[Jenn]

Thanks Fleur, it seems so much more simpler than it is! I am glad i am not the only one struggling with this one. i get into it from several moves… sometimes from basic invert, from SM, crucifix and sometimes from gemini/inverted pike. but i think my hand grip is always low no matter how i do it. i tried to loosen the grip between my legs to lower my body down, but i couldn’t seem to do it without sliding out of it. i guess its just a matter of practicing it until the my legs will cooperate w me!

[Jenn]

I put my pole up by myself all the time. Once you get used to it, it becomes much easier. I would recommend purchasing a magnetic leveler device too, to help you make sure the the pole is perfectly straight. I have found mine to be extremely helpful and a real time saver.

[Jenn]

Awesome! I am working on this move right now… I can get into it but can’t hold the grip for longer than a sec… I want to be able to do it and wave my legs like I’ve seen some dancers do. Good for you girl!!!! Nice work w the knee swing too!

[Jenn]

Woo hoo! Good for you! This move is my nemesis, because I can’t even bare the pain for a second to let go! I keep getting into position but chicken out before I can let go. Bravo to you girl! Hopefully one day, I’ll grow some balls and just go for it!

[Jenn]

just curious, what boots did you have before? are you looking for knee high boots? chunky heel or stilettos?

I would recommend this website, their prices are very reasonable compared to a lot of the other dancer websites.

These are the ones I have…http://www.snaz75.com/pl-slick-100.html. The heel is pretty chunky and allows you to wedge the pole in the crevice perfectly, which has helped me to practice a lot of moves. They fit me really well, but I’ve noticed some of my friends have had difficulty fitting them over the calf.

[Jenn]

Thanks for the very descriptive review! I am sure many prospective pole buyers will find this post extremely helpful. I also own an Xpole, and find it grippier than my friend’s PS pole, but I wish the Xpole converted to spin mode like PS does. That way I could change modes mid-song. With Xpole, you have to actually stop, get the allen wrench out and unscrew the those little bolts, where as PS, is so simple you could do it easily without anyone noticing. Oh well, maybe someday Xpole will upgrade their design.

[Jenn]

There is no such thing as "cheating" when it comes to practicing on static vs. a spinning pole, IMO. Both techniques present their own sets of challenges and skills. They are two completely different as far as I am concerned. I do think that practicing on one may complement the other. For example, you need more strength to hold a static pose when the pole is spinning, so that would translate to being able to hold poses longer on static. Practicing on static enhances grip control, which strengthens the grip in spinning mode.

Personally, I prefer static, because I first learned on static, and have not developed the skills and strength necessary to pole comfortably on spinning. I do play with it from time to time, but I can only do a few tricks and combos. Although, looking back, I wish I would’ve dedicated a little more time to practicing on spinning mode.

[Jenn]

Thanks for the suggestions, Lola! I will def be looking those up as I have never heard of some of them.
I usually go into it from a split heel and I can’t do the banana splits yet. Never thought of butterfly, so I’ll have to try that out.

[Jenn]

I also transitioned into the cresent moon (i think thats what you call it) for the first time too https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

Yipee.

Congratulations Jeng! I could do a CKR way before doing the CLR. I can do the CLR now, but I am afraid to try the crescent moon move. I fell out out of it once when trying, because I lost the grip between my thighs when I pushed up on from my arms after grabbing the pole behind me. Do you have any advice that could possibly help me with that one?

[Jenn]

When are you all planning another one? I wanna come next time!!

[Jenn]

I have a pair of chunky platform boots, which are awesome because i can wedge the pole between the heel and stay there all day! it really helped me learn the split heel and the kneeswing/cupid. I have a pair of spike heels too. I find that my dance style and song preference is a little different depending on which heels i am wearing. the spiked heels make me feel sexy and soft and the chunky heels make me feel like a hardcore rocker.

[Jenn]

i haven’t really noticed a difference between the two finishes in regards to spins, with the exception of the reverse grab. That one is more reliable on the TG. But if you are going to take classes, I would suggest you wait and sample the poles they have, then decide what you want. Do you know what kind of poles they use? One thing is certain, everyone is different. Some people have complained of too much grip when spinning while others complain of too little. I think it all boils down to personal preference.

[Jenn]

I own a TG and a chrome pole and I personally prefer the TG grip-wise. I had bought the chrome one first and had it for a year before I decided to get a TG. I have had the TG for about 3 months, and have already noticed a big improvement in my abilities.

I have also never heard of a silver titanium Xpole. I am curious about that as well.

[Jenn]

Good for you! That is awesome! I understand what you mean. Sometimes I get really frustrated w a move after practing and practicing it. And then when I stop worrying about it and give it a little break, the move will just click the next time I try it. I think, sometimes, it may be muscle memory catching on.

[Jenn]

I rub my butt a lot w my hands… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif wish I could stop that, but I never feel like my hands are dry enough!!

I never noticed your hands looking any specific way when you dance. But if you want something to do with them, here are some ideas, depending on the type of dance..
For sensual dance, play with your hair or touch your body a lil bit. Or like Veena said, incorporporate belly dance and do the snake arm thing. If its a faster song, you could always throw your arms up or backinto the "tada!" position when doing a trick. I’ve seen a lot of dancers do that in performances w lot of tricks. I think it’s to help summon applause from the audience.

But honestly, I think your arms look fine, really. If the movements are too deliberate, that could make the routine look too planned and then it won’t seem natural.