aliceBheartless
Forum Replies Created
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Wow, that was a really cool video!
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Also, thank you everyone for your input! By some incredibly lucky stroke, a friend of a friend was able to get that pole back together! Thank god for handymen. 😉 I feel so fortunate. However, I am still in the market for my very own pole so that I wont have to borrow the company pole, since my boyfriend is getting me one for Christmas! YAY!
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oooo fancy, sensual! Copper is probably waaaay too soft to be anything but plated, right? Also, where are you from in Oregon?
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I guess my biggest issue isnt that I worry about joint stability in a pole where the joints are working properly. I had an 8' pole where I couldnt beg my way into getting extensions with joints to screw together properly because they werent machine threaded in such a way that the joint screwed together evenly. And I received a lot of different extensions. PS never denied my requests for new extensions in an effort to make it work. I am afraid to buy a pole that is fatally flawed from the get go, I guess. My current height for a pole here would be 9.5' ceilings. I was thinking to get the 45mm Xpert in chrome (I havent heard good things about the stainless) and getting the extra suggested extension for that height to keep the extender screw from being very exposed, since I am not a small girl. and 9.5' is higher than any ceiling I have ever had.
Oops I wasnt explaining well in that last post. The PS extreme superpole plates can be switched from top to bottom. The new style of pole maintained the same size in the top and bottom couplers. But their old style chrome and metal plates cannot be switched because the couplers in the old poles were not the same size. The dome fit the screwpin in the old style, which has about a 1 inch diameter, and the foot plate fit the coupler with the pin mechanism, which was the diameter of the pole: 2". So I just cannot use the old metal plates that I already have with my other pole, though I could just turn the superpole upside down, assuming the joints actually screwed together.
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Thanks for your advice Empyrean! I know that multipiece poles can be inherently unstable at the joints. But because I have owned two different ones that have not had joint problems, it really seems silly that now I can't buy a newer better designed pole without joint problems. I have never had a problem with the stainless steel being slippery in their multipieces once they are broken in after being bought new. Initially, they are slippery, but stainless steel is my metal of choice. I totally agree on that plastic chrome garbage that they keep adding to the pole, first the plates, then the sleeve, etc. complete junk. I have never had a problem with the locking pin in my home or at any studio, but I have had trouble with the xpole screws at the studio. I wish Xpole was made with that same stainless as the PS poles. Because their chrome is definitely a turn off to me.
Amy, in theory, I suppose a pole could just be used upside down, but the PS top and bottom plates do not have the same coupler, so they can only be used at their specifically designed locations. Which would mean the bigger plate would have to be on the floor and the smaller plate with the pin locking system would have to be on the ceiling. I am pretty sure that the pin would work itself loose in that situation. Additionally, I cannot use the old style metal plates with the newer coupling devices of the extreme superpole right side up or upside down. The plates will not fit on the ends of the newer pole.
Sensual… I know! Sometimes I wish I had the know-how to just machine a pole myself. I am pretty sure I could come up with something that would make me happy. 🙂
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Yep! I think her handle is… poisonedballerina. Very dance-y. We started class at the same time and have been at it for the whole time.
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Hmmm. I suppose it could be that easy.
I know Aimee, she was my very first pole teacher and totally inspired me to stick with pole! I don’t know Ozzy personally but I know of her. I still go back to brassy everytime I get the chance. I love dancing there. It’s so great!!! I am usually there with Webstwe, luckygirl1220, and poisoned ballerina.
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Haha… it took me until now to figure it out! You're jnybeth! 🙂 I am subscribed to you on youtube!
Anyways, I have horrible luck calling PS, I might be blacklisted in fact, because Kevin ignores me like it's his job. Maybe it is, and if so, well done Kevin. I think the new style top loaders are really just the same pole, machined so that the threads are inverted? Can anyone back that up? It can't possibly be as simple as the couplers inverted on the pole, can it?
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O nice. I did email but havent heard back yet, though its still only Monday. I have noted in the past that they offer the extensions to the old style poles, but the last time I was searching their website they were no longer listing them in the store. I figured that they may have sold out on that since it appeared that they were trying to move ahead exclusively into the extreme superpole models. Sometimes though I have trouble navigating their site. So I may have just missed it.
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Thanks Jenn! I didnt realize that I could go ahead and still get a top loader… I am guessing that they are all still with the newer interior threading specs though, which was the main issue. Do the new toploaders still have the chrome plastic sleeve to cover up the screw pin at the top, or is it just exposed?
Also, thanks all for putting up with my ridiculously long posts. 🙂
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Amy thanks a lot for your input. Plenty of questions that I did not even know that I had were answered in your post. Though I am really sad to hear that Xpole and PS are potentially my only options for multi-piece poles because I have no faith in either brand.
A PS pole in working order is my favorite pole. I have owned one single-piece from them, and 2 different multi-pieces, both have been the older top loading model. I have not owned other brands, but I have taken classes on plenty of different poles, most of which have never been multi-piece poles. My life is currently taking a shape that indicates I will be on the constant move for the foreseeable future. I like that PS offers the stainless finish, that its so easy to go from static to spinning, and generally feels like a simple set up. There aren't that many parts of the pole to just fall apart. What I don't like is the new-ish bottom loading design with the sleeve and the chintzy plastic parts that are getting more and more numerous with each redesign that pole goes through, as well as the apparent complete lack of quality control. Almost all of the extensions that were sent to me to correct the faulty one I already had were visibly uneven. I tried them all no matter what, but was dumfounded that they were sending me obviously faulty parts to correct the problem. For 2 years straight.
Xpole seems like a needlessly complex product to me. While theoretically I love the idea of the new Xjoints, it worries me that they can just rotate within the pole. I have also heard a lot about the pole flaring at the extension pieces and I wasn't sure if it was possible to overtighten an Xpole by hand? Is that how they are flaring? And some rust problems? I have used multipiece Xpoles and they seemed fine, but I have never set one up or struck one either. I dont know if these issues are the noisy minority or if these are common problems.
I guess what I mostly can't figure out is whether my expectations of what can be had in a multipiece pole are just really much too high?
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Ah I see Empyrean. Thanks for the info. Is it visibly obvious when the joints are turning? I have never used a version of the Xpole with the new xjoints so I dont have a really good idea of what is going on there. How regularly would you say you have to check the pole for the turning of the joints? Is this something that is a pain to do? Shouldn't the joints stabilized by the design of the pole? To me, that really seems like a mechanical failure in the design of the pole, but again, I don't really know much about the Xpole and you said something about a trick to setting the joints, which makes me feel better about potentially purchasing one.
Hey Tarah! I dont really know why they made that change, if the lower sliding cover were the same diameter as the pole, it wouldnt be nearly as big an issue for me because the entire pole would be workable. I am pretty sure the redesign was done because its easier to set up a pole from the bottom especially if its higher than 8' and in theory provides a workable pole from the floor to the ceiling without having the screwpin exposed. In a typical 8' extreme super pole the cover takes about 1' of workable pole space, and the plates+couplers together take about 6-8", leaving only about 6.5' of workable pole. (hehe loving that phrase) I am tall enough that only 6.5' isnt nearly enough pole. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif 10' pole! I am so jealous!
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Thanks so much for the input! Xpole is probably my best bet, since I need a professional grade pole in the multipiece. But I have been seeing some issues with them on the forums… never know what to think, I guess. But would definitely love to know more about Australian poles because I do have a connection by which I could get one.
Tarah, the bottom loading extreme superpole I had was just wrong. I worked with their customer service for 2 years, shipping pieces back and getting new pieces and I never had a truly functional pole that entire time. The basic problem was with the joints. They were poorly threaded and always had movement and gapping in them, which is kind of scary and also makes the pole spin incorrectly. To correct this problem, I had received 2 full extreme poles, 3 more 3' extensions, and 1 more 4' extension. None of these combinations resulted in a pole that didn't gap or have movement in the joints. I put up with the joint problems because I wanted a pole until it dawned on me that I paid full price for a product that wasn't working.
Overall, I didnt like that new design on the pole in general, which made it a lot easier to just walk away as well. I really dont like that sliding sleeve because it takes up too much usable space and for me was completely ungrippable. On an 8' pole, I use that bottom half for handsprings/split grip work so much more than I ever used the top 4" of the top loading pole. What I DO have to say… the PS customer service was excellent as long as I was contacting Kim or Janice. Both were immensely helpful and timely responders. The new product just wasnt worth it.
I love the PS stainless steel static spinners. On the mainland, I still have one of the poles that I first learned to dance on, the PS Stainless static/spinner toploading 50 mm pole back from when there wasnt a single plastic part in the entire product, including the plates. I love that pole and will never let it go because its exactly how I like it. But its a single piece and 9' so its not easily carted around and I have moved 4 times in the last two years, and that pole would not have fit any of my living situations. I guess I am just trying to figure out if any of the multipiece poles are a solid investment because it seems that the joints for the extensions can be problematic on any brand.
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Flexibility should definitely be pursued in an informed manner for sure, plus there are definitely ways to "fake" back flexibility. I definitely have been reading up on flexibility to get information on how to be safe and effective because I dont want to waste my time or get hurt. I have a hypermobile shoulders, which make me look like I have more back flexibility than I actually do, and unfortunately also a pretty bendy lower back. Definitely be careful with the back flexibility because if you are stretching out your back ligaments its going to give you future back problems. One visual that I have come across that I really liked and for some reason, specifically provided a better mental picture for myself than simply saying "elongate" though its really the same thing, was the following…
"wrap your spine around an imaginary ball, don't just bend back" this will allow you to articulate the entire length of the spine instead of just a few hinge points in your lower back. —Relax Into Stretch by Pavel Tsatsouline.
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Hehehe Islandgirl, Thats awesome. Now, how to work that same magic on my guy so that I can get a new pole, too? 🙂
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I train silks and trapeze regularly, and they are a great addition to pole! However, in both, I definitely am limited by my grip more than any other body part… ie the grip gets so tired so fast!
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Definitely with Pankake on this one. I would treat anyone who says such patently rude things as a troll. Typically, if a person says demeaning and harsh things online to anyone, whether they are actually a 'troll' or not, they need to check out until they learn social ettiquette.
Sensual, I watched your vid and really enjoyed it. Any mean comments on that have to be trolling. Don't let such things get you down!
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Runemist, where do you see the descriptions? I cant find them… Mahalo! 😉
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curlzgrrl thanks for the tips! I am always looking for a new way to shimmy. Since I was (blessed…?) with one, I might as well use it https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif
I love that video of Karol! Its fantastic and fun!
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Amy, that second list is killer! I didnt know anyone else ever danced to The Heavy! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif You've also got some great triphop in there!
My favorite sultry song is probably Faithless – If Lovin' You is Wrong,…sometimes I blush when it accidentally shuffles to that song in the presence of other people. hehehe. also:
Hurt Like Mine – The Black Keys
Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman
Hang You from the Heavens – The Dead Weather
I Want You – Kings of Leon
I Put a Spell on You – Marilyn Manson
The Question of U – Prince
Anything by Puscifer/APC and a lot of Tool songs (mini, I totally agree that the dry martini mix is the best version of that song, its so great!)
I'm a Lady – Santogold
Blue Gowns – Blue Hawaii
…and meaning to try out Empty Wall by Blue Foundation, its an interesting sound to me, not sure how sultry, though.
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To clarify… I love ALL the shoes https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif … just hate the fit. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif
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ARGH! this is my biggest problem with shoes… and why I rarely dance in them. However, I may be creating a pole piece for my next aerial show, and since its aerial burlesque of course I need shoes!
My feet are NOT unique… ie I find it ridiculous that I have such a hard time finding shoes. I have really high instep and fairly narrow feet, and they're also kinda long?, ie size 8 for length, size 7 for width. My toes always sneak through the front and the sides of the front, which makes using the shoe difficult for slide downs and impossible for those fun floor clicks!
I feel like I have tried on all the different shoes: Ellies, Pleasers, Jante, Penthouse, Tony, Luscious, Bordello, Vivid, etc. Granted, if its a mary jane style or boots, I am fine, but I dont just want mary janes and boots! Neither come in chrome, my favorite. Tony shoes provided the best fit width-wise, but they were probably my least favorite shoe otherwise. I only wore them 3x and I'm giving them away, they are such a horrible product for me. I have been told to buy Ellies to solve this problem, but I just got a new pair to try out, and they are just as bad as any other shoe as far as the fit for me.
I am going to have to try that insole trick, and does anyone have any other suggestions? I need them! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
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It's also possible to make your own roller with PVC piping, some duct tape, and slight padding. I just read about this on the forum here somewhere, but I can't find it again now! I remember thinking… What an awesome idea. Though I suppose if you were super hardcore, you could just use the pvc piping. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif
I used to run a LOT, ie marathon training, etc. and the foam roller was my best friend. I have so many different kinds, but if you are a beginner, I would suggest sticking with the white or blue density. Though if you think you are going to like it, the white density ones collapse pretty quickly so maybe go with the blue. Black density and the other fancy ones (triggerpoint/rumble roller/bead sticks) can get expensive fast, though they are typically durable. I have them all! Cardboard is another option, not too expensive but very very intense. There is almost no give in a cardboard roller.
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What I personally look for in a pole studio…
1) Good website, including: up-to-date class descriptions/times, prices, instructors, studio/class policies, and last but not least, make sure the website is reflecting your fitness philosophy, whatever that may be. It if can be a snapshot of what your studio is about, people will know why they want to go there and not somewhere else. You can't be everything to everyone but promote your passion because people will respond to that!
2) Talented, professional, and knowledgeable teachers: Just because a girl can kill it on the pole, in the floor work, and transition beautifully, doesn't mean that she can teach anyone else to do the same, especially beginners or people with no dance experience to fall back on. Personally, I would consider fitness training/pilates/kinesiology etc certs and experience all more valuable than a pole certification, especially since they can be hard to come by. Teachers need to be experienced enough to promote safety and problem-solve different ways to teach the same skill to a group of people with different experience and abilities. Even in an advanced class, people learn different ways and have differing levels of body awareness. I would also require current CPR and First Aid certs for all teachers/assistants. Sometimes, insurance will require that anyways.
3) Clean and friendly studio (high ceilings if possible), and utilize the space you have well. If you don't have enough space for 8 poles, don't put 8 poles in just bc you want 8 students in each class. I think its nice to have all students with their own pole, especially in classes with enough experience that they can do more without tiring themselves out. However, I do not think its worth it if there isn't enough space to keep people from hitting each other/getting in each others space. It can be a safety issue, and with advanced students, it will be a problem. Even with beginning students, when the surprising things happen. I am a (sorta) tall girl and when I put shoes on, I need space. I do not feel safe if when I am working on skills where I might be kicking someone. Quality poles are also important to me. If I feel like I can break it or move it when using my weight in a spin, then I am not going to enjoy my pole time because I don't feel safe.
4) Customer Service and consistency with all clients on all class/studio policies. Don't play favorites or let your teachers because that alienates a lot of people very quickly (not everyone does this on purpose but it still happens). For example, decide about your class makeup policy (whether you allow them or not and, if so, how to track it bc that can be a deal breaker), determine the roles/responsibilities of your teachers (and how you will evaluate your studio/teachers/classes etc, student input can be invaluable and free), AND STICK WITH IT until you change it. There is nothing wrong with making changes. Nothing at all. But while something is studio policy, everyone should be subscribing to it. If you don't allow makeup classes, but you do it once for one student, expect people to be upset with not being treated equally. I have seen this get teachers in trouble and make students really upset… enough to leave a studio. It seems so obvious but it happens.
so that was long, hehe but I think I got what I find important in a dance studio. Granted, we all come from different backgrounds and likes/dislikes, but I hope this helps!
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hmmm… I am really stuck on classic rock etc, these days (at what point does 80s rock start classifying as classic? hehe, I guess early 90s is getting there, too!)
She Rides – Danzig
The Stake – Steve Miller Band
The Question of U – Prince
Bad to the Bone – George Thorogood
Don't Bring Me Down – ELO
so yeah, thats kind of one-dimensional help, but another really fun one is…
Ruby Blue – Roisin Murphy
