Taking spinning pole classes at Poletential was such a great experience for me. Sunday was the last day out of a 3-day spinning pole clinic. On top of the previous tricks we learned, Amber taught us how to use a split grip to get into a cradle and how to climb beginning with a V/toe twirl.
While I should really master moves on a stationary pole, it's so much more entertaining to practice on a spinning pole. Spinning poles force you to control your movement to conserve momentum and builds your strength because you're just holding a move for a prolonged period of time. I would say the only really difficult part of spinning pole, is getting over motion sickness if you have that problem and being comfortable spinning while transitioning into moves.
Now that this class is over and I only have two more drop-in classes, I have become more motivated to set up my own X-Pole which has been patiently waiting for me. Poor thing.
Showing posts with label Poletential. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Poletential. Show all posts
Monday, May 17, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Spin Class: Day Two
In addition to everything we learned in the last class, Amber taught us how to do combos and to invert and invert combos. The one I can vaguely remember doing is a:
(1)Basic Twirl
(2)Back Hook
(3)Side Climb
(4)V
(5)Swing into a chair
(6)Cross-knee release
The other combo we did last time was:
(1)Bow-tie Climb
(2)V
(3)Swing into a chair
(4)Lean forward and grab knees
Once we were comfortably inverting, which is very similar to inverting on a stationary pole Amber taught us some basic invert combos:
Invert Combos:
(1)Walk into an invert
(2)Gemini
(1)Walk into an invert
(3)Inverted V
If we did more steps afterward then I can't remember them just right now! I did something slightly not smart, especially since we were inverting so much. I repeatedly cleaned the pole with a towel moist with alcohol. Wiping it down so often just made it easier to stick to, thus also made my legs burn like hell!!!
(1)Basic Twirl
(2)Back Hook
(3)Side Climb
(4)V
(5)Swing into a chair
(6)Cross-knee release
The other combo we did last time was:
(1)Bow-tie Climb
(2)V
(3)Swing into a chair
(4)Lean forward and grab knees
Once we were comfortably inverting, which is very similar to inverting on a stationary pole Amber taught us some basic invert combos:
Invert Combos:
(1)Walk into an invert
(2)Gemini
(1)Walk into an invert
(3)Inverted V
If we did more steps afterward then I can't remember them just right now! I did something slightly not smart, especially since we were inverting so much. I repeatedly cleaned the pole with a towel moist with alcohol. Wiping it down so often just made it easier to stick to, thus also made my legs burn like hell!!!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Spinning Pole Class: Day One - Conserve Momentum
After two pole-free weeks, I was understandably nervous to attend my first of three spinning pole classes at Poletential. All I could think about on the hours leading up to the class was how sweaty my palms were and how I would probably go slipping right off the pole if Amber asked me to do anything resembling a twirl. I hate twirls! They are my worst enemy and I would go as far as canceling the 3-week clinic if I needed too. In the past I have quit before even trying, pathetic I know.
Fortunately, the spinning pole class was nothing I expected it to be. While I anticipated twirls, I learned that most of the techniques you use are holds and require little momentum. Secondly, the class wasn't extremely fast paced which I feared for some reason. My fears were put to rest early in the class and I was able to relax and enjoy it.
Half-way through the class I started to get extremely excited and had all these ideas and questions in my head that I just couldn't keep to myself. I started to think that these classes should be offered on a regular basis and I couldn't help asking Amber if she planned on instructing more in the future. Even though I am poor now, I felt hungry for more. And Amber mentioned that if there were any classes I took it should be just for spinning because of all the little unique tricks and techniques you can't learn on your own. I would actually recommend all intermediate and advanced pole dancers to try a spinning pole class if you have a stomach for it.
We began with a basic move that consisted of grabbing the pole with one arm at a 90 degree angle, taking one step forward and placing your other hand on the pole. Spinning pole requires a lot of arm, back and core strength to hold yourself into a position, so even this move was difficult for all of us. The goal of this move was to vertically align yourself with the pole and to distance your body away from the pole. This is harder than it looks. Most of us ended up being too close to the pole and sideways. It takes a lot of control and thought. Another variation was to spread your legs out into a V while facing the pole.
I think the next thing we moved on to was inverting. Only that none of us would be inverting on the first class. We were just learning the steps to getting into an invert. I LOVE AMBER! We were told to grab the pole with one arm (90 degree) and to grab the pole with the other hand while simultaneously swinging out your legs. It's important that you end up in a position where you are slanted up against the pole. Unlike the first move, momentum is important and necessary. After accomplishing this, we were told to bring in our knees. Done. The only issue I had with this was basically getting enough momentum. Amber said that most people either don't start off with enough or more than enough and fly off the pole. I'd rather be the former.
We also worked on climbing. To start us off Amber had us do a bow-tie twirl on the pole. After we were all comfortable removing one of our arms gracefully, she had us learn how to gain momentum. Once you're in the bow-toe position with your ankles crossed, you grip the pole with both of your knees and do a backward body wave up the pole so that you are very close to the pole. This makes you spin faster. To reduce the speed, you basically push your butt outward.
After practicing how to do this a couple of times we moved on to half-climbs using our knees still in the bow-tie position and our arms to pull us up. Amber emphasized that you don't ever want to pull yourself up into a full climb because you lose your momentum.
Once we climbed up the pole, the next step was to release our legs into a V and swing one leg into a chair position. My hands are getting sweaty just thinking about it. I basically chickened out every time I got too high. The pole would be spinning too fast for me and all I wanted it to do was stop or slow down!
Altogether I absolutely loved this class and it was a great class to get me back into pole. I've been feeling really horrible in terms of self-esteem and my love life, so I have been a hermit. Taking this class has really pumped me up again and I'm definitely looking forward to next Sunday's class! Thank heavens for Amber and Poletential!!!
Fortunately, the spinning pole class was nothing I expected it to be. While I anticipated twirls, I learned that most of the techniques you use are holds and require little momentum. Secondly, the class wasn't extremely fast paced which I feared for some reason. My fears were put to rest early in the class and I was able to relax and enjoy it.
Half-way through the class I started to get extremely excited and had all these ideas and questions in my head that I just couldn't keep to myself. I started to think that these classes should be offered on a regular basis and I couldn't help asking Amber if she planned on instructing more in the future. Even though I am poor now, I felt hungry for more. And Amber mentioned that if there were any classes I took it should be just for spinning because of all the little unique tricks and techniques you can't learn on your own. I would actually recommend all intermediate and advanced pole dancers to try a spinning pole class if you have a stomach for it.
We began with a basic move that consisted of grabbing the pole with one arm at a 90 degree angle, taking one step forward and placing your other hand on the pole. Spinning pole requires a lot of arm, back and core strength to hold yourself into a position, so even this move was difficult for all of us. The goal of this move was to vertically align yourself with the pole and to distance your body away from the pole. This is harder than it looks. Most of us ended up being too close to the pole and sideways. It takes a lot of control and thought. Another variation was to spread your legs out into a V while facing the pole.
I think the next thing we moved on to was inverting. Only that none of us would be inverting on the first class. We were just learning the steps to getting into an invert. I LOVE AMBER! We were told to grab the pole with one arm (90 degree) and to grab the pole with the other hand while simultaneously swinging out your legs. It's important that you end up in a position where you are slanted up against the pole. Unlike the first move, momentum is important and necessary. After accomplishing this, we were told to bring in our knees. Done. The only issue I had with this was basically getting enough momentum. Amber said that most people either don't start off with enough or more than enough and fly off the pole. I'd rather be the former.
We also worked on climbing. To start us off Amber had us do a bow-tie twirl on the pole. After we were all comfortable removing one of our arms gracefully, she had us learn how to gain momentum. Once you're in the bow-toe position with your ankles crossed, you grip the pole with both of your knees and do a backward body wave up the pole so that you are very close to the pole. This makes you spin faster. To reduce the speed, you basically push your butt outward.
After practicing how to do this a couple of times we moved on to half-climbs using our knees still in the bow-tie position and our arms to pull us up. Amber emphasized that you don't ever want to pull yourself up into a full climb because you lose your momentum.
Once we climbed up the pole, the next step was to release our legs into a V and swing one leg into a chair position. My hands are getting sweaty just thinking about it. I basically chickened out every time I got too high. The pole would be spinning too fast for me and all I wanted it to do was stop or slow down!
Altogether I absolutely loved this class and it was a great class to get me back into pole. I've been feeling really horrible in terms of self-esteem and my love life, so I have been a hermit. Taking this class has really pumped me up again and I'm definitely looking forward to next Sunday's class! Thank heavens for Amber and Poletential!!!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Pole Class: Day 18
There are some things I will do and some things I won't do. The things I will do are things that my body has a physical advantage over, like climbs and inversions. What always gets me are the twirls. I blame this on my short legs. I also do have a fear of falling off the pole because of my sweaty hands.
This Total Pole class would be the first class I take after my brief 2-week hiatus. I think we started off with a transitional move, which consisted of a hand twirl into a stationary heart beat and a transition out. That was easy enough, although I can't say that I looked the most graceful. Of course we move onto our twirl, the part of the class that I dread the most!! We did the Reverse Grab which happens to be my favorite twirl of all twirls. All I can do is literally stand back and watch my class mates complete this trick while I watch. Sad huh?
After that we did our climb. This time Amber taught us a climb with a more foot emphasis versus the usual upper body grab and pull. I hated this one. The spot right on top of my foot is so weak and bruises so easily that it's painful for me to put too much pressure there. It would've been easier if I was wearing some sort of show, but I tend not to bring shoes to class anymore.
After this climb, Amber taught us how to do the Ballerina. I don't think I'll ever look comfortable doing this move. I should actually ban this pose from my repertoire to save myself the embarrassment. If you're great at contorting your body, this is the move for you! Actually if you're tall and slender this move is for you! Can you imagine a little midget like me doing this one? Not enough body to twist around the pole!
Lastly, we ended with an inversion which was the Caterpillar. We did it both ways. Since I'm pretty comfortable with going down the pole, I really wanted to concentrate on the Caterpillar as a climbing technique. I think it takes a lot of control and strength to do this one so it's definitely one of the ones that I push myself to learn. Too bad I can only really practice this one in the studio with the sky-high poles! You can only go so far with a portable pole at home!
This Total Pole class would be the first class I take after my brief 2-week hiatus. I think we started off with a transitional move, which consisted of a hand twirl into a stationary heart beat and a transition out. That was easy enough, although I can't say that I looked the most graceful. Of course we move onto our twirl, the part of the class that I dread the most!! We did the Reverse Grab which happens to be my favorite twirl of all twirls. All I can do is literally stand back and watch my class mates complete this trick while I watch. Sad huh?
After that we did our climb. This time Amber taught us a climb with a more foot emphasis versus the usual upper body grab and pull. I hated this one. The spot right on top of my foot is so weak and bruises so easily that it's painful for me to put too much pressure there. It would've been easier if I was wearing some sort of show, but I tend not to bring shoes to class anymore.
After this climb, Amber taught us how to do the Ballerina. I don't think I'll ever look comfortable doing this move. I should actually ban this pose from my repertoire to save myself the embarrassment. If you're great at contorting your body, this is the move for you! Actually if you're tall and slender this move is for you! Can you imagine a little midget like me doing this one? Not enough body to twist around the pole!
Lastly, we ended with an inversion which was the Caterpillar. We did it both ways. Since I'm pretty comfortable with going down the pole, I really wanted to concentrate on the Caterpillar as a climbing technique. I think it takes a lot of control and strength to do this one so it's definitely one of the ones that I push myself to learn. Too bad I can only really practice this one in the studio with the sky-high poles! You can only go so far with a portable pole at home!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Me + Pole = GoldenMinx
I'm the worst when it comes to making up titles and nicknames. Since titles and nicknames are important when it comes to someone's first impression, I usually spend a good amount of time thinking them over. I think it's safe to say that I've been thinking about my StudioVeena nickname for about 3 months now. And I still don't think it accurately describes how I see myself as a pole dancer.
BUT I must prepare myself for that day. That day where I can no longer afford to pay for drop-in classes at my beloved dance studio, Poletential. And I feel that day is coming fast. I will soon be a poor college student again, and when that happens I will no longer have a really great source of income. So with the pressure of being poor, I made myself think about it and I finally came up with GoldenMinx.
I chose "Minx" because my alter ego has a lot more sexual self-confidence and can tear men apart (literally). And I chose "Golden" because (1) Minx by itself sounds strange and (2) I will have my gold titanium pole soon! So when you put them together you get a GoldenMinx! I hope you don't think that's lame. It's the best that I could do, and I need to start cracking on instructional pole dance videos!
BUT I must prepare myself for that day. That day where I can no longer afford to pay for drop-in classes at my beloved dance studio, Poletential. And I feel that day is coming fast. I will soon be a poor college student again, and when that happens I will no longer have a really great source of income. So with the pressure of being poor, I made myself think about it and I finally came up with GoldenMinx.
I chose "Minx" because my alter ego has a lot more sexual self-confidence and can tear men apart (literally). And I chose "Golden" because (1) Minx by itself sounds strange and (2) I will have my gold titanium pole soon! So when you put them together you get a GoldenMinx! I hope you don't think that's lame. It's the best that I could do, and I need to start cracking on instructional pole dance videos!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Spinning Pole
I just signed up for a 3-week spinning pole series class! Too bad it's not until May. I'm really excited to start learning since I SHOULD be expecting my X-Pert X-pole (stationary/spinning) at the end of this month or next month! I know the class is going to be really challenging, but it's going to be awesome! The class is is a hour long with 4 students max, since the studio only has 2 spinning poles. I better start getting used to being dizzy! Centrifugal force?? Pssh...that's nothing.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Pole Class: Day Seventeen
With the exception of finding bloody fingernails and a belly button after class, I though today's class went very well. At today's Total Pole, Amber taught us the Corkscrew twirl, Yogini and Caterpillar. For most of us in the class, these were tricks that we've worked on before (which isn't a bad thing!).
I had so much fun in class, partly because I was trying and actually getting the tricks down. I secretly love the Caterpillar and Reverse Caterpillar. I know it isn't the sexiest pole trick you can whip out, but it's definitely one of the more interesting and difficult ones just because of the whole defying gravity part.
I can't wait to get and install my own pole! Then I can practice every day!
I had so much fun in class, partly because I was trying and actually getting the tricks down. I secretly love the Caterpillar and Reverse Caterpillar. I know it isn't the sexiest pole trick you can whip out, but it's definitely one of the more interesting and difficult ones just because of the whole defying gravity part.
I can't wait to get and install my own pole! Then I can practice every day!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Pretty Pole: Day Five
I came to class in a bad mood and with a negative attitude and I let it ruin my class. Right before class I was rushing to do some errands, and that involved waiting in line at Kaiser's pharmacy. Ugh!!! I HATE lines. It took me an entire hour to get that done. I just had enough time to rush home and grab my things for class. I drove like a mad woman to Redwood City. I wasn't about to miss another class. I can't even remember the last time I danced, it seems like forever...which definitely explains why I was so rusty. Attitude twirl? What's that? Hook ankle hook dammit!
In general it felt pretty good to be practicing again. It's just that twirling is my weakness and the Pretty Pole dance routine is basically made up of the Attitude, Betty Pin-up Chair and Basic twirls. What was kind of neat was that Christina taught us how to add a twist the the chair twirl. In addition to opening your thoracic (chest), you lean your rib cage to the side and bend your head too. It looks really pretty if your hair is down and makes you go around the pole faster...if you did it right you get dizzy.
Another highlight from today's class was that I wore my new black platforms and I LOVE them! My new FAVORITE pair!!! They're sooo hot and easy to dance in. I just don't want to do the moves in them because I know that they'll get scratched and messed up!! Stupid Carol twirl also messed up my pedicure I just got yesterday too! Bah! Maybe I should start wearing socks to class. Haha!
Even though this series is supposed to consist of only 5 classes, Christina is adding one on for free! Yippee! Which means that next Monday she will be filming us dancing to songs. I strongly do not want to be filmed since I don't want to look like a fool. But if I did, I would dance to "Hey Daddy" by Usher. I wish my pole would get here already!!!
Sooo at the end of class I took the opportunity to practice my Caterpillar inversion. For some crazy reason, the sheer difficulty of it makes me want to do it. And I know I can if I just practice. It's crazy how your body automatically gets used to movement after repeating it several times. I was actually surprised how easy it was to push my ass up. What I'm really afraid of doing is doing a Reverse Caterpillar because that means I would have to release my knees and push up my legs so that I'm totally vertically on the pole (however short that may be). But I will do it! And when my pole comes I'm going to master that move even if it kills me!
So another thing to complain about...I keep getting bruises. I don't want to climb because I get bruises so easily. There has to be some way I can climb without bruising...but on a happy note, my shoes make it easy to climb in. I love that sticky sound on the pole, that means I have to do less work!
In general it felt pretty good to be practicing again. It's just that twirling is my weakness and the Pretty Pole dance routine is basically made up of the Attitude, Betty Pin-up Chair and Basic twirls. What was kind of neat was that Christina taught us how to add a twist the the chair twirl. In addition to opening your thoracic (chest), you lean your rib cage to the side and bend your head too. It looks really pretty if your hair is down and makes you go around the pole faster...if you did it right you get dizzy.
Another highlight from today's class was that I wore my new black platforms and I LOVE them! My new FAVORITE pair!!! They're sooo hot and easy to dance in. I just don't want to do the moves in them because I know that they'll get scratched and messed up!! Stupid Carol twirl also messed up my pedicure I just got yesterday too! Bah! Maybe I should start wearing socks to class. Haha!
Even though this series is supposed to consist of only 5 classes, Christina is adding one on for free! Yippee! Which means that next Monday she will be filming us dancing to songs. I strongly do not want to be filmed since I don't want to look like a fool. But if I did, I would dance to "Hey Daddy" by Usher. I wish my pole would get here already!!!
Sooo at the end of class I took the opportunity to practice my Caterpillar inversion. For some crazy reason, the sheer difficulty of it makes me want to do it. And I know I can if I just practice. It's crazy how your body automatically gets used to movement after repeating it several times. I was actually surprised how easy it was to push my ass up. What I'm really afraid of doing is doing a Reverse Caterpillar because that means I would have to release my knees and push up my legs so that I'm totally vertically on the pole (however short that may be). But I will do it! And when my pole comes I'm going to master that move even if it kills me!
So another thing to complain about...I keep getting bruises. I don't want to climb because I get bruises so easily. There has to be some way I can climb without bruising...but on a happy note, my shoes make it easy to climb in. I love that sticky sound on the pole, that means I have to do less work!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Pole Class: Day Sixteen
So I went one day without pole and I started to feel weird...I think it was very similar to what someone experiencing withdrawal would feel like. At this point, I'm about ready to purchase my Titanium Gold X-Pole (w/spinning capability baby!). So X-pole or bust!!
After watching Mina and Estee Tuesday night, I became determined to learn more advanced moves and to work more on my Caterpillar. I couldn't think of a better class to go to then Tricked Out. It was my second Tricked Out class and I forgot how I always see people in that class that I don't recognize.
Tonight Ellen taught the class. For twirls we learned the Reverse Grip. For inversions we learned the Caterpillar, Reverse Caterpillar, Scorpio and Allegra.
When done right the Reverse Grip is the most beautiful twirl/spin I think you can do. To get into you could start with a chair, and as you let go of your bracket arm your hips swing in front of the pole and you can easily place your bracket arm back onto the pole.
After Jenyne's workshop, I swear that the Caterpillar became about 5X easier for me. She's all about conditioning and her conditioning exercise for the Caterpillar truly works. It's like doing push-ups on the pole. I just need to get the Reverse Caterpillar down. Ellen taught it with the forearm grip, but I learned the elbow grip from Jenyne and I like that one way better. I like the elbow grip better because my palms get really sweaty holding myself in Caterpillar position, so to minimize the sweat on the pole for me the better. At this point in class, I truly wished I could go home and just practice this one all night.
I swear the Scorpio should be easy for me, but I keep making it more difficult than it really is.
So the Allegra inversion was a new one for me tonight. When you invert you hook your inside leg so your knee is bent (for me this is the right leg) around the pole. You take your right hand and wrap it around the front of your leg so that it's gripping the nook between your bent knee and the pole. From here you extend your body to face outward and grip the pole on the bottom with your left hand. I couldn't do this part. After that you extend your left leg and right leg. Point those toes! When you're in the position correctly, your legs are off the pole and straight. Good luck!
TwirlGirl had a great idea to get into Cross-Knee Release together on the pole. This is my favorite pose from a climb...because I can do it! Haha.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Pretty Pole: Day Three
Gah! I have so many bruises! I really want to get in more pole time but I also want to give myself a break before tomorrow (especially my bruises!). For tonight my options are (a) stay in and watch Inglorious Basterds...maybe stop by Union Square to pick up some PINK...maybe. I said MAYBE DAMMIT! I'm not a shop-a-holic...which reminds me I need to buy my platinum gold heels now so I can wear them to Vegas (b) go to Pretty Pole and get in more practice...maybe an advil afterward. Now I know why my back won't arch anymore! I demand a back massage after this performance!
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Ok so I did go to class! But can someone tell me why I decided to work on my caterpillar inversion after class when I'm the most tired???? I almost fell on my face! Luckily the back of my right hand caught my fall...I think I was trying to snake down and then all of a sudden I let go. I was actually very close to the ground already so the fall wasn't bad...I think it looked worse and sounded worse than it actually felt. Gah!
I'm going to just chill and watch Inglourious Basterds now....
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Ok so I did go to class! But can someone tell me why I decided to work on my caterpillar inversion after class when I'm the most tired???? I almost fell on my face! Luckily the back of my right hand caught my fall...I think I was trying to snake down and then all of a sudden I let go. I was actually very close to the ground already so the fall wasn't bad...I think it looked worse and sounded worse than it actually felt. Gah!
I'm going to just chill and watch Inglourious Basterds now....
One-on-One Pole Action
Even though I've taken so many classes from Poletential to a point that I can't even really keep count of them any more, I still need help improvising and free style dancing for my performance. Luckily Ellen and I were able to get together for a hour on Sunday to review twirls, transitions and climbs for my Tuesday performance. Toward the end of the one-hour private pole lesson I definitely felt more confident...I just have to not freeze up and make it obvious that I'm thinking "what to do next?! What to do next?!?" haha.
As always, Ellen, the master of Sultry dance, was super encouraging and gave me tons of tips I could use for Tuesday night. I kind of wish that she can be right next to me as if in a boxing ring, telling me what I have to do step by step. Haha. Now tango dip! Left foot down! Right foot up! I'll just have to conjure up Ellen's voice in my head while I'm dancing.
The one hour session was exactly what I needed to warm-up for tomorrow. I can't wait now! I hope they play good music!
As always, Ellen, the master of Sultry dance, was super encouraging and gave me tons of tips I could use for Tuesday night. I kind of wish that she can be right next to me as if in a boxing ring, telling me what I have to do step by step. Haha. Now tango dip! Left foot down! Right foot up! I'll just have to conjure up Ellen's voice in my head while I'm dancing.
The one hour session was exactly what I needed to warm-up for tomorrow. I can't wait now! I hope they play good music!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Jenyne Butterfly Workshop
Everything said about Jenyne Butterfly is true. She's inspirational, pure muscle and a beautiful dancer. I used to be bias about leggy dancers...as in the taller you are the more attractive the performance. But Jenyne has definitely changed my perception after watching her twirl around the pole like a silk ribbon. From now on my standards of pole performances will be based off of Jenyne...which just makes everyone else look kind of sloppy, including me!!
After being undecided about attending Jenyne's workshop for over 2 weeks, I finally decided at the last minute to suck up the cost and just do it. It was the best $65 I've ever spent. Not only was she an amazing dancer, but Jenyne also instructed the class in a way that made even the most difficult moves doable for people at any level.
She took suggestions in the beginning as to what to instruct us on, including the Tornado, Cross Grip, Yogini...
Apprentice into a Superman....
Aysha, and Caterpillar...
The Caterpillar inversion/climb is one of my least favorite due to difficulty and bruises I get all over my knees and front of my feet (death grip anyone?). But after doing some conditioning exercises that simulated the motion, I was able to invert, get into position and shove my ass up into the air. I was able to wrap my elbow around the pole, but to push my legs up the pole to crawl up again was a little bit too much for me. I felt more comfortable doing the conditioning exercises with both my hands flat on the ground. But at least I'm getting somewhere now!
I also really loved all the other moves she taught us in class. Although I did bruise up like I do in my other classes, I left the class so happy that I actually was really happy and proud of them for the first time!
Although I initially walked into the workshop extremely intimidated, I left more confident and with new moves under my belt. Thanks Jenyne!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Pole Class: Day Fifteen
Last night we finished the routine we started last Wednesday with some floor work and more twirls. I definitely like this routine since we incorporated head tossing (love that!), climbs, fun floor work and a new twirl (Piping spin).
I actually did something last night that I never do...stay for Stretch & Flex resistance stretching. For 1/2 hour we were stretching to get into the splits. It was my first class, so I wasn't about to do anything crazy.
What was kind of funny is that a student kept asking Ellen to show her how to do the Shoulder Mount, and Ellen kept telling her not to try it. And lo and be hold, the student did it! The power of determination and the right mind set people.
After stretch and flex I quickly put on a costume and asked Ellen take a body shot picture of me. It's not really flattering, but that's probably because I was also very uncomfortable. Haha. Thank you Ellen!!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Pole Class: Day Fourteen
I'm just going to come out and say it. I SUCK at twirls. They are my ultimate weakness...that and donuts, chocolate cake, strawberry milkshakes, scones and an ice cold glass of whole milk. Since we're on the topic of what I'm really bad at I might as well mention that yesterday I tore skin off the bottom of my right hand because my grip was too hard and I was starting to hold my hand higher. It just got worse today! Boooo! Plus I think my right foot is swollen and it looks ugly...
Ok soooo tonight's class was Flirty Tricks taught by Christina. I really enjoy going to this class because we often go over tricks I've first learned in Total Pole that I need to go over. BUT TONIGHT WAS SPECIAL!!! Christina actually taught some twirls that look really good that I've never tried before. Brand new material to learn!!?!?! Yess!!
One of the twirls that Christina taught us tonight was a Toe Twirl. It's really cute because you can lightly drag your toes along the floor as you spin around the pole. To do this move you simply step with your inside foot, swing your outside leg around and then lift both legs backwards (make sure your legs are straight!). You hold onto the pole with your strong hand and bracket with your other hand to make a triangle. We added on another twirl to the Toe Twirl that I didn't really care for...especially since I kept doing it wrong. Haha.
Next we learned the Switch Twirl, which Christina explained to us was a 1/2 Fireman and a 1/2 Fireman?? We learned the Fireman Twirl first. The Fireman Twirl looks like both your knees are bent and squishing against the pole while you are seated...so kind of like a fireman twirling down a pole. To do the Switch Twirl you step with your inside foot, swing out your outside leg while you bracket with your other hand, your inside leg should bend at the knee first while your outside leg is kept straight. I can't really remember the next step clearly so I probably shouldn't write anything down...
After that we learned a Carousel Twirl. This is different from the first two because your bracket thumb will be facing downward. Again you step with your inside foot and swing your outside foot to give you momentum. Bring both your feet backward so that they touch and arch your back as you swing around the pole. Thank goodness that was the last twirl we learned! You can actually add on a Heartbeat onto the end of this twirl...
For the climbs we learned a Carousel Drop. From a climb, with both of your arms in L position you let go of your legs. You must have the pole up against your breast and belly for this move. You can slide down from this position, but as you slide down your arms must fall at the same time with you.
Another climb pose we learned was the Piping Seat. From a climb, You bring out both your legs to the front. You can twist them at the ankle or if you're feeling comfortable enough you can have them out straight just remember to squeeze squeeze squeeze!!! Then you bring you grab onto the back of your thighs/legs and bend forward. You can also bring your body to the front of the pole and grab your thighs as well.
Lastly for our inversion, Christina taught us the Caterpillar. This was the third time the Caterpillar was brought up in a drop-in class for me, and each time I thought it was the most painful move to learn. Until I can learn to squeeze harder with my knees instead with my feet, then I will always get massive foot bruises from this one. I'll get it down one day, just not tonight :)
Ok soooo tonight's class was Flirty Tricks taught by Christina. I really enjoy going to this class because we often go over tricks I've first learned in Total Pole that I need to go over. BUT TONIGHT WAS SPECIAL!!! Christina actually taught some twirls that look really good that I've never tried before. Brand new material to learn!!?!?! Yess!!
One of the twirls that Christina taught us tonight was a Toe Twirl. It's really cute because you can lightly drag your toes along the floor as you spin around the pole. To do this move you simply step with your inside foot, swing your outside leg around and then lift both legs backwards (make sure your legs are straight!). You hold onto the pole with your strong hand and bracket with your other hand to make a triangle. We added on another twirl to the Toe Twirl that I didn't really care for...especially since I kept doing it wrong. Haha.
Next we learned the Switch Twirl, which Christina explained to us was a 1/2 Fireman and a 1/2 Fireman?? We learned the Fireman Twirl first. The Fireman Twirl looks like both your knees are bent and squishing against the pole while you are seated...so kind of like a fireman twirling down a pole. To do the Switch Twirl you step with your inside foot, swing out your outside leg while you bracket with your other hand, your inside leg should bend at the knee first while your outside leg is kept straight. I can't really remember the next step clearly so I probably shouldn't write anything down...
After that we learned a Carousel Twirl. This is different from the first two because your bracket thumb will be facing downward. Again you step with your inside foot and swing your outside foot to give you momentum. Bring both your feet backward so that they touch and arch your back as you swing around the pole. Thank goodness that was the last twirl we learned! You can actually add on a Heartbeat onto the end of this twirl...
For the climbs we learned a Carousel Drop. From a climb, with both of your arms in L position you let go of your legs. You must have the pole up against your breast and belly for this move. You can slide down from this position, but as you slide down your arms must fall at the same time with you.
Another climb pose we learned was the Piping Seat. From a climb, You bring out both your legs to the front. You can twist them at the ankle or if you're feeling comfortable enough you can have them out straight just remember to squeeze squeeze squeeze!!! Then you bring you grab onto the back of your thighs/legs and bend forward. You can also bring your body to the front of the pole and grab your thighs as well.
Lastly for our inversion, Christina taught us the Caterpillar. This was the third time the Caterpillar was brought up in a drop-in class for me, and each time I thought it was the most painful move to learn. Until I can learn to squeeze harder with my knees instead with my feet, then I will always get massive foot bruises from this one. I'll get it down one day, just not tonight :)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Pretty Pole Dance: Day Two
I don't want to be one of those people who cry, whine and bitch, but I do and I think I did or at least to myself on the way home after practice tonight. Thirty minutes into tonight's practice I was thinking about how hungry I was and how much I really just wanted to take a nice long break. I always think it will be cute to leave my hair down during practice so I can flip it, but half way into practice when my hair gets sweaty I don't think it was such a bright idea any more. Hold on! Now I know why Christina's hair is cut short! Brilliant!
Ok, so I wanted to share my boring good news with all of you!!! Tonight I inverted! But I didn't invert into a Crucifix, I V-ed out my legs into a Chopper!!!!! Yay! I know this is a small feat to accomplish, but I don't utilize my abs enough and I finally forced myself into it tonight. The coffee and Mighty Grip powder might've also helped...BTW I'm going to get me some of that Mighty Grip. My hands always get sweaty half way into practice and then the pole becomes a slip 'n slide. Soooo dangerous!
Like in our first day of the 5-week Pretty series taught by Christina and Ellen, we went over the twirls, climbs and inversions first before we pieced them all together at the end. We reviewed the Attitude Twirl, Chair Twirl & Pin-up Chair Twirl variation, Carol Twirl(walking left and twirl to the ground), Inverted Thigh Hold (AKA Tammy) and Skater pose from a climb.
This is me doing an Inverted Thigh Hold...please ignore the silly smile! Ont he bright side, my inverted smile didn't up as a frown!
It helps to squeeze that thigh for dear life, because if you don't it feels like you're going to end up face first into that floor.
Since I'm not great with choreography, I ended up watching Christina piece together all the moves at the end of the class. Half the time I didn't even know what I was doing, but it was fun! Haha.
Ok, so I wanted to share my boring good news with all of you!!! Tonight I inverted! But I didn't invert into a Crucifix, I V-ed out my legs into a Chopper!!!!! Yay! I know this is a small feat to accomplish, but I don't utilize my abs enough and I finally forced myself into it tonight. The coffee and Mighty Grip powder might've also helped...BTW I'm going to get me some of that Mighty Grip. My hands always get sweaty half way into practice and then the pole becomes a slip 'n slide. Soooo dangerous!
Like in our first day of the 5-week Pretty series taught by Christina and Ellen, we went over the twirls, climbs and inversions first before we pieced them all together at the end. We reviewed the Attitude Twirl, Chair Twirl & Pin-up Chair Twirl variation, Carol Twirl(walking left and twirl to the ground), Inverted Thigh Hold (AKA Tammy) and Skater pose from a climb.
This is me doing an Inverted Thigh Hold...please ignore the silly smile! Ont he bright side, my inverted smile didn't up as a frown!
It helps to squeeze that thigh for dear life, because if you don't it feels like you're going to end up face first into that floor.
Since I'm not great with choreography, I ended up watching Christina piece together all the moves at the end of the class. Half the time I didn't even know what I was doing, but it was fun! Haha.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Pole Class: Day Thirteen
Today, Amber kicked my ass in Total Pole. I can always count on Thursday and Saturday classes to send me home in aching pain. In addition to a cute three-step move she taught us to use while walking around the pole, we focused on the power climb, Spinning Scorpio and a Front Knee Hook twirl. I definitely made an attempt at all three, but it wasn't a pretty sight. After class, I went home and drowned my sorrow away in breakfast food. Yuuuuum.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Pole Class: Day Twelve
Really this is my 13th, but I'm not counting my 5-week series class because then it throws everything off and I'll end up getting confused! Last night was Sultry Wednesday and I loved it! As always Ellen taught the class (and Cat was there too!)
I loved this class because Ellen did exactly what I wanted without even asking! I love that! What I loved about last night's routine is that she incorporated a climb. Since I'm getting better at climbing the pole, thanks to my marvelous red shoes, I want to use it more often and didn't know how to insert it into a dance. What would be really cool is to learn how to twirl into a climb. I saw another dancer try it out and was jealous...
At the end of class, Twirl Girl and I took some photos...in class I was able to practice the Cross Knee Release which I'm slowly becoming comfortable with. I'm also slowly becoming comfortable being bruised all over my body too! Hehe.
I loved this class because Ellen did exactly what I wanted without even asking! I love that! What I loved about last night's routine is that she incorporated a climb. Since I'm getting better at climbing the pole, thanks to my marvelous red shoes, I want to use it more often and didn't know how to insert it into a dance. What would be really cool is to learn how to twirl into a climb. I saw another dancer try it out and was jealous...
At the end of class, Twirl Girl and I took some photos...in class I was able to practice the Cross Knee Release which I'm slowly becoming comfortable with. I'm also slowly becoming comfortable being bruised all over my body too! Hehe.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Why I Love Pole Dancing
Pole dancing is not just for strippers any more. No matter what your body type, skinny or fat, tall or short and even bowlegged...you can and will dance. I've seen all types in my classes. While your assets may determine if you can do some moves easier than others, in general the more you dance the easier it becomes and the more strength you build. Eventually with enough practice you will get the moves down, and that's what I love about pole dancing so much. Anybody can do it! Guys too!
When I first started, I didn't have any upper body strength to lift myself up. I didn't have enough core strength to do inversions. Honestly, I didn't want to become muscly or have a lot of definition in my body. But I've become really proud of all muscles I've toned because now it just means I can do climbs, twirls and inversions better!
My first class of a 5-week choreographed dance class last night really showed me how much I've improved since day one. And for me, any improvement is good no matter how small! The class had a lot of beginners and first timers that I have never seen in the other classes that I attend, so when I saw the expression on one girl's face when they saw Christina and Ellen twirl around the pole effortlessly it brought me back to my first Total Pole class. I was like, that was me just eleven classes ago!!
Even though I come out of pole classes bruised (and sometimes even cut!), I absolutely love it!
Ok, are you ready for the SECOND reason why I LOVE pole dancing? Because of the SHOES!!!! OMG. I cannot describe how much I love platform heels. It's like costumes for your feet! Here are all my recent obsessions I found all on Snaz75...
Tony Shoes Piping Hot in Pink ($38.99)
Tony Shoes Piping Hot in Black
Tony Shoes Bulleted Sandal 431 in Black ($95.99)
I really want them in white! And I'll make the bullets work on the pole!
Pleaser Delight 601T...I just thought it was cool that they were BLUE! ($39.99)
Ellie Shoes 609 Edgy ($51.99)
Ellie Shoes 609 Edgy on Model
When I first started, I didn't have any upper body strength to lift myself up. I didn't have enough core strength to do inversions. Honestly, I didn't want to become muscly or have a lot of definition in my body. But I've become really proud of all muscles I've toned because now it just means I can do climbs, twirls and inversions better!
My first class of a 5-week choreographed dance class last night really showed me how much I've improved since day one. And for me, any improvement is good no matter how small! The class had a lot of beginners and first timers that I have never seen in the other classes that I attend, so when I saw the expression on one girl's face when they saw Christina and Ellen twirl around the pole effortlessly it brought me back to my first Total Pole class. I was like, that was me just eleven classes ago!!
Even though I come out of pole classes bruised (and sometimes even cut!), I absolutely love it!
Ok, are you ready for the SECOND reason why I LOVE pole dancing? Because of the SHOES!!!! OMG. I cannot describe how much I love platform heels. It's like costumes for your feet! Here are all my recent obsessions I found all on Snaz75...
Tony Shoes Piping Hot in Pink ($38.99)
Tony Shoes Piping Hot in Black
Tony Shoes Bulleted Sandal 431 in Black ($95.99)
I really want them in white! And I'll make the bullets work on the pole!
Pleaser Delight 601T...I just thought it was cool that they were BLUE! ($39.99)
Ellie Shoes 609 Edgy ($51.99)
Ellie Shoes 609 Edgy on Model
Monday, February 22, 2010
I Feel Pretty
I just signed up for Poletential's 5-week "Pretty" series taught by Christina (and Ellen!) to learn a choreographed dance, because I'm not that great at free-styling. I bet if I had my own pole it would be a lot easier to practice a dance though!
The class was packed, mostly with faces I've never seen before in the drop-in classes. Since the class is themed Pretty, Christina is going to focus a lot on form (pointed toes! chest out! arch that back!) and incorporate a scarf into the dance. At the end of the class we practiced the dance with the scarves...lets just say that it wasn't Pretty.
We didn't get to practice this move in last night's class, but we're going to do a climb into a Ballerina . Ellen helped me with contorting into this move. It's like become a human pretzel on a pole. Once you're comfortably on the pole, you move the top half of your body to the front of the pole (it hurts at first!). Then you grip the pole high with your left hand and let go of your back (?) leg.
Step 1:
Stand arms length away from the pole (on the right side of the pole). Move your hips to the music. Slide out right leg and back.
Step 2: Three-point turn and kick one leg while you hold onto the pole. Inside leg steps to the left and kick again.
Step 3: Walk around the pole into an Attitude Twirl. For this step you can pull off your scarf and hold it out with your left arm while you spin around the pole.
I seriously can't remember all the steps...but I do know at some point we climb the pole, do an inversion and do all these other moves I don't know the names too! Gah!
The class was packed, mostly with faces I've never seen before in the drop-in classes. Since the class is themed Pretty, Christina is going to focus a lot on form (pointed toes! chest out! arch that back!) and incorporate a scarf into the dance. At the end of the class we practiced the dance with the scarves...lets just say that it wasn't Pretty.
We didn't get to practice this move in last night's class, but we're going to do a climb into a Ballerina . Ellen helped me with contorting into this move. It's like become a human pretzel on a pole. Once you're comfortably on the pole, you move the top half of your body to the front of the pole (it hurts at first!). Then you grip the pole high with your left hand and let go of your back (?) leg.
Step 1:
Stand arms length away from the pole (on the right side of the pole). Move your hips to the music. Slide out right leg and back.
Step 2: Three-point turn and kick one leg while you hold onto the pole. Inside leg steps to the left and kick again.
Step 3: Walk around the pole into an Attitude Twirl. For this step you can pull off your scarf and hold it out with your left arm while you spin around the pole.
I seriously can't remember all the steps...but I do know at some point we climb the pole, do an inversion and do all these other moves I don't know the names too! Gah!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Pole Class: Day Eleven
As always, Poletential's Total Pole class taught by Amber was great. Every Saturday we're taught new twirls, climbs and inversions.
We started off with an Inside Spin. For this twirl you use your outer thigh (inside leg) to roll against the pole. Your thigh and leg should be parallel to the ground and as you pick yourself up with both hands you lift up your outside leg.
Then we moved onto the Corkscrew. I really like this twirl because it's a lot different from the other ones we learn where we face the pole. For this twirl you use your outside leg to swing out your hips to the front of the pole so that you can wrap your body around the pole as you spin down. This twirl gets painful when you do it repeatedly since your armpit is gripping the pole. I have bruises all over my arm still from this one. But it was fun!
Our next move was a climb into a Cross Knee Release. This is very similar to the cross ankle release, but instead you leave your thighs crossed as if you were sitting and then lean back so that your knee touches the pole and your tail bone is resting on the pole as well. Once you're in this position, you're safe to lean back and let go of your arms.
Lastly, we learned how to go into the Butterfly from an inversion. Things to remember when getting into this move include keep your booty out and square your shoulders before you let go of your leg. I was finally able to get into this move at the end of the class, although I don't do it as graceful as Amber.
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