stripper" style and how gracefully you incorporate it w/ tricks. You both have a unique style of dancing that really comes through. I get a lot of inspiration from you both — thank you so much for sharing!!

[Jill]

I actually have had better luck using Windex. But, I also live in California and haven’t had to deal w/ cold weather making it even more slippery…

[Jill]

Think of it this way, though: if you can do a move on your stainless steel pole, you can do it on anything else.

That’s how I feel about my Lil’ Minx! I prefer learning on it for that reason. I dance at a (bikini) club (brass pole) and feel confident knowing I can handle my tricks even if it’s slippery from girls who wear lotion https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif

I’ve had my Lil’ Minx stainless steel for a year and it’s really grown on me. I deal w/ the super slippy-ness by using a little grip aid when I’m working on a new trick and need to stick. Works great. Or when warmed up I dab a little Windex on my hands to stick better. I wipe down frequently w/ windex or alcohol.

[Jill]

Heck no!! I’m 36 in my 2nd yr. poling and plan to continue WAY past 40! What’s great is that poling REALLY tones your body and gets you in shape at any age. While my friends are dealing w/ slowing metabolisms & weight gain, my body looks better than it ever has and I keep getting more fit by the minute! I feel great and I think poling keeps us feeling young! You’re going to love it!

[Jill]

Thank you for posting this! I’m 36 in Hollywood and want to submit an entry! Who cares if I don’t make it, I can still go watch. I’m curious to see other 35+ dancers! Fun!

[Jill]

I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I watched the video, it was a beautiful dance. You’re in my thoughts & prayers.

[Jill]

I finally read this post, what a sweet story! Hubby ROCKS!! I don’t know why people would worry about your kids seeing you pole when I think one of the MOST important things you can show your kids is a loving, healthy, & respectful marriage, which sounds like is exactly what you have! Thanks for sharing.

[Jill]

Here’s the link to the map: http://platial.com/mapv/PolePals/685360

Also, go to "Forum", then "Suggestions", the 2nd thread down is "Pole pals", and you may want to read through it, it’s all about people finding each other! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Jill]

There is a map available that shows our locations, but not everyone is on it. I don’t remember where/how to pull up the map (I’m at work, don’t have time now), but will find it later and tell where it is! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Jill]

If you are going the "self-taught" route, GET Veena’s lessons! Even if you’re going to a studio get them anyway for additional support. I took lessons for a while, then continued teaching myself and suffered repeated painful bruised ribs and pulled muscles from doing tricks before I was physically ready and without knowing the proper way. Now I’ve been using Veena’s lessons for a couple months and am learning the right way to avoid injury, build strength and I nail moves so much quicker! Her lessons are MUCH cheaper than a hospital bill!!! And they are great, very detailed and easy to learn from! Try them out for a month or two at least! She just made a bunch of new, improved ones and now is doing the lapdance series!

[Jill]

I squeeze my ankles. I used to fall on my head too until I started concentrating on squeezing at my ankles, which makes the rest of my legs squeeze too. Practice low on the pole so if you start to fall you can put a hand on the floor. It took me a LONG time to get this move! But once I focused on my ankles I’ve nailed it every time since and am totally comfortable in it now!

[Jill]

OMG! I just saw the interview on E! and the host said she took pole dancing lessons to play a "hooker"! Excuse me? Was that a Freudian slip?

[Jill]

I was there and it was an AMAZING show! My favorites were Leigh Ann’s "Little Red Corvette" dance and Jenyne’s. Although I thought all the dancers were awesome https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif and I loved watching everyone — even the dancers during pole cleanings!

Only bummer was that I didn’t end up meeting anyone from here on SV https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif

[Jill]

Thanks for the info and helpful links!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Jill]

Polergirl,

Thanks for sharing this video with us! I agree, polished transitions, floor, etc. are just as critical to good pole dancing as tricks are. Doing trick after trick wears me out! Although I’m sure her moves are just as tiring.

I’m inspired now to work on my transitions & spins! My favorite in this video is at :45 when she the combo of spins that starts w/ the corkscrew. I have to try that one!

[Jill]

Thanks for the responses! You know I just watched my vids on my computer and they are much more close-up than I thought, so moving the camera farther away will work much better than I thought. Only problem is that I live in a one-bedroom apartment and don’t have much space to work with https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_mad.gif

Well at least I’m not the only one… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Jill]

My bf of 5 yrs who I live with does not like poledancing in general, or watching me do it at home https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif

I’m wondering why or what exactly he doesn’t like about it? I don’t care for baseball because it’s boring to watch, but wouldn’t mind at all if my boyfriend played it. It sounds like there is something else behind it.

I don’t mean to brag or rub it in, but rather show how it can be a positive in a relationship. My boyfriend is very supportive of my pole dancing, and I actually dance at a bikini club! (Although, he doesn’t like the lap dancing part, but he doesn’t make it a problem…at my club they are very G-rated, and I’m not much for "hustling".) The fact that he doesn’t judge me for what I do, and supports my interests is what I love about him! I have a 9 to 5 career as a graphic designer and don’t even have to dance at a club, but I do it for the excitement of pole dancing on stage and I love the people! It’s not the typical "strip club", it’s more like "Cheers" for Hollywood locals.

Anyhow, back to the subject, pole dancing is something my boyfriend and I actually enjoy together! I joke to him how lucky he is that his gf "drags" him to the strip club! We frequently go to another local bikini club because I LOVE to watch the dancers (Jumbo’s Clown Room — some of L.A.’s most talented pole dancers work there!), and of course it’s fun for him. He’s also taking me to the Pole Show at Bespun in L.A. this Saturday. His only concern w/ me pole dancing is safety — he convinced me to get Veena’s lessons so I can learn properly to avoid injuries.

I hope my rambling about my situation helps in some way, or even the way you look at it. Bottom line is that pole dancing builds self-confidence, is great exercise which increases mental and physical health, and is fun! Making yourself happy is necessary for any healthy relationship, and you obviously care about your boyfriend’s feelings. He’s lucky to have you, and I have a feeling things will work out fine! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

[Jill]

I’m going too!! (I actually live right down the street.) I LOVE watching all their videos, I’m sure seeing them perform live will be amazing!! And very inspiring https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

I’m thinking about the workshop(s) too . . .

I’m looking forward to meeting those of you who will be there!

[Jill]

I’ve worked in bikini and topless clubs, so I don’t know how fully nude works, but I wear either sexy underwear & bra, or bikini — not a regular bathing suit, a bikini made for exotic dancing. Try discountstripper.com. There are also sets w/ little skirts that are cute and fun to have something more to take off on stage. Most girls wear Pleaser (or similar brands) platform shoes or boots. Many girls also wear leg warmers or thigh-high stockings, although that may cause slippage on the pole.

You’ll want heavy, dramatic make-up, and probably leave your hair all down.

Most important, wear what makes you feel sexy and be as creative as you want! Have fun and let us know if you win, or how it goes!

[Jill]

I think the SV video awards (SVA’s) are a great idea! Can we work in a red carpet somehow?? This would really light a fire under me to get a camcorder and start posting vids!