[Tine007]

I finally did mine:
http://ver3.studioveena.com/lessons/view/1691
I picked the Tango that JLo and Richard Gere are dancing in "Shall We Dance?", was lots of fun!! 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

[Tine007]

I agree https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
I rented the hoopnotica DVDs and I love them because every move is well explained and demonstated (close ups and slow motion) and they have a troubleshooting section that is extremely helpful 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

The safirehoop tutorials on youtube are awesome, too https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Tine007]

Congrats on the superman spin, it looks awesome https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

I am waiting for my next paycheck to buy Veena’s lessons, I so want them, but I just got half my car replaced (at least so it feels looking at the bill…) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_evil.gif

[Tine007]

I think that flexibility might have something to do with this..
Makes sense… I definitely noticed quite a difference in my wrist flexibility, that’s why split grip is easier right arm at the bottom…
Also it seems like many beginners tend to grip too much with their strong hand, so using the sub hand for the main grip may give more spin around the pole.
Yep, that sounds about right, too https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_razz.gif And probably too much power also, ’cause spinning on the right (=strong side) gives more bruises 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

[Tine007]

Thank you, Webmaster, for working hard to keep our videos in shape!!! 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

My 2 cents for the new videos:

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 https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif :
I do like that the comments are now ‘newest on top’ https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
Agreed https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
And… I can see all my Favorite Vids again, yay!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
And … thanks for bringing the reply-to-comment function back (that I couldn’t find for a day or two in the new vids) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif
Getting notified about comments on my vids is also nice https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif Is there a way to manage that, e.g. turn it on/off, turn off notification if comment is my own reply to someone commenting on my vids???

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_question.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_question.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_question.gif :

Also, I’m missing the usernames that were before displayed along with the thumbnails.
But the vids were bigger before, weren’t they?

No keywords either…

Agreeing with above points…

Also, after posting a comment, the comments section disappears and the only way to get it back is to reload the page (not a big deal, just noticed and saw that others have posted their comments multiple times ’cause they thought it wasn’t there).

I liked the old feature that you could display a larger number of vids at the same time (up to 100), that made it easier to navigate, especially when one has to catch up on a bunch https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cyclops_ani.gif

[Tine007]

This is so interesting, and I was wondering if it’s just me being weird, lol!!!

At home I practice everything both sides. Which I am used to in yoga and belly dance (even if a choreography uses only one side, we drill both)
I decided I will also practice pole on both sides after my first class. We went just one direction, and my teacher told us to keep the boobs level aka lift the ouside boob to be parallel with the inside one (that brings the shoulders back and down). After class I felt like my left boob was still sticking out and found myself a lamp post to go around the other way to balance myself https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif Changing sides also means getting less dizzy https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

I’m totally right-handed and right is stronger than left, but some spins work much better on the left (chair and carousel). But also with time, my preference shifted from right to left, somehow left has more control 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 Not sure why this is…

In class, we are usually shown right side. My teacher doesn’t insist on doing both sides, but she is OK with it. So for choreography/combos I can just add a direction change to get on the best hand https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Tine007]

I once figured out a way of stretching using the pole! Basically, you lay down next to it, swing your foot up, and scoot yourself down until you feel the resistance…
Cool! Kinda like an extended butterfly on the ground? I tried to hook both inside or outside leg. Feels like a good prep for when (if) I’ll get upside down…
To get into the hamstring, I needed to make sure the leg stays straight (it wanted to bend, which resulted more in a hip stretch https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif ), means engage the quads a little, which is good because it makes the hamstring relax and protects the knee. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif The further I went, the more difficult it was to not slip off the pole though.
I’m not sure if this gets a different part of the hamstring than the strap, because with the pole the leg was always slightly out- or inwards, while strap takes it straight back…
Sorry for all that rambling, just my 2 cents https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/alien.gif

[Tine007]

Some striped leg warmers in addition to Tutu and shorts??? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_question.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_question.gif

[Tine007]

You are very welcome!!
Of course we expect videos https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif

[Tine007]

OUCH!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif
That look about like my bruise (even though my hoop is only 2 pounds)…
I think it’s just a bit too heavy… my hoops don’t have sand, I was recommended not to use one with filling that moves (I guess because the hoop is not balanced that way, anyone knows??)
Hope you can get a better one soon!

I use a home-made pole that I bought from the studio I go to. Its made from plumbers piping which is quite hard and its filled with sand!!!
and I hope you mean hoop and not pole, LOL 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_lol.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

[Tine007]

I am really enjoying the making of hoops if not as much as the actual hooping itself.
Hooping is also a great warm up exercise too I have found.

Cool, do you sell hoops?
I also warm up with my hoop before poling https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

do you use weighted hoops or just reg ones from kids stores? where do you find weighted hoops? are there dvds to teach you? this sounds like fun and a great workout!

Kids hoops are too small and lightweight and thus really difficult to use as an adult.
Regular adult hoops seem to be between 35-45" (larger = slower) and 1.5-2 pounds (some call this weighted, but there is no extra weight in the tubing. You can also get even heavier ones, for more of a workout, less for dancing). Then there are same size, but lighter weight, sometimes called pregnancy or performance hoops, they are a bit more difficult to use, but give less bruises.
I got my first one from hoopnotica.com, now I totally love HappyHoopyLove’s store on ebay (http://stores.shop.ebay.com/HAPPY-HOOPY-LOVE__W0QQ_armrsZ1). She makes high quality custom hoops for a good price, has the best customer service ever, and also sent me links to great tutorials on youtube.
I’m mainly working with the hoopnotica DVDs (rented from netflix) and the youtube tutorials.

Hope to see you hoop soon https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Tine007]

I got a big dark (almost black) purple bruise on my hip from hooping, right where the hoop smacked on my hip bone. Darker (not bigger though) that what I got from poling so far, and that are quiete a lot….
I think I had it for 3 weeks, despite of arnica gel, and it did hurt…. I quit hip hooping for a few days to make it go away… by now, I’m fine and don’t bruise there anymore.
However, the hoopnotica DVD already announced there will be more bruising when starting to hoop on the legs… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_colors.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rambo.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rambo.gif
I got a lighter hoop in addition to my "standard" weight hoop, and I use that now for trying new moves. sometimes it’s easier, sometimes not, but definitely doesn’t hurt as much (I love it especially for hand hooping, the heavier one hurts my knuckles…) 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 wanna see some hooping vids guys.
Yes, Ma’am https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif
I recorded a hooping session while my pole was down (more space for hooping https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif ), but still need to cut it. And I look like I’m pregnant, I pop my belly out to push the hoop https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif (plus, I carry a descent layer of German chocolate around my belly to start with https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif ) but I think I’ll post anyways https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_geek.gif

[Tine007]

yep, ebay has a lot, look for "hip scarf".
They are usually one-size because you tie them around your hips.

Bellydance-shop.com (http://www.bellydance-shop.com/hip-scarves/) has currently sale, 50% off, so most of them are 19 $, which is a really good price https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif

Not sure if this is what you want for the feathers…
Meleea’s bazaar (http://www.beledi.com/categories.php) has feather fans and feather boas.

[Tine007]

Same problem here https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif Help please https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

[Tine007]

Thank you for sharing, these sound great to mix things up a bit https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

It’s funny how things are connected, I know about half of them from yoga, pilates and dance, and will for sure try the other ones https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

Static #5 and 6 I do in the hot tub, with the foot on the edge of the pool or the handrail. Splits themselves are fun in the hot tub, too https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[Tine007]

Thank you. I am interested is dropping a few pounds, but I just had the wrong idea as to why I could not invert. And yes, I would like to maintain my curves. LOL!!
I’m actually also hoping that poling in combination with hula-hooping will shed a few of my extra pounds as side effect https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif Don’t have the energy and time for (healthy) cooking everyday, unfortunately…

[Tine007]

I’m having the same problem… It was already in tech-related, but looks like there is no fix yet https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif

[Tine007]

Hi Kyra,

greetings to a fellow German 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’m originally from Dortmund, but currently in sunny California https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif
Have fun poling! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_compress.gif

[Tine007]

Hi Tara,
first of all congrats for the weight you lost, that is truly an accomplishment!!!
I checked out your pictures and think you look fabulous!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif Nothing wrong with some curves around well-tones muscles https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

I’m working on Fleur’s check-list, too, and in class we do similar things to build strength https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif I can already see some biceps https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif I’m carrying a bunch of extra pounds but I’m getting closer and closer to inverting, so hopefully soon…

[Tine007]

Yay, thank you, thank you, thank you, girls!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_smurfin.gif

I’m also worried that a regular bra will let the girls jump out, or that the wires will poke me in the arm pit (sometimes the side of my boob gets in the way, and I’m not even inverting https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif ).
I usually live in my tie dyed cotton uniboob sports bras, they are cheap, comfy, colorful and upside-down proof, but not sexy https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_geek.gif
I was looking for something dualboob that looks nice (not like a grandma bra) and is available in 38 D https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cyclops_ani.gif
I will try one or two of the Champion ones, they can be returned if doesn’t fit https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

I’d also like to share my favorite well-fitting and nice-looking bra top, from my belly dance wear supplier:
http://www.lrosedesigns.com/products/cholibra.html

Because the back is laced it fits perfectly and stays put, even for my D cups.
They custom make everything, so you can choose from a large variety of nice fabrics (cotton lycra, nylon, stretch velvet, metal, holographic…), it is well made, and with 18-20$ I find it rather affordable https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
The nylon version is the only bikini top I have that really fits (in my price range). They also have bikini bottoms and shorts to go with it. The only thing to be aware of is that an order can take 3-4 weeks because everything is custom made and they get plenty of orders.

[Tine007]

Oh, cool!!! Thanks for posting, Mindy! 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 directly put it on my wish list for my next Amazon order https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif
Self-massage rocks, so far I’m addicted to Yamuna balls and my foam roller, but would love to try trigger points https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

I’ve also forwarded it to my friend who has shoulder problems from competitive swimming, and it started again on her bad side since we started poling… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif

[Tine007]

Hi Trena,

I have an implant for 5 years now, exchanged once after 3 years.

In general, the first time I got it, it took about 3-4 weeks to heal completely till I didn’t feel it at all. In that period it was a bit uncomfortable to get pressure on it, like lying on it. After that, it was OK in everyday life (wasn’t poling or doing yoga yet at that point).
When it got exchanged, it healed much faster, I think because the hole was already there, it just got put a little higher up. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif

In yoga, I was careful first with anything involving that arm wrapped around my leg/knee. I needed a little getting used to, but I figured out how to place the arm and not get the knee right on it https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif Even acroyoga worked fine, only once I had to ask to go down, I was hanging on my partner’s feet, which were placed under my arms close to the arm pit, and my legs floating in air parallel to the floor. In other words, my whole weight was hanging on the small area between his feet and my arms. It worked the first time, the second time I got my implant caught and it pinched somewhat uncomfortable, so I asked to get down, but could still dismount in a controlled manner https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif . My partner was feeling totally bad… I should have told him beforehand, but I so forget because I usually don’t feel it… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif

But seriously, pole burn is much worse in my opinion… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif I think the worst thing that can happen is to get a bruise 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_lol.gif

On the pole, I first was scared to do the reverse spins in buddy grip with my left on the bottom, but that was all mental… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif Now I’m happily spinning both ways and it doesn’t bother me. Any inversion prep I’ve tried is fine so far, too. I can’t get upside down yet, so I can’t comment on more advanced tricks.
My plan is to learn the other side first, to figure out the general how-to before I need to think about my implant at the same time https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rambo.gif

From everything (yoga, pole, everyday life) together, I’d say it also gets desensitized in time, because the more I use the inside of that arm (sleeping on it, wrapping in yoga, hanging on the pole…) the less I feel it in those situations.

Please take my word with caution and listen to your body, as this is my personal experience, but I am not qualified to give advice in medical and pole questions https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif
Hope this is a little helpful nevertheless https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

[Tine007]

My #1 wish is larger sizes for us ladies with queen-size bums (I have 43" hips, lots of padding on an already big frame https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif ) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

In pole class, I prefer full coverage, to not flash anyone and calm my butt-self-conciousness.
I also wear undies under my shorts (not when I play at home in a bikini, of course), and I don’t like when undie peeks out https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif

At home, I pole in everything from full coverage to what I believe is "bikini cut" in the underwear department. My butt is definitely not made for thongs and super-skimpy cuts…
Same for my bikinis, but at the beach or the pool I’m not shaking my butt https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

I totally agree on good crotch-coverage (no wax for me…).

on the top – I like anything between hip-hugger (right under the hip bones – not too low, because I hate when my butt crawls out on top when sitting down… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif and I have a high waist/long lower back) and just under the belly button.

And I like cotton with a little spandex.

so my main points in summary:
1. X…L size
2. crotch coverage
… and then I’d put all 3 cuts on my wish list https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
Multiple colors??? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_colors.gif
Can’t wait!!! 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

[Tine007]

Hi asmara,

I’m same weight as you and I’m very happy with my X-pole, as long as it’s properly tightened it’s not going anywhere.
In class we also use the X-Pole, so I was lucky to try before I ordered mine https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
It even holds my guy friend, who is 240 pounds, with jumping on, no problem https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif

I even trust my pole more that I trust my ceiling, but it’s on the joist and life is good https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Tine007]

but i can’t chopper!!! not for the life of me! lol i have been working my abs extra hard in the gym to try to get it!

Hi sima,
Just a thought, take with caution, ’cause I can’t even invert yet https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif
My yoga brain is wondering how flexible your hamstrings and adductors are. If you can invert fine, that sounds like your abs are doing OK. But if your legs won’t fold over all the way your center of gravity might be away from the pole?! 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

For me, I’m beginner, so there isn’t much yet (no inverts)…

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_arrow.gif Easy:
beginner spins "regular" grip (except see below)
split grip V spin (left side on top – my weaker https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_exclaim.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_question.gif )
head/forearm/handstand and backbends (I’m a yoga addict… so much easier than *pulling* myself up, lol!!)
transitions (I belly dance https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_farao.gif )
floorwork https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_arrow.gif Hard:
anything Chair (esp. on the right, which is my strong side 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 )
cradle (can do jump-tuck holds, but not spin)
split grip right side on top (I think it’s my wrist flexibility in the bottom hand)
sit (still *hurts* like hell https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif )