[lolorashel]

I am very excited for this year’s event and I am even more excited to hear Veena will be joining us as a judge!

[lolorashel]

*Northern

[lolorashel]

I also agree you should talk to a tax professional. I don’t believe clothing is a write-off but certifications or travel to attend events can be. The trick, however, is to make sure that you don’t take a loss too many years in a row. After awhile, the government realizes that it’s more hobby than job and it can cause trouble for you. I also write off part of my cell phone and home internet since I do so much stuff from my house. I also write off some mileage.

[lolorashel]

Mine is @lolorashel.

[lolorashel]

I think there is something for everyone. Competitions and showcases! I am in the process of setting up a showcase that will offer optional feedback so it will be the best of both worlds. Roz and Dangerous Curves will be presented as a separated but related event on the same day. We’re really excited about it!

[lolorashel]

Lina, I really loved how Roz described plus-size when she set up her competition. Of course, I can’t find the wording now that I want to quote it. But it basically said something about, in the US, size 12 and up being considered plus-sized, but that people in general could certainly encompass someone who is a smaller size but who still feels “plus-sized.”

[lolorashel]

Duh…and how did I leave you out, Lulu!! You are an inspiration to me! Also, polergirl, I think plus-sized is determined by the person…you would choose to enter that category or not. I don’t think there would be someone at the door with a scale deciding who gets in to the plus category. 🙂

[lolorashel]

Just for transparency, I am actually working with Roz to bring Dangerous Curves to the West Coast later this summer… That being said, I’m not sure that EVERY competition needs to have a plus-sized division. If your levels are clearly laid out, then each dancer would choose their division based on their skill level, not their size. THAT being said, I do appreciate that Roz created Dangerous Curves so that there is a safe place for plus-sized dancers to compete. I don’t think it’s a big secret that larger bodies in general are often judged and looked down upon. Sure, our bodies probably move differently just based on the amount of flesh we get to move around. I love seeing dancers like Roz and “loveracing25” busting stereotypes. But I know many believe that pole is for smaller, “more fit” bodies. I participate in showcases because I believe it is good for me to put my chubby ass out there to show support, but I don’t think I’d ever compete regardless of the category.

[lolorashel]

Yes, there are a lot of curvy dancers out there!  Welcome to the fold!  🙂  ~Lori/Confessions of a Twirly Girl

[lolorashel]

Love this question.  Although I hope this thread doesn't get ugly.  I watched some pretty ugly stuff go down with a competition in California earlier this year.  I chatted with some pole peeps earlier this summer about this very question.  One person said that if there are bad competitions, the people will figure it out and stop entering and said bad competition will go away.  Another said that people are so hungry to compete and/or get their name out there, they will continue entering bad competitions.  So how do we, as an industry, find the good competitions and label them so competitors feel safe and can still show off their mad skills?  I too would love to know who is running the best competitions out there.  I was at PPC in LA last May.  It was based on the model set up by the Midwest competition.  I thought it was well-run.  I'm no expert, mind you.  But it felt like a good start to a new line of competitions.  

Here's another question for you.  Many people who do competitions want to achieve pro status so they can teach workshops at a higher level.  How long does that "pro status" last?  Do they have to continue entering and winning competitions?  Or, at some point, are you just so amazing and no longer need to prove yourself? 

Side note…I'm gathering a list of all of the competitions around the world.  I'd love for people to e-mail me the ones I am missing:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WDkiRUv-6eskzU2aWAf6edjvwySwO_yG7PNU-wci9WM/edit?pli=1

[lolorashel]

I will be there!!  There's a competition that Wednesday or Thursday night.  Another Anjel Dust production I think?  Is anyone planning to go to that??

[lolorashel]

I too agree that you can be sexy at any size. I weigh 250 pounds and, although I struggle with some moves, I am awesome at others. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with the moves and the sexier you will feel. 🙂

[lolorashel]

awwww…happy birthday!!!!

[lolorashel]

Have you seen this article about the Pole Pumas?  http://www.insideedition.com/news/7798/celebrities-and-everyday-moms-pole-dance-for-fitness.aspx

I also just wrote an article for Vertical about the Grande Dames — dancers over 50.  There are lots of amazing dancers…all ages!  🙂

[lolorashel]

I love it…and I love that you have such a happy memory related to your sister.  *hugs*

[lolorashel]

I can't wait to hear about it!  Good luck and have fun!!!!

[lolorashel]

I will be at the Pole Show AND the Convention.  Check out http://www.poleshowla.com for BeSpun Pole Show tickets.  🙂 

[lolorashel]

Check out Pole For A Cause: http://poleforacause.com/2011/12/power/ ~ CALLING ALL STUDIOS:  Power of Pole – Giving the Gift of Pole (a day of fundraising for a cause close to YOUR heart)!

[lolorashel]

We have set a date…Sunday, April 22, 2012.  Please join our Facebook group to discuss details.  🙂

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerofpole/

[lolorashel]

I left a comment on Leno’s page. 🙂

[lolorashel]

Oh yeah…as for moves…I do fine with most of the basic spins…even fireman (which we call fairy) and chair.  I also use what I call "footies," like a foot bra to help with transitions on the floor.  My hip started hurting after I started pole and I thought maybe it was because I was having to push my hips so hard when I was trying to dance.  The footies have padding under the ball of my foot but leave my toes, arch and heel bare so I still have traction and don't slip.  Getting up "pretty" from the floor is also an issue for me.  Every larger dancer has their own issue with this.  For me, its my hips that hurt.  For others, it might be their knee.  But helping us find a way to get up without looking like a cow is really nice.  I finally have two ways of standing up without feeling fat.  😀

[lolorashel]

I'm 6 feet tall — 250 pounds.  I wear about a size US 16-18.  I have been pole dancing for 2 years but still consider myself barely an intermediate dancer.  I can muscle into some moves purely by throwing myself into it.  I always worry about squishing my spotters (my instructor is 59 years old…five feet tall and probably under 100 pounds).  I actually decided to start pilates a few months ago to strengthen my core before inverting anymore (and am getting close).  I want to do it the right way.  As for talking about a person's weight, each person is different.  I talk about my size because its clearly obvious.  But many overweight people become invisible and talking about their weight is really difficult.  Maybe have a few websites or blogs that you enjoy (both larger dancers and not) and have a suggested reading list?  I know all about making comments about myself (I call myself Shrek, my instructor calls me a Twirling Viking Warrior).  Just being positive and supportive of your larger dancers will make them appreciate and love you.   I love you already for being so sensitive to it!  🙂

[lolorashel]

I tried to embed the video and it wouldn't let me, so here's the YouTube link:  http://youtu.be/ut9T02uQVxg

Rita would love to hear your story!  You are a fellow survivor!!  🙂

[lolorashel]

Cool — I added you to my blogroll as well.  🙂

[lolorashel]

I have added everyone to my blog roll, which is on the bottom, right-hand side of my posts.  🙂  http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/