[Veena]

It's always great to work on fundamentals! Here is a great example of how great "basic" moves can look fab! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi25Vm38gwY&feature=g-high-u

[Veena]

The x-pole will not make a hole in your ceiling! So I would take a look at those, they cost a bit more but you get what you pay for when it comes to poles! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

https://www.studioveena.com/shopping

[Veena]

Personally I would place the twisted grip on the back burner for now. Focus on increasing strength and control in your other moves. It really frustrates me that studios teach the twisted grip This grip should be left for professional level dancers, even then, I am far more impressed with other grips. Anywho, If you do decide to work on it again, try using a twisted grip coming off the pole, not as a way to mount the pole. This will allow you to work on controlling the movement. I would not work on deadlifting.  https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

Here is an old video of myself working on an iron x, so you can see what I mean about doing it from on the pole instead of as a mount. read the description too.

https://www.studioveena.com/videos/view/4d83f54c-9954-488c-917f-06550ac37250

[Veena]

Yeah I still get bruises! Another possibility is that you need more iron in your diet, but, I still find black and blue marks everywhere, especially when I take a week for two off and start up again.

Try to do a video for us with several angles…or if you have a webcam I can meet you in the chat room some time and we can take a look at your Gemini. 

[Veena]

I feel ya Hotelchick, a good laugh can be very therapeutic.https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif Yesterday we were in the car, and Henry asked what a Husband was. I said "it's someone who is your best friend and you want to be with them forever"……. Henry goes…."then Daddy, you're my husband too!!" LOL 

[Veena]

Hello and welcome. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gifSo it sounds like the issue is sweaty hands? I'm not big on using grip aids but have you tried using Dry Hands or Vinegar to try the hands? Also there are gloves you can buy, some with tack and some without. There are several threads on sweaty hands that might help you find a product too. 

[Veena]

Solid not soiled. LOL!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif

[Veena]

The twisted grip is a professional level move. 

Never kick up into the twisted grip.

Flexibility and stability of the shoulder is needed to perform this move safely. Before working on this move inverts and shoulder mounts should be soiled and very controlled. The body must be highly conditioned before working on these high level moves. Even with all of these suggestions taken into consideration, I have still seen this move injure dancers…..

Kslice, I took a look at your most recent video and I would suggest working on your basic invert and aerial invert technique, once your injury is better. In your aerial invert you're starting off holding the pole near the forearm, instead it should be by the armpit. This will save your upper back/shoulders and give you more control.  https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

Aerial Invert. https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4f69dbcd-582c-4f2b-87e8-2c070ac37250

Working on some shoulder conditioning exercises would also be very helpful. 

[Veena]

If you could post a video of yourself doing the Gemini that would be helpful. Holding a Gemini isn't about strength but rather positioning. However, you do need a strong invert to bring the Knee PIt leg, far enough over the hands. Have you ever taken a took at the lesson here for the Gemini? It's shown from several angles and leg positioning is worked on from the ground first. 

https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4cbdc217-f41c-407e-ba70-538d0ac37250

Here is a blog about bruising, ect… 

https://www.studioveena.com/blogs/view/A_Pole_Addicts_Guide_to_Bruises_Burns_Rips__Soreness_20120716065616

[Veena]

Azblanco, is right, you've come to the right place!! I have individual stretching lessons that give you an in depth look at alignment so you'll get the most out of your stretches.There are a few stretches for each muscle group, and they are grouped together! Also we offer 3 stretching routines that are about 20 mins long. About the equivalent of 3 dvds. If you have any questions on about a stretch, you can leave a comment for me and I'll help you out. In addition to all of that, we have a foam roller section, which is great to use before stretching to increase range of motion and great for after workouts to relax muscles. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Veena]

Moonflower has some great tips! Here are the video lessons for these moves if your interested. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

Cupid/star https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4cbf2cc3-01c0-4abb-963b-2af60ac37250

Side Climb https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4cadc481-2a2c-4804-861e-148a0ac37250 

[Veena]

Pumpkin Chocolate Loaf!!!

Makes 3 loaves (I have also made it into muffins)

3 1/2 cups Sugar

1 1/4 cups vegetable oil

3 eggs

1 (29oz) can solid packed pumpkin

3 squares (1 oz each) unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

In large bowl, combine sugar and oil. Add eggs: mix well. Stir in the pumpkin, chocolate and vanilla: mix well. 

Combine dry ingredients: stir into pumpkin mix, until lightly blended. Fold in chips.

Transfer to 3 greased 9 in. x 5 in. x 3 in. loaf pans  (I like to make them into muffins)

Bake at 350 degrees for 55-65 mins or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. 

Cool and remove from pan or muffin tins. Wrap and freeze for up to 6 months!

 

[Veena]

It must be a big adjustment!! I don't know if the studio in Bismarck is still there, but it could be worth looking into. If you have a home pole there are always the lessons on here too. 

[Veena]

Hello and welcome! I grew up in ND and still have family there! Where are you located? There is one studio in Bismarck and a great place in Fargo! But that is it….

[Veena]

My moms Apple Cider

Makes 2 Gallons

1 gallon apple juice or apple cider.

1 can Frozen Lemonade

3 cups Orange Juice 

1/4 cup sugar

4 cups water

6 Whole Cloves

6 Whole All Spice

4 Cinnamon sticks

Boil sugar and water for 10 mins. Then add Cloves, All Spice and Cinnamon sticks, Cover and let set for 1 hour.

Mix lemonade according to pkg. 

Combine, lemonade, 3 cups orange juice, apple juice (or apple cider) with spiced sugar water. Mix and enjoy!

Serve hot or cold. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_pumpkin.gif

[Veena]

Yep, post them on this thread

[Veena]

I'll dig through my recipes and post later! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Veena]

Eva X…as I stated before, if someone would like advice or a critique, then the member will ask for it in the video description. Then, members here gladly critique with honesty. There was someone recently who was entering a competition, and she wanted to know what to work on and the advice given was very constructive…without being rude of course. 

I'll say again, MOST members posting are just looking to share or show what they have learned so critique is not really necessary, and support is important. 

Eva X, If you would like your video to be critiqued please feel free to write in your description that you are looking for critique and advice, it's that simple and we would be happy to help you out. 

[Veena]

PS…I want you all to know…when I comment, I mean what I say. If I complement you I mean it. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gif

[Veena]

This is a place where dancers can share there progress with others who understand. We are proud of our supportive nature and will continue to strive for this. Those who are looking for a constructive criticism will ask for it on the video or in the video description. There is nothing wrong with constructive criticism, when it's wanted, and it's great feedback. But, not every posting is looking for feedback on things to improve, sometimes it just feels good to dance and share! 

There is a language barrier but I think that is seen more in the forum posts.  

[Veena]

Happy Birthday!! I love you! Thank you for all making this site possible!

[Veena]

I use both right now, because I have poles in 2 different rooms and I LOVE using the mount! The dome is great and secure as well, (when installed right, as with ANY pole) but using the mount makes switching out, removing and setting up super fast and easy. If you don’t mind drilling a few holes into the ceiling I highly recommend the mount!

[Veena]

I was just about to post this, thanks ME! 

I wonder how everyone placed too. 

[Veena]

Yep, tic toc! The video dustbunny posted has a good view of what's going on during the move. One thing that I do to slow the descend down is to press the forearm of the gripping hand into the pole. This allows me more control then keeping the gripping arm straight and to the side of the pole. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

[Veena]

Firemuffy, keep at it then, over time it wont hurt so bad. I still have some moves that hurt, but I don't notice it unless I stop to think about it. Keep on dancing!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gifOh, and don't forget to breath!