[jgroat]

I use a rubber strap wrench to get the poles apart.  (Well technically I get my husband to do it lol.) 

Its a plumbers tool for taking apart pipes and I found mine in the plumbing section of a hardware store.  It wasn't very expensive but I find it invaluable.  It's easy to use and it won't damage your pole.

I did a quick search and they have them for US$10 on amazon.com.

[jgroat]

You should go ahead with the intermediate class if you enjoy pole dancing. You *can* invert, you proved it in your beginners course and being back in the class environment might help get that confidence back. And you will have your instructor on hand to give you any help or advice to get your mojo back. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

I’m sure there will be other things to learn in the intermediate course too, new spins and such like, so there’s no point in holding yourself back over this one thing.

Enjoy!

Jx