[Wiley]

Anything inverted seems to impress people! I would probably do a butterfly -> scorpio -> allegra combo since it’s one of my favorites at the moment.

[Wiley]

Hi there, I bought two yearly subscriptions and loved them. In fact, I bought the lessons before I got my pole and I learned all the moves so fast (and safely) because of StudioVeena. But I did not use the second subscription as much.. I logged on only a couple times because as some posters mentioned, I could only utilize the advanced videos. I had already gone through the stretching/foam roller videos so I can now do those without needing to review the videos. I already know how to hoop, and I take conditioning classes at the gym. I also had a membership at a pole studio, so I did not even TOUCH my pole at home. My studio also teaches combinations on spin. BUT I saw Veena post a lesson on the Janeiro, and I have cut back on the studio, so I am considering signing up again.

So the major factors for me were- not enough advanced or spinning pole lessons, already knowing a lot of the material, not having motivation to pole at home, and I enjoy having the camaraderie at a pole studio. I think the prices are VERY reasonable. These lessons are my #1 choice for home poling.

[Wiley]

Actually, wear leggings that cover the backs of your knees and no tank tops! Less exposed skin is better. The silks will BURN if you’re sliding down on bare skin. Sometimes, they provide rosin or grip spray so you don’t slip. And yes, silks is hard but you will become so much better at pole. I did silks first and could invert right away 🙂

[Wiley]

I’m in the same boat! I had a breast augmentation, under the muscle so I’m very limited on what I can do on the pole. I had to quit my pole studio because it was too much $$ and I couldn’t benefit from the classes. Right now, I’m trying to focus more on floorwork and dance due to my limitations. I don’t have any great advice for you, but wanted you to know that you’re totally not alone 🙂

[Wiley]

It depends.  I don't have a problem being naked and showing it off, as I have worked in the adult industry before, but I probably wouldn't be able to keep up with the husle and potential cattiness.  If I was guaranteed a set amount of money and if people actually enjoyed it, I would do it.

[Wiley]

I think it's a matter of preference.  I have small hands too, so I understand where you're coming from.  I have gotten used to gripping thicker silks, but they feel harder to manage when I'm wrapping myself.  Like the silks feel heavier. I would see if there is an option that is between the 54 and 108 inch width.  Unless you have tried the 54 inch one, I would advise cutting your silks for now.  I really dislike narrow silks because they hurt more intensely during drops and I don't think they are as aesthetically pleasing.  Yes they are easier to grip, but if I hang for a long time, I find that they are harder on my fingers because I'm squeezing so much less area.

[Wiley]

Love love love!  I should show my boyfriend this 😀  I felt very empowered when I read it.

[Wiley]

I started pole and silks at the same time.  Doing pole definitely gives you an advantage because you already possess some body awareness in the air and having the strength from pole helps too.  Silks are surprisingly painful too, but from doing pole, you also have a pain tolerance.  Personally, drops hurt the most cause the silks really squeeze your waist or your legs.  It's more of a pinchy pain.  You do rely on your upper body more in silks, even when you do moves closer to the ground.   I built up some mad upper body strength from silks, and before I started silks I felt weak.

I loooove silks!  I was more committed to silks, so it was relatively easy to learn more advanced pole moves.  Silks is a great complement to pole, and I think anyone who pole dances should try it if they have the opportunity!  And vice versa… when I go to silks class, sometimes I look at the girls and think… "Damn she would be so good at pole"

[Wiley]

If you're talking about profiles like facebook, then it may not be a bad idea to take it down.  Not necessarily delete it, but just change the picture and make your profile private.  Even better, change your privacy settings so you're not searchable at all, but I hear that some places can still find you even if you block them.  Try to do a google search of yourself and see what also comes up.  I looked up myself on google images and found random (and really sloppy) pictures of me on flickr. 

Unfortunately, most places may claim to be open-minded but still find pole fitness not very socially acceptable.  I am applying for nursing jobs, so I'm being pretty careful in preventing anything "weird" from coming up.  I'm assuming that I'm not searchable on studioveena so I kept everything up.  Good luck!  Once you get the job, it may be okay to share your pole pictures publicly.

[Wiley]

I love rhythmic gymnastics!  I don't know why it isn't such a big deal as artistic gymnastics.  I discovered it when I was a hooper and I was like… HOLY MOLY I didn't know you could do that with a hoop!  Thanks for the link… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif gonna watch it while stretching my poor stiff muscles haha

[Wiley]

When I clicked on your post, I was like.. Wait a second, did -I- write that?  I'm in the same boat as you.  So I don't have much good advice but the other girls posted some good stuff that I myself should take note of.  I poled for 6 months before I met my boyfriend and I already owned a pole, so there's NO way I'm quitting a passion of mine.  I showed him some Jenyne and Zoraya videos but he still thought those were too "strippery"!  He enjoyed Oona's though.  https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif 

I agree with fitchix- He needs to know that you're not going to put up with him being a freak over one of your passions.  I evaluated my own relationship and it is clear that my bf is a very jealous and overprotective person.  I have never gone to the bars without him and he does not like it when I get male attention.  He does not like it when I talk about parties or anything I ever did before I met him.  Since I found the pole before I found him, he has put up with me poling but recently he has banned me from street poling.  Posting videos on studioveena… Hell no I won't even try to ask!  The main problem my boyfriend has with pole dancing is the "stripper" association it has and he thinks that no one will have respect for me.  And when people see me do a pole trick, they think "Hey look at that hoe on the pole, she wants attention" rather than "Damn, those are some impressive pole moves".  

My boyfriend knows that I will drop him before I drop pole, so we compromised over the situation.  I can pole as long as I am not "slutty" about it.  He is naturally overprotective, so I can deal with it.  He treats me like a queen in all other respects; otherwise I would kick him to the curb.  Sometimes, I do wonder if I would be happier with another guy. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_pumpkin.gif Anyways, how is the rest of your relationshp?  Is your boyfriend controlling and will not listen to you at all in other aspects of life?  Does he respect your opinions?  I may be wrong, but in your case it sounds like he has a hang-up over the possiblity that you are a desired sexual being to other guys because you can pole, and he wants you all to himself.  Well guess what- someone is still going to find you desirable whether you pole or not!

[Wiley]

I have a 50 mm chrome X-pert.  It has both static and spin mode, although I rarely use spin.  I feel like I do not stick as well on the chrome finish.  I can do much more on the stainless steel poles at my pole studio.. I'm still not sure if being in a class environment makes me do better though, heh.  I have not tried different diameters so I am not sure what would be easier for me.

X-pole makes high quality poles.  I agree with the other posters:  DO NOT get a cheap, crappy pole!  If that hasn't convinced you, look up "pole dancing fail" videos on youtube… ouch!!

[Wiley]

I'm not sure if I consider extreme, but I think the average person would consider it extreme!  I don't tell people that my bruises are from pole dancing.. I used to get dirty looks when I mentioned that I do pole.  Oddly, it is the conservative looking older ladies that are fascinated by it, while the seemingly open-minded people are weirded out! Such as my boyfriend LOL https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif   I know I should care less what people think..

I started rock climbing and bouldering, so luckily I can tell people that my bruises are from that instead.  The inner thigh bruises are still hard to explain though, hehe https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif

[Wiley]

Ugh I pulled my hamstring too!  I pulled my right hamstring 10 months ago when I finally got my right split.. Made the most awful sound.. and it took about 6 months to heal. 🙁  I still don't have my split back, and I still get pain after intense stretching sessions.  Hang in there.. it will take time and yes it really sucks so I feel your pain!

[Wiley]

I'm much stronger on my right side, but oddly many moves are better on my left side. I agree, it feels really  weird on my other side and I hate to do it.. but I now have a massive right bicep that I'm trying to even out.  If one side is substantially stronger than the other, don't be disappointed if the other side is terrible.  I was convinced my left arm could handle certain tricks and I ended up tweaking my left wrist so just be careful! 🙂

[Wiley]

Oooh I love this!  I have been "too busy" to pole yet I have been boozing all weekend.  So maybe posting this will give me some motivation… 🙂  And I will definitely have to shame myself because I can't think of anything else that will make me get off my lazy ass!  LOL

1.  Get my center splits- practice at least twice a week.  I have my other two but my center splits are like 2 feet off the floor  I've had Alethea Austin's DVDs since February and I haven't even gotten through the whole thing yet.  Ughh! 

2.  Pole once a week.  I currently pole maybe once a month and the occasional pole move on a unsuspecting street sign.  I own a pole and I really should take advantage of it.

3.  Practice transitions in addition to tricks. 

4.  Pole moves I want to get:  Flat jade, allegra, spinning scorpio, and getting better at spin mode. 

5.  Hula hoop every day 😀  And hoop with fire once a week.  My goal is to start performing with hoops.

[Wiley]

I have the xpert so it has both static and spin mode, but to be honest I've been way too freaked out by spinny!  Wayy to nauseating https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_puke_r.gif  Now that Veena has spin lessons maybe I'll give it a try.. but I agree that having a spinny pole is useful.. Plus it is pretty https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

 

[Wiley]

I do both right now, but I only attend studio classes a few times a month.  I am lucky enough to live in an area with many pole classes, but my busy schedule just doesn't work with pole classes.  

At first, I did not see the point of taking studio classes if you have your own pole at home.  I learned purely on Veena's lessons, but I began reaching a point where I needed an instructor to spot me and give me feedback.  I highly, HIGHLY recommend Veena's lessons.  I bought the $99 for a year membership, which is a STEAL.  You get lessons from beginner to advanced, along with stretching and conditioning?!!  I don't use the hoop or lap dance but those are included too.  The year long membership is the best deal and saving up for it is not as bad as you think. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

 

Of course, it is personal choice..  I do think if you are not in the greatest shape, home poling may be more difficult.  Sometimes, live instruction is necessary if things don't "click" right away and there is a motivation factor if someone else can see your progress.

[Wiley]

I agree!  Lessons on spin mode would be extremely useful https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Wiley]

YES!  I'm thrilled he made it through!  I was so irritated when I saw that he got buzzed, but I'm glad the public sees how much work it takes to pole dance.  Yayy 😀

[Wiley]

I'm a beginner and I've been tempted into buying a grip aid. I bought a chrome X-pole recently and while I do stick, after a few minutes my whole pole has this layer of slime on it.  Gross!  I'm still swearing off buying one, because I've noticed my grip getting better.  As others said, it would just be a good idea not to become dependent on them.  Suppose I was at a bar that had a dance pole.. I don't wanna be like, "D'oh, I forgot my grip aid, now I can't go on there!"  I personally would hold off on using them, because it could be a hand grip issue. 

I don't think using a grip aid is cheating.  That is almost like saying using a TG or brass pole is cheating because you stick better.  A pole instructor I had said spins were much tougher for her when she used grip aid, so I guess it's kinda give or take.

[Wiley]

I have Veena's lessons and I love them.  She goes over each move thoroughly and really emphasizes proper body mechanics.  Plus the stretching lessons are GOLD!!  The one thing you can't get through online lessons is real life interactions with others.  Sometimes, it is nice to have support when you're suffering from pole burn and bruises.  It's also helpful to watch others dance and draw inspiration from them.   And like JeHanne said, you get immediate feedback when you take classes.

I did take one 8-week session at a local studio, and it was wonderful, but I opted to continue my pole dance learning with Veena's lessons.  It is one hell of a bargain for such excellent instruction, you can move at your own pace, and there isn't a weekly commitment.  $99 for one year- heck yes!  If I could afford studio classes and had the patience to deal with Chicago traffic, then I might pick studio classes.  I plan on jumping into a pole tricks class every once in a while just to make sure I'm doing everything correctly.

[Wiley]

Yes floorwork please!  If I had a pole instructor, I would be excited if she was an exotic dancer!  I have no problem learning tricks but moving fluidly while oozing sex appeal… oh gosh it's a train wreck. 

I used to look down upon strippers but it would be hypocritical for me to do that, because a deep, dark fantasy of mine is to be one https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif   I have no problem flashing everything on stage, but I have yet to gain enough confidence in moving my body and talking to men.  I'm also not prepared to face catty comments from people about my body/dancing/whatever.  I personally love being naked and I know someone out there would enjoy it!  Seriously I would love to try an amateur night one day.  The connection with stripping and pole dancing is what got me into it in the first place!

Unfortunately, I KNOW people would think less of me even if I tried it out for a night.  And I'm currently in grad school… I wonder if I could get kicked out if they found out?

[Wiley]

Congrats on your new pole!  I just ordered an X-pole yesterday and it should be here next Wednesday.  The wait is painful isn't it?!… I keep checking the shipping updates like every hour even though I know it's not gonna make it come any faster! Lol

[Wiley]

I hoop also! 😀  I was an active member on hoopcity.ca and came across some hoopers who were into aerial arts.  At that time, I had no idea pole dancing was a sport and never thought I would be interested in aerial work since I was a horribly pathetic athlete.  I would say I'm mainly a hooper because it's the only art form I have any fluidity with.  But I got introduced into trapeze and silks thru hooping and luckily, there are quite a few places in Chicago that teach aerial arts.  I would love to become serious with silks because I think they're so pretty, but it takes incredible strength!  I incorporate my weekly aerial classes with my pole training, since the pole is essentially an aerial apparatus.  I even found a contortion class nearby and I'm probably signing up soon to help with my flexibility.

Hooping though, is great for someone who doesn't have resources.  I understand that not everyone lives by a major city.  I learned everything from online and it's so PORTABLE!  If I'm bored, I can just pick up my hoop and hoop in my room instead of hauling my lazy ass to the gym/studio!