thesoulstudio
Forum Replies Created
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Welcome back! And…HOOOOOOOWDY!
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Belated welcome and congrats, NikkiFly!
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What a perfect idea!
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Welcome! Delighted to meet you and look forward to learning from your wisdom. :o)
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Welcome, SashaLMT! I'm a newbie so I don't have much wisdom to share yet, other than get ready for a quick addiction. :o)
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Tabbers,
Recall back to what first made you want to explore the art and athleticism of poling. Remember the exhilaration you felt with your first Fireman Spin or perhaps the nervous giggles that bubbled out of you as you attempted a Sexy Strut. Relive those moments and emotions now through sharing your experience with others, such as blogging, journaling, drawing, photography, talking, etc. Once you recapture or flame your motivation, develop a plan to keep you moving. It’s very easy to get caught up in the “I’m not making progress” doldrums, when you are making progress even if only in tiny steps.
Perhaps make a list of all the things you do really well in relation to poling. You could even break it into sections such as strengthening exercises, stretches, spins, inversions, etc. Then make a list of all the things you’d like to accomplish with relation to poling, whether it is mastering a specific move or gaining confidence or practicing three times a week or whatever.
Now pick just one move or trick you’d like to tackle. Collect data on your present ability to execute the movement. Ask yourself some basic questions. Is it something you need to work up to? If so, are there smaller movements you can build upon to make it happen? What mini-goals and mini-successes can you celebrate on the path to “The Big One?”
Think of your goal in terms of SMART.
S = Specific. Be very detailed about what it is you want to accomplish. Instead of saying, “I want to practice pole more often.” Perhaps say, “I will practice the Fireman Spin five times a day for three days out of the week.”
M = Measurable. In order to confirm (as well as see or feel) your progress, the goal should be measurable. Develop a baseline of your existing ability to execute a movement and the ultimate target goal. For instance, let’s assume you want to increase endurance and are presently able to pole dance for five minutes before your body asks for rest. Perhaps your measurable goal is to increase to ten minutes. Each time you practice, set clock or timer so you can see how you’ve increased. Be sure to track your progress during each session so you can see it build over time. (Ideas for tracking include journaling, blogging, charts you can fill with stickers/stars, Excel spreadsheets, photos of progress, videos of progress.)
A = Attainable. In order to achieve the goal, it must be something physically within your control to obtain. This may mean creating a ladder of mini goals to achieve the ultimate dream. If, for instance, you want to perform inversions but don’t yet have the upper body strength to sustain holding your own body weight while on the pole then your mini goals should be steps to gain the strength.
R = Realistic. The goal must be something you are willing to work toward. If you’re goal is to perform tricks on a spinning pole but you are unwilling to face the fear of spinning then you’ll first need to work on the fear.
T = Timely. Most goals fail because they are vague and don’t provide some sort of guideline or measure. If you attach a deadline or date to strive for, you’re more likely to obtain the goal. So rather than saying you want to learn a Sail Spin, perhaps say you intend to safely and effectively execute a Sail Spin by XYZ date.
Another consideration with regard to goal setting and obtaining is accountability. We are more likely to follow through if we are held accountable for our actions or what we hope to accomplish. Perhaps find an online pole buddy or start your very own progress thread on SV where others can chime in to offer encouragement or the occasional kick in the rump, if needed.
Also remember Rome wasn’t built in a day. Pick just one item you want to work on and focus all your efforts on that one piece. Once you’ve mastered that one, move on to a new one. Attempting to take on new eating, and poling every day, and mastering 10 moves all at once is overwhelming and doomed for setbacks before its even begun. Start small, slow, and steady.
One final (and perhaps the most important) tidbit, remember to reward yourself! You are an amazing woman who wears many hats and fills multiple shoes. If you’re able to dedicate even one hour a week to poling, you should celebrate your commitment to that one hour and everything you achieve in that one hour. You deserve this bit of awesomeness and I know you can achieve it!
All the best,
Krista -
Welcome and congrats, Beautifulfreak! Anything and everything poling is uber-addicting! Enjoy!
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Amy – The piece with Oona is just beautiful. Wow!
branquinha – I also really like the performances where people seem to float around the pole. It's just so magical how they spin and seem to suspend and defy gravity. I long to master that skill! (Well, lots of different skills since I'm a newbie, but especially the art of floating around the pole rather than spinning to so fast I end up at the floor in less than a second.)
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A big whole hearted thanks to everyone for the tips and tricks!
I did find a pair of Gillian O'Malley boyshort"ish" undies from Target that I really like. I think they're a cross over like the "tanga." They are the one pair in my collection which I absolutely love so perhaps I'll just buy a ton of them (only one color available right now, but at least it would be comfortable). (willowbreath – I'll also check out the Xhileration line for daily use and boyshorts for poling! Thanks!)
I was hoping the Victoria's Secret hip hugger cheekies were going to fit the same, but not quite. I think the hardest part is they seem to fit and stay put when I initially put them on but after a full day of wearing they start to ride up my hiney.
Perhaps I'll just have to play with sizes as well to see if perhaps I'm not wearing the right size. It sounds like diffent cuts may actually require difference sizes (kind of how different bras require different number or cup sizes).
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While my musical knowledge in this area is pretty much none, there's always the soundtrack to Memoirs of a Geisha. And while it's not strictly Asian, there may be pieces from Solas (particularly the Ahsas album) that would work.
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I'm not sure how I missed the shopping section…I live to shop! Thank you for posting. *off to checkout lots of goodies…*
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The little time I’ve had to check them out, I enjoy them. They are different than I expected, but they are fun. It’s some movement instruction and really a lot of just going through repetition of sensual movements (more shown than explained) to learn routines for sassy dance, chair dance, beginner pole, and what they term intermediate pole. The beginning pole routine teaches four spins and the intermediate another four to six spins. What I appreciate about them is how I can easily transition in bellydance movements to the routines and how I can peel movements from their routines into my bellydance practice. :o)
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HollySatine – I am so grateful you posted this thread. As a newbie, there are just so many videos. This is a great way to see some of the favorites of others and learn names of artists to watch. Squeee!
polergirl – Thank you for the link to RhiannonNichole. Wow, just wow! I am so inspired and moved by this piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xR8arFJfeg&feature=BF&playnext=1&list=QL&index=1
salubivires – I love how she mixed in a taste of bellydance with her poling! You can even hear a few zaghareets! Just stunning! Plus, I am so jonesing for the song.
PhillyPoleJess – rafamontanaro does this adorable move at 0:57. What’s it called? I would totally coin it as a mini chair sit or something… And the Chinese Pole piece was very cool! As for the doubles…speechless!
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jennasmom79 – How exciting of you and brave! Congrats!
Usually I see short skirts with lots of airy/flow in the coverup section for swimsuits. They also seem to be "all the rage" with the high school/college crowd in my local area (ala Britney Spears, Hit Me Baby One More Time).
Perhaps check your local consignment or second-hand shops. I usually see the shorter skirts there all the time.
Wishing you all the best in your search and with your upcoming performance.
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Eeeek!
I just realized my lack of mentioning the resources here in StudioVeena's lessons! My sincerest apologies on the oversight and unintentioned disrespect. I just assumed people asking first looked at the training available right here. Well, you know they say about when you assume…
My birthday is just around the corner and these lessons are on the top of my wish list. :o)
Nayana -
As a newbie, I would LOVE a links section! What a great place to find information on pole accessories, attire, publications, resources, etc. And since the recommendations would be coming from others in the pole community, we can all benefit from each other's experiences and wisdom. I vote a very enthusiastic YES!
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velvetvixin – Thank you for the suggestion. I'll look into it! Quick glance looks great. I also really appreciate your including the info for Poletopia. The images for the cards on the website are stunning. When I have more time I'm going to play on their website as well.
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I know several people have mentioned Nair. There is a similar product which I find works better for me called Veet. It doesn't take as long as the former and seems to take longer to grow back in. Just wanted to contribute the very little widsom I have.
Thanks for being brave enough to start this discussion board. I had always wondered what people did, what works, what doesn't, and how to deal with just the whole garsh darn deal!
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Welcome, cheshirekatt!
I am a newbie as well. I received my FlirtyGirl Fitness pole and the entire DVD set as a Christmas gift from my adoring Bubbee (aka husband).
It seems many of the newbies (including yours truly) initally find we need to increase our arm strength for even basic pole swings and to work up to any tricks and such.
There is another newbie who fairly recently posted a request for resources on how to build her strength. I spent a considerable amount of time compiling recommendations from other threads and some of my own searches. You can see the results on the following thread: https://www.studioveena.com/forums/view/Dont_own_a_pole__20110112055258
As for other recommendations, at present I have no wisdom to share. I look forward to seeing the response of others, though.
All the best with your new dancing partner/friend!
Nayana
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evennotodd – Ooooh! I like Quicksilver. Nice. :o)
nymphdancer – I love your reference for minx. To freakin adorable!
willowbreath – Now I have seen everything!
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studio409 – I like “Fern.” It’s fun and cute! I think it’s funny how we become “attached” to objects. I remember always sitting in the same desk in school. There’s a much stronger bond formed with a pole, so why not use the same one each class! ;o)
horsecrazy12987 – I still haven’t decided on a name or for sure if it will be a manly name, but I completely agree on wanting it to be a little slutty. You know, a lil bit naughty and a lil bit nice, full of just enough tease…
tiggertail – George? *giggles* Perhaps a gender-neutral name…
Finreah – Ooooh! I <3 Dante. What perfect name! I’ll have to find something that speaks to me as much as this. Our garbage disposal is Fred (I actually had to ask my hubby as I had forgotten the name just now…I find it hysterical he remembered!) and our vacuum is Suck-M-Sam. :o)
AerialMcK – I like the notion of a pole as a friend you can lean on for support. Beautiful!
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Belated birthday spinnies to you.
Belated birthday spinnies to you.
Belated birthday spinnies, poling Chemmie!
Belated birthday spinnies to you.
— May your life be continually blessed with the joy of movement, the sass of spinnies, and the power of poling! Happy belated birthday.
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chemgoddess1 – Thank you for the video. I was guessing it was something like that, but am grateful for the visual demonstration. I'll start working on pole ups. Although, right now, I don't think I can even pull myself up to the balls of my feet. Must give love to the wimpy, weakling arms to make them strong. ;o)
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chumpchkin – Great question and one I hadn't even considered yet. Although, it seems the majority of names which have popped into my head are primarily of the male persuasion.
Runemist34 – <3 the quote!
reenie – You own THREE! <swoon> ;o) I've had a few Latin names pop up in my head as well. My hubby frequently jokes I hide Jorge or Juan in the closet. Perhaps I'll have to christen my pole as one of these delights.
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dustbunny – Thank you! That is exactly the photo I was trying to find. :o) So "Prayer Slide" is a more accurate name for what I'm attempting to build strength for.
chemgoddess1 – Thanks for the tip. I’ll give “skip jump roping” with the pole a whirl. ;o) I know this is probably a silly question with a very obvious answer, but I’ve also learned it can be disastrous to just assume something… What is a pole up?
