[Hazi411]

I’ve been poling for just over 2 years. a while back, the pole studio that I started out at, started running silks and lyra classes. I am 5 weeks into my first silks course, and plan to try lyra next. I also have a hoop and use it from time to time, and I did a trial bellydance lesson a few years ago.

[Hazi411]

My first pet/street name combo comes out as "Smut High" – the "Smut" sounds a bit porn star – not sure about the "High" !

[Hazi411]

Strong, flexible, graceful – what's not to like?  Well done!

[Hazi411]

Oh, one other thing I forgot to say – dustbunny – the Australian accent isn't the same as the New Zealand one ;-))  Hope you don't mind me saying that.

[Hazi411]

I am learning pole at Bobbi's.  Here are what I think are the reasons for the "Bobbi style":

Most of the instructors seem to have some kind of dance/performance background

You learn combinations of moves

The studios have mirrors on most of the walls, and the instructors tell you to check yourself out in them;-)

There is emphasis on pointing your toes, and landing gently on your feet – especially as all the levels except beginners are taught in heels – although heels are optional. Personally I find I can't yet invert wearing heels because of course it makes your feet heavier 😉

Probably the fact that you learn a routine in every level of classes at Bobbi's also helps (and week 8, the last week of term, you are encouraged to dress up, and invite friends and family to come and watch.

In summary, I think probably it's the emphasis on the "dance" aspect and joining combinations together that makes the difference.  The dances incorporate head rolls, "stripper push ups" and sexy moves in between the combos.

There is a "Bobbi TV" channel on you-tube.

[Hazi411]

I have the PFA pole dictionary – I printed it out and put all the pages in a folder.  I also have pocket pole lite (the free one) and then I upgraded to the "full" version, which has a lot more stuff on it – worth the money, in my opinion 🙂

Would be fun to make your own, too 🙂  Note to self:  Must try that, with pics of the stuff I can do so far – maybe as a way of seeing how much (or little – heh heh!) progress I've made 😉

[Hazi411]

Garters should be pretty easy – piece of elastic, a bit of lace and ribbon….you could make different colours or combinations (pink, blue, black and pink or black and white etc.) and let them pick their favourite maybe.

For pole singlets/tops, maybe a voucher and then they can pick their size themselves.

At the studio I used to go to, we each had a photo taken doing a move we'd learned during the course (the studio also had a "dress up" box so you could choose a costume), and were then presented with a certificate with the photo in it, at the end.of the course, when we had a little party with (non-alcoholic) wine and chocolates.

I like the personalised towel idea.

Or how about a personalised water bottle with their name and the studio's logo or name on it?

[Hazi411]

She is freakin' amazing!

[Hazi411]

Ollie, thank you!  You have put things in perspective for me 🙂  I am an older poler, and have a heavier bone structure than most of the girls at the studio I go to.  I find it takes me longer to learn a move/combo to the extent that I don't have to think about it (or psyche myself up) before attempting it.  Sometimes I don't yet have the strength to do some of the moves.

However, you've reminded me that there is one area that I *can* do well in, so I need to focus on that if I'm feeling downhearted.  Thank you again 🙂

[Hazi411]

I saw a pole dance demonstration a few years ago, and thought it looked like fun.  Never did anything about it for ages, but 2009 was a horrible year for me, so towards the end of that year I decided I was going to try pole dancing in 2010.  Tried it – loved it right from the start, and have now become totally addicted!  I love the strength, the flexibility, the fun of spinning around, the creativity of customising clothes to make them into pole outfits, and the confidence poledancing has given me.  I also love the fact that it can be a little bit naughty 😉

[Hazi411]

Love love love!  Fabulous – thank you Webby and Veena 🙂

[Hazi411]

I've just joined a few minutes ago….Am going to look for Veeners now 🙂

[Hazi411]

You could just do what you have to do to prepare for a colonoscopy, for which your bowels have to be completely empty.  I expect it's on the net somewhere, but basically you have to follow a certain diet for a few days, then take this special stuff that makes you use the bathroom a lot.  Not sure what it's called, but "gastrolyte" comes to mind.  This is probably cheaper and safer than getting a colonic irrigation.

[Hazi411]

How about – Figured You Out by Nickelback, or Sexy Little Thing by Chickenfoot….

[Hazi411]

Me too!  Can I join? 😉  The tricky bit will be persuading "him indoors" to take pics for me 😉