aliceBheartless
Forum Replies Created
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While I have never had a teacher that I train with make any sort of egregious safety with technique errors, I have definitely heard of it from other people. Plus I have been working/researching/self-educating as much as I can with flexibility training, Pilates, and aerial. All of this translates to pole fairly easily with some minor changes for the specific apparatus.
Sometimes I see really questionable flexibility and strength training techniques being taught as if they are the gospel truth. Usually it seems like it is an experience thing (teaching without knowing what works technically). IE just because a person can Iron X, it doesn't mean that they know why they can Iron X, or what muscles to use, or train another person for a progression into an Iron X who has a completely different body type and strength, for example. In many ways I think I see it in aerial training more than pole, but that could totally be because I do more aerial these days.
For me, I just don't worry about personality for a teacher. I worry about personality in my training partners.
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I basically pretty much look for technique. At this point, I have spent enough time on the pole exploring for myself since I haven't been going to classes, and what I look for is straight up technique and strength and conditioning know-how. While I love to dance, I don't go to pole class solely for that, because so much of it I feel I can teach myself through youtube.
If I feel like I know more than an instructor about proper placement and alignment on the pole and on the floor, I won't go to that class again. And this kind of know-how is often completely independent of performance experience or competition awards (though not exclusive by any means). I find that people with extensive weight training, Pilates, yoga, gymnastic, aerial, and/or technical dance experience tend to have the know-how I am looking for. It's not necessary, and I will try most classes at least once, but those are the indicators I look for when there are choices available.
I know I can learn something from anyone. Sometimes, it's what not to do. And thats the beauty of pole!
After having a technical knowledge, the next thing I really appreciate is continuing education. In pole and any other knowledge bases.
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its kinesio tape. Cotton, latex free with hypallergenic adhesive.
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With use, the tape will get less tacky and be just right. Once it’s past that stage, time to retape. I basically wait until the tape starts rolling and coming off bc I really don’t like the sticky tape stage of the process. Would definitely suggest complete removal of the old tape before retaping. It will last much longer that way. But nothing wrong with a patch job in a pinch!
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With use, the tape will get less tacky and be just right. Once it’s past that stage, time to retape. I basically wait until the tape starts rolling and coming off bc I really don’t like the sticky tape stage of the process. Would definitely suggest complete removal of the old tape before retaping. It will last much longer that way. But nothing wrong with a patch job in a pinch!
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I also quit sodas but can't let go of the coffee. I don't think its a bad thing in moderation.
My soda replacement is mineral water because the carbonation was a big reason for why I had trouble quitting soda. And now that I have a taste for it, general carbonated sodas, etc, all taste too sweet to me. I love mint water as well, so if you can get food grade peppermint oil, a few drops of that in water is really refreshing. And I drink lemon in water every morning. But peppermint water is my favorite.
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one more thing to remember with total coverage… an aerial gym is still a gym… which means that each apparatus is touched by a lot of people. Same thing with the rosin if you have a rosin sock, mats, etc. The studio I teach at requires a lot of clothing coverage because that can be kind of sweaty and gross for everyone's armpits to be on the silks. The silks are washed regularly, but its not everyday, or even every week. And if you are getting burns, they shouldn't be uncovered and touching the apparatus. MRSA and other nasties are an issue and its just more hygienic to be covered, and wash hands before and after class, etc.
Also a good idea to cut nails because when they are too long, they can also cut into your palm when gripping.
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Haha since I only wear tights for aerial, I basically completely forget that "tights" have feet on them! I have found that I don't wear cat suits or leotards/unitards for training/teaching unless it is the costume and I am rehearsing for a performance. For the everyday stuff, I buy body stockings (usually Capezio) to wear under tanks and leggings. This givescoverage to the waist, so I dont have to worry about burns on my back/sides, adds a little thickness to leggings. When I am doing costuming and want a barelegged look, I double them up. I have found that they are a cheaper alternative to buying leotards. I probably have 20 sets of these at least. They do tend to last quite a while.
http://www.discountdance.com/dancewear/style_1818.html?pid=347&Shop=Brand&SID=432466268
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The studio I teach at requires you to remove all jewelry (not just from your hands/wrists), hair cleanly pulled back from your face, and form-fitting clothing that covers your legs past the backs of your knees and long sleeves. Typically, people just bring a long sleeve to wear over a tank because its only required when working on the apparatus. The long leggings/yoga pants are good bc they keep your legs from getting burned when climbing/descending, and while clothes do not need to be tight, form fitting will keep your clothes from getting tangled in the silks and make it easier for your teacher to see what is going on while you are up on the silk. You can always layer if you aren’t sure. For my first class ever I wore pole shorts, and that was the worst idea ever. Don’t do that 🙂 unless you wear them over tights or leggings as mentioned above.
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For floorwork these two girls inspire me consistently, webstwe and luckygirl1220. I was lucky enough to train with them before I started my gypsy move around every few years lifestyle. Those are their youtube channel names.
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I would say that cleanliness is a big one. Not only the floor, but the mats, the poles, and definitely the bathroom. Having cleaner out and available is a big one, and like someone mentioned, in functioning order is important.
Lighting is also important. That nice level of low lighting where I can't tell that I dislike the sight of my butt in the mirror. I also like to have mirrors, if for nothing else, to make videoing easier.
Also, if its possible to have an entry space available for people to enter and wait prior to class that would be a huge bonus. Any time I go to a studio where I walk in the door and am suddenly amidst class feels so horribly wrong and distracting for the ladies in the class. Even something as simple as a folding divider makes such a huge difference. I know that space is usually at a premium though.
And I just wanted to concur with portableninja… curriculums that make sense are a must. And hand in hand with that… an updated website with current schedule. And one thing that I love to see on the schedule if possible… pole play 🙂
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I think I saw on Facebook where Indigo Dance magazine will no longer be published. 🙁 I was thinking about subscribing to that one. I know it’s listed in the thread that Chem linked.
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I loved that video! inspired to work on things this friday when I finally get back into a studio! :)Yay!
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Well, what does 'enough' mean to you? Is it about getting to a specific look, ie a ballet dancer's or bikini comp physique? Or is it more functional in nature to you, ie gaining enough strength to do an iron cross?
I have the hardest time reconciling to myself that the look I want for myself is likely nothing that will be gained through lifting/training (mostly because I am still getting ok with myself and my genes). However, with lifting and training, I can get the strength required for pole skills, which will also change how my body looks, for the better since I like the strong look. Also, for me its about the journey, as trite as that sounds. Because there are only so many things I am willing to do, and for me, pole should always be fun.
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In order to determine body fat, what does anyone suggest? I have had multiple caliper tests (mostly because its by far the easiest) but on the same day different people can come up with different numbers. Are calipers the only easy option?