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Thanks for all the foot love, girls! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

No excuse for crusty feet tho! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif
Here are the two best things I’ve ever found:
The Swedish Clover Fot (one o) File is awesome. It has two sides with different grit files. Use it when you get out of the shower–dry your feet, and then try propping one on the edge of the wastecan or toilet bowl. File with the rougher grit first, then the finer one. You’ll be amazed!
http://www.amazon.com/Flowery-Swedish-Clover-Foot-File/dp/B000VUUSQA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1291241586&sr=8-3

At night, use Kiehl’s Intensive Treatment and Moisturizer for Dry or Cracked Areas:
http://www.kiehls.com/Intensive-Treatment-and-Moisturizer-for-Dry-or-Callused-Areas/295,default,pd.html
You can even put socks on over it and go to bed.

No more nasty crusty claws!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

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Well, here’s the gruesome update.
Infection cleared, toe still killing me. Went to the podiatrist. Anesthesia and a small surgery removed the shard of nail that was still in there, stabbing me.
It was entirely manmade: pedicurist cut out about 70% of the corner, but left the bottom 30% which caused the problem.
PLEASE be careful! This was a good experienced friend who has been doing my toes for years. Can happen to anyone.
It’s gonna be a while before I can wear my new Glitter Heels! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif

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I’ve been toying with buying the Tria for a while. It’s at-home laser hair removal, FDA approved, and very highly reviewed–here’s one example:
http://hairremoval.about.com/od/lase1/a/tria-hair.htm
It comes in at about $500, which is far less than going to a medispa, and can be done at home. It’s only for people with light skin and dark hair, which is me.
I’m a waxer though and to use this, you have to stop waxing for 2 months and start shaving so that the follicles regenerate. Thinking this winter is the time to try.

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So lucky they trained you! I have to say, those 2 simple stretches furthered my splits more than any other hamstring stretch… By far. Maybe it will be sooner than later. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

Yay heathalynne!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif If you can, I’d really recommend getting the Dara Torres DVD. The full complement of 8 lower body stretches opens up all your leg muscles, all of which need to be loose to do the splits. Your hamstring is balanced by your quads but also opposed by your groin, adductors, abductors, and outer hip muscles. They all have to cooperate to make it happen!

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I do that one a lot too, dustbunny. If you flip your top (inside) hand so it’s knuckles to the pole before you pirouette, the pole rolls right into your palm and you land in twisted grip, which is perfect for launching the reverse grab–so, you never need to adjust your top hand. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif It’s a fun one.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf3C07Ngt2o

1st one at :05 is the inside hand, outside foot version

:26 is the outside hand, outside foot version

Starr is really loose about which hand, which foot—which is why it flows so beautifully….

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Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion with Soothing Oatmeal Essence, Fragrance free
http://www.amazon.com/Aveeno-Naturals-Moisturizing-Soothing-18-Ounce/dp/B001E96LCM/ref=sr_1_2?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285018146&sr=8-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I haven’t tried the other Aveeno lotions but I noticed when I am wearing this particular lotion, it acts like MIGHTY GRIP on my skin. I find my skin is not greasy nor slippery. I just find I have better grip all over while wearing this lotion. Sometimes I use this lotion instead of MightyGrip. I never see the Aveeno lotion on my pole. It stays pretty clean. So now I can stay moisturized and still have grip. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

Naughtywed, thanks so much for this! I tried the Aveeno daily moisture lotion (my husband uses it so we had it around) and it does the same thing–makes me soft and a bit sticky! I’m so impressed I’m recommending it to all my papery-dry students. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

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One last suggestion: they sell a product at all major drug stores called Sinus Rinse. It’s a bottle and little packets of saline mixture. It works like a neti pot but is much easier to mix the solution perfectly (so no sting) and very easy to gently squeeze the contents into your nostrils.
You might also try some Afrin nasal spray. It will clear up any congestion in your eustachian tubes. I often use it when I fly.

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Just want to clarify- you should always be rolling the knees in and engaging all the way through both legs whether you’ve got one foot pointed or two!!

Says the fabulous and non-bowlegged Amy! (xoxox to you my awesome friend and amazing teacher) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif
BUT
CAR is really different depending on anatomy. I am bowlegged. If I roll my knees in, my thighs separate, and down I go on my head. I roll my knees OUT, hard. When I teach this move, I spot students and have them try rolling both ways. They can determine which makes them and their leg anatomy feel the most secure.
E.

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I know part of this has to do with stretching the ligaments and tendons so that getting them straight is easier, but I have no idea what stretches are beneficial for that. I have been doing stretches geared towards splits and overall leg flexibility, hoping that ease of straightness will just be a byproduct of that. Is there anything specific I could do to make this process more productive?

One of the main principles of resistance stretching is that, in order for a muscle to fully be able to lengthen, its balancing (opposite) muscle has to be strong enough to fully contract. Basic example: some people can’t touch their toes because their quads can’t fully contract/shorten, allowing their hamstrings to lengthen.

You can apply this principle for straight legs. I see so many students who cannot straighten their knees, and it’s usually due to weak quads. I’ve mentioned on other forums that I highly recommend the Dara Torres stretching DVD. Here is a sample that happens to include the quad strengthen/stretch series:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUPMCu7WAzA

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Anne and Steve, the two people in that YouTube video, are the ones who trained me. It’s from the Dara Torres DVD, which is great.
Go stretchers go!!

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All of us at Poletential are SO HAPPY to hear that you all had such a wonderful time. We put a tremendous amount of energy into making sure you had a terrific weekend, so we’re glad it paid off! Come back and see us again soon!!

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Yep. And Tiffany Hayden and Sajsa Lee also finished in top 5. Only the top 3 got pro status.

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Can’t wait to meet you, Kira! I’m backstage manager all day on Saturday. See you there!
Ellen
Poletential Instructor

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Anyone driving up to the Bay Area from the North Hollywood vicinity? Any chance you could pick up an X-Stage for us? Please reply or email me at mailto:ellen@poletential.com if you can help us out. Thanks!