[Journey]

It’s one of those things where X-Pole has to tell you to do it with 2 people because they are liable, but you could get away with doing it by yourself. The first time or two I definitely would have someone help you so that you get a feel for what you’re doing. Also, if you have super high ceilings, it wouldn’t be a good idea to do it by yourself at all. The real reason you need two people is mainly because you need someone to hold the base still while the pole is being stood up, but if your ceilings aren’t that high, if you had carpet, or had a way to brace the base so it wouldn’t move, you’d be fine.

If you want, there is a YouTube vid that someone (whose username I can’t spell…) did a tutorial on how to put up the X-Pert. You can search for it, just make sure it’s an X-Pert and not an original X-Pole. Then you can see how it’s done. (this person had super high ceilings, though).

I have one of the original X-Poles where they also said you needed two people – I’ve done it by myself every time.

And about the Lil Mynx coming down: this isn’t to scare you, but any pole can come down – even permanent ones. It’s important to make sure it’s installed correctly AND that you check it before you use it to make sure it’s stable. X-Pole, Lil Mynx, and Platinum Stages all make safe poles (unlike Peek-a-boo *shudder*) – so if they come down, it’s user error.

[Journey]

It’s called a Death Drop of some sort – there are several variations. Jenyne does a Jade Drop, there is a "nosebreaker" where it’s a drop from an inverted crucifix, there are a bunch of them. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

Which one are you talking about in particular??? Can you give us a link to a vid with a time marker?

[Journey]

I don’t know, exactly… but I can’t wait. I wonder if they’ll put something up on the website??? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

[Journey]

PoleSkivvies just did an interview with a martial artist that does a lot with stretching – Mark Rosenberg. He has a website (howtostretch.com) and a YouTube channel (howtostretch). I haven’t been to the website, but I’ve been watching his YouTube vids and he’s got a lot of good stretches.

[Journey]

Here I am bumping this thread again…

I’ve been playing email tag with Joel from Mighty Grip – giving him feedback, being nosy about other things that they’re working on (something I suggested that they make is something that they already thought of and have on the drawing board as far as a new product goes, so I’m looking forward to that!).

Along with telling me that they have made a new kind of velcro wrist closure that should hold the glove on better, he told me that they actually have two different manufacturers making the gloves and the gloves from one of them tend to run smaller than the other. The gloves come in either a cellophane package or a two-tone plastic one (clear on the front, solid on the back) – the ones that come in the two-tone run smaller. I believe that may be the answer to our mystery to why some of us have seemingly shorter gloves than others.

I’m going to be trying out a pair with the new velcro closure on them, so I’ll let you guys know how I like them. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Journey]

I was the same way – you’ll get it. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif I got one a few weeks ago and it’s so much fun!

[Journey]

I think everyone needs to take a step back and take a deep breath, here…

This thread wasn’t started with the intention of making people feel bad and I highly doubt anyone that posted did so with the intention of wiping moves that we aren’t fond of off the planet. And when we say we don’t like a move, that doesn’t mean that we dislike the dancer for doing it, or that we’re sitting there rolling our eyes as we watch the video. And, just because we don’t like the way a move looks doesn’t mean that we don’t recognize the skill it takes to do it. Half of the moves on my "dislike" list are ones that I really want to be able to do – even if they never show up in one of my videos.

Everyone has their pet peeves, EVERYONE, so there’s no use in taking it personally when someone’s applies to you. No big deal.

Do we all feel better now??? Yes, no, maybe?? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Journey]

I feel like I’ve completely taken over this thread but I got a response back from Mighty Grip on the email I sent them about the gloves and I thought I would share. I basically said I think they should be a bit longer at the wrist and close around the wrist instead of at the back of the hand.

Turns out they’ve already noticed that and have come out with a different design. Also, they are going to be making a wristlet to add on to the glove to help protect the wrist. Cool, huh?

He also said he loves getting feedback and wished more people would do so.

So yeah, definitely send them emails with suggestions – it sounds like they are very open to new ideas! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif I did send him an email back just to clarify that a longer glove would be preferred not because of protecting the wrist, but to prevent it from hiking up.

[Journey]

I actually spin in mine just fine so far… Yeah, they bunch up and I still can’t do a reverse grab in them because they slide too much (I’ve also probably lost my grip for it since I haven’t done it in so long). If they came down the wrist more and had a velcro closure around the wrist instead of a tab on the back, I’m sure they wouldn’t bunch so much. And that’s what I told them in the email I sent today, too. (I refrained from telling them their logo is hideous)

Last time I used them I took some brand-new hair ties and put them around my wrists on the gloves. They were tight enough to keep the gloves from coming up over the heels of my hands (although they did move a bit) during spins.

[Journey]

I believe that’s called a Dizzy Lizzy, among other names.

Which knee are you worried about hitting? The one on the extended leg?? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

I’ve only done this one like, maybe twice ever… lol. I just hold on tight with that top hand, hook the knee, let yourself fall forward as you grab the pole with the other hand under your knee, and just keep the other leg straight as it comes out from under you and keep it lifted. If you keep it lifted up, you shouldn’t hit your knee.

Most people’s problems with spins like this are committing to going sideways (I still have problems with the cradle spin because of that…), but if you’re not worried about that part, I would say just try it. There’s one of those Expert Village videos on YouTube of this move, too.

[Journey]

I was thinking sort of the same thing, or like a FAQs section of the common repeated questions that beginners tend to pose to us. For example, stuff about pole burn, upper body strength (something beginners find that they had less of than they thought), the newbie death grip, bruises, etc.

I do think that there are a lot of things that beginners wish that they had known about beforehand, so that they don’t get that "Oh my gosh, what have I gotten myself into?" moment when they discover all that stuff on their own. It can be discouraging.

I’m considering doing a blog post on this kind of stuff, anyway, but I do think a forum section so beginners have a place to discuss, get feedback, and encourage each other would be awesome https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif.

[Journey]

Yeah I pulled mine out and I was wondering how my hand was going to fit in them, but they fit fine other than my thumb and the wrist thing. (and I got extra smalls, so imagine how tiny those things are!) But if they stretch out as you use them, then I’ll hang onto this size. Maybe I’ll have my husband try to pull them on a few times, too.

But yeah, that wrist thing is annoying… I was constantly pulling on them. I think they should bring it further down and have it close around your wrist, not a tab on the back. Because even if they were a little longer, it would probably still hike up if there isn’t anything securing it there. I think I’ll shoot them an email, and hope they get it right the next time around because I can’t afford to keep buying new gloves!

Oh, on the other hand, though – they are awesome. They grip great and still let you do spins, which surprised me. Definitely worth the investment, even with the wrist drawback.

[Journey]

Here’s mine:
http://ver3.studioveena.com/lessons/view/3542

Definitely my worst dancing ever, but that’s ok in this case… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_tongue.gif

[Journey]

I’m bumping this thread instead of starting a new one…

I caved and ordered a pair of the MG gloves. I have wicked small hands and ordered a pair of the extra-small size. They are a smidge too tight around my thumb (random…?) and feel a bit short, like they should come down my wrist a bit more. But other than that, they fit fine.

My question for those of you who have them, do they stretch out a bit? I’m considering ordering a larger size (the smalls) but I’m afraid of them not fitting the rest of my hand very well. I want to figure this out before I get annoyed with the tags on my wrists and take a Sharpie to that MG logo…

So what do you all recommend???

[Journey]

My husband and I luckily have an understanding with this, although if we really get into it one or the other of us will throw our respective obsessions in each others faces.

I have pole, my husband likes guns. I want to buy new gloves, he wants to buy bullets. I take my pole down to clean it, he takes over the kitchen table and steals my WD-40 to clean the guns.

But I’m starting to put my foot down with him. ALL he talks about is guns – takes up nearly all of his free time. But I know I can be the same way about pole, and I told him that we need to find something different to talk about other than pole and guns. These were hobbies that we both picked up after we got married, so I find it hard to believe that we can’t find something else to do and talk about together.

So I can see it from both sides. *shrug*

[Journey]

This may help:
http://www.poledancecommunity.co.uk/articles/articles/the-history-of-pole-dance.html

Not sure how well it would hold up as a source for your thesis in and of itself, but at least it would definitely give you some other things that you could cross-reference and look into. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

Oh, and if you’re looking for some info regarding X-Pole, PoleSkivvies did an interview with Clive Coote:
http://poleskivvies.com/2010/03/x-pole-clive-coote/

If you look past all the mini-advertising he’s doing there is some history in there you may be able to use, lol.

Good luck!

[Journey]

First off, bravo to you for talking about it at your church. I know here I’m the outspoken Christian pole dancer with a blog for the world to see, but I don’t breathe a word of it at church. I have privacy settings set up so my church folk don’t see anything with my pole stuff on my Facebook. I’m not ashamed of it, but it’s a battle I’m not ready for yet – I can’t even convince my family there’s nothing wrong with it, so I’m afraid of the reaction I’m going to get from my church.

Something that really empowered me not too long before I started my blog was a post that Fleur did:
http://www.studioveena.com/blogs/entry/Vanity-lust-pride-and-other-sins

And lilbit’s comment, which I’ll paste here:
"Fluer I think it’s great that you are taking a look at this and digging deep….however I don’t believe you are violating any of "Gods" laws and here’s why…once the apple was eaten "we" became aware of our sexuality, we were given free will and in that the ability to express ourselves. I am a very spiritual person and I have talked with the pastor of my church…his stand is that dance in any form is a personal expression and celebration as long as our hearts and minds are in the right place and we do no harm to others we have not offended God. He gave me something to read that really helped…I will post it on your blog as soon as I find it, maybe that will help you with your struggle. Pole dancing is NOT "UNCHRISTIAN" it is people’s perception of it and we have absolutely no control over what others think. Myself being a recovering addict/alcoholic when I chose to go out with friends I also have the ability to chose not to drink…no one is responsible for whether or not I do. In other peoples opinion’s I have two strikes against me, I’m a recovering addict/alcoholic and I pole dance! LOL I don’t give my power to anyone and I hold my head high because I am a child of God and have done nothing wrong…I could go one with all the things people feel I do that is in violation of "Christianity" If you ever come across a peom written by Mya Angelo (sp?) she wrote a piece on her understanding of Christianity, it is absolutely beautiful and well stated as to what is really is all about! Anyway…you in my humble opinion have and are doing nothing wrong…the people who perceive it as "wrong" have their minds in the "devils" backyard to even think that. I am clean and sober because of God’s grace which in turn has allowed me to do things I never thought I could…and poling is not only good for my body but for my soul! So you keep going because you are the epitome of beauty and represent woman in a beautiful light!! OK off my podium!! LOL"

I started crying when I read that, and based some of my blog posts off of this idea.

But also remember that perhaps your friend at church is trying to keep their head above water – maybe they are afraid that they won’t be able to separate out what is and isn’t sinful in their own mind and would just rather not take the risk. But maybe they really just are closing their minds and refusing to make the attempt – it’s hard to say. *shrug*

If you’re having doubts yourself, just take a step back and be honest with yourself about how you see pole dancing and yourself when you pole. That’s where it can be sinful – BUT THERE IS NOTHING INHERENTLY EVIL ABOUT POLE DANCING. It’s only sinful if you make it that way, and don’t beat yourself up if you discover that perhaps you have been doing something wrong – just fix it! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif We’re all sinners, so while it is kinda a big deal, it’s still no big deal… if that makes any sense. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif Remember that guilt is a tool of the devil, too.

And I’m gonna stop before this gets as long as one of my blog posts… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_tongue.gif But remember that we’re all here and praying for you!

[Journey]

I saw this tip on one of those shows about house flipping and real estate:

Dents in carpets from furniture and stuff (like a pole) can be gotten rid of quick and easy by putting ice cubes in the impressions. The carpet fibers slowly absorb the water from the melting ice, making them un-squish, and then they dry that way.

They had this as a tip because the dents that furniture leaves can be a turn-off to potential buyers of your home. Yeah, everyone knows they’re not permanent, but no one likes reminders of the previous owners being left behind. I haven’t tried it but it makes sense. Just keep in mind that the base to a pole is really big, so maybe just do a few cubes around the edges or something – you don’t want to soak the carpet then end up with mold growing under it or something.

[Journey]

Lol I wasn’t trying to talk you out of it or anything. And I have an X-Pole, too – I had to buy the 750mm extension and use it in place of the main pole that didn’t have the adjuster screw in it. And it was the only place I could put a pole, and I wasn’t willing to give up on having a pole of my own because my ceiling was a little short. I can still do most of the moves, and it really encourages me to do them slow and controlled so I don’t kick something, lol. Plus I know that the place I’m living isn’t permanent – someday I’ll have a place with higher ceilings. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

But good luck, it’s not impossible to pole with low ceilings, you just have to be more careful. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Journey]

My question is, how tall are YOU?

I’m 5’4" and have 7′ ceilings and it hinders me sometimes. I kick the ceiling quite a bit, and when I do a shoulder mount, I barely have enough room to get one leg around the pole to go into an invert from it. I only have enough room to maybe do one climb. So yes, it’s enough height, but barely – I wouldn’t make that your permanent solution.

What kind of pole are you getting? Just be warned – X-Pole’s minimum height is 7’4", and I know several other poles are around the same height. You would have to get a separate extension and use it in place of one of the main pieces. If you’re going to get a one-piece permanent pole, you won’t have to worry about it.

Btw I have a pole dancing blog, too – http://polespection.blogspot.com

[Journey]

Ok, don’t hate me – but I don’t like the spatchcock. Impressive, yes, but I think the move looks hideous. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif

The actual caterpillar looks stupid to me – where the person pushes up, then lets their body slide back down again. It doesn’t look sexy or anything, and looks like the person failed at doing the climb and just decided to go back down. The climb doesn’t bother me – I think it’s impressive to climb up the pole upside down and serves a purpose with getting into ayshas, etc. so I don’t expect it to be a "pretty" move.

I don’t like the cupid when the person’s upper body is bent so that their head is really low. I think it looks better when they keep their body straight out or somewhat upright – sometimes I think it looks nicer when their upper hand is still on the pole! Same idea with the knee hold – looks nicer if they keep their upper body straight and not bend downwards.

I’m not a fan of the brass monkey, genie, reverse aysha with the bent bottom arm (looks great when it’s straight!), and moves like the teddy, apprentice, wrist seat, and tail spin that seem to say, "Hey, look at my crotch!" https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif

And then there’s the superman… I think it works great in transition (to a superman fall, to a SM, dove, etc.), but I don’t like it as a "striking a pose" move – hold it for longer than a second or two and I get annoyed. I will say that I loved Fleur’s bent-leg variation of it that she did in the ballet part of her USPDF routine, though. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Journey]

PERFECT! I have a "stupid" playlist on my iPod that has 4 or 5 songs that would be perfect… I may have multiple submissions this month. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_tongue.gif

And, be warned, my dancing will still match my music… So if you see one of my videos posted, watch it before I take it down out of embarrassment https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[Journey]

50s are easier to grip with your legs, harder with the hands
45s are easier to grip with your hands, harder for your legs

But since you seem to have larger hands, you might do just fine with a 50. Is there a way you can try them out? Like a studio or a friend who has one?

I have a 50 and am trying to get a 45 – but I have tiny hands, and it’s not like I hate having a 50 – I just want to have both!

I have noticed a lot of people making the switch from a 50 to a 45 though, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t prefer a 50 for yourself. Everyone is different. It’s also interesting to note that USPDF decided to use 45s in the competition this year… Also keep in mind it’s easier to switch to a smaller size, so if you got a 50 then decided to downsize it would be harder than going up from a 45.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong either way. I know it’s nerve wracking sitting there wondering which one to pick, but I’m sure you’d be happy with either one. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Journey]

Hi guys! There is a facebook group now for Christian Pole Dancers for those interested in fellowship and pole dancing.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=107071045991600&ref=ts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Oh sweet, you did do it! I heart you, Charley https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Journey]

I have the tacky kind (that sounds funny). I like them a lot but I cannot spin with them. I use them solely for learning new tricks that require extra grip or that I think will be easier with extra grip.

Mine have been beautified by Stella Bella. She took off the tacky (and I mean the real kind of tacky) mighty grip logo which looked a little like a logo for a tonka truck and then added rhinestones. If you are interested. Let me know and I’ll forward it on to Stella. She rocks
Sunny https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

LOL you’re right about the logo! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif I so would’ve sprung for these gloves sooner if it wasn’t for that… I saw it and was like, "Umm… maybe I’ll see if there’s something a bit less cheesy looking…" I’ll probably spruce mine up a bit when and if I ever get them, too. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif