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Foot-Nazi’s Are No Fun
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Serzi, I understand your frustration. I went to a studio close to me where the owner/instructor is big on poling in shoes. I don't pole in shoes at all, my preference especially since I also am not a typical "pole dancer". My second class she INSISTED I put shoes on (she had some in the studio), even though I strongly protested, she put me on the spot in front of everyone so I tried. I took two steps and took them off, she just said in a frustrated tone "you are only about tricks" and walked away. I never went back. I drive 2 hrs one way quite often to a studio where I am happy to learn and be taught and corrected.
I hope this doesn't get off track about shoes, dance, etc. It's about being put on the spot and put down. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gif
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That would also qualify (in my opinion) as one being a foot-vulture. Whether it’s about pointed toes or wearing heels, srsly, there’s a difference between being helpful and being a jerk. Not everyone learns at the same pace, not everyone has the same goals, and not everyone likes the same things. Trying to ridicule or coerce somebody like that is pretty low.
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Some of this could be in choice of studio. If you are taking pole classes “for you” but you are in a studio where the teacher likes to get her student performing and show-ready, then you may well be continually frustrated with aesthetic comments you don’t care about.
That said, I know pole is personal for all of us. But my opinion is that a teachers job is to acknowledge her student’s successes but also encourage them to push themselves and improve. That must be done in a respectful way of course. But many, many times I have said “you got it, that was solid! You can do the mechanics of that move. Now point your damn toes!” with a smile, and the response is always laughter. And you bet if they do it again with great lines I am singing praises! If this really is about not taking things too seriously, as long as the instructor isn’t actually mocking you for a laugh to other students or being inappopriate, then seriously do not take a teachers correction or constructive criticism personally. It’s not personal, it’s their job. I taught control-minded technique, toe pointing was a big part of that for me not just aesthetically but because it indicates to me where a student is in developing control over a move-the flex foot is involuntary and shows me the student isn’t fully controlling the move yet. Basically do not be afraid to actually communicate with your teacher about your goals or these issues to determine if a studio or instructor will be a good fit for what you want to achieve.
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Calling someone out on "poor taste", is not very tasteful in itself.
About pointed feet, dont let it get you down, if someone is being snoody about flexed feet. I dont think its safe to do moves for the first time, concentrading about lines and pointed feet. For me, a move has to steps, before it is truly mine.
1, Learn how to get in to it and out of it, point of contact and gain the strenght, get the move. Finish of, by getting comfortable with the move.
2, Perfect the lines, point the toes and lastly make it look like a piece of CAKE!! 😀
If I try to make it perfect from the beginning, I'll not be able to focus 100% on being secure at all times.
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On the subject of a teacher/instructor’s job, I can agree w/ that. However, this thread wasn’t meant to be aimed at teachers/instructors unless they were being nasty about it.
That reminds me of another story. I’ve never actually physically gone to a studio and taken lessons (I cannot afford it, among other things), but a friend of mine used to. She was mainly going because her living situation prevented her from having an at-home pole, and only slightly to see what someone else could teach her. She dropped those classes after a few weeks when she realized there was NO FREESTYLE POLE TIME, and all the classes were strictly wrapped around what the instructors liked to see. It was pretty closed-circuit, from what I hear, and unfriendly to those of different tastes and backgrounds. Not very smart, in my opinion, but whatever. Their business is still booming, my friend got a place she could put her pole up, life goes on.
It’s sad, though, how some people can be so intolerant and one-sided. How accepting anyone’s money is okay, but respecting their individual goals or challenges is not if it doesn’t mirror your own.
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I grew up doing ballet and feet and hands are one of my pet peeves during performances. I think lines look more finished and polished with pointed toes and graceful hands. I always learned to practice with toes pointed so it becomes part of the move, but that's pre pole days. I don't mind when people are learning a move, but I hate performances without those finishing touches. It's part of being performance ready in my opinion.
I'd never call someone out on it, but I do think its something that is easily overlooked because there's so much else to focus on. I wish more people would spend as much time stretching feet and ankles and working on feet as they do their splits. I think it's just as important, and like everything else, the more you work on it the easier and more natural it becomes. A pointed foot and graceful hands make everyone look more advanced from what I've noticed.
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Serzi, I totally understand what your concern is and seems like many others did too. I also agree with others that pointed feet look nice and I strive for it, but in the process of working on things, doesn't always happen. That's my level and pole journey. Just like your level and pole journey is yours, keep on doing what you are doing and have fun.
There have been many wonderful comments, but again because we are all on our own pole journeys, not everyone will be on the same page/thought process. In my humble opinion, you don' t need to keep trying to explain and let this thread have taken its course.
https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif
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Serzi,
I understand about pointed toes and how important it is.
We are all work in progress. Let's keep up the good work.
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An example then on how my feet feel trying so hard to point my toes because believe you me I want to point my toes and the contortions they go into sometimes feel like the twin towers when the planes flew into them and exploding with pain. *just a metaphor* & I don't want to offend anyone either. Just sayin'
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What about certain moves that require a FLEXED foot for safety reasons? I think I've seen polers in competitions do something like a Brass Monkey inverted hold and then do a sit-up from it?
That top foot has to be flexed in order for them to have an anchor point to be able to sit up and grab the pole safely in order to transition into another move! -
^—-Quick question: Does that qualify as a flexed-foot if it’s part of the move…or only when the leg is free-hanging? Or something along those lines? *nudgenudge* (get it? Along those LINES. HAHAHAHA Okay, that’s not really funny. Sorry.)
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I think the main idea is that a flexed foot is okay if it is part of the move (as in, used for safety). Otherwise, if you CAN point your toes, you should, for elongating the lines of your legs and allowing it to look more graceful. Same goes for pretty hands- if you have one hand that is not currently doing anything, like holding you up on the pole or gripping a part of your body, you would hopefully have "pretty hands" that aren't just hanging around looking like chicken arms.
Generally, for a performance, extension and elongation allows you to look more graceful and confident, and it is also easier for the audience to see your movement.
However, when it comes to practice? I think we should be allowed to do as we will. I like what Steffie said: First, learning the move and making sure you're safe… and SECOND comes perfecting the move, pointing your toes, and making it look effortless!
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