[Koidragon]

Thanks so much Madfelice – I think that is a great idea, as I would want to be doing both Lyra and spin pole.

Do you go to both?

 

[Koidragon]

Hmm, some goodies for me are:

Pole side crunches (moving to flag side crunches when advanced)

Invert to tuck and rock back

Pull ups – full extension if you can, or just lift your toes up and slide down with control

Climbs – basic, monkey and side

Shoulder mounts from sitting on the floor – this is generally harder to do

😀

 

 

[Koidragon]

I consider myself a bit of a 'switcher' – that is, I jump between the stereotype of masculine and feminine female. I have done martial arts for about 17 years, plus weight training at periods etc, which has definitely affected how I am perceived. I do however, have a very female shape (read: boobies and bum) combined with large shoulders and traps. Whilst I have a very healthy appreciation for it, I don't tend to pole in the 'sexy' style, I follow the crazy-tricks-combined-with-cheeky-humour preference, typically wearing skull shorts and tank tops.  🙂

In my studio, there are a number of girls who follow a more masculine (if a choice had to be made) style – some as a part of their natural personality, and some in contrast to it. We have one of our guys who definitely would consider himself the more feminine approach, and another very masculine male dancer who has just taken on the personal goal of perfecting 'twerking'. I think the key part of it here, and the wonderful aspect of pole, is you don't have to pigeon-hole yourself. If I wanted to, I could rock up in platform heels and pink sparkles tomorrow and no one would batt an eyelid – well, they would, but there would be grins on their faces as well.

[Koidragon]

Hi ladies

I began my pole journey in Australia where the studio I was at only had spinning. Then I moved to Vancouver where the majority was static, with a single spin class offered separate to the normal level system. Personally, I love both – and for different reasons. The same tricks look and often feel different on each, and there are some things that work better on spin, and others better on static.

They are however very different in momentum control and you will find you have to learn to engage differently on the spin. They do however compliment each other. Since learning static, my spin poling has gotten better. And then when I went back to spin more heavily as another class opened up, my static is getting better. I wouldn't worry about 'when' the right time is – they are different enough that you will learn a lot in both, and similar enough that they will help progress you in the other.

Static you create your own momentum by keeping your body away from the pole – the further out you can extend, the faster you can go. Spin pole is the other way around – the closer you are to the pole, the faster you go. So to slow down you extend out – but then you will speed up again if you come back in. This in itself is the inherent different – all the other aspects are similar with the poses and tricks, but static pole you fight to create momentum from nothing, spinning pole you fight to control yourself within momentum not created by you.The very difficult part (especially in the beginning) is keeping your body in a controlled position while the pole is whipping around. It takes a lot of strength, and in a slightly different way to static.

Yes, you will need to get used to the motion sickness, but it gets better 🙂 If anything you will get more of a physical workout on spin, which you will realise as soon as you get onto one. Just to V invert on a spinning pole takes a lot more engagement as you are fighting momentum – don't wait, just do it.

Hope this helps 🙂

[Koidragon]

Hi Scoopaway,

I agree – DO NOT risk getting a 'cheaper' pole. There are so many second hand poles available all the time, whether xpole, pussycat pole or the SV pole – as people either stop using theirs or change to a different coating or diameter. I know you are thinking that the things you will be doing in the beginning might not warrant a stronger pole but this isn't the case – until you learn to properly control and engage all the right muscles, you will actually be putting all kinds of weird and wonderful pressure on your pole. And then once you do learn, you will be wanting to go upside down. I have personally seen some terrible things happen on these budget poles. I am sure that there will be people who haven't injured themselves on these, but the ones who have are numerous. I have learnt break falling so know how to land without hurting myself, and even so I would never take my weight off the ground with one of these poles, and unless you are only doing twirls for the bedroom, you are going to want something that can support your weight.

The cheaper poles will end up costing you a lot more than you will save – whether you injure yourself, damage your ceiling or are lucky enough to just want to trade it in in 3 months time and find that no one else will touch it.

I just bought an xpole from someone who got it as a gift and didn't want it, good poles can be found 🙂 Plus – if it is already used, it will probably be broken in and less slippery 😀

[Koidragon]

Well on that note, I think I am sold – I was looking at location, and Richmond looks fairly central… is there much of a difference between the studios?

 

Thank you again, you have all been very helpful 🙂

[Koidragon]

Hi AshleyD, welcome to poling 🙂

It is fairly normal for people to have sweaty palms, especially in the beginning – although some suffer from it more than others, and for longer. If your studio has different metal poles in the class, spend some time alternating between them as different people will react better to different metals. It is the same with grip aides – for me grip aides didn't really work in the beginning, but washing my hands with soap and then drying them right before class helped. As I gained confidence and my body got used to things, my sweaty hands became less of a problem, and grip aides did begin to work. I am finding now that I need them less often. Almost every one I have spoken to says the same – over time, the sweaty palms problem reduces.

Whatever lessons you do at home, don't rush into things – condition and strengthen, concentrate on engagement, core, and pointing your toes 🙂 The cool tricks will come, but if you get the foundations right then you will profit from it later on.

 

[Koidragon]

Ah thank you very much! 🙂 

I think that there aren't many places that do a membership rather than term option – perhaps something I will consider when I open my own school and take over the world! mwuhahaha!

I do want to compete, but more important than that, I want a great little network/society of fellow dancers – in fact this is more important than high level competing, although that is good too 🙂

 

 

[Koidragon]

The poles themselves are quite different – they are often covered in rubber, and so Chinese pole acrobats often wear clothing to stop the burn. Although it isn't always the case, there is usually a lot of jumping from one pole to another, flips and such. I have to say though as pole dancing progresses, we see a lot more of a similarity with some of the tricks done.

Chinese pole is very much considered and acrobatic style. One of the most obvious visual differences is how they climb the pole – they usually use their feet like a monkey, usually using Tabi boots (ninja toed looking boots) 🙂

 

[Koidragon]

Hi Kareno – I have also grazed a scar, and I (as I am sure many of us) have lost skin and received various levels of bruising, grazing and calluses. Your skin will get used to it though. It has happened a couple of times to a scar on my hip, and it heals and goes away. I have found it happens when the poles are particularly hot, it irritates the skin which then becomes more susceptible to grazing. You could try gloves, there are a few companies which make specific pole dancing gloves, but you need to choose if you want to grip or spin, and you will find as you advance you won't want to use them as they can limit you.

I use dry hands, which is similar to liquid chalk and it does increase my callus creation, so it might well be that which helped cause your graze on your scar. There are other grip agents you could try – I used rock climbers chalk for a while and that worked really well, especially in the beginning when I was still working on my grip strength and dealing with losing skin on my hands.

I would say though, let it heal and be aware of it, but not too wary – your skin will adapt and become stronger, and you will also learn to grip less intensely as your strength increases.

Don't give up! 🙂

[Koidragon]

I know this was a while ago but hey, that's what forums are for. 🙂

I think the point here isn't whether or not you should or shouldn't be comfortable with strip clubs, whether you feel jealous or not – the point here is knowing what boundaries are right for you and for your partner, and being able to communicate and aspire to them. Personally if my partner wanted to go to a strip club I would be fine with it, but then there are things I would not be ok with that other people in other relationships would be. We as a couple have our boundaries, which we have chosen, just as others choose theirs. Above all, communication and respect for your partner is what is key. The world is not going to end by your husband not going to a strip club, nor will it end if he does – but the first option is much more respectful to his partner.

[Koidragon]

Hi ladies 🙂

What would you consider “Pole-appropriate” clothing? What makes it pole-appropriate?

I would definitely agree with Chemgoddess1 on this one. I think it is also location specific – if you are pole dancing in a night club or strip club the 'appropriatness' of clothing would be very different to say a Sunday afternoon pole stage jam in a park with kiddies running around. My studio tends to lean more towards the booty shorts and sports bras, with heels if by choice but not taught that way except in the specific heeled classes. I am large chested and have plenty of hassle with bra tops, especially when I want to do moves where more skin is better. I also see a lot of girls just pin their t-shirts up, or learn to do tricks with more clothing (such as pole climbing in pants) to increase the difficulty.

The men in our studio seem to opt towards just boxer briefs style, which they seem to be comfortable in and is no more revealing than what the girls wear.

Is there a difference in "Pole-appropriate" clothing/shoes for men and women? Why?

No, I don't think there is a difference. Both men and women want to hide enough of themselves to their own comfort level, and also keep the bits that might dangle or wobble out of the way.

Do you think there should be restrictions/qualifications for shoes in competitions?

I think each competition with a restriction is their own choice, and that with so many options it doesn't' matter too much. Dancing in heels is a skill, and some would say a reference to the foundation and roots of pole dancing, however the different styles themselves are so broad that you can choose the direction best for you. I personally don't train in heels, but a lot of the girls in my studio do. As for competition, I can see both sides, but I definitely would prefer to have the choice rather than a restriction either way.

Is there a specific type of shoe that pole-dancers use? What makes this shoe “style” special? Why is it important to use this style of shoe?

Being a non show wearer on the pole currently, I admire those who dance in shoes, as it is not only a weight on the end of feet, but also an enforcement to land back down with control. Generally it seems the bigger the heel the better, but I am no expert on this one. Mind you, I saw a girl pole dance in ugg boots the other day and she looked fantastic.

[Koidragon]

I agree with NinaPoles – the strength required for things like an aerial v shoulder mount and boomerang hold takes time – and rushing into advanced moves can mean you don't learn the fundamentals properly (speaking from experience). 🙂 Let yourself off the hook a little, and work on making sure everything you can do you do with absolute control the whole way, and that will help strengthen you towards other moves. Doing pull ups and benches are great – and that is a wonderful achievement! 🙂 However things like shoulder mounts take a lot of core, especially to do it controlled. You are doing really well with how far you have come, don't rush yourself 🙂

[Koidragon]

Oh wow everyone, thank you so much for such speedy information 🙂

When I was in Australia the studio I went to was spin pole only, and then of course came here to Vancouver which is predominately static… lots of unlearning and relearning to do for that 🙂

I presumed that most studios did the 'term' system, I have been a bit spoilt here I think with the membership system 🙂

I love Melbourne and absolutely agree that I should find a place near a studio for travel accessibility – I know no one here will think less of me for choosing which suburb I move to based on which studio I choose to go to – which is exactly why I am asking this question. Because I am in Canada still, I won't get the chance to try different studios in Melbourne before deciding where I move to, so want to get as much information as possible. I have no real problem living away from the CBD if need be, but would ultimately prefer to be in access of trains and such as my partner will more than likely need and vehicle transport for work.

Ideally I would be looking to stay at the studio of choice for many years, as I plan to compete (in the future) – would you say that all three studios recommended here (pole divas, vertical fitness and arena) have the facilities to lead to that?

Seriously, thank you so much for your help, you are all wonderful 🙂 https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gif

 

[Koidragon]

Alright – I better get on board with this too as I think it is fantastic

 

age: 33
location: Vancouver and Australia (traveller)
stage name: None as yet
lessons or self taught: lessons
spin or static: both
shoes or barefoot: barefoot, however I am not closed to shoes
favorite pole move: Iron X. Even though it is currently out of reach
day job: many things indeed
your best/sexiest feature: sharp tongue
how you got into pole dancing: I saw a girl do a pole sit on a street post on a busy friday night and thought – yep.
how you found out about studioveena.com: general trawling through the interwebs.
if you were a pair of underwear would you be a thong, boy shorts, bikini cut or granny panties: 'Cause I'm free! Free ballin'!  (just kidding :P)
 

[Koidragon]

I think what is interesting about this is that the word 'athlete', whilst has fairly clear dictionary definitions (thanks sparrow 🙂 ) it means different things within the world of exercise. We are all definitely classed as athletic, as well as a whole mess of other wonderful terms, but generally within the protein powder and enhancer world, supplements aimed at 'athletes' are for those who train 3 times a day type deal. When I was competing in martial arts, this was what I needed to do, and I took some of these types of supplements. I do disagree though in something the supplement guy said – that it is a hobby rather than exercise. That is just a bit ridiculous to think that, however I think he did steer you in the right direction away from the 'X' – that is crazy stuff 🙂

I tend to think of myself as an aerialist. That is just my personal preference, and I often love to hear where others like to choose their own terms for themselves. Pole in itself is so diverse that we can choose our own direction, and thus our own definitions. 🙂

[Koidragon]

Oh, and a slow song I love could be 'Jar of Hearts' by Christina Perri. 🙂

[Koidragon]

Hi Glamourize,

What about something like 'Watch out' by Alex Gaudino?

One day I would love to be so incredibly flawlessly skilled I can do a routine to 'Guy on a Buffalo'. There are really no highs or lows in that, but the lyrics are magic.

 

 

[Koidragon]

Hi AriFerrari,

Well done on the legless silk climb by the way – I can do it on pole but haven't tried silks, I imagine that is even harder 🙂

I have used chrome, brass and powder coated poles. Mostly brass as it is what has worked best for me – the grip on powder is amazing, but in my experience, it will limit your static spins. As for the 'tearing' of skin, I didn't get that, but I did get burns – I imagine though over prolonged use that diminishes just as the bruising on brass diminishes once your skin gets used to it. Drops would be a no-no, and so would quick transitions from one aerial trick to another where skin contact happens. Now, I haven't used a powder coating extensively, so perhaps others can give more info on this.

However, as you already have an x-pole, perhaps you could get (once they come out) the powder coated extensions (as a suggestion I saw somewhere) to mix around on your pole. That way, you could swap out the chrome when you want to do some crazy grip things, but then put it back in when you want to work on spins – and the strength in your hand grip you get from working on the powder pole may help with your sweatiness on the chrome. 🙂

 

[Koidragon]

Ack – sorry about the last post, who knows what happened there 🙂

What I was going to say is that my partner is supportive, but he is supportive because it is something I love. He can't stand the sound of the skin scraping down a pole (like in a drop) but other than that, he is the first to kiss my bruises and rub where I am sore. In general, whilst he is very strong, he doesn't agree with a lot of the physical hobbies around today because he thinks that it puts too much emphasis on how we 'look' rather than personal development. Regardless of this, he is always supportive of my choices and at the same time offers balance to make sure I am doing things for the right reasons (ie, my own, not those of others). I think in the end this is what a partner should do – be supportive and at the same time provoking of self growth and development. I don't want to sound out of turn, but it seems that some of these guys mentioned here are too caught up in how they are feeling about things – whether it be pole specifically, being de-masculinised (is that even a word?) or worrying about what other people may think instead of being there and focusing on their partners.

One of the things I love about pole is that it is about skill and strength – you can do any kind of style you want – sexy, cheeky, demure, graceful, trick oriented… with this diversity I can't see how any person would have an issue with their partner doing it as it in it's very nature inspires growth. I have been an avid gym goer, and I can speak from experience, lifting weights is far less 'functional' in the real world than the strength from being able to lift your own body and do the things we can do. Standing in a gym and watching yourself in a mirror while you flex biceps and check out proportions is far less impressive to me than someone who can, time and time again, lift themselves up that pole to put their bodies into aerial dance. Ladies, I truly hope that your partners can open themselves up to what pole (and any style like it) can do in such profoundly positive ways. And above that, I hope they can just open themselves to be supportive of you, and see that having a strong, confident partner actually makes them more of a man, not less.

[Koidragon]

I am fortunate (and know it) that my partner is incredibly supportiver. 

[Koidragon]

Hi there, I am in Vancouver as well – you should just travel down and pole with us! 🙂 🙂

[Koidragon]

Pole Fart Diary: I was doing a particularly easy invert to go into something or other, so was not completely engaged (naughty naughty), with my pole instructor standing nearby when I farted in her face. With abject embarrassment, my brain went into overdrive. I looked at her, smiled and said 'lucky I smell like roses, most people have to pay a florist for that'.

Although she hasn't let me live it down to this day.

[Koidragon]

Oh – and I use either a 50mm or a 45mm – I do find the 45 much better on my wrists, but still like them both 🙂

[Koidragon]

I also have wrist issues – years of martial arts, then weights, then doing things incorrectly in the beginning (and too much) at pole has given me tendonitis in both wrists. I do wear wrist wraps, however I wear ones that you buy from the normal pharmacy/drug store which are able to be loosened and tightened on the spot – they set me back about $15 a piece, and it means I am not completely relying on my wrists or on the guards. You don't want the ortho ones (as the others have said here) as you will end up not being able to do anything without them.Things are much better for me now, split grip stuff is still difficult, but it has helped me focus on really pulling through that shoulder. 🙂

What has really helped is the 7min on/7min off/7min on ice regime after heavy training, and then having a full day break. Also, little things like swapping over which side you use your mouse when on your computer etc – it is all related and day to day stuff will affect your wrists and hands.

I also went back to some wrist exercises I used to do when I was using weapons predominately (eskrima-kali-arnis). Flexibility in your wrists helps and is just as important as strength.

Some examples: make a squeeze ball from rice and balloons and squeeze!

put a rubber band over your finger and thumb and pull them apart slowly (resistance work).

find a stick like object – a rolling pin would work well as long as it isn't too heavy, and roll it in your hands in front of you.

I am probably not explaining these very well, let me know if you want better explanations, and I have a bunch more if you are interested.

🙂