[yogabeachbabe]

My first instructor said something like: “just throw your head back & kick up”. Ouch! Yeah, it took a while to get past that one! I didn’t realise how much that sunk into my psyche until I start working on a dead-lift inversion. Now I feel so much stronger and more connected. It really is sad how often I see “advanced” girls in class who are working on handsprings or straight-edges that don’t invert properly. You can see them struggling to get a toe on the pole. They’re so strong in so many ways–they’d be even more fantastic if only they’d go back to the basics.

[yogabeachbabe]

Happy Birthday Chemmie! Hope you have a fantastic day!

[yogabeachbabe]

Veena's lessons are wonderful. I've been lucky enough to always have teachers and I have to stay that Veena breaks down the movements in an excellent, safe, and thorough way. I have them and use them all the time. I highly recommend them.

[yogabeachbabe]

In learning (not teaching) shouldermount and dismount, I found that I will more often tweak my collarbone on dismount than shouldermount. I still have to make sure that I position myself absolutely correctly for dismount, but shouldermount never seems to be the problem.

[yogabeachbabe]

Oh, duh…I just went to my profile and clicked the little box that SAYS: email notifications. Sorry for bothering you!

[yogabeachbabe]

I'm SO in!

[yogabeachbabe]

Thanks for the words of encouragement, Nymph!

[yogabeachbabe]

I am so excited to say that I registered for Empy's training! I can't wait! I also hope to meet some Veeners that live in the area (Charley, Glitter, Joel, Berty's,etc) if possible. March seems like a zillion years away!!!

[yogabeachbabe]

Removable or permanent?
Is this a one piece or multi piece?
Static only or spinning?
Gently or heavily used?
Local only or shipping available?

[yogabeachbabe]

Hey there MaryJane. In the old studio where I worked, we had brass PoleDanzer poles & I LOVED them. I don’t have any experience with their portable party poles but I think they’re a solid company you can rely on. I’d love to hear more once you get your pole. Robert seems super nice. Glad you found them!

[yogabeachbabe]

Happy Birthday! Hope it’s a wonderful one!

[yogabeachbabe]

Excellent points Amy! I would also like to add that knowing the body (anatomy) and how it works (kinesiology) really helps in teaching effectively. Try to analyze how the body moves as a whole in addition to each muscle or muscle group. And depending on your clientele, knowledge of the energetic body can also be useful. When you get to the point where you’re spotting your students, having sure and certain hands-on cues is extremely important. As a student, I’d rather not have an instructor touch me than to have an unknowledgeable teacher randomly put a weak, unsupportive hand on me. I also think that a good instructor can break down what I’m doing wrong, help me correct my form and guide me to the proper usage. I feel a good teacher has a wealth of technique to draw upon and is able to use different images or words when I don’t "get it". And above all, I really appreciate a teacher that stresses safety and making sure that I’m working at my own pace rather than racing to keep up with the group or where I’m "supposed" to be.

[yogabeachbabe]

I remember when I was terrified to expose my midriff with just a bra top. I am still somewhat reluctant, but I’ve come really far from this psychological barrier!

[yogabeachbabe]

There are many different ways to climb, but they all involve technique. Climbing requires strength, yes, but once you understand HOW to do it, it’s pretty effortless. When I first started, I never learned how to climb properly so it was always a mad scramble up the pole! Once I learned how, it never seems like "work" now . Some dancers use more upper body strength, and some dancers use more leg strength to climb. Veena teaches one very solid method in her Lessons, which I believe many people call a Showgirl Climb. I have one teacher who only teaches that because to her, it’s sexier. There are other ways in which you use both legs on the pole. I learned a technique with both legs that is a never-fail way to climb although I get yelled at because it’s not as sexy. As for a sit, I feel that is all about practice. It’s all squeezing and figuring out the rotation of the thighs. It is honestly easier to settle into a sit from a climb than to practice it from the ground. If you post a vid, I’m sure you’ll get more help specifically for what you need.

[yogabeachbabe]

Welcome to StudioVeena! I think there are actually a lot of girls on here from Florida. I’m sure you will love it here. Everyone is really helpful and friendly. Be sure to check out Veena’s lessons and chat on Fridays!