[Runemist34]

Haha, Sissy, thank you https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif Sometimes I need a good scolding. I know I shouldn’t compare, and I’m actually trying really hard to be comfortable with the way I look (especially since I’ll be staying this weight, because it’s healthy) and setting realistic, personal goals (such as learning a couple of new spins, perfecting my inversions, ect.) instead of comparing myself to others and just getting down on myself!
That said, I think I might try the record and watch thing, so I can get a more immediate look at what I’m doing right and wrong! That way I don’t have to remember so many things https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

i’m pretty "type A". Just wondering, what IS type A? I’ve heard it in so many contexts!

i dont think a lot about what my weaknesses are or compare myself to other people.
I wish I was like this. I compare all the time! I’m always comparing myself to people that I don’t think I could ever match for skill (and I tell myself I could never match their skill, too) and I get all depressed about it. It’s a hard road for me, trying to not compare but still see progress or have a goal for myself.
I found the few times I’ve recorded myself have been somewhat helpful. I don’t have any mirrors around my pole (nowhere to put them that I wouldn’t end up kicking), and so seeing what I’m doing is very strange to me. I remember the second time I recorded myself kind of threw me for a loop, because I was dancing in shorts due to climbing, and one move caused a wave of jiggly all the way up from my knee… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif I didn’t think it was attractive at all. Then again, I AM comparing myself to lots of much thinner ladies, like Felix!
Recording myself, however, takes up space with the tripod and all that I don’t normally have unless I’m the only one home. So, I don’t get to do it often.
Curious, though…what do you do with the video after you’ve watched, and possibly posted it? I have an external drive (actually, I have two of them!) that I suppose I could keep it all on, but that gets to be a pretty big chunk of space in a very short time! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

All in all, though, I think I’d like to record myself more often, then I can really see what it looks like when I do certain things. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

Haha, I’ve already had my reading break! It just finished today! But that sounds like fun, Veena! I’ve got lots of summer clothes that I’ve been dying to break out! I dunno if I’ll be getting out the bathing suit though…it’s gotten a little small! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

Lets hope I get better soon! I hate being sick! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_silent.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif

[Runemist34]

I don’t know a lot about religion, but I know this: you should discuss it with him. My own husband and I discuss a lot of things…though we might have our malfunctions, but on matters like this we’re pretty clear. Mine is an odd one, he doesn’t like or want to see other women pole dancing, and he doesn’t like strippers. However, I know that for me, if he wanted to do these things, I have no problem. I trust him, he trusts me, and that’s how we know we’ll stay together, no matter what happens.
If he’s uncomfortable, he should be able to say something to you, so that you know about it and can help him with it. If he isn’t, then all good, right? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

[Runemist34]

After further deliberation (and some attempt at remembering names) I’m gonna add to my list:
Felix Cane (as previously stated)
Sapphire Catz Eye
Alethea Austin
…and perhaps Jamilla.
https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif

[Runemist34]

I’ve got the opposite problem. I’ve got wider feet (though some girls shoes do come in my width) and long feet (size 10) so it’s hard to find any shoes that fit…but especially platforms. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif

[Runemist34]

My thing is…I tend to point out the inconsistencies. Such as, what you said "Of course I’m not going to be graceful, I’m just learning!"
Other than that…isn’t dancing all about showing off? I mean, seriously! If you’re just dancing for yourself, then why would you show someone else, unless you wanted to share and show off your moves? Isn’t that the point?
For people like that, who can’t give constructive criticism…just ignore them. They aren’t intelligent enough to give you a proper opinion and why, then they aren’t intelligent enough to listen to. If they’re going to criticize something they don’t know much about, then I don’t think their opinion matters.

[Runemist34]

Hey, if I had any spare clothing, I totally would send it! There’s so little room in my closet, I have to make sure I’ve got everything that fits, and nothing that doesn’t.
And don’t feel bad! So few people will ask for help when they really need it, and I think we’re all flattered that you would reach out to us. At least, I know I am! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

I can try that! Being that I have larger thighs, though, and apparently really sticky skin (I live on an island, it’s always humid!) when I tilt, it feels horribly uncomfortable! That, and it takes some pretty crazy effort on my part to get into the right position. When I hook my legs for the sit, the pole is ALWAYS as close to my torso as can be, because…well, I don’t know why! I suppose because when I unhook my legs to stick them into sitting, it’s just my arms holding me, so I tend to be closer so I have more strength and thus can stay up. If that makes any sense! Perhaps I’ll make a video and show you girls…
Anyways, aside from that, I had thought about using my hands behind me to walk myself down…I just haven’t managed to try it. I think I would have to let go of the one top hand to get to the pole below me. Maybe I’m doing it wrong? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

[Runemist34]

You know…I kinda find that cool, and funny! Of all the pictures he could have written on, he chose that one, and to put it between your legs! Quite the publicity https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif
I don’t really follow the guy, and I don’t really intend to (his writing makes my brain explode), but that’s kinda cool!

[Runemist34]

Hey! A dry erase board is a good idea…I have one on the wall behind my pole, so I could potentially use that. Also, thinking of five moves…great idea. I think, without actually intending to do it, I do that…but it’s usually that I want to learn certain moves that I can’t get yet, get frustrated, and do one of two spins I always do: Either the front hook, or the back hook. Dunno what it is with me and the hooking spins.
I think I might make another list (MilienElayne, I’m a chronic list maker, too! Never keep my thoughts straight without it.)
Does anyone keep a "pole journal" that has all their thoughts, ideas, combos, and moves they want to learn/do already know? I was thinking I’d start with one! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif I’m pretty bad at keeping scrapbooks, but I’d love to start doing it for pole, and a couple of other hobbies I have.
Thanks for the suggestions! Keep them coming https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Runemist34]

Haha, it’s not an intentional fling! When I let my hand go (very slowly) my weight shifts, and I end up in the right place…at least, with a CKR! I am going to attempt it a little more controlled when I try it next though. Abs, don’t fail me now! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

[Runemist34]

Hey ladies, I was totally looking for a thread like this! I was positive there was one (There have been so many) so starting a new one was totally moot.
I was practicing it yesterday…I might do more today. I managed the CKR for the first time (YAY https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif ) but I found it rather uncomfortable…I kept defaulting to the CAR because I found that, for sitting, much more comfortable!
However, every time I let my hands go, the force of my upper body flinging back was enough to wrench the pole from between my legs and I’d end up sliding straight down! Kind of scary at first, but I had pillows and know how to land, so I was alright.
Now, I’m totally aware that I’ll be practicing the CKR for a long time, but I’d like to also be able to practice this one, as well. I can sit like nothin’ else…I actually had a little experiment to see what happens if I just relax my muscles entirely while sitting. I descended about an inch per ten seconds (so really, really slow!), so I figured that if that was the case, I should be okay doing a CAR! But, unfortunately, not the case.
So, for a girl with thighs that are squishy and a little bit more turned in, any tips? Should I just squeeze the dickens out of the pole and see if that works? Make sure I’m turning my thighs in? (And that, I assume, should be turning my knees inwards?) Put the pole a little lower down in the grip? Twist my feet around so they can’t unlock very well? All of the above? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif
Thanks!

[Runemist34]

S’ cool, LOL. Remember–the universal language of pole love!!!

*Spews random words in the language of pole love*

Sorry, couldn’t resist! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[Runemist34]

I’ve done both studio learning, and home learning. When I switched, I had no idea that such things like Veena’s lessons existed, and simply went off videos from Youtube. I learned quite a few things that way, but in many ways, I still miss the studio.
I agree with the ladies prior to me…when I’m around others, I tend to work harder, I like showing off. A class helps keep me focussed, and also helps me learn moves I’m having major troubles with, such as my "tuck" spin (I think that’s what it’s called?), and transitions.
However, I found the studio restricting, too. There was no room to develop your own routine, and they didn’t really teach you how to do so. The last class of every "level" was just "Okay ladies, string them all together! Just do it!" And it was rather nerve wracking. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif The style of the ladies there was not my own, I didn’t find their sexy to be my sexy, and some of their moves I found unsuited to my body type, and some of the moves I wanted to do they didn’t have, or didn’t know about.
That, and a previous friend of mine teaches there. I taught her (this was just after I stopped going and was scouring youtube) the Corkscrew (or, as I called it, the full-body spin), which she got right away. I’m still having issues with it https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif . Anyways, she went and showed it to the other instructors there, and they named the spin the "Roxy," after her stage name, and said she invented it. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif I wasn’t impressed. She, nor I, invented the move, and they should do a little more research before they go ahead like that.

Anyways, away from the griping…I find Veena’s lessons, and the wonderful community here to be just what I needed for motivation, help, and ideas. I’ve even gone and dug out all I can from my previous lessons, to see what I can bring back into my memory! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

[Runemist34]

I agree with Skittles! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
And my current, and original, pole crush is Felix. She’s got attitude, style, grace, and strength! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

I’m gonna have to look up all these other people that I haven’t seen, though! I’ll add that I’ve seen some crazy awesome dancers, but don’t know their names, and thus cannot find them again…but I’ll look around some more, perhaps add more to this post! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif

[Runemist34]

Wow, I had no idea this place even existed! Some nice stuff on there, too! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif Thanks, PDR! I’ll have to keep watching it, see what else they have. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Runemist34]

Empyrean: Unfortunately, no spin mode on my pole, and as far as I know, no spinning poles at the local pole studio, either! So, no spin for me. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif This also means I’ve never touched or encountered a spinning pole, I’ve only seen the uses of them on here and youtube.

Sissy: That’s totally a possibility, so I can try to loosen my grip!

Sassafrassle: I never thought of that! I actually tend to do everything on the right side (yes, yes, balance and whatnot…I’m working on it! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif ) so my climbing leg is the right side one, as well. However, I can give it a go on the left, because it’s possible that it might work better! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

I agree, I find also that my brain and body continue to process things, even if I leave them. Happens a lot with my writing! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif And you know…I might have to see how long I can hang for, next time I do it! I’m tired now, though. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

Thanks Polergirl! I had seen and tried both, but I think with a little more momentum, I could do it…Perhaps I’m gripping too hard with my hands, and thus I’m killing any momentum I gain? It’s probably all about timing! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif I’ll keep trying, though…

In other news…I DID THE CKR! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif
I know that’s not totally on topic with the questions about the spins, but I’m so excited! I found the CAR kinda hard (me flipping back seems to make my thighs let go…I’ll be working on that one, however) but the CKR, once in the right position, I can do! Yaaay! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_queen.gif I’m so happy! Finally a breakthrough, and I feel so good! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif

[Runemist34]

Hey ladies…I just had to let you know, your instructions totally did help! It’ll take some time and practice, but I seem to have the basics down for the Dizzy lizzy! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
‘Course now I still gotta figure out the standing spin…it looks so pretty, I want it! It seems that when I pull myself up with my hands, I just bang into the pole, and that’s not very graceful at all! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif Any other tips are welcome! I’ve seen the video Veena has up, but I still can’t seem to figure it out. Looks so simple! Just have to keep trying! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_blackeye.gif

[Runemist34]

Yes, I can do the sunwheel! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif I had a lot of fun learning that move, as I really enjoy the fact that it’s one spin I can do, no legs on the pole, and actually get momentum! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Runemist34]

I have a pair, and though they don’t fit (I’m a size ten, these are a half size too small) I have no problems with the clear plastic top. I think it all depends on how they’re put together, the quality of the make, ect. Mine are slingback, so the plastic actually wraps around the outside of my foot, as well as the toe and the back. Comfortable enough! Now, if I could just get the base to be a little wider, I’d be more than happy! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

[Runemist34]

Hey ladies, since you all seem much better at finding cute clothings than I am…can you find me something that isn’t too skimpy? Most of the "pole dancers clothes" that I see around I would A) never fit into, and B) be very uncomfortable wearing! I know that more skin means more pole contact which means better grip, but I’m rather uncomfortable showing a lot of skin, or generally, more skin than necessary. I have trouble with the shorts, for goodness sake! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

It’s not abs you need so much for a lot of the moves. It’s the Transverse abdominous. Abs will allow you to crunch, straight, and that’s all. Your transverse abdominous muscles go across, from your back all the way to the front, and make EVERYTHING better. They even allow you to have sex better! I’m serious, everything! It’ll nip in your waist if it’s toned (I believe, but don’t hold me to it) and allows you to have a balanced, strong core.
I’ve been very lax in strengthening the core, as I’ve got several other problem areas, particularly the arms and my quads in my legs (resulting in some very unhappy knees). However, I know it’s mostly those muscles you’ll want to work, as well as your abs.
You can look up muscles for that, but as far as I know, it’s a lot of twisting, so be careful with your lower back.
Also, it may possibly be the obliques, but I don’t remember much about those muscles. Perhaps someone else can help fill in that gap…or tell me if I’m totally off! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif