[hookedonpole]

Congrats, glad to be a part of supporting the sport and especially for veena and her husband.
Enjoy it when you receive them. Take lots of pics.

[hookedonpole]

Amy I’m surprised that the pole jam was the first time you saw one – glad it was helpful for you.

Let me clarify…I’m not advocating using a crash mat IN PLACE of a spotter. In fact I use both.

Most definitely, I agree both spotter and crash mat. Sometimes studio just wants to spot and freaks me out without crash mat. I need to trust spotter more, especially a good instructor, I’m still chicken with new first time moves, even with a spotter and/or mat or both! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[hookedonpole]

When I started pole couple years ago, I would not have tried inverted crucifix without a crash mat, among other things. A while back, I went to a one day class and I was working on learning the gemini. The little studio had hard rock floors and I said, "Are there mats?" I was scared to death without it.

That being said, I do not have one at home and WISH I did. Although my hubby worries cuz he thinks if I had one, I’d try a lot more than I do when I’m alone(hmm-is he right?). I actually wait till weekends for new things so he can spot me, which he’ll probably still have to do even with a mat. I’ve mentioned a crash mat for my birthday https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif But I’ve also considered an xpole xpert. He usually gives me cash so I can get what I want, if he does I’ll have decision-making to do; and I hate making decisions https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

Anyway, I like the idea of crash mats, even if it’s just mentally. I’m picky when trying something, I even drive instructors crazy when spotting me. They constantly hear, You have me, right?…Don’t let me go!…I need to get down…etc.

I guess I’m getting used to not having one at home, but still think I should. xpole titan gold…crash mat….xpole titan gold…crash mat: decisions, decisions.

[hookedonpole]

Ditto to everyone’s comments and a piece of my mind will be going via email right now! Love you veena! and what a hubby you have https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[hookedonpole]

well my husband and i always call each other bunnies, he even got me a bunny necklace for valentines once, so i just went with pole bunny bc it was easy to think of, and reminds me of jessica rabbit if i need a sexy inspiration, lol. also bc there is a bunny smile on here that i try to put at the end of all my posts. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_albino.gif

Good one, polebunny.

[hookedonpole]

Some days, I find it’s not just my hands that slip. Everything slips, and I can’t even grip with my legs well enough to get a basic inverted crucifix. The cure I found was just a normal shower before practice. Post-shower, I’m so sticky (to the pole) that it’s amazing. I’ve nailed a few moves that way. Also, my pole’s in my kitchen, so I wash my hands a few times in a session. I find properly washing them makes more of a lasting difference than just wiping them dry.

Yeah, I should have said that also. Sometimes it’s not only my hands…also legs not gripping for inverts, scorpio, etc. hmmm, sweatblock, I wonder. It would be wonderful if it works.

[hookedonpole]

tigger, how creative you are to start this thread!

When I was searching online after starting pole to find help after my studio closed down, I came across sv. I was curious and registered, the only thing I could come up with is hookedonpole because that is what I was, "hooked"! After I registered, I had second thoughts about the "hooked" part and wondered if anyone would take it out of context https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

I visted the site a couple of times and actually did not return for quite a while. I was still so new to pole and didn’t think the site was for me…WRONG!! I came back and am "hooked" on sv!!! Now I LOVE my nickname. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[hookedonpole]

"descalzada" means barefoot (in Spanish; I’m Venezuelan), and I’ve always preferred being barefoot.
It’s been my on-line nom de plume for many years … when I was a young engineer back in the mid-70s, the prevailing male attitude was that women should be "barefoot & pregnant", so initially I was using it sarcastically.
I still prefer being barefoot at home most of the time, but I also enjoy putting on my CFM heels!

I knew that’s what that meant, I like it!

[hookedonpole]

This is my experience; I am not natural with the sensual or even dance aspect of pole. I began at a studio that was not sensual focused, more on strength, learning spins, some tricks, etc. I liked that since I’ve been very active with aerobics, step aerobics, power flex weight classes at gyms. The studio closed down and I began to attend others in my area (2-3 hrs away, really) for one day classes/workshops. I attended one that was VERY sensual focused, even the warmup was all about it and I was very uncomfortable. The instructer even made it a point to verbally express how uncomfortable I was (I really didn’t need that!) The cool down was a 10 minute time with lights down of personal sensual pole dance, again not for me. So I just don’t go again. When I look into one day classes or worshops, I ask if it is sensual dance centered. I hope it’s not rude, but I need to know before I spend the money and travel time as they are usually 2-3 hours away.

Yes, I have played with it and accept it does not come naturally for me. I even told my husband I wish I could get it, but he reminded me that my goal is fitness, strength training and accomplishing what works for me, he is so supportive! I can’t force the sensual part of it and admire those who are natural at it and/or include it in their pole journey. I’m also still at the point of struggling to get in and out of holds/tricks/spins, much less doing it sensually https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

So, I feel each person needs to decide what works for them, what the goal is, and find classes that meet that need. I won’t force it cuz then I feel geeky and won’t enjoy poling. I also agree about not belittling between the two styles. I overhead it mentioned at the sensual studio that someone’s performance was not "pole dance" because all they did was tricks. I’ve seen many trick rountines that are very dancey and beautiful art.

BTW, this sensual studio class I attended was a class on how to improve spins, momentum, etc. Therefore, I did not expect the warm up and cool down to include sensual moves. This is just my personal experience.

Oh, and my husband also said that I am sexy where it counts https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif

[hookedonpole]

joyful, you are not alone. I also struggle with sweaty hands, mostly the left. I have a lil mynx ss and hear stainless steel poles are very slippery. However, that’s all I know and even though I have very frustrating days when I can’t do anything, there are days when I’m able to practice. I do wipe pole a lot, wipe hands on my rear https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif and use grip aids off and on. I alternate between Tite Grip and Dry Hands. I’m using trial of ITac level 4, haven’t used it enough to comment on it. I consider off and on getting an xpole xpert titanium gold, but not sure yet. I just plug along with my ss and do my best. I think I notice that with my strength getting better, I’m able to grip more. My husband even noticed that I’m able to get through decent practices more often. I hope so. Just know that you are not alone with this.

[hookedonpole]

Welcome to the veneer club of addiction!!!

[hookedonpole]

I’m having definite trouble in this area. Given how narrow the space I have to dance in is, I really need my videos taken portrait, but my computer always recognises them as landscape. WMM doesn’t maintain the aspect ratio when rotating (I know my housemate’s version does, but mine doesn’t) so my ass ends up the size of the moon!

I tried using videospin, but couldn’t find anywhere that it lets me rotate the video (or, indeed, make it brighter. Another perennial problem). Any free software that does allow you to do this? Or am I doomed to being roughly square (at least in pole videos) for all eternity? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif

I’m having the same problem due to pole space and can’t back up more. I also practiced rotating in WMM and it’s distorted…my husband told me not to even upload it. I uploaded a little vid to practice rotating in AVS Video Editor, it also distorted somewhat. I tried trial version, then purchased it not realizing the rotation feature would not be up to par. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif I love the software otherwise. If you find anyway to do this, please post and/or let me know. It’s frustrating to be able to record practices from middle of pole to floor, or middle of pole to top of pole. BTW, what is your housemate’s version, etc to be able to maintain ratio when rotating? I have Windows XP.

Thanks

[hookedonpole]

This will teach me to to READ as much about the product info before buying. I will be taking this back. I’m desperate but not that desperate. Actually I’ve been able to accomplish more than I thought possible for my unflexible age and on ss, in spite of the discouraging slippery days. Good thing the sales clerk said I could take it back unopened. Thanks for everyone’s input, etc.!!!

[hookedonpole]

Thanks, mini. Another question(s)…is the software you use VideoPad Video Editor Software? What do you use to convert to wmm? Do you ever record vertical and have to rotate when uploaded to your pc so it will be vertical and not horizontal? Mine is also not good result when rotating in wmm to vertical when I record that way. I don’t like it. I purchased AVS video editor and like it, EXCEPT for the rotation feature. It comes out weird, I have one short vid of it here on sv. I really like AVS when recorded normal, but not to rotate, unless I’m doing something wrong. Same thing when rotat in wmm, comes out short and squaty. Haven’t posted one of those yet. Maybe a short one later tonight. Thanks for input!! If I’m going to take the time to record my practices, etc. might as well have decent result . Although, better pole skills might help, haha https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif

[hookedonpole]

Thanks for everyone’s input. I pretty much decided to take it back. As I said, I didn’t see the line about no skin contact https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cry.gif I guess I’m desparate like a lot of other polers. I use Lil mynx stainless steel and struggle with slipperiness. There are good days when weather/temperature allows for good practice, then other frustrating days when can’t hold a grip or anything. I have Dry Hands, Tite Grip and samples of ITac Level 2 & 4. Haven’t really practiced with the Itac yet. I go back and forth with Tite Grip and Dry Hands. I’m running low on both and don’t know which one I’d buy again, probably both! I seriously consider investing in an xpole titanium gold, but just not sure yet.

[hookedonpole]

Okay, step one, the date https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif Where can we get info for schedules, workshops, fees, etc. Especially schedule/fees for the competition. Thanks!!!

[hookedonpole]

Another question, are you able in Windows Movie Maker to mute or remove background audio when recording? I can’t seem to find if WMM has the feature to do that. Sometimes the TV or background noise is going on when practicing and want to remove it and add music, etc. When I and music, the recorded background audo is there also.

[hookedonpole]

I did see your video. That was rotated upright? You must have a very nice recorder. Do you use a digital camera? If so, which one? Or do you use a camcorder? Your video is very clear. I’m still practicing with mine. Might try one more time. I think I did mine the long way and maybe that’s why it’s not so good. I don’t like the quality of final result. I’ll try converting straight from .MOV to .WMV to see if it’s any better. I think I need a better digital camera, mine is so old. It’s a Kodak EasyShare 3.1 megapixel. Thanks for all your help.

[hookedonpole]

Thanks, I’m having problems when I want to record with my digital camera in vertical. It comes out sideways in quicktime. I’ve tried rotating in my editing program, as you can see in my recent vid post, it’s distorted around the sides. I rotated in WMM and came out kinda short and squaty. I have a program that converts also. Will the one you recommended rotate without distortion? I would like to get practices with bottom of pole to the top. I have to have my camera kinda close due to angle of the door into the room where I pole. Can’t back up to get it all in with regular view of camera. Does this make sense? EDIT: Does this free converter software have a watermark or logo on final editing?

[hookedonpole]

Goodness, never saw anything like it! Thanks for sharing it.

[hookedonpole]

That was awesome and looked like SO MUCH fun! Poletential rocks!!

[hookedonpole]

I like no stamp, straight text (pic #6).

[hookedonpole]

How is looking? Have voted with my different emails! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[hookedonpole]

Unfortunately I work till 8 p.m. PT Thursday so am not able to joing bendy buddies on Thursdays. I usually am around on Fridays late in the day. I wonder if Target still sells it. What is the name, size, etc. Thanks for info.

[hookedonpole]

tigger, I’m curious as to what you will end up making. I also want something so badly. I’m hoping for my birthday, but it’s not till October https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif Anyway, I went to pole one day at a studio on my day off, a fun place few hours away. She had a home-made crash mat made with large size foam pads. I emailed to ask her what sizes she used to glue together and where she got them. I hope she answers me soon because my husband is willing for us to get something and make one. We went looking around the other day but want to know what she used. I don’t think it was able to fold up, don’t remember. By the way, what were you doing when you fell…I’m so scared of the first time I take a dive. I fell off a while back trying Superman from Gemini (when I couldn’t even do a good Gemini) but was close to the ground so it wasn’t too bad, but still didn’t feel good.