[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Corby, I know hwat you mean about cutting tricks that aren't completely solid. In my rehearsal some things didnt go as well as I liked so I swapped them for something more secure, but now I feel like I should have taken more risks and pushed myself to do my absolute best, because really, I've danced way better at home than I did on stage. Ah well, I guess different things work for different people, but muscle memory defiitely helps, i agree, so repetition is a must. EVen if its just repeting combos, not necessarily an entire choreographed routine…. I cant wait to perform again because I've learnt alot from my recetn performance. Especially what NOT to do (overthink things and worry etc).

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Well while I think freestyle allows meto perform more authentically and expressively, sometimes I lose track of time and forget to use my best tricks etc…. which in a competition would be a disadvantage. There were some amazing dancers at the recent pole show case I participated in, who had planned their routine down to the last flick of their hair and it was still super engaging and raw and honest…. I think that a passionate performance is always better than a cold and well calculated one though, soo…… *sigh* next time I will put my whole heart and soul in it and not worry too much about routine…

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

I think are pros and cons to learning in a studio and at home. I think having instant face to face feedback from an instructor is super helpful for technique, spotting, problem solving etc and I think the fun and social studio atmosphere is really energising and motivating. However learning at home allows you the space and freedom to develop your own style, go at your own pace, not compare yourself to others, and it's super convenient (no travel time!) I think a combo is ideal, and especially if you are just starting out, make the effort to get to the occasional workshop or pole jam, because it can be super inspiring and helpful. But I know that being forced to train by myself the past two years has made me more of a unique and authentic dancer, which I love. 🙂

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

I just uploaded mine! Yay!!! This is fun!!! 😀 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NZ9WGdE_Nc

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Wow there are some seriously dedicated and busy ladies on here. Ummm I am way lses structured.

I try to have a pole training session every second day (its good to let your muscles recover for 24hrs). My training session starts with a warm up and stretch for about 10 min (I should do more but I get impatient) and then I have a dance to some music (improv) and then I might work on a few specific tricks over and over, and then I will do a few final dances and a wuick stretch to cool down. I NEED music whenever I pole…. I find it really hard to practice moves in isolation, hence why I tend to do a lot of dancing, and then throw moves in during. I also ALWAYS film myself, that why I can look back to see what looks good and what needs work. Plus I think it builds my confidence, seeing myself on film as others would see me from an audience's perspective.

Other than pole, I walk for an hour plus everyday, do some light jogging or interval running every second day. Do some resistence training maybe once or twice a week (pushups, planks, lunges, squats etc). 

I'n the last few motnhs I've been doing an acrobatics and a circus class each week. My muscle isolation, balance and control have improved sooo much, and I can already see more tone and definition in my body. Plus it's super fun! 🙂 Hope this helps 🙂

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

I tend to fully extend my inner leg, so the pole is pressed against my upper inner thigh (near groin) and the outside of my ankle. Sometimes I feel more pressure on my ankle and foot pressed against pole. I think scorpio looks great both ways, long straight legs or bent legs on a sharp angle. If I bend my inner leg sharply then my outer leg I also bend so that I can bring my foot to the side of my head. If my inner leg is extended fully along the pole then I reach back and grab my outer foot, bringing it down towards the floor in a closed scorpio (or upside down back mount). To make sure your torso is angled correctly to the pole, make sure the pole is pressing against the inside of you inner hip bone. You know that concave area between your belly button and  hip bone? Thats where my skin grips pole also. 

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

This is great…. so many mutli-talented people with a diverse range of interests and experiences…. I love it. 

I'm a high school teacher. Only on a temporary contract…. I plan on travelling extensively next year so I will probably end up teaching in schools overseas. My feelings about my job fluctuate…. I think teachers are underpaid and unappreciated. I think it can be an extremely challenging and unrewarding job, because usually children are formed by their upbringing so if there is no encouragement or motivation at home there is very little a teacher can do to counteract a damaging environment. It can also feel like babysitting sometimes, due to the apathy students exude, which can be very boring and soul-destroying. I also think that education is one of the greatest assets a person can have, and ignorance is one of the most destructive influences in life. I do like engaging with people and I love public speaking, and I love explaining and talking and debating and considering ideas and analysing the world. So, that is why sometimes I love and sometimes I hate my job. 

In the future I'd like to somehow get into humanitarian aid, I'd love to become fluent in another language (or several), I'd love to somehow make a living out of pole dancing. It's ridiculous though. I'm only 24 and I dream of retirement. I'd love to be a lady of luxury 😉

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

All good points, I think the common theme hear is that you have to love your music. I guess I need to stop over-analysing and just go with my gut feeling. I am kinda dreading preparing choreo to it because I know it will make me so sick of the song! 😛 But oh well. Thanks for the advice ladies, very helpful. And it's a relief to hear others struggle with choosing as well!  xo

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

You are fantastic for only 6 months training. I didn't know how to do half those things in such a short space of time! Your quick progress suggests your body is really receptive to training so thats a great thing to have! 

I was trying really hard to look for things I coul help you with (I am a big fan of constructive criticism too – it's very helpful) but you are doing everything really well.

The only thing I think you could work on is your transitions from standing into tricks. You seem to do a lot of pacing and walking around the pole before you invert/spin, which kind of alerts the audience that you're about to do something, plus its a bit repetivive. Practice some little variations of ways to get around the pole without striding. I know the momentum helps, but you can rehearse little floor spins until they're so smooth and fast that they act as momentum in themselves, but look very pretty. I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you insert a few dance moves in between tricks, your transitions will be much more seamless and flowing. And if you have to walk around the pole, there are slinky ways of doing it to make it look like an artistic move in and of itself. I'll post you a few vids of pole dancers who have great transitions and who integrate dance moves and tricks fluidly. Hope this helps! And let me know if you get what I mean…. 🙂

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7SniWGWl14&feature=BFa&list=PLAD72FE65C64BCEA2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL0ReQTWvoc&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-kRaR8yfqg

 

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Awesome tip, I shall try it asap. Have been sooo slippery lately… Dry Hands and hairspray hasnt been working for me… I think it's the cold. Can winter make brass poles slippery? rrr so annoying.

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

**** That first link is incomplete – here it is again: Go to 1:20  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElmItJ7NikE&feature=channel&list=UL  

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Great topic! I've just been thinking the same thing… I need to to hunt down some really unique tricks to wow my audience with for an up-coming performance. Yep, the dove drop is LOVELY. (Karol Helms had a vid on it) Trying to work on that…. ive got the superman drop but it just hurts between the thighs sooo bad! Here are a few youtube links of vids that feature unique or kooky moves. (IMO)

check out from 1:20    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElmItJ7NikE

 

vertical/inverted split, facing away from pole with torso upright. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0GYNJx4Hrc

 

at beggining of vid: SM from side, legs together, leg flick and spin thing.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL0ReQTWvoc

 

Aletheas aysha grip combo leg flick thing  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqIYJVBPxbU

 

SM from floor, flip into split at 1:49  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcY6O4F6exE

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Could you be more specific in identifying exactly what is holding you back from persuing the moves? I mean, with the pole sit, is it the pain of chinese burn between your thighs? If so, that is common, and kind of unavoidable, but good news is, your skin gets used to it, and one day, you won't even notice it!

If you think it's more about your grip; not being able to pull yourself up by your arms, then try building arm strength in other ways. Pushups, chin ups, tricep dips, even fun sports like tennis, rowing or swimming are great ways to build lean muscle in arms. But again, your body needs time to adapt, and depending on how active and fit you were prior to starting pole, can influence how quickly you learn. People with a gymnastics or fitness background, for example, often speed ahead of others in pole. But it is never too late to get healthy and fit, your body just may take more time if it's not used to being pushed.

If it's about grip, look into getting a pole with a smaller circumfrance. I have a 38mm brass spinny, and it is fantastic for small hands like mine. Otherwise, just experiment with different grip aids available. I like dry hands, and sometimes use hair spray.

WHat I have found makes a huge difference is being inspired. If im in a cranky, tired, bored mood then I'm probably gunna have a disappointing workout. When I've been watching some awesome youtube videos of pole dancing, and I have a few tricks in mind or moves I want to try, and I have some great new music that makes me really wanna dance, THATS when I have a great practice session and make progress.

Practice makes perfect though, so why dont you try to encourage yourself to stick at your session even when you become frustrated. I mean, maybe you are quitting too early and not giving yourself a chance to "click"?

Hope this helps, let me know how you get on.. xo

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Ok thanks all good tips! Right… well glad its not frm website user congestion… cause its a god thing so many of us are on here! Ok will look into reducing quality… even though it goes against the grain… but if there isnt actually much visual difference then it may be worth it… save me HEAPS of time. Thanks!

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

miamishyner – no his name is marco and he lives in australia now. I think he's South American…. or maybe European/Spanish. I'll have to ask! He showed us some vidso n youtube of him training back in his prime days, but i cant remember what they were called… ill try to find them! 

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

You know what, since you r over going ot the doc about this, I highly recommend you seek alternative advice from a naturopath or even nutritionist. They can give you advice on diet, herbal remedies, and prevention in future etc. Its worth a shot.

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

I know that you can have symptoms of a yeast infection in your lady parts and also in your mouth…. (I think it has something to do with breath odour and a white tongue….). Not sure if its contagious like that though… Sometimes external environment can do it…. Humidity and synthetic underwear is  bad for causing them…. Thats why I wear my airy cotton granny panties as much as i can 😉

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Also, just to brag a little: My instructor actually worked with Cirque du Soleil for years!!! He was a trapeze acrobatic……. ahhhhh so cool! haha 😀

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Sure! Well I do two different acrobatics classes a week. One is based at a dance studio, the other at a circus school.

The former goes like this: We warm up by doing little jumps, then we work on our handstands in various forms (stags, split legs etc). So far the instructor has given me soooo many helpful tips on keeping my balance… I'm so much more in control of my body already as far as stability is concerned. And this is helpful for handstands on pole, ayshas and any other pole move that requires good balance. 

Then we practice cartwheels, and we've been learning how to do no-hand cartwheels… (you see them in contemporary dance all the time). Scary stuff, but after just 6 weeks ive actually done it! Its all about using the power in your legs and angling your body….. man its such a thrill when you finally fly through the air upside down without touching the ground! 😀

Then we work on some contortion and back flexibility – arches and bridges, back bends, back mounts (helpful if you want your extended butterfly (ballerina?) to ever look like Felix Cane's :P) . 

We also work on our walk overs, bakward and forward… so handstand, arch, pull up… 

My other acro class at circus school is a bit more diverse…. they have silks and slings and trapezes, which has been fun to experiment with, but what i really love is the lyra hoop. We also do alot of acro-balancing… walking on our hands, building human pyramids etc, which is all hilarious. 

Acrobatics is great because its kind of a more entertaining playful form of gymnastics. It incorporates heaps of different skills, but controlling your body, being self-aware, core stabilization, flexibility, strength and agility are what you are really exercising. And these skills can be applies to dance and aerial arts, like pole dance. 🙂 

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Hi Shariya. Great topic. I've trained in both on and off for years and there is a definite difference but there is also a lot of similarities. It depends on which discipline of yoga you are doing – there are so many!

Ananda, Kripalu and Anusara yoga – very spiritual, focuses on breathing and posture, connecting to "spirit" or "divine energy".

Kali Ray TriYoga, Ashtanga and Power Yoga – a flowing series of movements and poses, focuses on improving circulation, flexibility and stamina. Very physicially demanding.

Intergral, Kundalini and ISHTA yoga – meditation, visualizations, focus is on energy and stress managment

Iyengar Yoga – focus is on strength, flexibility and balance. Poses are held for longer periods of time and props like cushions and straps are often used.

Bikram Yoga – uses a heated environment to improve circulation, flexibility and detoxification.

 

There are many more disciplines, but you get the idea – choose one which suits your goals, wether they be balance and coordination, strength and flexibility or psychological healing.

Personally I like a little bit of meditation and breathing exercises, but if the poses are too static I become bored and cold, I really like dynamic movements, where my body can really warm up and loosen up.

Pilates is more about building core strength and doesn't incooporate the spiritual/mental side. Depending on who your instructor is, you may focus on all major muscle groups by doing squats and lunges for hamstrings, quads and glutes, or you may just focus on strengthening spine and abdominals through leg raises, superman kicks and planks etc. I love pilates because its intense, you realy feel the workout and your muscles burn. Yoga can be a little too gentle and relaxing for me, but it depends what you want. If you want something clam and relaxing, go yoga. If you want something that will make your muscles sore the next day, go for pilates. Im not saying yoga isnt a great work out, but the emphasis is more on breathing, blanacing and stretching. Gosh its so hard to fully differentiate them though: both are about core stabilization, control and precision.

For pole dancing…. I think either will be beneficial, but try both at a few different places if you can. Sometimes the instructors can make it or break it.

What I am finding to be a fantastic workout especially in conjunction with pole is Acrobatics. Ive been doing it for two months now and LOVE it. We work on balance, contortion and power tricks, and I really feel my muscles becoming more powerful and strong. Highly recommend it!!!!!! 😀

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

The antibodies and good stuff in yoghurt can also be bought in larger dosages from chemists or health food stores. "Inner Health Plus" is a fantastic capsule brand full of acidopholus and bifidus. I take one every night before I go to bed just to keep the my gut healthy 😉 Also, a yeast infection is also known as a candida infection. We all have some candida inside our gut – its a bacteria essential for digestion. It's when it gets out of control that it becomes a problem like thrush. Candida thrives on sugar and yeast, so avoid bread, beer, and refined processed sweet foods. Also, you should research "Acid and Alkaline"…. its got something to do with your PH balance…. and is also influenced by what you eat. I'm no expert, however I've been hearing this from my folks, my naturopath and my GP for years… my parents are trained in macrobiotics so they know something about nutrition. There are plenty of great natural remedies for Yeast/Candida infections. Just do your research and try everything! And Lyme is right – antibiotics are shocking for killing all our good bacteria in our gut and leading to infections! I always avoid antibiotics if i can.

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

I find that my stomach size/capacity shrinks or expands depending on how much I've been eating in a period of time, and how much exercise ive been doing. When ive been working out heaps and my abdominals are sore, I get full much easier. Also, because im in the "healthy" mindset, i go for protein rich foods like poached eggs, which makes you feel fuller for longer. I really don't like the feeling of being bloated or 100% stuffed. It's uncomfortable. I try to stop before i get to that point, and sometimes I'll bribe myself. For example, ill think: "If I dont eat another bowl of pasta now then I'll have room for dessert in an hour." I understand that breast feeding takes a lot out of you, but im pretty sure quality over quantity makes the difference. So rather than eating double the amount, aim to eat double the nutrients…. make sure your plate if colourful with a variety of fresh vegetables/salads and fresh raw foods. I always feel so much better when I eat unprocessed foods. Refined carbohydrates make me feel sluggish and blah. Also, i think it helps to decide whether you're a grazer or a 3 meals a day person. I know personally i have to eat something every 2-3 hours – without snacks my energy levels slump and i get cranky! But i try to keep the snacks healthy too – carrots with hummos, an apple, an orange, nuts and dried fruit, cheese and grapes. Etc. Another thing ot keep in mind, I think a lot of people mistake hunger for thirst. SOmetimes a cup of tea, some water or a glass of milk can keep you going until your next meal. 🙂

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

I am in the same boat too. I can lift myself with a little jump, and hold myself away from pole, i can trist my hips towards ceiling, but when i raise my knees, i cant get them above my hips/shoulders… so i think going from upright to upside down is our problem… the transition of weight.

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Ohhh right, I see now, I just assumed the featured thing just shows a random selection…. right ok cool, thanks! I know what to keep a look out for now! 🙂

[Scarlett Honey aka Lola Grace]

Found the thread full of ideas and moves for new lessons! Can I add to it? I'd love to learn:

Variations on drops (jade/horizontal split, remi, crucifix into shoulder dismount V)

The quick transition from elbow grip aysha to split grip aysha (as seen with Oona and Alethea Austin) @ 0.55seconds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-kRaR8yfqg

Marion Amber

 

Devil's Elbow grip spin and sit that Karol Helms and Dirdy Birdy do http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXyQq1Aloss&feature=relmfu