Runemist34
Forum Replies Created
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While I can't speak on things like "musicality," or properly embodying your music, I know a lot about nerves!
For anything from a dance performance to a presentation at school, I get nervous like a mother cat! It's pretty bad… I have anxiety already, but those sorts of things ramp it up really far. I've had anxiety attacks over it!
So, here are some of my tips and things to keep in mind:
1) Remember that you WANT to do this! Say it to yourself in your head. Write it down. You WANT to. It's very important!
2) Breathe. Whether you're right behind the curtain, just before your actual performance, or just going to practice, or even just thinking about it at random (my worst time is just before I go to bed), remember to breathe deeply, into your belly. If you sing, or have done, it's a lot like that! This has been proven to reduce anxiety… and I certainly see the improvement, within moments. It'll also help teach your mind that you don't have to be so scared of it.
3) You're not nervous… you're Excited! One trick that came from Rosie Bitts, who taught me burlesque dancing. I was surprised to find it actually did help! Keep saying it to yourself, telling other people, etc. You might actually discover that you ARE excited to do it!
4) Remember that you are your worst critic… and that they usually aren't paying as close attention to you as you are. You may THINK that they will all see the flaws, the lack of something or presence of something else… but that is likely not true. I've been pole dancing for some time now, and every time I see a video of a dancer, unless I'm being intentionally critical (like someone needs help with a move), I generally just sit back and enjoy. Even when people ask me to look and be critical, I have a difficult time picking up everything I potentially could.
5) Eat. Seriously, eat food. Without food, you are much more prone to nervousness and added stress. When you feel healthy and full of food, you will be much more content, and much less apt to stress. Eat something before your performance, eat throughout the day, just keep doing it. Doesn't matter what kind of diet or whatever you're on: Hunger will not make you calm. Period.
Hope that helps!
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kate92: I totally agree with you. Any kind of general leg-wiggling makes me cringe a little.
Moves I don't like? Well, the "vagina monster" floorwork move comes immediately to mind! Lol!
There are a few moves that I know that aren't really done or discussed around here. I learned them from back in my studio-going days. I know them, I can do them (they're fairly easy), but I don't do them because they're… too blatant? Ugh! So there's the "Pole pump" which is very obviously a "LOOK! I'm humping the pole!" move. Do not like! There's also the "money shot," which is a sit with your back against the pole (usually directly after a pirouette), and then you open your knees… you know, for that "Money Shot"?
Umm, for more well-known moves… I'm not terribly fond of the Caterpillar, or the Iron X. The latter is impressive, but doesn't really "wow" me the way I think it's meant to.
Basic Wrist sit and Teddy moves are also a little too blatantly "LOOK!" for me… but I've seen some fantastic variations of them that I LOVE, so there you go.
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*Flail* Awesome!
Looking forward to some great combos and interesting tips from you, Veena! Definitely always looking to spruce up my beginner moves with transitions and stuff, and it should also help me with my intermediate ones that I'm working on!
Thanks!
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I kind of have to contradict the "naturally diurnal" thing. My natural sleep schedule as an adult is going to bed around 2am-4am, and waking up at about 11am-1pm. I tried to change that for more than three years while I was with my ex-husband, and it just didn't work- I was grumpy, tired, listless, and generally felt very unhealthy.
Unfortunately, society seems to assume that most people are the daytime-type, and I get classes that start at 10am, or have to work around that time, too. It's very frustrating, and I often describe it as "Imagine if you had to get up and work at 4am. You wouldn't be happy, either!"
I cannot sleep before 2am. I've tried. I have REALLY tried. My best sleeping time is actually between 5am and 11am. I get the highest quality sleep then.
And that's where the issue is- when you don't get that highly efficient, truly restful sleep, you'll suffer. Loss of energy, focus, and motivation. You may be getting a full 8 hours of sleep, possibly even more, but it won't be the same.
My suggestion would be to make sure you're eating often, and perhaps more than you would consider to be "normal" for you. Not too much more, but a bit more. Remember that you're trying to replace energy that you are lacking from not being able to sleep at your ideal time.
And, if you feel that this sleep schedule will be going on for longer than a month, don't deviate from it, even on weekends. It's really tempting, and it can be really hard to just stay tired when you know you have time to sleep… but you may be able to transition your body to your work schedule. You suffer for the first bit, but I'm told that most people find it gets easier.
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Generally, I try not to push myself so hard that I'm covered in bruises- then again, I don't bruise that easily! I tend to be tough and just brush off the pain, as it's temporary.
Sleeping right after a workout is pretty much impossible for me. If it was a good workout, I'm so high on endorphins that I feel like I never need sleep ever again! So I've got to give it a few hours. I try to practice about 4+ hours before bedtime.
I think we can all appreciate that our guys may be worried for us, but also that they're supportive of us! Women are tough and we keep going, well past the point of "normal," sometimes. We have a different experience of pain, I think. So, perhaps it's good for them to remind us that we've got other things going on in our lives that pole has to make room for, too 😉 And it's up to us to find out our limits and balance life properly!
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When I took a Fitness trainer's course (to become a fitness trainer, though sadly I didn't finish the course!), they talked about strength training and flexibility.
Basically, the thought was that if you trained very hard on building strength and bulk, but did not stretch, your muscles would shorten. I saw a picture of a bicep that was barely an inch and a half- scary!
Flexibility training, however, will NOT take away your strength.
Greater strength is achieved by lifting weights, which gives us tiny tears in the muscle tissue. Our body repairs the damage, and gives us a little bit extra, so it doesn't happen again! That's why we get stronger, and have to step up the strength training- and also why we remain at the same level if we don't train. Without any use of the strength, our muscles will atrophy (shrink), because the body realizes we aren't using those muscles to their full capacity (or at all) and will relocate the nutrients and building blocks to other, more useful places.
Flexibility does similar things by elongating the tissues of our muscle, which is why overtraining on flexibility can be quite bad, the same as overdoing it on the strength.
Thus, flexibility may change the way your muscle tissue looks or is used, but in a good way. Strength won't be lost!
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Well, webby, I'd say you've sold me pretty thoroughly 😉 Now, I just have to dig up the money for it!
Lets hope my job gives me full time hours for this summer… or else I'll have to wait till September to get it! But, now that I know it exists and sounds beautiful, I know my goals 🙂
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It says 'US only,' but does that mean that $45 shipping and handling is only for US, or is it the pole is only for sale in the US?
Also, how's the grip on the powder coat? I often find powder coating to be quite grippy, almost uncomfortably so when it comes to spins!And, finally, is the colour more red, towards the pink end of things, or more blue, towards the violet end of things?
Since I can't seem to get the conversion kit for my pole, I'm considering saving up for a new Lil Mynx, and I do love me some purple…
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I am also self-driven, as there are no studios around here anymore… and when there were, I didn't have the money to go to them!
The main things I've learned is to stick to it, and pace yourself. I tend to throw myself in really hard, and then burn out. It sucks, because one of my 'burnouts' turned into an 8 month hiatus. Not happy! But these days I'm doing my best to stick with it, and keep dancing, no matter how badly I feel, or even if it's been a week. Just keep going.
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Hey Ginger!
The Tuck is really not the issue. As we said before… we can both tuck fine, just not tilt. There's that second step after tucking that seems to elude both of us.
I've been using Veena's lessons since the new year, which is where I tend to get my current invert from (including swinging my leg out and up), but it is still very difficult to bring my hips upwards.
I don't think commitment is really the issue. I've been trying to get the invert, or a more controlled one, for more than a year now.
I've fallen out of a CAR, actually, and it's still not working too well for me. I can CKR just fine, though 😉 I just keep doing CAR's from the ground, until I know that I'm confident in the type of grip.
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I actually was trying to do this today, Lillybilly!
I was thinking that I wanted to try to work on my balance while upside down (as I've never actually tried it) and attempted to stay in this position as long as I could.
Looking at the hands, though, I should probably make some adjustments to my positioning… might make things a little easier!
Thank you!
Also, I've heard it called a "Candle stand" before, too, so I think that works!
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Best thing I could recommend is doing them from the ground, and taking it slow. You need to grip HARD, even with ample thighs.
Also, for the CAR, think about turning your knees Inward, toward the pole.
Make sure you and your pole are warm before attempting these, because it can be more slippery if you (or your pole) are cold.
Gemini I know that you actually are also gripping with the back of your armpit (if that makes any sense) and, as you drop the other leg, you'll find the grip changes, and your hip gets in on the action as well. That's why I suggest going at it from the floor.
CKR can be really strange till you figure it out. Place your top foot (that would be the bent leg) as far toward the opposite hip as possible. You can even hold on to that foot with your hand. You'll be placing most of your weight against your bent knee, and along that thigh. It sounds really uncomfortable, but you'd be surprised.
Take it SLOW. Like I said, practice from the floor. For things like the CKR and the CAR, try getting into position and then lifting up, as if you're coming out of the move. You'll learn both the grip, and how to get out of the move when you do this (first few times I did the CKR, I could barely sit back up out of it. Much flailing happened).
Pain happens. It's a thing us pole dancers deal with… and learn from. Mostly, when I find I'm in pain from a move, I know that I haven't got quite the right grip point for it. I've given myself bruises from this, too! Keep trying, let yourself try different places to grip, and work with it.
You guys will get it 🙂 Don't fret!
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A friend of mine (he's a crazy martial-arts fitness person) told me to use my foam roller, lay down with it on the small of my back, and do a full plank. I could use my hands to hold on to the pole above my head. It's freaking hard!
I'll work on my ploughs and shoulderstand though! I was also trying to incorporate bum-lifts (into like a shoulder stand, kind of) into my strength routine too.
We'll get this, D! We'll get it… *shakes fist*
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Bah! I really need to work on my inverted crucifix. I'm going to do that today. I think it's a major trick day for me, and then maybe I'll do some proper dancing tomorrow or something.
If it clicks for you before it clicks for me, you have to tell me your secret, too 😉
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You ladies are singing my song. I have had issues with this for the whole time I've been attempting to invert. I can hang on the pole with my arms, I do pole holds, I can do tucks, and if I swing my leg, I can actually hook it on the pole.
Yet, once tucked, my butt just doesn't want to go up. Usually what happens is, tuck and then I try to straighten my arms in order to lower my head… and my whole body just goes down. Some kind of strength isn't there yet, or I just don't understand what I should be doing.
People have told me to "bring my crotch to the pole," but… do you know how hard that is?
I am also fairly bottom-heavy. Most of my weight hides in my hips, because they're fairly large, though I don't consider myself pear-shaped. I also have very long legs, so once I'm tucked, all my weight is over my bottom half, no matter what I do. I often wonder if I need super-human strength just to do a tuck-invert!
But… I keep working on it anyways. One day! I have to believe I'll get it one day.
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Actually, I was looking at those shorts before! Unfortunately, shape wear tends to roll and move funny on me, and just does not stay where it should. Not a whole lot to “shape” anyways, as most of it is just that my hips are large. But, I may try them anyways! They do look cute!
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While I don't have a spinning pole, I sort of understand the principles of it. Much of it has to do with what YOU are doing- body closer to the pole, it'll spin faster, and body farther away, it'll spin slower. I also know that you don't want to give it too much of a push, or it'll just go like heck really fast!
I'm also positive it's a lot about practice. You'll learn how your pole moves, and what kinds of things you can do to make it do what you want.
Just try little poses, things you know you can hold for a while, and see what happens when you just lift your feet off the ground, or push your feet so that you spin. Or what happens when you try a fireman spin, versus a carousel spin. See if you can hold a pose and make your pole move just by wiggling or flexing your muscles. Explore it!
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Hey!
Yes, I still get dizzy, and I've been poling for about 4 years! If I do too many spins in a row, I will get very, and have to take a break.
Generally, if you work and practice at it, you'll stop being quite so bad, and be able to do more tricks together.
I would also recommend doing the same thing other types of dancers do when they have to spin: Pick a point on the wall/pole/whatever and keep looking at it till you can't anymore. I find it very useful to actually look at my hands, or the pole, when I'm spinning, as it's not really moving around like the room is!
For walking, you can always look at the wall in front of you, till you come around, and then you can look at the opposite wall.
I found that, while in class, you're not doing so many tricks or constant walking around, because you need to pause to let others use the pole (not always an issue, depending on the size of your class), or you're getting instruction from your teacher.
Empty stomach can sometimes make it worse. I know it does for me!
Honestly… it's okay. I've heard of lots of people complaining of dizziness, and it always seems to be resolved, either through practice (your body just gets used to it) or through little tricks, like keeping your eyes in the same place until the last minute.
Keep at it!
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D Luxx- I'm 5'7" I believe. Unfortunately, we don't have a DOTS here, and I can't seem to find anything good on the website (if I'm looking at the right website!). I'm thinking I may have to order online, because the only dance store here in Nanaimo is where I got my last (and only) pair of shorts, and… well, as I said, they don't do the job properly. That store is more geared toward tiny ballerinas, not curvy pole dancers!
PortableNinja- I also have a 10 inch difference between my waist and hips! It's very difficult to find clothing… especially pants!
I do actually have a pair of under-armour shorts, but the're not as short as I need them to be. I might go and look around at the place I got my under-armour (I also have a shirt) and see if they have shorter shorts than I've got. I do love them!It seems like Nanaimo has an unfortunate dearth of good pole shorts… I assume this is because most stores think Nanaimo is fairly boring, and I don't think they're wrong. Some of us just want some sexy little shorts! Blargh!
Anyways… anyone know of some good online stuff I could peruse?
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I generally try to get in as much pole as I can… sometimes this results in 5 days a week, and sometimes only 2 days a week… but I also try to keep in mind that I'm rock climbing now, and I also sometimes participate in the fighting practice for my LARP each Sunday.
And also that my work is hell on my body. I stand for 5-8 hours each shift, and while they may not be often, it seems to really drain me of energy.
My goal is to get my practicing a little more consistent, and to stretch far more often (it's happening maybe once a week, these days, and that is not enough!).
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So many! Felix Cane is a big one for me… I have her whole DVD set to learn pole from, mostly because it's HER in it, and… frankly I don't really use them much.
Tara Karina, though she doesn't post or anything anymore, I still love to watch her videos (which I should do again!), because she's so graceful, has beautiful long legs, and a great energy.
Veena, OF COURSE. She's beautiful, strong, and helpful! One of the strongest people I know of, both mentally and physically.
And… I'm gonna stop at this last one… 'Cause I could go on for a while…
Steven Retchless! He is a SMOKIN' pole dancer, and has such emotion and expression in all of his dances! You can really see his background in dance show through, and the styles he incorporates simply adds to the variety of moves and transitions.
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Hey Jolene!
I've been pretty much "grounded" most of the time I've been pole dancing- haven't gotten into much aerial stuff until recently, because of my unfortunate upper body strength (well, general lack of strength, I think), and because I'm a bit afraid of being upside down!
The chair spin is a hard one, and I don't think it's strange that you're having issues with it. I STILL have troubles with some spins, and they're most of my trick-repertoir!
What did you feel was the major issue with it? Did you not get enough momentum to go around, or did you really kick off, and then find yourself slowing down? Were you unable to keep your legs up in the "chair" position? Did you thump into the pole a bunch?
I agree with Lana Lee, that it probably isn't to do with your strength (or lack thereof) but with technique! I've found the same issues throughout my pole journey, and every time I get down on myself about strength, I discover that it's definitely NOT strength that I'm lacking!
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Hey! I love those pixie cuts! They're soo cute!
For ladies with shorter hair, I really notice that it's less about the hair flips, and more about interacting directly with your hair. If you're comfortable with it (I know I'm not, because my hair will turn immediately to frizz), you can run your fingers through your hair! Up the front, down the back, or in the opposite direction.
Just think about all the ways you can fondle your hair!
I'm going to have to do some research, too 😉 I'm still growing my hair out, and haven't thought much about the head tosses!
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Just by looking through the pictures on here, I'm immediately seeing videos from Youtube, specifically if you search "How to Pole dance for Beginners." There's ones from Studio soiree, as well as another studio (whose name I can't currently remember), as well as quite a few pictures from the Pole dance encyclopedia thing (I'm so bad with names! They had a whole list of moves, with videos to go with them).
The "Star Site Secure" badges at the very bottom of the page actually take you to the Order section of the website, and thus are likely not secured by anyone at all.
I'd also like to say that their use of Flirty Girl Fitness pictures is straight up plagarism, and their use of Youtube videos in this way (as in, to make a profit) is quite illegal. I don't know for sure about the others, but I'm sure it's also quite shady.
It's very unfortunate that someone would do this, and I very much hope you get your money back!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some e-mails to send…
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Oooh, so pretty! Do you wear them all out? One of those people that can just wear heels all day? 😉
I Looove your black shoes, and both pairs of boots. They're so hot! And some of your other shoes are super cute!
I need to start wearing my heeled shoes >_>
