[DancingDani]

Hi!

I just made my first video today and I totally blanked too! All my moves went outta my head and I was like, why does that happen to me? Its not like anyone is watching and I can edit it soo…? But I am glad to hear I am not alone (and it might go away with practice?). My bf does that too…he is all upper body strength. So I never let him near the pole anymore til I can show him the move- he progresses faster than me it seems *but he always forgets to point his toes lol!!*

Dani

[DancingDani]

Hi

I dont know if this will help or not…but I have found that as a beginner, my spins started to last longer with more skin contact with the pole, and my first spins I was just grabbing with my palm, but now as I spin my forearm/wrist makes contact, slows me down to lengthen the spin. I find myself being able to hold myself up longer the more I practice and gain strength in the muscles that are used during each move. Hope that helps!

Happy poling!
Dani

[DancingDani]

Hi everyone! I am in Lansing for the weekend but wish you all a great time at the Jam! Nice to meet all my MI peeps!

[DancingDani]

I am in the same boat! I am awaiting my DVDs in the mail, and have tried some ‘beginner’ spins on the pole from youtube, but I am just not physically strong enough to hang off the pole and not look like a floppy fish. I think my problem is more upper body strength than anything, and I purchased a gym membership, but I have yet to go. Maybe this is your issue as well? I know that I read a post by instructors saying that some students who have little upper strength can get discouraged easily, and that working on strength can dramatically improve things. I also use the vertical dance forums for some pole info…maybe this will help?

From VDF:What would you tell someone just starting to learn on their own? What tips do you wish to share?

1. You’ve made a large investment on an expensive piece of equipment – the pole. Spend a few extra bucks and get a couple of GOOD instructional DVDs. Research and find the ones that are best for teaching safety, form and function.

2. Don’t rush. Learn a move or a few moves well before you move on to more.

3. There is a lot to learn about body mechanics and form. Proper body alignment and engaging the correct muscles protects you from injury as well as improve your strength and control of your spins and tricks. Make certain you learn what these are either through research or the use of good DVDs.

(think of two kids in the yard trying to do cartwheels for the first time and think of a gymnast performing a cartwheel…there is a difference)

4. Don’t rush through your moves. Finish them with grace and make them look pretty. Make an "exit" – dont just jump up to stadning then rush into something else.

5. Don’t JUMP into your spins!

6. Don’t look down at your feet all the time…look ahead or out to your "audience" pretend or real.

7. Don’t compromise your posture! Head up, shoulders back, back straight, etc!

8. Progress at your pace…not anyone elses.

9. Don’t invert without a crash mat or a spotter who knows what they are doing.

I have also heard that traveling for a couple classes (private or otherwise) can be a really big help as a start off point, so, say you go to one class and learn as much as you can and ask questions and then go home and try it all with the DVDs, it may help you fix some of the basics and get a good base for the rest of your pole experience. Good luck!