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Empy, Are you sure thats the right link? She’s just practicing twisted grip stuff on that one. Thanks.

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Reverse attitude to handspring?!! Any links?

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Ok, I did a little vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lqebHuW-7s

Some better examples:

Oona Kivela at :25

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LvsAyGhzzY

And I coulda swore I saw an example by Junge Cat, but I can’t seem to find it.

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There is a variation of the Phoenix that I’ve seen people do, and that I’ve been working on. I call it the "Forward Phoenix". Instead of the reverse grab into ribbon spin with your back to the pole, you do it from a chair spin facing the pole. It’s a lot harder because you don’t have that top twisted grip to help pull you up and it requires tremendous strength from your lower arm. I can do it, but with a sporadic success rate. If anyone knows what I’m trying to explain, do you know the name for it?

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It seems the new "It" move this year was the Allegra. A lot of the competitors did it. jessalyn danced to phantom of the opera– "all i ask of you"– it’s sung as a duet.

i really wish i knew more about how the judges selected the winner– NOT an easy task! the quality of performances were head and shoulders above last year. it’s amazing to realize how much pole has evolved. a year ago, sarah’s twisted grip handspring was THE new trick. women this year were doing iron Xs, flag presses to brass monkeys, TG lifts from a climb, shoulder mount CLIMBS… there was a lot of artistry and dance even though the physicality was so insane, everyone in amateurs did their optional routine without shoes, which i think was a reflection of the changed paradigm after amber won USPDF west.

the show was really great to watch. i wonder how pole will evolve over the next year!

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That’s nice. Sounds like fun. Thanks. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

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A warm coat, could be freezing.

It most likely will be. I live further upstate in NY and temps have been in the 30s for the last few days, so I don’t imagine it will change dramatically in the next 3 weeks. We don’t usually see light jacket-type weather until April at the earliest.

Wow… the competition is just under 3 weeks away… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif

Where in Ny do you live, Foxy? I live about 1 1/2 hours south of Rochester in Steuben County.

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I have a hard time maintaining my grip when I get into position. I’ve tried everything including mighty grip. I just ordered a 45mm pole. Hopefully that will work better. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_mad.gif

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The pain will get better as your body adjusts. Give it time, girls, and don’t give up!

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I really meant no harm! When I first started dancing, I saw the SM done with interlocked fingers. That’s how I tried it, that’s how I learned it, that’s how I practiced it, that’s how I still do it. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif But even though it worked for me, the general consensus is that it’s definitely NOT a good way for beginners to learn and for that I’m really sorry. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif I really appreciate everyone’s feedback!

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For my own info, what’s the reason for this? I certainly don’t want to give bad advice or have someone get hurt. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif

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Also, In the SM position, as you reach behind you and grap the pole, you can lock your fingers together for extra support.

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i still think the best way to build strength is to climb climb climb! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_albino.gif

I agree. Climb to the top of the pole only using your arms and slide down. Do about 10 reps at a steady pace and you’ll see what she’s taking about. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

You can use your legs to hold on to the poll, but try not to push off with them. Pull the bulk of your weight with your arms. Sorry if what I said was confusing.

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i still think the best way to build strength is to climb climb climb! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_albino.gif

I agree. Climb to the top of the pole only using your arms and slide down. Do about 10 reps at a steady pace and you’ll see what she’s taking about. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

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Thank you. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif I’m not really sure about the flexibility part. It didn’t seem to strain my leg muscles at all, it’s the abs that are hurtin’ now. Just make sure your grip is good! Sorry I’m not much help there. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif

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Well, my hand now has a broken blister and my abs and back are burning, but I just had to attempt this move and I’m happy to say that it was somewhat of a success, though the failures are fun too!! It’s definitely not refined yet and I notice that my feet usually land at the level of my hand, but it’s a start. The trick is to get a good grip and kick out and up as strong and fast as you can.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXxSHXFHGMo

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Is there going to be an afterparty? Anyone know where?

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I will be there Thursday March 18th- March 20th ( i am leaving early that saturday afternoon to get back to work!)
I will be taking the alethea and jenyne butterfly workshops on that thursday night! And have tier 1 tickets for the pro show and need to buy my amateur ones still!
Me too! I would have liked to take some classes with the Saturday girls, but we are seeing a Riverdance show at Radio City Music Hall at 2, then we have to get going home.

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Ok so ive just found out that there WILL be workshops available that weekend…!! USPDF should have more info on their site soon, but ill update once i know more details on price, length, date, time, ect…
On the 14th, USPDF sent me an email with the workshop schedule and the link to buy packages and sign up for workshhops. Did nobody else get one? I wondered why the workshops weren’t filling up very fast.

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Well if it is her, I wonder why she was allowed to submit a video that was over 6 1/2 minutes long when the rules limit it to 2-3 minutes?

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i wonder if it was stephanie vera?

Wow. She’s an awesome dancer. I though she would get picked, but she said something about not having the money to go this year, which is a shame. If it’s her, I hope she could work something out and hopefully reconsider.

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So who is coming to New York even if you don’t get picked? I am.

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Finally we’re starting to hear back…. i havent heard anything either…. waaaahhhh!

Me neither, but if other girls are hearing from USPDF, hopefully it will be soon.

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Thank you guys. Her, her sister, and 2 brothers were found abandoned at around 2 weeks old under my ex’s porch. They were very sick and needed bottle fed. Since I work long night shifts, I had to take them to the humane society because they needed special care and coldn’t be left alone that long. A couple weeks later, I went back and adopted the 2 girls cuz I felt bad for having to drop them off. I wanted the 2 boys too, but 7 cats total would be too much. They are thriving now and I love them so much.

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You are great! Maybe that was my problem this whole time. I will heat it with a blow dryer or heating pad and tell you if it works for me when I get a chance. Thank you so very much!