Forum Replies Created

Page 5 of 24
  • Kobajo84

    Member
    October 14, 2013 at 4:11 pm in reply to: Rigging for silks that attach to my pole

    Out of curiosity, do any of these companies here offer a demo for studios?  I have been toying around with this concept for my studio but I'd like to demo a setup first prior to making a purchase.  If any of you do this, can you email me at info@poleharmony.com? Thanks!

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    October 14, 2013 at 4:08 pm in reply to: Drugs at a studio!!

    I agree with Chem- walk away and don't go back and don't put yourself in jeopardy by getting involved.  You don't want to set yourself up for a dangerous situation of retaliation or who knows what.  The reality of the situation in due time will take the appropriate course of action.  In the meantime, wash your hands of it and let it run it's course.  Unfortunately, people involved in those activities are rarely successful and often more times than not their actions are the result of their own demise personally and professionally. 

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    October 9, 2013 at 9:28 am in reply to: Read this post on Psychology Today about Pole Dancing

    Beautifully said SpyralBound.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    September 20, 2013 at 9:50 am in reply to: Pole Studio SOS

    Freel, B. (2013). Vertical Athlete: Fundamentals of Training for Pole Fitness and Dance. Poler North: Anchorage, AK.

    Exceptional reading. This is a book that students wanting to take their workout to the next level should read. It covers many safety issues in regards to training that are translatable to other fitness specialties. It’s difficult as an instructor to consantly preach the same safety technique- we’re often left wondering if our advice is heard. This piece of literature puts all the necessary information we’re all adamet on presenting to our students in one nice and organized place. I plan on doing a future book review on my blog going into more detail.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    September 12, 2013 at 6:01 pm in reply to: Polers who Instagram…
  • Kobajo84

    Member
    September 12, 2013 at 5:59 pm in reply to: Pole Studio in Anderson, South Carolina 😀

    My best friend lives in Anderson, SC! I've yet to make it out there on a trip but you can bet I will be coming to your studio!!!

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    September 12, 2013 at 11:42 am in reply to: Debating Whether to Compete or Clean Poles

    This competition is held annually. But don’t let that discourage you, there are plenty of other opportunities with showcases locally & within surrounding states that are always open to letting you participate. 🙂

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    September 12, 2013 at 11:42 am in reply to: Debating Whether to Compete or Clean Poles

    This competition is held annually. But don’t let that discourage you, there are plenty of other opportunities with showcases locally & within surrounding states that are always open to letting you participate. 🙂

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    September 12, 2013 at 11:22 am in reply to: Pole Widget Yes or No?

    There are multiple variations currently out there on the market for this- one of the most popular is the Pole Aria offered by Lil Mynx. Although these devices offer the combination of silks and pole, from my experience the movement would be catered more towards an advanced level of poler. My reasoning is, you’re dealing with two apparatuses. There’s a body adaptation that occurs with the pole and a completely different body adaptation you have to learn with the silks. I have so far found little use for this accessory other than it’s fun to try but as far as it being really useful for a wide range of moves and learning, I’m not convinced. This may change as I get better at using both pole & silks together. There’s been previous discussions on this as well and if I remember correctly there was a debate whether these devices should be used on removable home poles?

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    September 11, 2013 at 6:42 pm in reply to: Debating Whether to Compete or Clean Poles

    I'll find out when they're hosting another. I do believe these do these comps often.  I was asked to judge but had to decline.  My sister studio owner is sitting on the panel of judges for this one though so I'll find out when the next one is planned for.  https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    September 10, 2013 at 4:59 pm in reply to: Debating Whether to Compete or Clean Poles

    Are you talking about the competition on September 21st coming up?  If so, I think you should totally do it!!!! The girls that are participating in this competition are amazing and so encouraging and if anything, this will be a fun experience for you!  It's all about the experience and everything you learn and take away from it.  Just have fun and don't stress about it being a competition.  Go in it to enjoy your self.  I can't go because I have pole parties booked that night, otherwise I'd be there too. 

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    September 5, 2013 at 4:58 pm in reply to: No (former) strippers allowed in my studio competition 🙁

    I've known of studios that actually won't let students take classes if they've been exotic dancers.  This is discrimination.  Can businesses actually refuse clients like this? I don't think they can and I've often wondered how this studio gets away with this operation.  I would never deny someone coming to my classes for any reason unless they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol and posing a danger to themselves or others.  Luckily I haven't had to experience asking a student not to attend a class for this reason.  I think for competitions, the fact one has been an exotic dancer is irrelevant. 

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 29, 2013 at 4:29 pm in reply to: Just Found Out I have a sports Hernia

    I had an umbilical hernia from pole.  I had surgery February 15th and was medically released to return to slow progressive activities in the beginning of April.  I still have tenderness issues in the area so I avoid moves that grab my navel area.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 20, 2013 at 8:55 pm in reply to: Organizing classes at a studio.

    I don't think bigger is better.  I like having a smaller operation because it let's me work better with my students to ensure safety and make sure I can work with them on the curriculum on a more personal level to suite their abilities.  Good for you PoleDanceAddixx.  Some day you will have your dream studio. I do believe it's better to start smaller and let your studio grow with your teaching and your students.  We all start somewhere. Good luck.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 12, 2013 at 9:29 pm in reply to: Wall Street Journal addresses pole dance

    I don't see this as a bad thing at all.  I think pole embodies so much versatility that this new form of pole is just another addition to the already unique forms portrayed through the artistic existence.  I think the community of pole needs to embrace all forms just as we embrace all forms, shapes, sizes, ages, and genders of dancers.  Everyone is unique and it's time we realize pole dancing can be just as unique for every individual. 

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 12, 2013 at 5:01 pm in reply to: Giving private lessons

    Being an instructor is a huge undertaking.  I know it sounds like fun and you're not planning on teaching advanced moves, however what many people fail to realize is that even the basic beginner moves can cause serious injuries.  More specifically shoulder injuries which can last a lifetime.  It's really important like pokeyd said, that the pole industry start taking education more seriously.  This is crucial to the growth and continued success of the community. Instructors need to be knowledgeable about what they are teaching.  This isn't something that happens overnight. Instructors need to constantly learn and seek out educational opportunities from as many resources as possible.  This is very time consuming and requires a lot of dedication both personally and financially.  I encourage pole instructors to obtain their Discoveries Dance pole fitness instructor certification.  It is an amazing program that sets an instructor up in the mindset for teaching safely and organizing their curriculum.  I took things a step further and obtained my AFAA Primary Group Fitness Certification and AFAA Yoga Instructor Training.  I also have a back ground in the medical field with 12 years of experience in nursing.  I'm constantly learning and finding opportunities to learn more.  To start, if you're really wanting to start teaching, you should visit as many studios as possible to learn from other instructors and how they all teach. I did this before I started teaching.  In my situation, there weren't any studios around either and I paid a lot of money to do this as I traveled all over the U.S. to make this possible.  As far as it being a business, if you are charging for services in regards to fitness activities that have liabilities, you are a business.  Being an instructor has a lot of responsibilities and obtaining appropriate insurance coverage, licensing, and education are just the tip of the iceberg. It's very involved and a very serious responsibility that if you're not willing to fully commit, then don't bother going down that road to begin with.  Not trying to sound harsh either, just trying to prepare you for the seriousness of the role of a pole dancing instructor.  https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 9, 2013 at 2:33 pm in reply to: The icarina!

    I see now! Yes, the picture looks almost doable from a ballerina/eagle pose.  Interesting.  I'm sure with some back flexibility it could be achieved in the same manner as the icarus.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 9, 2013 at 7:53 am in reply to: The icarina!

    I believe the move you're referring to is known as the icarus which is a spin?  Here's a video tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6AgGsZpDmA

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 8, 2013 at 9:48 pm in reply to: Skype/Pole Jam friends

    I just set up a skype account: Pole Harmony Fitness- you can search and add me through my email info@poleharmony.com.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 8, 2013 at 5:09 pm in reply to: Inability to do straddle splits

    I have the DVD from Fit & Bendy.  Love her tips on the Facebook page too.  The DVD is pretty good and she also offers skype lessons for flexibility too.  https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif Flexibility, like pole, is a journey.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 6, 2013 at 10:33 am in reply to: Organizing classes at a studio.

    I use bookeo.com as opposed to Mind Body software. So far, the only feature I have found lacking with Bookeo is doing payroll directly but I don't need this function right now and when I do, I'm going to use quickbooks.  My merchant service is paypal.  I found this route to be the least expensive.  I can do payments online, with my phone, or accept cash/or other forms of payment directly.  The only downfall with paypal merchant service and Bookeo is I am not able to manually enter credit card information from the back end.  There is a work around- which is why using paypal here phone app or scanner comes in handy.  I learned this the hard way.  Paypal was extremely accommodating for me and assisted me in getting my payment information entered when I ran into that challenge.  It was easily resolved.  I have a lot of monthly memberships- I currently offer an unlimited monthly package for $60.  This has been by far my most popular selling feature for my classes.  Bookeo does everything in regards to auto monthly payments.  I also offer class passes that have a set expiration.  The thing is with class passes (and I've been guilty of this too) is that people buy them but rarely ever use them before expiration.  As long as they are fully aware of the expiration date, then I wouldn't be too concerned.  They bought it with full knowledge it expires.  I would just send out general reminders via social media about if your class package is about to expire….etc.  Sometimes things in life just get in the way and unfortunately, people are unable to get the full intended use of their purchase.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 5, 2013 at 6:58 am in reply to: How has StudioVeena inspired you?

    I certainly have been impacted and inspired in a huge way because of StudioVeena.  First off, I wouldn't have stayed committed to pole for as long as I have if it wasn't for the continued support that this website offers.  I do miss the Friday chats, I felt like they were a huge part of the communication and personalization that went along with the supportive environment here.  I have learned so much here and have taken life paths in general and in dance that I never would have comprehended on my own.  I am continually amazed at all the accomplishments I've made in both pole and aerial.  This site has taught me so much.  I've been inspired to pursue my dreams, friendships, and continuous learning that makes me a better dancer and teacher for my students. 

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 4, 2013 at 9:58 pm in reply to: Any instructors who don’t own their own studio?

    I've taught at 3 studios now and been teaching for a little over 3 years.  2 of my teaching positions were with local studios and now I teach and work for myself with my own studio. Both of the local studio positions I actively sought out. Mainly the first teaching position I made the initial contact with the owner and expressed my desire to become an instructor.  She groomed me into the type of instructor she wanted representing her business and even though we eventually didn't see eye to eye on some things, she did an excellent job branding her business and making it what it was.  The second teaching job was presented to me after I left my first one.  I was looking to become a student again and because of my experience I was asked to begin teaching for their facility.  I gave a lot of my time and energy and eventually realized I wanted to pursue my own projects and put effort into something that I would actually see the benefits from my hard work.  If I could offer any advice, I would contact studios and put yourself out there.  Make sure you attend some of their classes too to make sure they have something going on that you can see yourself representing.  It's like buying a house, you have to be able to visualize yourself in your new "home" in order for you to take the next steps and making it your own.  Good luck!

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    August 1, 2013 at 9:19 pm in reply to: Indianapolis Poles for sale

    Everything has sold.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    July 28, 2013 at 9:03 am in reply to: What’s your current nemesis?

    Mine is any move that requires stomach contact against the pole.  I had surgery in February and those moves I've been keeping away from because I had a momentary unpleasant experience with the pain associated with that area awhile back so I've been avoiding those moves like the plague.  LOL.  I haven't dealt with pain in that area other than that one time and I'm sure things have healed to where it would be fine now, but my brain can't get around the shock from that experience.  Needless to say, no meathook attempts for me.  Maybe in a couple months.

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