[Amaranth]

Thanks, Veena. I am confident with all of the above but more strengthening/practice won't hurt (and the tuck does) so I'll go back and work on these. Thank you 🙂

[Amaranth]

Thank you all for your advice – I think rather than push the pain (I think it could easily be a precursor for something being injured) I will just slide down from the tuck and just keep working on tipping my body back.

Thank you 🙂

[Amaranth]

I'd be up for it, although I am a total noob (only been doing this for a few months). Would be able to give a definite yes or no when there's an exact date as I'd have to travel down the country. 

[Amaranth]

Thanks for sharing, love this!

[Amaranth]

While I can see what you're saying, I think there's often a reason for songs being used over and over. They just work!

Personally I dance to what I like whether or not I've seen a hundred other people doing a routine to the same piece (Kings of Leon – "Closer" is the first example that springs to mind). Ultimately it's about what you do with the music; I've seen so many people dance to the above and everyone's done something different, so I've can honestly say I've never had a problem with it.

Of course it's always great to see new tracks used, but a lot of the time we then all add the 'new' piece to our playlists anyway. I suspect that's why pieces of music end up becoming well-used by the same communities as we all tend to take inspiration from each other.

[Amaranth]

If sweat isn't the problem, it could be that you aren't moisturising enough? When I first started pole lots of people recommended not moisturising before working on the pole – it makes the metal slippery and can be really dangerous. I took it to the extreme and stopped moisturising at all on my legs, which I found drastically reduced my grip.

I balance it now, so I moisturise every other day (the same day I pole, after my work out) so my skin is still healthy and therefore grippy. 

I also find that the temperature of the pole and even my body can also affect grip. A warm pole is particularly awkward to stay stuck to!

[Amaranth]

Welcome, Orchis!

Veena's lessons are invaluable in my opinion – she does have a strength training section even if you don't have a home pole and can't use the tricks lessons. Exercises are either based on working against your body weight or using a therapy band, and you can do all of them without a pole if you get creative with your surroundings! Maybe you could buy a short membership and see what you think?

Failing that, you could use YouTube, research the 'net or use a library to look up some strength building moves you can do at home. When you're back from your travels, you could join a gym too which may be helpful.

 

[Amaranth]

I have to say this hasn't happened to me yet, but I can actually see how it could! Sometimes I'm concentrating so hard on one thing I may not be paying attention to what I'm doing elsewhere… must always remember to grip with something!

Your fall sounds pretty bad, I hope you're not in too much pain. Make sure you get it checked out if you think it could be anything worse than bruising, a fracture on your chin or jaw could be quite nasty.

[Amaranth]

Sorry I missed it, all-day meeting miles away and it took me ages to get home. Hope you had fun!

[Amaranth]

New music is great, but if you're dancing for your hubby and you're already nervous, I'd really recommend picking a song you already know well. Personally I dance so much better if I know what's happening with the music – you instinctively think "that bit would go great with this spin" or "this simply demands a booty pop!" and you give yourself a bit of a flair with hair flicks and dramatic kicks to punctuate a song. 

That said, if you really want something new, then go for it! I haven't got any unique suggestions that fit with what you want though, although if you like rock you can try 'Dragonfly' by Shaman's Harvest. It's got great changes in beat and tempo and I find it really fun to pole to.

Good luck! He'll love whatever you come up with. 

 

[Amaranth]

Dear Gsylass and Pavi,

I attempted the cobra against the pole tonight. You're both evil for even putting the idea into my head. My back is not my friend any more!

Still <3 you both. Hope to see you next week!

Amaranth x

 

[Amaranth]

Thank you for the reminder! Will try and be there!

[Amaranth]

Thanks, I'll check it out 🙂

[Amaranth]

Congrats! Everything will come with time – we're all at different levels with regards to strength and fitness as much as with our skill on the pole, so what's easy for one person can be really tough for someone else. 

At least practicing fan legs doesn't pinch like a pole sit does… good luck with it!

[Amaranth]

That's pretty interesting to know, Ginger – thanks 🙂