[Runemist34]

You know, this was exactly how we learned to dance in the studio I went to…trick, walk, trick, walk. And this was supposed to be really sexy, because we were doing tricks! Our individuality was supposed to come out in the tricks we did.
As you can imagine, I didn’t take to it well, because I didn’t have the strength for a lot of the tricks, because I spent most of my time walking.
Transitions and such just seem so amazing to me, I want to learn them all! But it seems to strange to me, you know?
I wonder if anyone here can give me some pointers? It’d be SUPER helpful! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif
As for sexiness, I agree with the others…it’s a personal thing. You don’t need to be "sexy" like everyone else is "sexy," and it’s even sexier if you can be sexy the way you are. Does that make sense? It might not, I’m tired https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif
For some people, sexy is pleasing a crowd, booty-shaking, energetic. Others, it’s flow, sensuality, touching. For yet others, it’s vulnerability, cuteness, or even sassiness and coy looks. Sexy can translate so many different ways.
So, I’d say just relax, practice without being watched for a while, and see if you can channel your own form of sexiness into a dance. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif
I actually have yet to understand my own form of sexiness, and have a very difficult time being "sexy" to anyone but my husband…and even then, it’s hard. You’d think it would be easier, as a writer, for me to see my own wants and needs, but it’s not, really. We all learn things at different paces, y’know? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

I’ve started using lotion, but I don’t generally use it very close to my use of the pole…at least before I use it. I’ve also found that I’m a bit of a shower freak. I love showering, it’s nice and relaxing and makes me feel more awake. I also found that the more often I shower, the more dry my skin got! So, perhaps just one application of lotion right after showering, pole dance after it’s all absorbed, and then you can go nuts on the lotion after that?
Just a thought!

[Runemist34]

That was my thought, Amcut…is there really anything one can do in pole dancing that couldn’t, potentially, end in pain? I mean, what about all those girls who use unsafe poles? Or someone who accidentally slips while doing a pose, and hitting the ground? I’ve even tried something perfectly natural, and kicked the pole…and I could probably have broken a toe, or even something in my foot, if I’d done it badly enough! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif
I found that, at the studio here, the owner wasn’t really into inversions (I’m not sure if she just hadn’t heard of them, or if she didn’t think she could do them, or whatever) so the studio wasn’t into them, and we were often told that they were "bad to do" because we might fall, or the poles (which were bolted permanently into the ceiling and floor) might be unsafe for it. However, they DO practice the Helicopter, the pole climb, and jackknife. I thought it was odd. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif
I think that it may be partly because they don’t want you hurting yourself in their classes or on their property, because people tend to sue at the drop of a hat these days. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif
As for it being "unsafe" for the back, and whatnot…well, you could say that about a lot of things. It all depends on your level of strength and flexibility. I was horseback riding for about four years before this, and I could go around saying "It’s unsafe!" because I developed a knee problem from it, and I’ve been in pain for like six years, but that isn’t the problem of the activity, just the way my body handled it, and a pretty harsh lack of fitness on my part during that time, and the time after that…till now!
Anyways, I would love to see what Veena has to say, as well as anyone who has health and fitness experience…as, like, a career with credentials and stuff. Otherwise it’s just heresay and nonsense! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

Funny thing, I never thought about naming my pole! Also, if I was to do so (and I think I might) I would actually choose a male name. It’s a common thing in the studio around here, even though I don’t go anymore, that we explain the pole thus: The Pole is the perfect dance partner. Always ready, always erect and never critical of what you’re doing! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif
So, I always thought of my pole as more masculine, like a dance partner.
I’ve also heard that cars are supposed to be named female, because it’s usually guys naming them, and cars are like having a relationship with women. Expensive, sometimes bitchy, but they get you there in the end (I just realized how that sounds…sorry https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif ). So I always liked how my friend did it; her first car was named Steve. He was a good car, but they moved so they had to sell him. I don’t see him around town anymore https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif
Er, if this post seems to ramble, I’m sorry…I’ve had insomnia of late, and running on next to no sleep in the past few days.
Anyways, perhaps I’ll let you guys know if/what I name my pole!

[Runemist34]

Runemist is mine, though I don’t have anything up yet! Maybe I’ll remedy that soon! School’s just started, though, so I’m bagged and need a nap!
I go by Runemist on pretty much everything…my Livejournal is Runemist34, though, because my normal one was already claimed by someone else! Oh well!
Thanks ladies https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif I’ll start creepily stalking everyone on youtube! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

Awesome, that keeps things simple!
Amcut, I totally agree…dancing to music is one of the best uses of it! And we could say we’re using ours for both personal (dancing to it for ourselves) and educational (everyone learning from everyone else) uses! Hah! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

I’m 5′ 7" and mostly leg (my husband and I are the same height, and my legs are quite a bit longer than his! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif ) and I don’t find I’m having an extra hard time. Honestly, you’ve got longer limbs, why not use that to your advantage? Long legs look great with some moves! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
I don’t think you would find an difference in what you do compared to anyone else, unless you ARE comparing it to other people! If you have no idea how long a certain move took someone to learn, or how much strength they require as opposed to how much you require, what’s the difference? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif
Other than that, everyone is built differently, and so you’ll find you are stronger at some moves than others, and other people are the same. We all have our strengths and deficits, physically and mentally, so I don’t think it’s fair to compare one person to another. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Runemist34]

Amcut, does this person mean that we should copy and paste that little paragraph in the sidebar of the video to get audio back? ‘Cause that’s what it looks like, and if that’s true, I think it’s pretty awesome!
Are there other ways of doing it? I don’t understand, if you own the music, why can’t you have it playing in your video?
Also, how do people like Veena keep their audio going?

[Runemist34]

I actually was into hooping for a little bit (have a hoop, too) but right now there isn’t much room, and I’m not very good at it. However, my research brought up the interesting topic of weighted hoops. Some people like them a lot, and some really don’t. I’ve even heard a lot of people talking about getting really bad bruises on their midsection from them! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif Also, depending on the size of the hoop, you might find one that’s weighted harder. If it’s a larger hoop, it rotates slower, and if it’s smaller, it goes really fast! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif Mine is huuuge! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif
However, I wouldn’t mind trying again on the hooping…maybe we could have ourselves a little hoop group? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

[Runemist34]

Meleania, that was the best post, EVER! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
I always go on forums with women in them, and find a bunch of girls going "well, I wanna lose weight!" and when I explain these things, they get all…er, dumb. I get shunned.
Anyways, yes, I totally agree! Most people look at me and say I must be somewhere around 120 lbs, but I’m actually creeping my way up to 170lbs! I keep a lot of muscle in my hips and legs, and it’s just getting better as I increase strength for the upper body, too.
I don’t know if anyone touched on this, but I’d like to note that women need to have a certain amount of fat on their bodies in order to be healthy. I’m sure no one here is going for bodybuilder-esque here, but keep in mind…the less fat you have, the better, to a point. There are lots of very athletic girls out there that don’t menstruate, because their bodies tell them they can’t have children…there isn’t enough fat on them!
Anyways, good luck to everyone losing weight and getting fit! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

A theatre major? My Husband is going into theatre! Yay!
As for outfits, I’d say…try to stay away from too much sparkle, because if your photographer uses a flash, they’ll light up like christmas lights and you don’t get to see the model at all. If you like your chest, something low and push up (like, a push up bra https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_geek.gif ), and if you like your back, too, something strappy for the back! Your butt looks good, generally, if you wear little booty shorts and things like that, and those do good things for your legs, too! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not go for a bra/thong combo? I’ve also seen shirts that are just straps in the back, but they cover your whole front, if you can find/have one of those. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif
Really, it depends on what you can find and what you have, but try things on! Why not spend an evening trying things and checking stuff, to see what you like on you? Colour, cut and all that stuff! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif
Also…trust your photographer. Sometimes they’ll see things you don’t, and even if you think they’re probably zooming right in on something you don’t want to show off, you never know what’s going on in their head behind that lens! I’ve had times like that! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif
Good luck! I hope you have lots, and lots of fun! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif

[Runemist34]

That’s awesome! I’m glad that, for the future, you won’t have to be in pain all the time. Pain sucks! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif
As per everyone else, speedy recovery, and happy times on the couch as you relax! You’ll be back on your feet (pun intended!) in no time! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[Runemist34]

Chem, my birthday is January as well! Yeah, Capricorn https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif
I discovered (as in, danced on my first pole) it around the age of…err, 21? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif Perhaps 20. I don’t remember well because it was a very tremulous time of my life, lots of moving and trying to figure out what I was doing. However, I’m pretty sure I moved out the first time right before I turned 20, because my husband and I have been together for 4 years now, and we got together right after I moved out. And then he and I got a place together… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

Yep, I was 20! Which means I have been trying to pole dance for about 3 and a half years now! Wow! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif
I still haven’t gotten inversions, and my pole and I have our in-and-out of love, but I think it’s getting better now. I certainly find I can think better when I pole lots! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

I think it’s great that all you older ladies didn’t balk at doing something like this (and no, I don’t mean "older" as in you’re old, just older than me https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif) and are still going for it! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif Flexibility isn’t one of those things you always have young…I’m finding I screwed up my muscles something fierce for most of my highschool years, and even a bit before that, so I’ve gotta work hard to get them back in order!

[Runemist34]

Thanks Ladies!
Veena: I have, actually, been working on my pole holds, and technically I can climb up the pole without issue, I just can’t really do much up there but sit and…I think it might be called the crucifix? I’m not sure! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif
Strength has always been something I’ve been going for, because without it I tend to fall apart really bad. My knees and shoulders being the worst…without regular workouts, particularly of those areas, they refuse to work and I feel very incapacitated. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif
FreetheSun: I figured an increased amount of momentum would lead to more spin, but I also find that (strangely) even if I put more behind a spin that I can do easily, I pretty much get the same results! But, I will try the pushing away from the pole, instead of around it, and see how that goes! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
Once I get me that subscription again, I’ll get to the strength training a little more! You’d be surprised to find out how much the little things do, though. Shoulders back and down…gave me more strength than I expected, once I got used to it!

[Runemist34]

I’m totally asking for another subscription for my birthday! I got a little teaser right when mine expired, and I totally found the exercises to be helpful! It’s also really nice, the way you describe things and have the mirror set up to see many angles…I’m terribly excited for more! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

Hey Mini, would I be able to get your youtube channel? I’m hopefully going to put up some videos soon…but we’ll see!
I’m sorry you’ve been having problems with trolls…generally, I go by the "Don’t feed the trolls" idea, and if I find some on the other forums I visit, I just don’t bother with it. Only a few times have I actually said something, and generally it’s pretty scathing…though I don’t swear or attack the person directly, I see it as harsh https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif
I’d say…there are always going to be people unhappy with whatever you do. You could be as good and petite as Felix, or as amazing and intense as some of the others I’ve seen, and you would still get negative, stupid comments. I’ve seen a lot of comments to girls who do pole dancing (or really, any dancing) about stupid guys wanting to "tap that" or how the girls are strippers, but they’re just ignorant, and they don’t understand why we do the things we do. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif
So, personally, if I get any negative comments from people, I simply ignore it. I don’t need their garbage if they’re having a bad day, just the same as they don’t need mine.
Perhaps I’m a bit more zen about people than most…I’m pretty understanding about it, most of the time.
Then there are the times I rip someone a new one!
Keep doing what you’re doing, anyways! You know we all love watching https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

[Runemist34]

(1) How long do you practice?
Usually, I try to go for about a half an hour of straight up dancing, but generally I don’t have the stamina. With stretching and warmup, I can make the half-hour though.

(2) How often do you practice?
I would like to practice once a day, or once every other day, but often it turns into once every couple of weeks. I’m pretty bad for keeping a routine, because I don’t have a daily routine right now (it changes a lot!). I still have the goal of every day or so, though!

(3) Do you just freestyle or do you have a plan of action?
Freestyle, generally. This ends up with quite a bit of the same transitions and moves, and some amount of just walking around the pole, trying to think of something to do, but it’s getting better. I can never remember the routine in my head while I dance, so it’s hard for me to stick to my choreography! I can choreograph, though…

(4) Do you stretch before, after or before & after practicing?
After, when I’m all warm and stuff.

(5) Do you incorporate any strength training & conditioning exercises into your practices?
Yes! I do Pole squats and lifts (or the newbie equivalent, anyways) currently, because those are my two worst areas…the quadriceps, and my upper body strength. It’s getting better though!

(6) Do you self-teach, take classes, or both?
I used to take classes, but I found them sort of…not my thing, not quite the style of dance I wanted. Also, there were quite a few gaps in their knowledge of moves, and when I found out I could learn stuff off the internet, I turned to self-teaching! Still, I would prefer to have a nice class now and then just to get some basic, one on one help…maybe one day I’ll get it, but where I’m moving, I don’t think so! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Runemist34]

Hey! That second video, did anyone else notice the person right at the edge of the stage who grabbed one of the bills?? Or did I just totally imagine that?! It’s right at 2:54 time, her hand comes out, grabs something (I can’t tell, the colours aren’t detailed enough) and then comes back! How awful is that to do to someone putting on a performance?!
Anyways, rage aside, I agree, she is a beautiful performer. Her pole dancing at home was very impressive, and she’s lot a lot of strength! I get the impression she’s not a small girl, either, and she’s got at least some hip on her.
Thanks for showing me!

[Runemist34]

Wow, I totally didn’t think of that! I should totally try that! I almost never use my sewing machine, because half the time I want to make something, I don’t have a pattern or fabric or whatever…but using the stuff I have is a good idea! One day, I want to make corsets and bras and stuff…but I don’t think I’m ready yet. Thanks https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Runemist34]

Aw man, I wish we had Targets and TJ Maxes and stuff! My silly little town sux https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif
Howeverr, this DOES give me an idea for a few little shorts and stuff I could use! I’ve got some boyshorts currently, but they positively scream "underwear" and it’s rather…unfortunate, because they’re super comfortable! But, as I do have a sewing machine, maybe I could modify a couple, add fabric or tassels or something, make them look better! And I’ll check out the Hanes ones, ’cause I DO have a wal-mart! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
And Chem, it sounds like we’ve got about the same size hips! Yaaaay! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

Aww, Muse, that was great https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif
I SHOULD know more about depression, since I’ve had it a lot, but I kind of…"forget" and it sneaks up on me in the winter. Last night was awful, I cried most of the night…and had a final exam this morning! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif I also think much of my little island is in denial about how much snow we’ve been getting the past few years https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif There aren’t too many big, rainproof winter coats to buy for cheap enough considering the winters recently!
Also, yes, I totally forget the news. My news comes from my husband! He’s into that kind of stuff, so I just wait for something interesting from him. I seem to be doing alright with that!
But, yes, you’re all entirely right…I gotta get up, kick myself in the rear, and get back on that pole! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif I also have to get over my fright of my roommates watching me. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif One of them just…stares, you know? Bah, I should just tell him to turn around and drown in his computer some more https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_arrow.gif
So, in light of this one…I’m going to try to create myself a schedule. I’m gonna get up in the morning, go to bed at a decent hour, actually eat food when I should (I skip a lot of meals…mostly breakfast) and really, honestly try. Wish me luck, girls! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

And thank you! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_geek.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif

[Runemist34]

All these little shorts and things make me so jealous! I get nervous about dancing in my underwears (Roommates, y’know?) and I’ve got…well, a rather large hip/ass arrangement? So, most of these things totally don’t fit or work for me! I do happen to have a pair of shorts I got from a local (now possibly disappeared) shop for dancers, but I still have this wedgie problem, and most of my underwear doesn’t work well with it, because it rides and they don’t!
If anyone finds some nice shorts for those of us with big rears, let me know, eh?
Oh, and those PVC ones were SUPER CUTE! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

I agree with PDR, you could always do it (if you’re comfortable) without wrapping, but I understand if you get rubbing and irritation. My first thought was to wrap it up, but as she said, not for too long or anything. It sounds like something you really gotta take care of…so good luck!

[Runemist34]

I’ve looked, as I am a pirate cat and I do not pay for my…well, anything. Games, movies, whatever. Anyways, I’ve looked and looked and looked, no pole instruction on for the download, and it makes me very sad. I barely have enough money to get through my next semester, but I really, really want to learn more pole dancing! At least I managed to afford the lessons on here https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

[Runemist34]

Transitions are really useful and I think that DVD would probably help me out, too (if I had the money) but…
I’ll probably get flamed or something, but I just can’t watch any of the videos that come out of her studio. I used to, because they had nice transitions, did their moves well, and they were kinda pretty girls…but for me, it’s kind of like watching a stripper who’s not into her work. They have no life or joy for their dance when they dance for the camera! I know it’s choreographed, because it sure looks like it! It’s not terribly inspirational when you put it next to others, because choreographed or not, at least other people have some life in them. Sorry. I just had to say it.
That aside, I’d say go for it, if you like her videos! And let me know what you think, because if you find it really helpful, maybe I’ll…er, ask for it for christmas? Or get money from christmas to buy them! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif