[Tine007]

Hi Charley,

I’m using McCall’s bikini patterns to make pole/belly dance tops.
Check out their web page http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/activewear-pages-118.php
Mouse-over the images shows you all the styles included in the pattern.
M5400 looks like it includes two nice triangle-y tops. It’s on sale for 4.99 right now (might be just today though).

I have M8813, M4471, M5861. I think those are discontinued – ebay is a good source (and usually cheaper than ordering from McCalls when not on sale directly), try searching for "swimsuit pattern"

Hope this helps https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
Keep us posted, I’d love to see your creations!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Tine007]

For me, it also totally depends on the move and is a combo of strength and flexibility, but basically I don’t know till I try…
I’m 100% right-handed in real life and prefer it for most spins. Anything chair & split grip spin is better on my left. However, I worked both sides from the beginning and can pretty much do all spins on both sides, for some one side is still prettier than the other.

If you invert with the left arm as the low (inside arm)….I consider that lefty but just for inverts. In general you want the "strong arm" to be the lower arm (inside arm) so it sounds like that may be what she is referring too.

Veena, why stronger arm at the bottom??? I invert with my strong arm (right) on *top* because I have more force pulling myself up. And that even though my teacher always made sure we do equal # of invert preps on both sides… I can do the other side, but it’s definitely worse. Air invert so far only happens on my strong side.

SM is left shoulder, right hand on top

I do butterfly w. left arm at the bottom, because that’s how I end up from my strong invert side and I guess I got used to it?! Caterpillar on the other hand I can only do right arm down, means I gotta invert on my weak side https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif
Gemini (outside leg hang) I prefer on my strong invert side, Scorpio (inside leg hang) on my weaker.

I guess it boils down to whatever works for you is good https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif and you don’t know till you try https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cool.gif

[Tine007]

Did you check out the July challenge videos here? The theme was booty dancing and a lot of dancers picked awesome booty songs https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

On my booty play list are the following:
"Shake Ya A*s" – Mystikal
"Booty" – JenRO
"In love with yo booty" – John Blu
"(Shake Shake Shake) Shake your Booty" – KC & The Sunshine band
"Shake that Ass Bitch (Remix)" – Splack Pack

Happy Booty bouncin’ !!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

[Tine007]

… she puts some Red Bull (yes, the drink) on her hands

hookedonpole, it’s worth giving it a shot, as weird as it sounds https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cyclops_ani.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/alien.gif
I would have never thought of such a thing, untill….

Right before hopping on a stainless steel pole in a bar, a guy spilled his drink (something vodka, lemon and from the stickyness I suspect sugar) all over my arm. First I was like Dude!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif The bathroom was a floor down and the bar was packed, so I only toweled it off, leaving a somewhat sticky residue on my hand.
What shall I say, I had the best grip ever https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif and I am usually veryveryvery sweaty and slippery. Too bad I don’t know exactly what his drink was, LOL!

Hopefully RedBull works the same…
Keep us posted! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

[Tine007]

Thank you, Webmaster, for working hard to keep this site running smoothly and making it even better!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

1.What country are you located in: US
2. What operating system is on your computer: Windows XP
3. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the video performance on your computer: 8
4. What web browser did you use: Firefox 3.6.9
5. What kind of phone do you have: N/A
6. Did the video work on your phone: N/A
7. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the video performance on your phone: N/A
8. How does the performance of the test video compare to the performance of current StudioVeena.Com video:
exactly the same for quality (resolution, smoothness), size of video window, and loading speed.
9. Please provide any other comments regarding your video experience:

* Loading/Pausing while playing:
Page loads in ~2 sec and video started playing after 2-4 sec. The loading speed was not much faster than the playing speed, and I got some pausing (frequent with old vids, pausing till it’s loaded completely helps) in one of 3 times watching. I’m connected via WLAN and have the feeling that plays a role in how fast things load. On average I’d say it’s about the same.

* Navigation slider – fine in normal mode, stuck in/after full-screen:
I could navigate anywhere in the vid without problems in the not-fullscreen mode.
For several OLD vids (but not all), the video would start over from the beginning when trying to navigate with the slider – quite annoying.
HOWEVER, after changing to full-screen view, the NEW video starts over and the slider becomes dead: the button still moves, but the video does not jump to the desired spot. Exiting full-screen mode didn’t fix it and neither did reloading the whole page in my browser https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif paused it for a little, now it works again?!? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif Old video doesn’t have this problem, I can switch to full-screen and back without the vid starting over and the navigation slider works no problem in either mode.

*Full-screen mode – not really full screen:
The old video is truly full screen. The new one though only takes my main browser window, means it does not expand over browser menu, tool bar, bookmarks and side bar (see screen shot):
SV_newvid_fullscreen.JPG

* Replay -doesn’t work:
New video plays once but doesn’t replay unless I reload the whole page in my browser. Screen goes white for a sec and it’s back to the image & play button without moving https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif Replay works fine with old vids.

Overall, unfortunately, for me, the new format shows more bugs without any significant improvement https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif

Sorry this got so long, hope it makes sense https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_idea.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Tine007]

I’m a 10 in street shoes and wear 10 in both Ellie and Pleaser platform sandals.
For my Pleaser boots I ordered 11 because I have wide toes and big calves. They fit quite loosely, if they had half sizes a 10.5 would have been best… I wear them with some fun knee high socks https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Tine007]

Thank you so much everyone for your input!!

It sounds like the clear ones are better for my intended use https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

I am usually a barefoot dancer and even with shoes I try to grip with my skin rather than the shoe (I have black ones with a more narrow top), but I still wanna be safe in inverts etc. Also if the glitter comes off that’s not what I’d like…

@ ktjane – whoa, those look HOTTT!!!
Unfortunately, they only come as stilettos and taaallllller than what I’m looking for…

I can barely walk holding on to a pole in my 6.5" stilettos, not to mention walk from bar to bar…
So I really want a low platform and a wide heel https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif
Plus, I’m almost 5’11" – without shoes I’m already taller than most of my friends in 6" heels, LOL!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[Tine007]

Hi Fuzzy,

I know of 5 places of which I have taken classes at 3.
Starting at PoledanceSanDiego and then moving on to FunPoleFitness was perfect for me and I’d do it the same way again https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

http://www.poledancingsandiego.com/
I started at this place and still think it is great for beginners totally new to pole. They only offer beginner classes though. I switched studios when they moved (and were closed for a while) which was at the same time I felt I started to outgrow their level. Apart from pole they also have "booty burn" which teaches fun routines with floor, chair and/ or wall work.
Susan’s the only teacher and she has background in ballroom dancing. She stresses alignment and safe positioning a lot, big plus https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif She teaches each spin/trick separately, about two tricks per class, and then incorporates them into a mini routine. I like this format a lot because it gives you time to learn & practice a new move but still get an idea how to use it in a dance. We started strength moves (climb & hold, knees-up invert )early on, but even though she gives you a new challenge when you’re ready for it, Susan makes sure you don’t do it if you are not https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif She didn’t have a lot of poles at their old studio (haven’t seen the new one yet, she had XPoles, from the pic on the web side I think now it’s stage poles), so 2-3 people had to share a pole. As a beginner I didn’t mind because I couldn’t pole for an hour straight and watching other people was very helpful, but by now I prefer having my own pole the whole class.

http://www.funpolefitness.com/
That’s the place I’m at now. I’d consider it good place for beginners through intermediate/beg. advanced (although some classes are called "advanced"), however I think their style teaching very beginners would have been a bit fast for me in the beginning. Everyone gets their own pole, you have to sign up beforehand. Poles are X-Poles and they have the different sizes/finishes so you can pick which works best for you.
I love that the instructors are all very sweet, break each move down & explain preps to progressions, give everyone personal attention & help getting a move. You get a response really quickly (usually under 24 hours) and all the staff just really cares. The focus is a bit more on fitness & fun and if you want to learn "stripper style" dancing this might not be the best place for you. The ladies taking classes are very nice, down to earth and supportive, I made many friends here. You can be as sexy or not as you want it’s totally up to you and everyone welcomes either way.
They start with Intro 1 & 2, which contains a routine with the basic spin families (inside planted foot = everything fireman to chair to cradle, outside plated foot = everything backwards, inside hooked leg = front hooks & side spin, blind hand grab = reverse grab). Different leg variations are then explained when they show up in a choreography or you take the "spins" class. I think for me, this would have been too fast in the beginning.
There’s a lot of different style classes to choose from. Beg/int. choreography classes are fun and not too hard. Pole conditioning is great using the pole for strength training. I’d recommend this one before moving on to tricks. However, they let you take (beg.) tricks right away, which includes climbing, forearm/handstands, strength exercises, and inverts (although they teach lifting into invert they’ll let you try in your first tricks class – not so fond of). "Advanced" tricks includes inverted tricks, holds, different climbs (advanced inverted holds like straight edge, twisted grip, handspring & Co. are not on the list yet, that’s why I wouldn’t recommend it for truly advanced dancers). They also offer GoGo dancing, floorwork, and chair/lap dance classes.

http://www.polesinsations.com
I have only taken the Beg./intermediate choreography classes here, but they offer from intro to advanced (not sure how advanced that is). They have wonderfully tall permanent brass poles https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif. Organization didn’t seem their strong side and it took a while to get a response. Even though you have to sign up beforehand, there were always more people than poles so we had to share (not sure if that changed since they switched to an online sign-up system). The beg/int. classes teach a full routine which I found much more challenging than at FunPoleFitness. Moves were demonstrated, but not really broken down (don’t know if that’s also true for intro or advanced). Their style is pretty much super sexy "stripper" style, and many girls going there are professionals, I assume they use the routines at work. I love to watch dancers move like this, but as a just-for-fun dancer I’m not good at it and felt a little out of place (although everyone was nice).

http://sexysilhouettesbysara.com
Haven’t been to this place yet, but a friend of mine just took her first class there. She said it’s a small studio but they don’t share poles, so they can handle only 4 students at a time. They had a promotion running not too long ago and a lot of people signed up, not sure how easy it is to get in. My pole teacher said the instructor is a quite advances dancer. Currently they only offer beginner/intermediate classes and don’t have regular classes on weekends.

http://www.frommindtobody.com/classschedule.html
They didn’t even reply to my email asking questions about classes and how to find which level I belonged in. That kicked them off my list. The San Diego studio used to have 3-4 beg. and int. classes per week, but is currently listed with only one (beginner) class.

Sorry it got so long!
Hope this helps finding the right place for your aunt!
~Tine

[Tine007]

For me, there is a "magic spot", means if I grab the pole too low OR too high I feel like I can’t press against it, there’s just no force behind my arms…
If I get it right, I can push, and the arch in my back, hips up and feet down follow automatically into the right position.
So I move my hands up and down the pole a little once in CAR till I find this spot.
I’m suspecting this might be different for everybody, depending on your shoulder & back flexibility https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

Good luck!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

[Tine007]

Wow, that was awesome!!! Nice combination of tricks and you make it look so easy!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif

[Tine007]

Sounds like what Jamilla calls Starfish and Wikipole a Side-V??
Sidev.jpg
I was taught to get in from standing, hooking the top leg, bring the bottom leg behind the pole (we call this side plank, with the knee still hooked) and then straighten the top leg. I’m doing it in this practice at 2:10: http://ver3.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4285
Once comfortable with it, you can get into it from invert or a side climb and it will eventually be the entrance to superman.

The prep to gain strength, grip and pain tolerance https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rambo.gif for any knee grip move I learned in class is to stand next to your pole, hook the inside leg as high as you can get it and squeeze!! Lean your upper body away from the pole, pressing your hips forward. You can start with the inside hand still on the pole, hold on to your ankle or take both hands off. Stay as long as you can. We did this every class and it took me many weeks to be able to do the knee grip without falling off in pain or sliding down.

Hope this helps, good luck!!!

[Tine007]

I love, Love, LOVE it!!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
Just yesterday we had girls night out at the strip club with my pole friends and we saw a girl doing the most AMAZING booty work ever https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cyclops_ani.gif
We got so inspired – my teacher is trying to get her come teach an ass class at our studio, hope that works out https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif
So this challenge is right on spot, LOL!!!
I’m so gonna combine # 1 (booty moves) with #2 (booty song) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

Shake that booty, ladies!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_queen.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Tine007]

First of all, your spins look great, nice control and momentum https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif ! Congrats on the one-handed ones, they are not easy!! Don’t let the toes discourage you, you’re doing great!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif

Yes, pointed toes make everything look nicer, but it’s just the icing on the cake. It doesn’t affect your ability to do a move or your safety (for the most part). When I learn a new move, my toes are the last thing I think about (together with putting a smile on my face https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif ), but once I can do a move comfortably, I try to pay attention to them.

Its more of a whole foot thing. I need to turn my ankle down and relax my toes a bit more so they dont curl.

Yep, you got it, it’s more pointing the foot/extending the ankle – the opposite of a flexed foot.
If your ankle isn’t flexible enough to get a straight line from the knee to the toes (I had trouble after an ankle injury a few years back), sitting on your heels in a kneeling position (aka japanese style) helps https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

[Tine007]

In class, we prepare for knee holds by standing next to the pole, hooking the inside knee as high as possible holding on to the ankle and lean the torso out if possible, then hold as long as you can. Basically a cupid with the bottom foot on the floor.
This prep exercise is to get the skin used to holding with the knee without having all your weight on it. (To get the muscles used to holding you, the same position but without holding your ankle is great). We do it every class.

My teacher exactly used the "like calf on a foam roller" analogy and said it’s normal, it happens when the calves are tight. We even carefully move our calf slightly up and down to "roll out" the knots with the pole. It should (and did for me) get a lot better with time, and my knee pit skin basically doesn’t hurt anymore either.

Stretching my calves definitely helps, too, especially after working on knee holds. If you have a foam roller, that seems most efficient for me, but downward dog or standing on a step with the ball of the foot and pressing the heel down is great, too.

Hope you get your knots worked out and less pain with your knee holds https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Tine007]

I’m sorry, Charley, that you had such a bad experience!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif
I don’t get why she even came when she doesn’t want to dance/teach in the presence of poles https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif
Big surprise, there’s poles in a pole studio https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_question.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cyclops_ani.gif
Even if the studio name doesn’t give it away, I’d expect people to do their homework *before* interviewing for anything https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_study.gif
I hope you find someone who is excited about sharing belly dance to pole dancers, and vice versa https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Tine007]

OK.
I’m a belly dancer.
I’m a pole dancer.
I joined a troupe that fuses belly dance, hoop dance and Burlesque.
Do I need to say more?!?? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/alien.gif

I can’t say it better than my belly dance idol and teacher Suhaila Salimpour:
http://www.suhailainternational.com/video_director.php

In addition my 2 cents:
– I love to fuse the two, as well as any other form of dance I know, depending on how it fits the music. IMHO, fusing styles creates something new, unique and very pretty.

– "Classical" cabaret style belly dance with glittery costumes and veils was born in Hollywood. The dancers in the Middle East picked it up because the rich Americans seemed to like it.

– Tribal belly dance is an American invention. And then there is Tribal Fusion belly dance, fusing belly dance with anything thinkable, from chinese dance to yoga to ballet.

– Anyone can do whatever they want – as long as it’s legal. If someone doesn’t like it (and that’s true for anything, really) , nobody is forced to watch https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cyclops_ani.gif

– Pole is sexy, yes. Belly dance is sexy (if you like it or not). Salsa is sexy. Tango…
And how about ballroom – two bodies pressed against each other that not even a sheet of paper fits in between…
IMHO, any person moving with grace and confidence is sexy https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

– "Sexy", in all its flavors, mainly happens in the brain of the observer.
Even something like walking down the street, executed without the slightest thought about "sexy" or not, can be perceived as sexy by someone watching. (And don’t get me started about guys who get all excited watching videos of young gymnasts… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rambo.gif ) Anything you say can get a "dirty" twist in the ear of the listener.
If you are not comfortable being looked at as sexy and have guys stick money in your belt (that’s how you tip a belly dancer, at least in the US) then don’t perform in public.

– How about the moves??? Belly dance and "exotic" dance moves are very similar, which makes it especially suitable to cross. Think of all those hip circles, figure-8s, hip pops, body waves, etc. etc.
Now I really wanna do a video "How the poler does it vs. How the belly dancer does it" https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

– Belly dance is an Art. Pole is an Art. We both want to be appreciated as such. So why not appreciate each other?

– Belly dance is hard. Every belly dancer knows that. Pole is hard. Every poler knows that.
If you don’t believe me take a class (BTW, my pole studio offers belly dance classes) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif
The challenge for both (and any other form of dance) is to make the audience believe it’s not https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

– I like pole for its diversity. I like belly dance for its diversity. I appreciate and respect anyone moving gracefully to music (and even without) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif
Why not celebrate out diversity? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif Would be boring if we all danced the same, no?!

OK, I think I’m done, LOL!!!
Sorry it turned out so long https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif

-Tine007

[Tine007]

Hi Hsiang!
From your videos I take that you are quite advanced.

I think the best studio for you would be PoleSinsations, they have an advanced class and open pole (pole play)
http://www.polesinsations.com

I’m going to FunPoleFitness, currently there’s no open pole but they think about starting one. Classes are beginner-intermediate.
http://www.funpolefitness.com/

Hope this helps https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
Enjoy your trip to SD!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Tine007]

Not cheating, best invert prep ever https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif !!!
I could do inverted crucifix way before my first basic invert and still use this "bottom-up" approach when learning new upside-down moves (pretty much anything that would work from an inverted crucifix, currently it’s caterpillar and butterfly for me).
It’s great because
– your brain gets used to the upside-down position (so you won’t freak out after doing your first basic invert).
– you can practice the leg positioning so you know what goes where once upside down.
– safety: the floor is always in reach, just put your hands back down
– it gives you time to think
– you can sort out legs and hands separately
– even being able to invert, it doesn’t waste your energy on getting up but leaves it for the new move you are working on.
– handstands themselves are great strength training moves and will help you with anything pushing away from the pole while inverted (but give the rest of your body time to catch on https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif ).
– handstands are pretty! Fun to experiment with different leg positions https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

I am secretly hoping that the more time I spend upside down that it will reverse the gravitational pull when upright, thus canceling out the effects of aging
…
I have found that certain positions are giving me a great stretch in my back that I haven’t yet experienced upright.

Your odds are good https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif Hanging upside down is good for you, not only for your spine – and called "inversion therapy".
Here’s the Wikipedia article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inversion_therapy

[Tine007]

Your skin grows thicker, aka forms calluses, to protect you against the friction & pressure your hands experience when poling https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rambo.gif. Valuable blister-protection (once you’ve grown just the right amount), kinda like your very own built-in gloves https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif
However, occasionally when my calluses get a little thick or rough and start bothering me, I use a very fine pumice stone after showering (so the skin is nice & soft) to "sand them down" and smooth them out just a little. Careful not to do too much, because that takes away your protective layer and can irritate the skin & make it grow even more.

After all, they are a sign of your hard work, protect you and are 10000000000 times better than blisters & ripped skin https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Tine007]

YAY!!! How fun!!! This is MY challenge https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_queen.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_queen.gif LOL!!!
Spins, spins, spins, both hands, combos, yay, here I come!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif
I’m stoked ’cause I want to work on putting them together in a dance rather than just going
spin – reverse direction – spin, wipe pole, next spin…. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif
Perfect opportunity https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

I’m so looking forward to this!! Can’t wait till it’s weekend!!
Um… still gotta do April though, LOL!! Anyways…
https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif

[Tine007]

The workshop description reads like basic technique, but I don’t know how much she adjusts to the level of people attending. I also don’t know what the level of participants is so far. My studio teaches from beginner through intermediate (judging from Veena’s lessons here) and I’m not sure who of our teachers is taking the workshop https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

For more details may I refer you to Marie (mailto:info@funpolefitness.com) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Tine007]

I wouldn’t risk it either and take it down.
I always do before I get anyone from the leasing office/ maintenance in my apartment.

My lease doesn’t say anything about putting up things, so before I got my mirrors (long before I bought my pole) I asked and the answer was "You can put up anything you like, as long as you put it on the studs/joists and close up any holes before you move out". I decided that includes my pole.

*BUT* still…
(1) The leasing office makes the rules. Period. You don’t want to be kicked out or even "just" forbidden to have your pole because the leasing office is shocked by a "stripper" pole in one of their apartments. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_silent.gif
(2) It looks humongous and for sure will draw attention and likely rise the question if it damages the place, no matter if it is recognized as "stripper" pole or not. I can’t blame anyone being worried about the integrity of their apartment https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_pale.gif. But then I wouldn’t really wanna explain what it is because of point (1)…
(3) You don’t want to be stalked by a maintenance guy who thinks you are a stripper https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumbdown.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rambo.gif Logically, they know where you live…

Better safe than sorry https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_safesex.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_safesex.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_safesex.gif

[Tine007]

Hi Fianna,

If it’s wood directly fixed on joists I second Empyrean, no problem as long as you put it on the joist. Check your local hardware store, they sell so called stud finders (~10-20 $) that are very helpful https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif. I must admit the wood ceiling freaked me out at first, too, cuz I’m used to solid concrete ceilings where you can put up anything anywhere… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cyclops_ani.gif

If it’s suspended ceilings, you can take out one of the plates and go with the pole to the real ceiling above the suspended plates. My studio has it that way and it works fine. They cut a hole a little larger than the pole in the plates and put them back in ( if you rent the place I’d just leave the plate out and not cut it though…). You might need an extra extension if it’s very high – the X-pole instructions have a chart what you need for different ceiling heights and tells you how to order these.

My old studio didn’t have all joists in the right place (but there must be some somewhere), so they bridged two joists with two bars, perpendicular to the joists and in a distance that the dome of the pole would rest on both of them (like the X-pole instructions show for UK ceilings). Then they nailed some thinner wood on there so the pressure gets distributed more evenly. Kinda a pedestal / platform under the ceiling to put the pole on. I hope this makes any sense…
If not and that’s what you want to do let me know and I’ll send you a drawing https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

Good luck and have fun poling!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

[Tine007]

Hi Loopy,
I second what’s already been said, but may I add a third point:

How does he feel about you dancing sexy in front of other men?
You are his "posession" after all https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

I’m not sure how much of a religious question this is, but definitely one about you two’s personal comfort zone
https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_profileright.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_profileleft.gif

Also, talking about it is important, but how you think you feel beforehand and how you actually will feel might be two different things, and unfortunately there’s no way to know till you try…

If in doubt, I’d go with Charley’s suggestion https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

[Tine007]

I agree, Doctor is the only option https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif Definitely better safe than sorry https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_safesex.gif , could be harmless, but could be infectious, too, and I assume you don’t want to pass it on?! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rambo.gif
Hope it gets better soon!!!