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Studio classes or purely Veena?
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I love both going to the studio- and poling at home w Veena. I honestly dont think I would have progressed as fast if I didnt have a pole at home and also learn w Veena! You only have so much time in the studio. I find I learn form both situations and they are a great compliment to each other. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif
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Here are some forum topics you might be interested in reading too…https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif
https://www.studioveena.com/forums/view/Would_you_recommend_the_lessons_on_here_20110213043730
https://www.studioveena.com/forums/view/Studio_Veena_Lessons_2010-02-07_200231
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I currently only go to a studio and am waiting for some more cashflow to come in so I can add Veena's lessons to the mix. I really like the fact that she has exercises and stretches that I can make a workout of at home, and I recently bought a pole to practice on. With that being said, I LOVE my studio and will take classes there until I "graduate" from all of the levels. I am hoping to be able to teach in about 6 months, so the more help I get, the better.
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I started in a studio and then got SV lessons after I felt I wasn't progressing much. I have made huge strides since starting her lessons…some things I def. had to start from scratch because I was taught incorrectly at the studio. One of my fav. things about the lessons is they focus on strength first. Once you have a bit of muscle to support the moves to come you will be SO much more successful. I always felt so discouraged at the studio cause I was relying on momentum in spins or kicking/hopping into holds. I love Veena's strength lessons and completely credit them for getting me my aerial invert and shouldermount. The lessons are a huge value for you–you get foam rolling, stretching, strength AND conditioning, and many many lessons on moves whenever you need them! You can't get that kind of conveinience or value for your $ in a studio.
Why I miss a studio–the commraderie, it help so much to have other people struggling through stuff with you and cheering on your successes. It is important to have a spotter for some adv. moves, and also someone to help point out helpful advice (this happens here with videos though).
Did you say if you have a pole at home? Once you have a home pole, if you can afford it I'd say do both, or maybe just do studio lessons a few times a month. Both are valuable, but as a beginner esp. I'd say start at home with Veena's lessons. Good luck!
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If you can afford both, then do both, as long as the studio you have access to uses safe teaching methods. Like Veena said earlier, anyone can just open a studio and call themselves a pole instructor.
The closest pole studio to me is a three hour drive (one way) which obviously is just not doable, so I use Veena's lessons. I would like to attend to a studio for the socialization factor, but honestly, Veena's lessons are the best I have seen so far out of any DVD or other online lessons available. I've taken other online lessons that were good, but still left me struggling with a few moves. However, once watching Veena's videos on those same moves, I usually was able to do them within just a few tries. She breaks everything down extremely well, and for the amount of information you get and how profesionally everything is presented, they are almost ridiculously cheap.
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I have been lucky enough to do both Veena’s lessons and also attend different studios. I’m currently at 3 different studios, but I’ve been to 6 all together, and all studios are definitely not created equal. I love Veena’s lessons because I can play them over and over again, and see what I’m missing. There are moves that I had been working on for a long time, but finally got them after watching Veena’s lessons. However, I also love the supportive, encouraging atmosphere at the studios. The energy in a class can be so different than just practicing alone. Also, if you don’t have your own pole, or if your space is small, going to a studio can be really great. I get something out of each studio whether in person, or here on this site. Maybe I’m just addicted!!
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As someone who does not pole at home (until my living arrangements change), I am deeply unhappy with studio learning. Although I feel that I have had quality instruction, I'm also painfully aware that I've already spent about $550 on lessons at one studio and have already committed to $200 in lessons and a $100 Karol Helms workshop at a new studio.
I realize for less than half of the money I have spent thus far on instruction, I could own my own pole and practice for free as often as I want. For all that money I've spent thus far, I've gotten an average 4 hours a MONTH of practice. My studio has stainless steel poles that don't spin, but at my snail's pace of classes, progress is so painfully slow I'd never even be ready to start learning spin. At this point I'd rather transition to self-guided practices with DVDs and Studio Veena, but open pole sessions run $15/hour at one local studio, is only scheduled once a week at that, and is often canceled.
Just something to think about. If you like burning cash, never feeling like you can get enough practice time, being watched by less advanced students, and being constrained to a limited diet of moves without the creativity to experiment and try cool moves you've seen and to free dance, going to a studio may be for you.
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As a studio owner/instructor, I ALWAYS suggest Veena lessons to my students in conjunction with live classes ~ Even if they don't have a pole at home.
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A good healthy mix of BOTH is great if you have the option to attend a local studio 🙂
Veena's lessons are fabulously broken down and are accessible across the globe. What's greater than that?? Veena (and Webmaster) are also fantastic about getting back to you if you have questions, concerns or just downright need help with something.
The SV community (as you can see here) is also a great group to be involved with. It seems like there is always someone willing to reach out whether your a newbie or have been around since the begining 😉 It's nice to have a group to celebrate your achievements with and get feedback from.
Which brings me to pole studios. I'm fortunate enough to attend classes @ Brass Vixens in Toronto. Fabulous instructors that think outside the box and keep things fresh whether you're basic/beg/int/adv.
I agree with the above statements, a quality instructor/studio is a blessing! Instructors / Students encourage eachother and also help you step outside of your comfort zone. 🙂 Some people just need a push and a classroom environment just might do the trick.
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I’m self taught through SV and YouTube. I LOVE the specific instruction Veena gives. I did buy a groupon for a studio near me….I’m not impressed with it, honestly, which sucks. After such great instruction by Veenas videos….it makes the instructor look pretty unprofessional, and more of a pole play hour. That’s not what I want( or expect to pay for),I can do that at home.
My neighbor does pole with me, she’s 43 and we have learned together at my house from the beginning, on YouTube then added SV. Good luck! You’ll love it. It’s my drug of choice and I’m addicted 🙂
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I started with pole DVD's and youtube, then used Veena's lessons. Eventually I started driving two hours to las vegas to take studio classes. I think it's always good to experience different (good) instructors. I love veena's lessons, and I also loved the studio experience.
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Nilla – Have you tried he pole clsses is Utah? I think there are some in SLC.
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Try to stretch often. I started out stretching for a year 4-5 times a week for 30 minutes- aim was to get floor splits, I can send you a chart of what I did if you like, if worked well.. Then I got Alethea Austins DVDs and use them 3-4 times weekly.
I poled once a week for many months, then saved and bought my own pole and then did two pole sessions a week- one at home, one in class. Worked up to 3-4 sessions a week.
Lately I've been in a massive slump, but I still go into my pole room 3 or so times a day, and do a V invert 2-4 times each side. Even it's just whilst waiting for my toast to pop, I always do some v-inverts daily, as well as one climb (two to three optimal) to the top of the pole. Even these little daily efforts, I find make a huge difference. -
OH oh oh! Posted too soon, I'm SUPER keen and saving hard to get Veena lessons! I need plain and simple breakdowns for teaching, (dancing does NOT come naturally to me!!!! And as far as I'm aware, Veena breaks it down SO well!!! I need/want that!)
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I do both right now, but I only attend studio classes a few times a month. I am lucky enough to live in an area with many pole classes, but my busy schedule just doesn't work with pole classes.
At first, I did not see the point of taking studio classes if you have your own pole at home. I learned purely on Veena's lessons, but I began reaching a point where I needed an instructor to spot me and give me feedback. I highly, HIGHLY recommend Veena's lessons. I bought the $99 for a year membership, which is a STEAL. You get lessons from beginner to advanced, along with stretching and conditioning?!! I don't use the hoop or lap dance but those are included too. The year long membership is the best deal and saving up for it is not as bad as you think. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
Of course, it is personal choice.. I do think if you are not in the greatest shape, home poling may be more difficult. Sometimes, live instruction is necessary if things don't "click" right away and there is a motivation factor if someone else can see your progress.
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