Forum Replies Created

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  • Kobajo84

    Member
    February 4, 2015 at 4:30 pm in reply to: x-pole pole warmer

    I’m VERY interested in the x=pole warmers. The other brand warmers a little too pricey for me being a studio owner.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    January 5, 2015 at 5:24 pm in reply to: How to be more graceful

    I haven’t read through everyone else’s responses but my flow came from slowing down every move and being able to see more of my movements in a bigger mirror. Eventually when I mastered the movement with how it felt and look I was able to rely less on watching myself in the mirror and focusing on enjoying the dance.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    September 11, 2014 at 8:24 am in reply to: studio owners making your website interresting

    Make sure it’s straight forward and easy to use and mobile friendly. People don’t want to spend a lot of time navigating a confusing website just to sign up for a class. I like to think my website is pretty straight forward but a lot of times I still get people calling questions when the answers are clearly written on the website. Generally people don’t really read the website, they just want to click and be done with what they came to do which is sign up for a class.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 20, 2014 at 4:01 pm in reply to: If you don’t have our lessons why?

    I had the lessons back in 2008. I never renewed because life has gotten in the way. I now own and operate my own studio and now it’s just a matter of having time to even use my membership. I had a membership to another video service and I rarely used it.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 14, 2014 at 5:15 pm in reply to: Trapezerigging.com portable rigs, any reviews?

    I own a quad portable Ludwig rigging! I love it! I also thought you could set it up with one person but I got it up and needed assistance for the last 2 extension pieces. It’s super portable and easy to put up and take down. Mine is from here: http://www.damnhot.com/

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 2, 2014 at 2:24 pm in reply to: Whats it like to pole as a job?

    1. If I’m looking to get a career involving pole, is being an instructor the only way? Like do some people get paid to perform?

    As far as job involving pole, the only ones I know if are being a dancer in a club- there are many different variations of clubs out there or working as an instructor in a studio or your own studio.

    2. If you’re an instructor, is it your only job? If so, does it allow you to get by? If not, do you have another day job and do you do that because you genuinely enjoy it or you do it just to support your poling?

    I’m an instructor and I own a studio. It is not my only job. I work as a full time Registered Nurse Monday-Friday. I enjoy both my jobs equally. I don’t pay myself at the studio- it’s not a lucrative job to own a business and teach pole. My real money comes from what I got my college education for- nursing.

    3. If you had the choice between an office job and being able to come home to a nice house, buy any pole accessories and equipment whenever you wanted and pole as a hobby OR doing what you love but struggling to get by, what would you do?

    Pole is first and foremost a huge passion of mine but the reality is, it started as a hobby and it still is. I’ve paid more money into educating myself, training, and equipment to support my hobby. My business venture is a reflection of all I have learned and want to share with others. It is not a means of supporting myself financially, nor could it ever be. I’m not disillusioned about that fact. I teach and own my business because I want to, not because I have to.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 22, 2014 at 9:56 am in reply to: Pole Expo 2014

    At previous events all StudioVeena members wore StudioVeena buttons. Veena had some made a few years ago. I still have mine. 🙂

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 13, 2014 at 9:07 am in reply to: Wow!! Sooo many new faces but I still see some old too!t

    Welcome back Roxy!!!!! xoxo

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 10, 2014 at 12:17 pm in reply to: Social media, inspiring or discouraging?

    I JUST posted a list of 10 online pole and aerial related challenges I’ve been seeing a lot of in my newsfeeds via my blog: http://www.poleharmony.com/online-challenges/. I love this concept and actually one challenge in particular I feel has been different in regards to the “all tricked out” aspect that has become common place is BeSpun’s new flow challenge. This challenge is great because it’s focusing on dance technique. They’re teaching small portions of a routine and breaking it down then offering tips. I love this concept, however week 2 did border the intermediate leaning more towards advanced area with some of the floorwork. I would love to see MORE of these types of challenges that cater to the “every day” and “casual” dancer. More in terms of moves, combos, or snippets of routines that are actually attainable. I don’t think seeing other’s progress as being discouraging. I’ve always been the type of person who will try to break down a move and try it and revise it to what works best with my body. I see it as an opportunity to tackle a challenge. However, I do know my own limitations and wouldn’t attempt a Rainbow Marchenko type move because I know realistically my body is not ready for that type of movement. As far as watching an entire video to full length, I find I am guilty of watching less and less videos to their entirety. This is mainly because I don’t have a lot of time anymore to do so. I reserve these moments for research personally when I am working on choreo and new content for my classes. Now a days if I do watch a video all the way through there is at least one point I’ve spaced out and my mind has wandered off elsewhere. This is just where I’m coming from in regards to why I don’t watch full length videos anymore. Rarely do I watch competition videos either unless it’s my really good friend. If I was to watch a full length video it’s practice videos and those enjoying a dance in the comforts of their own studio.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    June 20, 2014 at 9:54 am in reply to: Dr. Douchebag Drew Pinsky

    I’ve tweeted my responses to the discussion here as @PoleHarmony to @DrDrewHNL and @latoyajackson: https://twitter.com/DrDrewHLN/status/479911573654220800

    Please join in the discussion. I think the more educated responses they get, they might realize their ignorance.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    June 20, 2014 at 9:47 am in reply to: Dr. Douchebag Drew Pinsky
  • Kobajo84

    Member
    June 20, 2014 at 9:41 am in reply to: Dr. Douchebag Drew Pinsky

    The BBC covered this story very eloquently: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152481831663648

    Hope that link works. 🙂

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    June 6, 2014 at 9:47 pm in reply to: What is safe to do on the pole with Diastasis Recti?

    Augustina- with my surgery I was told 8-10 weeks. They said because I do both pole and aerial they wanted me to go the max and I ended up going 12 weeks just to be on the safe side. I had tenderness for almost a year after surgery. It just recently stopped bothering me a couple months ago which may have been right at the one year mark post-op. I’ve avoided moves like the meathook and no hands cradle for obvious reasons.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    June 5, 2014 at 12:01 pm in reply to: Mirrors for Dancing

    Check craigslist and I also agree with the previous poster about a local home improvement store. I got my pole room mirrors from Home Depot and used wall mounts. I also found a really good deal on 3 6ft long x 8ft tall mirrors on craigslist in the past for $100.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    June 4, 2014 at 9:06 am in reply to: What is safe to do on the pole with Diastasis Recti?

    You have to be careful with self diagnosing and what you read on the internet. The site you provided is not HONcode certified (http://www.hon.ch/HONcode/Conduct.html?HONConduct298987), which basically means the information on the site is not medically approved. I would say the type of question you are asking is really more of a question appropriate for a licensed medical professional that has physically assessed you and your condition and in fact been able to verify your diagnosis. They can give you a better assessment as to what moves you can do that are safe based on your condition. It would be negligent for anyone to give you tips on moves because you are referring to a medical condition. Anything medical related here on this site really should be discussed with your physician.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    June 3, 2014 at 10:12 pm in reply to: What is safe to do on the pole with Diastasis Recti?

    Abdominal fascia does not heal without surgical intervention. Have you been diagnosed and undergone diagnostics of a qualified practitioner? Your primary care provider should have given you a referral for a surgeon. Your surgical consult is the person would be able to further assess the area and determine the extent of treatment.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    May 28, 2014 at 3:33 pm in reply to: Navel Hernia

    You can not correct this with exercise. The area that is torn is fascia- which is connective tissue that connects the muscles of the abdominal wall. You can build your abdominal muscles slowly to strengthen them over time which will enable you to execute core intense moves safer. Over time the opening created by the torn fascia can get bigger and this often happens from normal activities such as coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or having bowel movements. Any type of movement that causes strain of the abdominal muscles can have an effect on the fascia. Because fascia is connective tissue- it doesn’t have the same properties as muscles and the only means of truly correcting is surgery. I’ve had surgery for this and it took 2 years for mine to open up enough to where surgery was warranted. I poled with mine until the opening was big enough where I could feel it pop out and at that time my surrounding abdominal muscles were strong enough for me to continue to do core intense moves on the pole but I still wore an abdominal binder until I had surgery.

  • For this space, the type of work you’re looking to do requires a general contractor. I would consult with them to see what can be done. There’s certain building codes that needs to be taken into consideration and that is their job and area of expertise. Good luck- it looks like a lovely space! I hope it works out.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    April 29, 2014 at 4:16 pm in reply to: are there any start-from-scratch polers?

    I have no dance back ground. Started pole 6 years ago with no prior strength or athleticism.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    April 27, 2014 at 9:18 pm in reply to: Talk to me about hyper elasticity and pole.

    I recently encountered a student that has hypermobility/hyperextension on the joints. I did quite a bit of research and since I was unsuccessful in finding any information on the topic in the pole industry, I decided to write a blog about this topic. Since this encounter, I have had several other students in my classes where I have noticed joint hyperextension- most commonly in the elbows. I have found my increased awareness of this issue to be crucial in my teaching as I encourage students to not lock their joints into the hypermobile state. So far, all the students have been aware of their hypermobility and my reminders have been welcomed. I’ve even had a couple students tell me they know not to lock out but keep forgetting. Here’s my blog piece I wrote about the topic: http://www.poleharmony.com/joint-hyperextension-and-pole-fitness/

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    April 19, 2014 at 7:25 am in reply to: conflict of interest for instructor to visit competition?

    Reyn – Just be honest and open about everything. I would call or show up and talk to them about the situation. In the end, everyone will appreciate your being open and honest. However, be prepared to pay more for classes/lessons because you are an instructor. Many studios charge existing instructors from other studios more or prefer lessons be done as privates due to the conflict of unintentional promoting of your studio of employment. There may also be a contract you sign to protect themselves if you choose to take what you learned and start teaching it yourself. It can get to be a very touchy subject and your best bet would be to discuss things with the studio you’re wanting to take lessons from. They can refuse you as a student if they feel their hard work of their program is going to be jeopardized by local competition. Just all things you should take into consideration.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    April 2, 2014 at 10:27 pm in reply to: Valentino brothers’ stretching DVDs

    I have the front split and spine stretching system DVD. I really like the stretches in this DVD and found their tone to be quite soothing. The quality of the DVD isn’t professionally done- it was more if a home movie quality but I liked the stretches and found them beneficial. I adapted the stretches to what worked with my body. I also found some great tips in this particular DVD. I have many resources for stretching and this was just one of the many supplemental resources I’ve utilized.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    March 18, 2014 at 5:59 pm in reply to: Straight leg inverts…ugh

    I have found major improvement in my straight leg inverts through strengthening both the quads and hamstrings. Make sure to target both areas. I have also made a conscious effort to point my toes and this has also helped. The floor straddles Danielle was talking about are amazing. I have my students do both internal & external pointed toe leg circles in this position. Great for overall strengthening and toning quads & hamstrings.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    March 11, 2014 at 3:18 pm in reply to: Instructors (and everyone else)! Advice needed! pleez wit cheez?

    I teach based on modifications. Very similar to what Danielle is explaining. Basically- you adjust your teaching to an individual’s skill level. If one version of the move has been mastered one week, then you introduce the modifications until all areas of the material have been met. There is always something to teach. I find it hard someone would run out of material- especially at a beginner level. It’s about tapping into creativity. Really plan things out and find the direction you want your class to take. There are endless possibilities. One of the biggest techniques I focus on is creating seamless flow. Once moves are mastered, I want to see them executed in proper form and smoothly in the form of a routine. My routines vary in length- generally one class routines are mini routines repeated over and over again in multiple directions and cued changes/modifications.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    March 11, 2014 at 3:11 pm in reply to: In the market for a new pole

    When choosing a pole, you want to think in terms of long term goals- as a pole really is an investment and a purchase you should take seriously to assure you get the longevity/resale value out of your purchase. With that being said, if your long term goals are to compete- you may want to strongly consider the X-pole. I say this because traditionally (at this moment in time) competitions use X-pole brand poles. There is a difference between the spin on an X-pole and a Platinum Stages pole. Very crucial training elements for competing can make or break your routine if you’re not training on the proper equipment that is utilized for a big performance. Another factor for strongly recommending X-pole is resale value. In a few years, say you want to sell your X-pole because it just wasn’t for you. You’re more likely to snatch a buyer and resell for more money than a pole that is not in higher demand that the one you’re stuck with and desperate to off load. Another thing I really have enjoyed about X-pole is their customer service. They have been awesome in every regard and being a studio owner, I’ve had to contact them several times. I will say that Lil’ Mynx has always been easy to deal with as well and my first ever pole was a Lil’ Mynx. I’ve not really had very much commentary with Platinum Stages to comment on how well their customer service is.

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