rachelskye
Forum Replies Created
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I’m goin this year to compete. I went last year just to watch. I heart Boston! AND we did do a day trip to Salem! I love it up there too!!
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No we offer more than just pole classes…hoop, belly dance, chair dance, floorwork, conditioning, piyo and stretching. and a lot the students love the fact that they can take all these classes at ONE studio which was the original idea behind offering a variety of classes. I guess it’s also a matter of advertising more and getting the word out. I put up flyers around the city where I can and have partnered up with other local small-businesses to help cross-promote. social media is a full-time job in itself. I’m on the fence about print advertising. I would also like to get involved with more local festivals too.
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ah hah! That’s actually what i pictured in my mind. But if you use that hideaway system, are the poles not bolted to the floor…?
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Thanks Kobajo84 for your feedback! Yes, Xpole did explain about being able to take down the poles if more floor space is needed for another class/event, etc. But I’m not sure i understand what you mean by the hideaway system? do the poles like fold up into the ceiling in one piece? lol? Also, could you please go into a little more detail about the top extension getting damaged by the x-joint, x-joint issue, etc.?
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After talking with X-pole about this program, this is what I know. The poles start at 10′, and from there you can purchase any extension up to 3 1/2′ to fit your ceiling. The poles are industrial strength, secured in a ceiling and floor housing, and use the x-joint to connect the pieces. I was considering this option instead of a one piece cut to size, so in the event, I move locations, I can take the poles with me, rather than buying new ones to fit new ceilings. I just wanted to know if anyone used them yet.
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Hi there! I recently bought a pair of Hot Drop shorts at the Boston SuperShag pole competition. I got the string along shorts and i LOVE them! They are a tad bit longer than yoga hot shorts, provide excellent coverage for my booty cheeks without impeding on my leg holds! And the material feels soooo nice. 🙂 I did get the orange pair cuz i wanted something bright and it does show my panty line a bit. But wear a thong, and you're golden. I'm sure the darker colors or prints wouldn't show panty lines.
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I've done a couple of pole photo shoots. And each took at least 2-3 hours! And that was after i already had everything set up and warmed myself up! I would definitely bring many outfit options that flatter you and outfits that match. I would make a list of poses/tricks/spins you definitely want to shoot. Because I tend to forget which poses I want shot, when it comes down to it! Bring a fan, towel to dry yourself off with and grip aids if needed. Make sure you are fully warmed up before shooting especially if you plan to do tricks. My first photo shoot felt like boot camp! And give yourself plenty of time for hair, makeup and getting into costume as well! Practice facial expressions in a mirror. It helps to know and memorize which expressions look good on you! 😉 I usually like to have an extra person watching, in case a piece of clothing or hair needs to be adjusted. Nothing's worse than getting a beautiful shot, and one of your cutlets is showing! It's easy to photoshop, but way easier to fix it before taking the picture.Good luck and have fun! I love getting my picture taken!
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I'm working through a similar issue, with a tight shoulder. My left shoulder has felt tight for the past 3 years. I believe it started when I began doing cartwheel handsprings. after seeing a few chiropractors and massage therapists, it would appear that my rotator cuff is weakened. I have normal range of motion with no pain. But the moment I stretch beyond that, I feel the tightness. I mostly feel it if I press my the side of my forearm against the wall (elbow bent) and turn my chest away. My chiro gave me some excellent rotator cuff exercises in addition to chest exercises. I'm praying to god that it doesn't become permanently damaged!
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I'm not gonna lie, the very first time i waxed myself (10 years ago), i couldn't walk straight for the day! hahaha! now, i'm so used to it, it doesn't bother me. just make sure you hold the skin taunt when ripping off the waxing strips. it gets easier.
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Hi Danielle! I've been performing for a couple of years now. This is what I typically charge:
$75 for (1) 15 minute set
$125 for (2) 15 minute sets
$150 for (3) 15 minute setsI try not to do more than 3 sets, because I just get so sweaty from the heat of the crowd and/or the venue, which in turns tires me out faster. If I'm just performing to 1 song I usually charge the $75. I have an xstage, that I have to set up every time, so that goes into the pricing. If there is already a pole installed at a venue, I will come down a little in my pricing. When I gogo dance, I usually make $100 for (3) 30 minute sets. And to just give some advice based on my experience, I HIGHLY recommend you have a security guard or bouncer standing by you while performing. And try to separate your stage from the crowd, whether it's with a rope or if it's in a separated staging area. I've had a few bad experiences performing in clubs, where the crowd is waaaay too close to me, which I hate. It leaves me no room to do anything, people are trying to touch me, or they are trying to jump on my pole! So now I reinforce that the venue provides security and a rope whenever I perform! Hope this helps! And good luck!!
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I snagged the DVD when she had a free shipping promotion going on! And I actually LOVE the workout! I agree with corbyOconnor and Paunobs–it's a WORKOUT dvd, not a dancing dvd. I too get very bored with workout dvds, but haven't gotten bored with this yet. It's a killer workout! Yes it's fast-paced, but one can always work up to that speed. I like that she uses different stretching techniques than what I'm used to AND I like that she includes stretching throughout the workout…not just at the end. She does a fantastic job of instructing throughout the exercises so I don't have to constantly be looking at the TV to see what she's doing.
My only criticism is that I think she could of narrated the PNF stretches a little bit clearer. She kept using the same word "push" for 2 different steps. I think it would of been clearer if she would say "press" for pushing the hip flexors down and "push" when contracting the inner thigh muscles or vice versa. Bottom line—I feel it's a great workout DVD! Hope this helps!
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I swear by waxing my bikini area and just shaving my legs. I tried an epilator a few times. the pain didn't bother me cuz I already wax! but every time i would use the epilator, the hair on my legs would become ingrown when it started growing back. i constantly had to exfoliate my legs. and this was before i ever started pole dancing. since pole dancing and shaving my legs, i still have to exfoliate because i assume all the rubbing against my skin, causes the hair to become ingrown. i used to go to a salon to get waxed, but i do it myself now to save money.
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I agree about keeping a healthy muscle balance. But i don't think that alone will help to increase a wider range of motion like us pole dancers want and need.
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My xstage lite has made those clicking sounds for a while now, but it doesn't seem to affect the pole while on spinning mode. However over the past few months I noticed that the pole has a little more wobble to it than usual. It's not the actual pole that wobbles, because that sucker is secured tight within the bearing unit. But it's the entire bearing unit base that wobbles. Has anyone else noticed this?? The base doesn't stay flush against the floor panels when spinning on it. Is this normal?
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Congratulations on the new instructor position! You will have a lot of fun! I was super nervous during the first few weeks of teaching but I got over it. Definitely have fun and stay upbeat. I like to say silly things or jokes to get reactions outta my students or to break the ice to get them to feel comfortable. I always encourage all my students. If a student is struggling a lot, I'll find one good thing they are doing to help motivate them to keep trying.
Also, if I notice that out of the entire group, maybe 1 or 2 students are doing something incorrect or still struggling with a position, I'll address the entire group on how to correct the problem rather than calling that student out. I made that mistake once, and got nothing but daggers from her for the rest of the class because she felt embarrassed.
I'm terrible with learning names, but I remember faces. If I don't know someone's name I'll call them by an endearing name like "hot stuff in the back!" to keep them engaged.
When teaching a new move, I demonstrate what it looks like first. Then I break it down and explain the reasoning behind the leg/arm/hand positioning to achieve the move. I like to teach a few transitions and variations to enter/exit a spin or trick, then at the end of class, dance to song and string them all together so they can start to learn how to put moves together.
After students have been taking class for a few months, I like to let them freestyle to start to learn on there own how to combine movements. I always say, 'think of a way to gracefully come out of this, or that'. I think it's very important for a student to learn how to 'improv' or freestyle especially if they are going to perform or compete. I know my routines almost never go as planned, so I have my "back up moves".
Before teaching a new trick, I like to start conditioning for that trick a few weeks in advance to help prepare them for learning it.
And lastly, ask for their feedback! Ask if there's something they would like to improve such as flexibility in the back, legs, hips, etc. Do they want to learn more floorwork, or more chair work, more tricks, etc? Is there a certain part of the body they want to condition more? What kinda music to they like to listen to?
Good luck and have lots of fun girly!!
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I had that same problem with my first xpert. It turned out the threads on the adjuster rod and A pole were damaged and the A pole would not screw down because of it. i managed to take it down in one piece, disconnected the B pole and the base so I could just focus on the adjuster rod and A pole. It took a strong man, a wrench and a vice to get the A pole off the adjuster rod. he was able to straighten out the threads on the adjuster but the A pole was damaged from the wrench and the crooked treads. I called Xpole when the problem initially rose and they replaced the A pole for me quickly! ALWAYS make sure your threads are clean and free of debris! one tiny stone or pebble will cause the threads to bend or fall out of line.
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Hi Raven Kai! I'm a graphic designer too! And i've had my fair share of working for a jerk boss in a non-creative/sweatshop work environment. The pay was so terrible, it's too embarrassing to mention. But it'd had been 2 years since I was laid off at my previous job, my unemployment was running out so I took the position. It was nothing but grunt work. And to be honest, a lot of graphic design is grunt work. A lot of clients have no idea what GOOD design looks like. And when the boss is nothing but money hungry, you're supposed to play god and design a complete brochure/poster/logo design in less than an hour. Luckily I had a few freelance clients that allowed me to use my creative freedom.
Six months later, I made the irrational decision to quit my job and pursue another opportunity. (which didn't pan out at all) BUT it got me to leave that god forsaken sweatshop! After freelancing for a few months, losing a few pounds from stress, a headhunter contacted me about a Flash Development job. (I was applying for at least 10 jobs a day!) I hadn't used Flash in years (and I kinda hated it), but the company was willing to train and the pay was good. I got the job and turns out I LOVE working in Flash–and I learned a new skill. I finally have the kind of job I always wanted, ie: relaxed work environment, flexible hours, great team, fun office parties, etc. But it wasn't easy getting here! I've been out of school for over 6 years and been designing for over 9 years.
I took a BIG leap of faith, something I don't usually do, but it paid off in the end. Under normal circumstances, I would of waited until I had another job offer lined up before quitting. Having a job that doesn't make you happy can really affect your personal life. I've been there. My boyfriend had to experience my depression too unfortunately.
I know it's easy to just say 'do what you enjoy.' But sometimes there aren't any opportunities to do what you enjoy….YET! Don't give up! Life isn't easy, and it takes a lot of strength to make it through the storm. But once you made it, it was worth the fight! I see a lot of talented people give up and it angers me. The people who inspire me the most are the fighters!
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I've gotten a lot of mileage out of my xstage lite and never had issues with the pole. It will wobble, and that takes getting used to.
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well miss diva, if it's anything like your performance from Ryssa's halloween pole showcase, we're ALL in for a wild time!!! hahahahaha!
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awesome! thanks for the update aerialgypsy!!
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Hey i know this is an old thread, but i wanted to add to it. i recently bought a SS xpert from xpole. i've poled on lil mynx and PS and i love love love stainless steel! I called Xpole. And Heydi sent me a small sample of the metal to be sure it's what i wanted. because they say their SS poles are more slippery than their chrome. the sample piece looked just like that dull matte finish in your photos @https://www.studioveena.com/users/view/4d464a9a-832c-49c2-83e9-155f0ac37250. when i actually got the pole in the mail, it had a glossy bright finish much like the chrome poles. i pondered whether or not they sent me a chrome by mistake but the touch did feel more grippy than the chrome. i think chrome feels so slippery against my skin. i usually have to apply a coating of dry hands. anywho lately i've been feeling just as slippery on my SS pole as the chrome. maybe it's been the weather.
so…can anyone provide feedback who's bought a SS xpole within the last year?? do all of their SS poles have that matte finish? or did they change how the finish on the SS poles? because it looks similar to a lil mynx SS pole. OR did i get a chrome pole by mistake? lol
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I'm very sorry to hear about your mom passing. And that you are having difficulty with contacting xpole. I can say that I've never had much luck with emailing them….mostly to their generic email boxes like mailto:info@x-poleusa, etc. However I've always had better success with calling them on the phone. They are always so helpful and sensitive to my issues. When I bought my first Xpert, the A-pole must of had a bruised thread and I had a hard time taking it down because it got stuck in the adjuster. I called xpole and they replaced the A-pole immediately for me, at no charge. When I bought my x-stage, the boxes that it was shipped in were damaged and in turned damaged my traveling bags. Once xpole had restocked the xstage bags, they replaced mine at no charge. I usually talk to Heidi, and she is always so friendly and helpful. So while they may not be good at responding via email, I still feel their costumer service over the phone is super!
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i'm entering in L3 championship division. was debating on whether or not to compete in entertainment or championship but decided on the latter. no time to work on two programs! good luck everyone! looking forward to meeting other polers and veeners there!
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when i'm feeling lazy, i put on some upbeat music and dance around the house! not only does it get me in the mood to pole, it warms up my body too! and even if you don't pole, you still got a mini cardio workout! 😛
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Well…my mom came to the show last night. and she called me today to tell me how much she was blown away by all the performances. she said it was just like cirque du soleil. yeah mom….that's what i've been trying to tell you for 3 1/2 years! so i am happy. she attended.
