[PennyGirl]

Yeah I totally understand your pain. I started on a black powder coated lil mynx. The mynx is almost rubberty to touch so as long as it is clean I had no problems with slip. When I got my Xpert Chrome I completely lost my grip. It took a few weeks before I could grip again. I also realized quickly that it takes about ten-15 min of rubbing, spinning and touching the pole to make it hot enough and then it does eventually become more grippy, although it is NEVER as grippy as my mynx used to be. Good luck with yours hun, it does take some time.

[PennyGirl]

First of all that was amazing. You are terribly strong!! I love that you did every move slow and deliberate. You are right about the guys, they are really typical but still kinda funny. I think it’s cute when they hop on and this it’s gonna be "so easy" and then they fall on their bums lol! lotsa fun, thanks for sharing! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[PennyGirl]

That’s why I love me some shay shay…" I’m having fun and you’re missing out!" Too cute but well said.

Don’t worry about what others think. If it is negative it should motivate you to prove them wrong, either with education or by demonstration. Thats one reason why I love to pole dance, because I know its controversial and people will make a big deal of it and I can say oh well I’m having fun and your’re missing out. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[PennyGirl]

Girl congratulations. That was probably the most beautiful post about a pole anniversary I have every read. I hope I can find inside the sexiness that you have found. Thanks for sharing sweetie!

[PennyGirl]

I currently have all three of Leigh Ann’s vids. I bought them last weekend after attending her workshop. Mostly I love her style. The beginner vid is very basic but it has 5 combos in it which help when you are standing at the pole with no idea what to do ( happens to me all the time) I don’t know muc how to be all sexy so watching the "stripper walk" in the beginning and how to crawl I think will help me out a lot. I did not know how to walk or crawl before this. I like the hip rolls and drops in the combos aw well as on back arch to the floor in one of the combos. Overall I love her vds, they can be a bit hard to follow because I don’t have a background in dance but that just means I have to watch them over and over which I don’t mind. I like them so thumbs up.

I also have the art of pole. The art of pole is more just moves. I didn’t learn many transitions that I can remember but I did learn lots of spins and inverts. SO thumbs up on hers too. I think her vids lean more toward gymnasticability (if that’s a word) than sexy dance like Leigh Ann’s

hope that helps

[PennyGirl]

I only WISH I was your size, those are too cute girl! Good luck moving those puppies. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[PennyGirl]

I liked it! I think you did great. I have a hard time loosening up enough to actually get in a good sexy dance. I just recently learned a few hip rolls and body roll which I am trying to make pretty right now. ( thanks charley) I went to a workshop with Leigh Anne and asked her about it. She said Just turn on the music and keep on dancing. Don’t think just dance and you will get better naturally. But I think you are off to a great start. YAY for you! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[PennyGirl]

Ha ha charley, you’re so cute "what she said"
I guess that makes sense. My livingroom is always colder than the rest of the house and that’s where my pole is so it’s always cold. I sometimes put the mighty grip on when I try to practice inverts but sometimes I feel like I’m cheating. You make a really good point when you say that gymnasts don’t work without chalk, I think I’m totally with you on that one. I never thought about antiperspirant though, mostly because I’m not doing any under arm grips yet. So I use grip when I try the caterpillar and the aysha… well you saw me totally crush poor rena trying to do my aysha which was highly embarrassing! In any case since I got home I have been practicing the caterpillar and it seems that I just slide down slowly almost riding the pole until I am basically head to floor lol! So I really wondered if it was normal to put so much grip on my body and the pole. I was really shocked to see it at the USPDF. You also make a really great point about the poles never getting warm at the comp. I think the only action they got was from the pole cleaners…poor lonely poles!
Anyway, thanks for the advice charlie oh and by the way, I’m still working on that hip roll and exaggerated body roll. When I feel comfortable I will post a vid. YAY! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

What Amy said https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

The poles are never really warm at comp and the grip on the pole also helped my hands stay drier. I have very sweaty hands and without grip poling is impossible. I actually took a lot of more advanced work out of my original uspdf routine because I was afraid of the poles and what the grip might be like.

I always pole with atleast antiperspirant on, I sweat that is something I cannot sure so I use tite grip religiously. If for some reason I need more griping power I use some Grrrip lotion. I also look at it this way – gymnasts don’t practice with out chalk so why I should I work without antiperspirant.

I have tried grippier aids like Itac and I so hate saying this but those aids just turn to slipperiness for me. I was scared someone before me would be using Firm Grip or Itac, lol!

I had my pole prepped with Grrrip, covered my body with Grrrip and used tite grip on my hands to avoid weat and my poles were okay. Not the best but I didn’t have any slippy problems. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif

As part of USPDF training I would actually only runthrough my routines cold (i.e having only minimal warm ups and stretching.) So that I could replicate the scenario I would be in. I even poled in a cold house so my pole wouldn’t warm up so I could get a feel for how the grip, the pole and my body would work under those circumstances.

[PennyGirl]

Yes Chem that made sense…when one of the girls explained how she watched jungle cats performance she understood the need to slather grip on the pole. I can honestly say I am not doing anything too rigorous at this point, but when I practice say my caterpillar I just slide slowly until I’m on the floor…it’s quite sad actually.

Thanks Luvlee https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif

I do not use grip aid much unless I am learning a new move. Iguana mount was one because every time I put my head down my hands would start to sweat and that is one move where you don’t want to lose your grip! I also use it sometimes on my legs just because my shins sweat a lot when I am dancing and knee holds get difficult for me.

As for competitions…I think the lights on stage on top of performance jitters would turn me into a pool of dew. I would rather be slathered in grip aid than fly off the pole.

[PennyGirl]

thanks, I have always used alcohol on my chrome so that’s a good thing. I will keep the name of that grip in mind if I find the need to change. I just ordered some dry hands because it’s popular but I don’t know if I will like it or how I will use it just yet. thanks for the advice! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
I love grip aid but don’t find myself using it unless I am trying a new move or unless I am sweating and sliding terribly. I like Mighty Grip when I am needing a good grip to get a move without sliding down to quickly. I can do the moves without the grip aid as well. I just sometimes slide faster. I don’t think it hinders the leaniing process. Try it with it and with out it. If I am breaking into a terrible sweat, I use a special formula made by a friend of mine on here called Gription. I love it. It is made by chemgodess on here. Also, If you are experiencing issues and you have a chrome pole, clean it with alcohol vs windex. That helps ALOT!!!!

[PennyGirl]

I kind of wanted to be like you but then I realized that I slip all over the place. It’s not sweaty palms because my hands are usually pretty dry. (sometimes ashy and too dry even) I wanted to learn how to do all spins and inverts without grip, but that is turning out to be more of a hindrance than anything. I haven’t tried spin yet. I think I’m a frady cat at this pooint becuase I can’t stick on static lol! Thanks for the advice!

I never used grip aid until about a month ago, and even now I only use it sparingly. I’d like to be able to do my inverted tricks anywhere with just my normal hands, lol. It takes patience, but my hands and I have a greater understanding now. I will use my grip aid (iTac2) when I’m working on something where my hands really need to stick hard. The good thing about iTac is that it’ll soften up when you want to spin. So I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing anything with this grip aid. I’ve only put it on my hands but I know that Karol Helms uses it on other common points of contact on her body too. The first time I saw someone use grip aid on the pole itself was watching Jungle Cat slather Dry Hands all over a pole, and then slathering it all over himself too. I did giggle a bit at first… it looked funny, all of that white goop all over everything! But after seeing his rigorous and quickly spinning routine, I can see why he took the extra steps. It’s all about what you intend to do, and how much extra grip your body may need. I suggest trying to use little grip aid, and really gauge when you think you actually NEED it.

[PennyGirl]

It’s oka Koba, I was at first curious just to see what type of responses and then also to see what would work best for me. I have so many days when I can’t do a darned thing.. it really gets on my nerves. I feel like I am ALWAYS slipping. (I have a chrome expert) I’ve never tried windex though, I’ve only used alcohol. what kind of pole do you have?

I have never used a grip aid. I use just windex and that alone produces adequate grip for me. I also have a lil mynx that I will use because its powder coated and is grippier when my chrome is too slick. I know its not the answer you were looking for but I wanted to throw my 2 cents in. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif I’m interested in seeing everyones answers to this topic too.

[PennyGirl]

I know I totally caught that class with Leigh Anne today whooo hoooo yay me! ( I know I’m such a dork lol)

[PennyGirl]

I am so coming too and taking Leigh Anne’s flow class. Totally psyched! YAY!

[PennyGirl]

Make sure that both ends of your X-joints are fully tightened, alternate as you tighten them (Tighten 1 until it stops, tighten the other, go back to the first one, etc)

I received my xpert TG Monday 9/13, however, due to my husband’s & my work schedule, we can’t put it up till this Saturday https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif I’m nervous due to all I’ve regarding some issues with assembly, etc. When alternating tightening the x-joints, how do we know we should stop? I’m afraid we’ll be concerned about over-tightening and/or ruining it.

Don’t worry, the screws will only turn so much. Here are some helpful hints:
1) loosen and tighten the joints many times before you put the pole together. (this will give you an idea of the joints limitations and the pressure necessary to expand inside of the pole.
2) when you assemble, make sure you alternate the expansion. little here little there little here etc until the joint is fully expanded into the pole evenly
3) insert the tool (short side) ALL the way into the screw before you begin to turn (this can be tricky because some screws are weird so push in hard and push in again to make sure the tool is seated first then turn)
4) once it is all together go back and double check each section to make sure it’s good.
5) Have fun this is the time of your life!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[PennyGirl]

If I were you I would call X-Pole! They have great customer service and can help you out!!

roxy is right, and she knows ALLL about that too!

[PennyGirl]

I purchased my friend’s 2 month old Xpert today. One of the extenders is stuck in pole A. The hole and the hex screw aren’t aligned, so I can’t get the hex screw driver into the screw to loosen it. The two are only slightly misaligned. Does anyone know how I can get the hole and scew lined up or how I can get something into the hole to unfasten the screw? Thanks.

Hey sweety, I noticed your link today. I am sorry you are having problems with your expert. Yes, I too have experienced the same problem with my expert. When the joints are inserted into the pole ends, if they are slightly loose the pressure from working on the pole will actually cause them to bypass the inset and cutouts and the joints will spin inside of the pole parts. This causes the hex screws to become unavailable. If you can try to twist the poles around, sometimes you can and then get access to one set of screws…can you do that? If your main pole A is stuck to your main pole B, then you will have to remove the base and stuff a broom up in to the bottom of main pole A. Prop the broom stick on the floor ( don’t do this on tile or hard wood you will damage it so probably the garage is the best place) them bring the pole down hard onto the broom until you can push the joint out of the pole, then you can either try to pull it out of main pole B, first by loosening the end that was stuck in the main pole A and then try to pull, ( this will minimize any potential damage) or you can insert the broom into main pole B and do the same thing. This process may ruin the joint by pushing in the little "nipple" on the joint that is supposed to insert into the notch on the inside of the pole. You might have to replace the joint (i believe it’s like 15 bucks) also check the poles to make sure the cutouts are still serviceable. I had to replace both main pole A&B after this, but I still had another main pole B that survived the horror. Xpole is really good with customer service, this is not a new issue to them so they will be familiar with your issue. They will work with you to replace parts and sometimes will be able to send you discounted parts that may be gently used if you don’t mind. Hope this helps! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif
I’m gonna friend you so you can tell me exactly what’s going on….oh and also so you can view the vid I posted about it..

[PennyGirl]

It may have some of the same stuff as the other vids posted but I after seeing this thread pop up I was inspired to do some floorwork. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

http://ver3.studioveena.com/lessons/view/5008#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Aw Veena, ur the bestest https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif

[PennyGirl]

No problem..done!

[PennyGirl]

Lulu’s shamless plug!

We have a floor/chair class at my studio. These are both my performance videos from Ms Xpose 2008 and 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5FkGkfdyHU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk_b0_06FkM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

OMGsh, you are way too good and WAAAAY too fast for me to catch onto your spunk girlfriend. I think I got whiplash just watching you move! Okay, I’m kinda jealous and now we totally can’t be friends LOL! No seriously, your dancing is awesome thanks so much for sharing these with me. I’d be lucky to have that much confidence in my pinkie toe, but one day hopefully!

[PennyGirl]

If your looking for instruction and not just vids …..in the online lessons I have a bunch of transitions, and floorwork moves. I’ll be adding more too. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif
Thanx Veena, I am currently thinking up a way to squeeze you into my budget https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[PennyGirl]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfmsrE5x2Mo" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

that one too. I forgot. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif
geez there’s a LOT of stuff in that vid! I’m watcing and I’m like, oh that’s cool, oh I think I can do that….how’d she do that? It’s so funny because I have no idea where to start ha ha, but I know it will be fun https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif thanks Amcut! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

[PennyGirl]

WOW thanks that was a quick reply, I will totally give it a look! <3

[PennyGirl]

I got a pair in my size and they are WAY too loose. MY foot slides all over the place. They say you should get a pair that is snug so the shoe can loosen to your foot, stupid me I didn’t listen now my shoes have too much "give" ( i danec salsa in them and now they feel like they’re gonna fall off all of the time. BOO!

[PennyGirl]

I sent the following email:
To whom it may concern, I find it particularly disturbing that M&M’s would not fulfill an order placed by an associate of mine because of the image he requested be printed on the candies. (Reference order number 0010544613) He submitted an excellent silhouette of his wife doing a particularly difficult dance move on her Dance pole. Note that I did not use the word "stripper" pole because that would imply the removal of clothing in conjunction with provocative dance which was not evident of the photo he submitted. His wife Miss Veena is a respectable teacher and pole dance instructor, in fact she has thousands of students all over America who subscribe to her courses for various reasons including fitness, weight loss, and dance. Apparently M&M’s can only print things that "children can see" then I direct your attention to the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKnCLHX6X4k Is it more acceptable that children can see the blacked out silhouette of a woman upside down doing what looks more like gymnastics, or should parents be more inclined to let children watch this clip of an obviously suggestive M&M while she dances on what appears to be a dance pole, er should I say " stripper pole" according to your customer service? In any case I think the decision to deny this man a simple request is both offensive and absolutely ridiculous. I shall not be purchasing any of your candies because of this and I will ensure none of my "stripper" friends partake in any of your goods either. Good day!