[Runemist34]

One of those, right around 1:15, I’m pretty sure is one of those Peek-a-boo poles. It seems to have sections like the ones I’ve seen, and they are REALLY not stable!
I hope all those people are okay! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif
This is why I usually get my stepdad to install my pole…he’s strong! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

PDR, you sound like me. I started menstruating kinda late in life (16 or so) and it’s been very random. The one time I waited for 6 months for it, I had the worst cramps EVER. I literally writhed in bed for about two hours, unable to do anything, including stand up! It really sucked. I’ve also stopped taking the pill (though we aren’t looking to have babies for another 5 or so years), and it’s actually been nicer. I’ve had less depression since I stopped taking it, as well as seeming healthier. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
Jury’s still out on the Divacup, actually. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

Polegrrrl: I had actually thought of doing that! I didn’t try it though…perhaps will! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
Audball: Hehe, thank you! Encouragement is always welcome, and is sometimes just as helpful as advice! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif
Chemgoddess: I thought I was the only one weird enough to try that! I totally did, too! Scoot everything up as high as it would go, and try to get my legs around the pole and make them stay there in the right position…I don’t think I was doing it properly, though! Considering my upside down fears, I’ll give that a go, too! Also, I am learning this one on my own without any help, too, so I totally understand the fears!
Polergirl: I hadn’t though of the toe/upper leg position too much…but thank you! I’ll remember to point and see if that helps me out. It probably will! And, secretly, I think I agree with you…I can cross-ankle sit on the pole no problem! I don’t think the CAR is far behind after I get this one! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif

You ladies are all so nice! It’s like having my own, giant, awesome studio of people to talk to! Hehe!

[Runemist34]

Polergrrrl, I agree with Deetron…sooo jealous! I’d love to have a studio that was so in-depth! And I understand your difficulty with the shoes…I don’t wear mine often, and when I do, I almost fall at least twice, pole or not! It’s kinda scary! I’m trying to get some shoes (tomorrow! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif ) that have a bit better ankle strap, so that at least I know they fit, and stay on properly. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

It does make more sense! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif I’m gonna try it tomorrow, if I can manage to keep the energy up (it seems to wane after class https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
As an aside…I took 3 years of horseback riding, english style. I loved it, I miss it, and western saddles hurt! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif
Aaaand, if anyone else has any other pointers, I’d be happy to hear them! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

[Runemist34]

That is actually a good idea, Nilla…I hadn’t thought of it! Are you able to do a CKR without that trick now, or is that just how it works for you? I’ll give it a shot…probably tomorrow…
And Freethesun, that’s an interesting thought, tilting one’s hips…you mean like if I pushed my hips forward, so that I’m kind of "sitting" back on the pole, like I would in a western saddle? Sorry, that’s the only way I could think of to describe it…err…like if I was wearing jeans, and trying to sit back on the pockets of them? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif ‘Course, I’m not wearing jeans, but does that make sense?

[Runemist34]

Ahh, now it makes sense! Yes, I totally could see the apprentice – superman flip to be very difficult! I think the trick there would be a very swift movement of grabbing the pole with your legs, just as you let go with your hands… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

Plus what she said to Runemist makes me want to go find where she lives and kick her ass. No lie.
Aww, Sissy, don’t waste your anger! I don’t really mind being called a garden implement; I think it’s kinda funny! Honestly, she couldn’t think of any better insult than that? Hah, I think that if that’s all she’s got, then I just PWNED her, and she doesn’t want to admit it! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif
And I agree. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

Polergirl, I’ve been doing the same thing! I took some pretty hardcore notes on that one video…and I’m still looking for more! It’s hard for me, though, ’cause I’m not up to inversions yet (soon, though, soon!) and I gotta find some other stuff that I CAN do, and work on that!

[Runemist34]

Foxxy, I like you! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif I agree, stuff like this should just make us push harder. We should keep on dancing, and putting up our videos, and celebrating our bodies and our art the way we like it! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif
And Halfjack, I totally noticed that…I mean, she could have said something even along the lines of "I don’t consider it that inappropriate" and I’d would have accepted that! But no, I was called a garden implement. Oh well! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif
Sandira, I loved that you copied that from her profile. Did you notice…"homophobia" was listed under caucasian people? Isn’t that interesting? I understand what she’s trying to do, but I think some of her language is beyond what most people would consider polite, and I think she’s trying a little too hard to be something specific (whether that is strong, elitist, or accepting, or whatever else!) and simply becoming the opposite. It’s very unfortunate.
I generally like to come from the opinion that all people have their brains turned on, and they would be able to give me a good explanation for what they do…and perhaps that they would be coming from a more loving, peaceful perspective, but unfortunately, I realize this is not always the case. Still, I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, and that’s why I commented…and perhaps why others did as well? I just hope one day she opens up a little more. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

Foxy, I think I understand your point, and it’s very well articulated! Being a fan of burlesque, myself, I’m fine about the pasties and things, but I think a lot of the grabbing and blatant sexuality in burlesque is meant to be humorous…I’ve seen one woman who grabbed both boobs, and then went "Oh!" like that totally WASN’T what she was going for…but it was all planned, and I thought it was cute and funny.
However, I think that blatant, clear "I’ma give you a boner" is also a turn-off for me, and I actually have a difficult thing with the whole…crotch touching. I’ve thought about it, and it’s really not my thing. Neither is showing it off. I know a move I learned from the studio I used to go to (and may have even done it in my video!) that’s called the "money shot," which I’ve officially decided to do AWAY from the audience, mostly because I don’t want to be blatantly showing that part! I think it’s far more interesting to be showing it, but not to the audience…make them wonder!

[Runemist34]

Laaast question, I think!
Er, I live with guys, so if they find anything to do with the particular female cycle, all three of them get all silly and flail around the house. So…when you clean it…where do you put the blood? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif
Also, I’m in Canada, so do you know anywhere I can get it around here? I don’t have any SUPER AWESOME big stores, so I’m just curious if there’s somewhere special I might have to go, or go online, or something…or if it’s just a US thing…. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

One other question…is it one per period? Or do you reuse them for a bit? ‘Cause I know you can take them out and clean them, but I wasn’t sure if you can just keep them for a bit…

[Runemist34]

Here’s something.
For the larger ladies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fwI50t3yyc
This is Amber Ray, the first runner up, just behind Allegra in the Australian Pole competition.
She’s got a larger rear and legs, she’s a bigger lady. Yet she still does everything really awesome! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif

And, for the smaller ladies…UM FELIX YO! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6KnUW9N3Zo
She’s got no boobs either! And you can’t deny me she’s hot as hell! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

Edited to add: ALSO, there are some AMAZING freaking women in the burlesque world. Thinner and bigger, all different shapes and sizes. I love, LOVE burlesque, and one of the main reasons? Michelle L’Amore. She’s cute, she’s hot, she’s got a great ass, and she’s rather pear shaped. She’s huge in the UK, as far as I understand, and she’s got some awesome videos on Youtube if you want to check them out. Burlesque isn’t that far from pole dancing in some ways…it’s a lot more freeform, but then again, it’s got that sexy element (for those who do that) and it’s got the comedy aspect, too! Seriously. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_geek.gif

[Runemist34]

That sounds cool! I also had another question…but it’s kind of…personal https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif
How far up does it go? I had this problem when I was looking at alternate methods of birth control, too (because I didn’t want to keep taking the pill!) and some of the more "convenient" ones actually go all the way up there…and there’s no way for me to get them out! My fingers aren’t long enough! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif
But it DOES seem like a pretty good method for controlling these things. My sister got a tampon "lost" once, and it was a huge hassle for her, and very uncomfortable…I’ve never worn one, not ever. I’ve always just used pads…mostly because I knew tampons could get lost up there.
Thanks for letting me know! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

This might seem like a really crazy question…but does it ever get "lost" up there? And what if you have a really heavy flow? How do you check it? Is it comfortable?
See, I’m picturing something more like a drinking cup https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

Even all the "cute" bra and panty sets are cut for girls with a nice pretty natural C.
You’re telling me! I’ve got size E boobs with a 34 waist, so all those "cute" bras everyone sees, certainly are not for me! I’m just blessed to have one friend who works in a lingerie shop that knows her merchandise, so I don’t have to buy $150 custom bras! My sister is the same way, though she doesn’t have the hips to balance, and she never wears the right size of bra…it actually looks like hers are much bigger (even compared to me!) and she gets a LOT of "attention" she doesn’t want from it.
Simpllysweet, I know how it is, having health problems. You always hear of "morbidly obese" people having horrible problems, but regular people do, too! My knees are so messed up, I may end up without kneecaps at all, and I’m in pretty consistent pain. Perhaps (I know this sounds awful) you could talk to someone about your fear of gaining a little weight? I mean, if it’s harming you, and you know it, perhaps help is needed. Worrying about your health is not something a person should have to do, day in and day out!
And PDR, have you looked at your butt lately? And your legs! Dayum, girl! I seriously don’t think breasts are everything (this coming from a girl who thinks they are her only asset)! You’re a beautiful woman, and if that is the way you’re built, then play it up! You can pull off the cute little shorts, the plunging necklines and all kinds of things I know I can’t! You’re built like a model, and that means practically the whole fashion world is geared toward you!

I think that a big part of this (I may have said this already) is society telling us that we have to be, we have to look, some certain way, and very, very few people actually look that way. We look at those posters for lingerie and go "I wish I could look like that!" all the while those girls actually don’t exist. They’ve been modified all to hell, and often times the clothing that models are showing off in pictures don’t actually fit them. They’ve been clipped and whatnot behind the model, and since the camera doesn’t see it, neither do we!
So, really, they’re all scamming us out of our self-esteem, they’re playing to an entirely natural insecurity that we should have grown out of once we finished being teenagers, and we just keep going "Yup!" and getting led around. We get a payback from it (I know I do, too) by being able to relate to other women in the same situation…and there sure are a lot of them! Beating ourselves up has its rewards…I know this. I had depression for a long time, and still some of the habits keep coming back…it’s not flattering to say, but it does have its paybacks.
I really liked those articles at the beginning that Amy put up. They’re so true, and I agree with the idea that we should do our own social experiments. We should test it…and find out if there really is something wrong, or if it’s all in our heads, dragging us down.
I’ll totally admit I was scared by what I saw when I recorded my video in my shorts! I didn’t realize what I looked like, because I never see my rear end!
Also, I think we should all listen to our boyfriends/husbands/girlfriends/family, because I think they have a better idea of what we look like than we do. They’re better judges to what we put out to the world than we are, because we get the added flavour of what’s in our head. And, that goes for me, too!

…AND LISTEN TO AMCUT. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

Freethesun, and Luvlee, I think you hit the nail on the head. I commented, but I tried to keep it short, polite, and not too intrusive. I was called a garden implement for it, and that’s pretty much the only response I got at all! So, I agree, she just wanted to ruffle some feathers and whatnot. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

She sure seems to think that these ladies she’s looking at are "whores," and while I agree that this sort of thing shouldn’t bother us…I know it bothers me! I don’t like it when people pass judgement on others just because of one thing, and she’s probably looking at the pretty, blonde girlies doing the splits, spins and things (from what I remember of Flirty girl fitness). Looking at their website, they advertise the sexiest moves and things…but really, it isn’t anything new to me. I’ve seen lots, and lots of pole-fit studios advertise this way! They do more than pole, though, they do chair and whatnot…but still.
I think it was inappropriate for her to call them "whores" just because they dance in a sexy way. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif

[Runemist34]

I think I’d like to jump on this bandwagon! I’m under "Runemist" on youtube, if you’d like to add me! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

Ah, Mindy, this is exactly what I meant! I agree, it shouldn’t JUST be one or the other! It should be whatever we want it to be! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif
And yes, Swing dancing can be quite sexual. I remember it in highschool! I could only dance with one guy though (and he was gay, and thus not attracted to me) and he made me feel like a yo-yo. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

Amcut, I totally agree with you! When I dance, I feel the same…sometimes it doesn’t come, and I get frustrated. But sometimes, when I can let go, I dance and it’s like I become the movement, everything flows…
I think about it in a similar way to my writing. When I write, and it doesn’t come easily, I’m frustrated. I start and start and start again, and just can’t seem to get the words, the mood, the right flow. The writing goes off track from what I wanted. But, when it works…oh, the words just come, the sentences in my head full formed, I can hear it in my head, see the scene and the conversation, the tension between the characters. I become the story outlet, rather than the godlike figure deciding what to write down. Editing comes later, this is pure energy. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
Sapphire, I have E sized boobs. I feel your pain! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif
One day, my hope is that I have freedom of movement, flexible and strong enough to do anything I want with the pole, the same as my mind is strong and flexible. That way, I can do any move I want, any move I feel is the natural progression from the last. It’s hard, though, eh?
I’ve seen lots of amazing dancers that don’t do the "sexy" thing, and lots that have! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

Holy wow! I loved all those dances! Incredible flow, and I also liked that they didn’t really do much climbing, or inversions…something more for those of us who aren’t there yet to go for! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif Beautiful, thank you for sharing!

[Runemist34]

You know, I’ve always believed that sexuality, and sensuality, is a part of good pole dancing, but also that it can manifest in many different ways for different people.
We’ve had a few dancers come out and say "I can’t dance sexy!" and I, personally, think it’s an unfortunate social bias. Touching ourselves (such as running a hand down from neck to hip and up again), splaying our legs (helicopter, anyone?) and other things I can’t think of right now don’t HAVE to be part of a dance to have the dance be sexual. On the other hand, for some people these things are very sexual.
Everyone has their own version of sexuality, we’re all different in how we attract our bedmate, whoever that may be, and that person we attract likely doesn’t think much of it. For some women, it’s the vulnerability, the absolute drop of that "big, strong person" part of ourselves, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, to be seen and known by others. For other people, it’s doing something taboo, something that we "shouldn’t do," whether it was our family, our society, or ourselves that say such. For yet others, it may even BE that big, strong person that is our sexy self! Feeling powerful, tall and in control!
What I’m trying to say is that I agree entirely…I like the sexy side of pole dance, I enjoy it very much. I think one of the reasons Felix won the world championship was because she IS sexy, in her own way, and people could see that.
Now, as I said before, the people we attract by being sexy may not think anything of it, they might just think "That’s sexy!" However, on the flipside, people may look at that person being sexy and go "I don’t think that’s very sexy." They aren’t the type of person we would normally attract, and they don’t see what we’re doing as "sexy" at all…but that doesn’t mean we aren’t being sexy!

So, my conclusion (I didn’t mean to go on and on!) is that everyone needs to explore and learn their own sensual, sexy selves, because it’s not the same for everyone. I love the idea of exploring that aspect of our own dance, though!
To say that "Pole dancing is just for fitness!" is, for me, for people who either have another outlet for their sexual selves, or they’re afraid to be "labelled" or whatever, and don’t want to delve into that aspect.

Thank you for saying something about it! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

Disclaimer: Just my opinions. This can be a touchy subject, and I don’t want anyone offended https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif

[Runemist34]

That was impressive, sensual (in a masculine way!) and enjoyable to watch! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif