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Heights on a Pole
I've been noticing more and more that I cannot execute moves very high up on the pole, as it freaks me out mentally. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that the pole I practice on at home is less than 8' tall… but I have also just always been afraid of heights. It's not bad for me just getting up there, it's when I'm doing moves that have less contact points or have me inverted that freak me out.
Any tips on how to get over this? I know it hinders me as I'm moving forward and especially when performing since I cannot do as many combos without moving around on the pole.
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5 Replies
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I also have problems with this, for me I hate having my head hanging completely down. I fell on my face as a kid and damaged my teeth, as I result I have a very weak and very expensive veneer on my front tooth I don't want to break! =D I also have a 7' home pole, so I totally get where you're coming from.
For me I try to aerially invert then hang out in a move I'm comfy in, like a right side leg hang or inverted crucifix, but making sure I'm looking down. I also try to practice handstands a lot.
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Heights tend to freak me out too. I do more aerial silks than pole but the only thing that helped me start getting better at height is just to do it. I know that sounds silly, but if you’re comfortable at 5ft off the ground, try working at 6. One of my instructors told me, “just half a climb higher.” Unfortunately, if I regularly work at lower heights I tend to get back in that fear mentality. I have to be regularly be higher to better tolerate it.
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This was me to a T! I am not totally afraid of heights but I have an issue with ladders. When I started going to a studio that had tall poles I still would freak out if my head was more than 3 feet off the ground. The once thing that has gotten me past it is practice. As my confidence in my moves grew my fear has decreased. Sorry…..I know that is not a huge help.
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This is a common problem, even among aerialists. The only real solution is to practice higher until the fear subsides. I like the comment that jivete made about just taking it "half a climb" higher. This is exactly right- it needs to be done gradually, but eventually it will work.
I'm a little afraid of heights myself, and when I first started doing silks I thought I might have lost my mind- what, me, climb UP THERE? But over time I got more comfortable with it, and eventually I was trying out drops. The same thing goes for pole- I'm totally comfotable in my 9' set-up at home, but the first time I got on a 20' Chinese pole, it was terrifying. Too bad I don't have the chance to use those taller poles reguarly, or I'd probably be over it by now.
If circus has taught me anything, it's that almost anyone can get used to almost anything- pain, fear, dizziness, you name it. We are adabtable little creatures.
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Practice is key. I was scarred to climb above 6 ft. I found there were times when I felt a bit brave and went one climb higher. Each time it got closer to the top of the pole. On two occassions I would get so scared I had to sit there in a pole sit until I would calm down to come safely down. Diaphragmatic breathing or yoga type breathing can be helpful if you start panicking. It took me over 3 months to get to 14 ft.
With ariel moves, do only the basic ones that you feel totally comfortable doing. As you get more comfortable expand to your mastered moves. For safety, I don't do anything up high unless i can do it without a second thought close to the ground. Crashmats can also help the mental part. Be sure not to look down. Concentrate on the move you are executing rather than OMG the ground is so far away! Mentally talking your way from a move can help your mind focus.
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