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This may help:
http://www.poledancecommunity.co.uk/articles/articles/the-history-of-pole-dance.html

Not sure how well it would hold up as a source for your thesis in and of itself, but at least it would definitely give you some other things that you could cross-reference and look into. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

Oh, and if you’re looking for some info regarding X-Pole, PoleSkivvies did an interview with Clive Coote:
http://poleskivvies.com/2010/03/x-pole-clive-coote/

If you look past all the mini-advertising he’s doing there is some history in there you may be able to use, lol.

Good luck!

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First off, bravo to you for talking about it at your church. I know here I’m the outspoken Christian pole dancer with a blog for the world to see, but I don’t breathe a word of it at church. I have privacy settings set up so my church folk don’t see anything with my pole stuff on my Facebook. I’m not ashamed of it, but it’s a battle I’m not ready for yet – I can’t even convince my family there’s nothing wrong with it, so I’m afraid of the reaction I’m going to get from my church.

Something that really empowered me not too long before I started my blog was a post that Fleur did:
http://www.studioveena.com/blogs/entry/Vanity-lust-pride-and-other-sins

And lilbit’s comment, which I’ll paste here:
"Fluer I think it’s great that you are taking a look at this and digging deep….however I don’t believe you are violating any of "Gods" laws and here’s why…once the apple was eaten "we" became aware of our sexuality, we were given free will and in that the ability to express ourselves. I am a very spiritual person and I have talked with the pastor of my church…his stand is that dance in any form is a personal expression and celebration as long as our hearts and minds are in the right place and we do no harm to others we have not offended God. He gave me something to read that really helped…I will post it on your blog as soon as I find it, maybe that will help you with your struggle. Pole dancing is NOT "UNCHRISTIAN" it is people’s perception of it and we have absolutely no control over what others think. Myself being a recovering addict/alcoholic when I chose to go out with friends I also have the ability to chose not to drink…no one is responsible for whether or not I do. In other peoples opinion’s I have two strikes against me, I’m a recovering addict/alcoholic and I pole dance! LOL I don’t give my power to anyone and I hold my head high because I am a child of God and have done nothing wrong…I could go one with all the things people feel I do that is in violation of "Christianity" If you ever come across a peom written by Mya Angelo (sp?) she wrote a piece on her understanding of Christianity, it is absolutely beautiful and well stated as to what is really is all about! Anyway…you in my humble opinion have and are doing nothing wrong…the people who perceive it as "wrong" have their minds in the "devils" backyard to even think that. I am clean and sober because of God’s grace which in turn has allowed me to do things I never thought I could…and poling is not only good for my body but for my soul! So you keep going because you are the epitome of beauty and represent woman in a beautiful light!! OK off my podium!! LOL"

I started crying when I read that, and based some of my blog posts off of this idea.

But also remember that perhaps your friend at church is trying to keep their head above water – maybe they are afraid that they won’t be able to separate out what is and isn’t sinful in their own mind and would just rather not take the risk. But maybe they really just are closing their minds and refusing to make the attempt – it’s hard to say. *shrug*

If you’re having doubts yourself, just take a step back and be honest with yourself about how you see pole dancing and yourself when you pole. That’s where it can be sinful – BUT THERE IS NOTHING INHERENTLY EVIL ABOUT POLE DANCING. It’s only sinful if you make it that way, and don’t beat yourself up if you discover that perhaps you have been doing something wrong – just fix it! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif We’re all sinners, so while it is kinda a big deal, it’s still no big deal… if that makes any sense. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif Remember that guilt is a tool of the devil, too.

And I’m gonna stop before this gets as long as one of my blog posts… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_tongue.gif But remember that we’re all here and praying for you!

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I saw this tip on one of those shows about house flipping and real estate:

Dents in carpets from furniture and stuff (like a pole) can be gotten rid of quick and easy by putting ice cubes in the impressions. The carpet fibers slowly absorb the water from the melting ice, making them un-squish, and then they dry that way.

They had this as a tip because the dents that furniture leaves can be a turn-off to potential buyers of your home. Yeah, everyone knows they’re not permanent, but no one likes reminders of the previous owners being left behind. I haven’t tried it but it makes sense. Just keep in mind that the base to a pole is really big, so maybe just do a few cubes around the edges or something – you don’t want to soak the carpet then end up with mold growing under it or something.

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Lol I wasn’t trying to talk you out of it or anything. And I have an X-Pole, too – I had to buy the 750mm extension and use it in place of the main pole that didn’t have the adjuster screw in it. And it was the only place I could put a pole, and I wasn’t willing to give up on having a pole of my own because my ceiling was a little short. I can still do most of the moves, and it really encourages me to do them slow and controlled so I don’t kick something, lol. Plus I know that the place I’m living isn’t permanent – someday I’ll have a place with higher ceilings. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

But good luck, it’s not impossible to pole with low ceilings, you just have to be more careful. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

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My question is, how tall are YOU?

I’m 5’4" and have 7′ ceilings and it hinders me sometimes. I kick the ceiling quite a bit, and when I do a shoulder mount, I barely have enough room to get one leg around the pole to go into an invert from it. I only have enough room to maybe do one climb. So yes, it’s enough height, but barely – I wouldn’t make that your permanent solution.

What kind of pole are you getting? Just be warned – X-Pole’s minimum height is 7’4", and I know several other poles are around the same height. You would have to get a separate extension and use it in place of one of the main pieces. If you’re going to get a one-piece permanent pole, you won’t have to worry about it.

Btw I have a pole dancing blog, too – http://polespection.blogspot.com

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Ok, don’t hate me – but I don’t like the spatchcock. Impressive, yes, but I think the move looks hideous. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif

The actual caterpillar looks stupid to me – where the person pushes up, then lets their body slide back down again. It doesn’t look sexy or anything, and looks like the person failed at doing the climb and just decided to go back down. The climb doesn’t bother me – I think it’s impressive to climb up the pole upside down and serves a purpose with getting into ayshas, etc. so I don’t expect it to be a "pretty" move.

I don’t like the cupid when the person’s upper body is bent so that their head is really low. I think it looks better when they keep their body straight out or somewhat upright – sometimes I think it looks nicer when their upper hand is still on the pole! Same idea with the knee hold – looks nicer if they keep their upper body straight and not bend downwards.

I’m not a fan of the brass monkey, genie, reverse aysha with the bent bottom arm (looks great when it’s straight!), and moves like the teddy, apprentice, wrist seat, and tail spin that seem to say, "Hey, look at my crotch!" https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif

And then there’s the superman… I think it works great in transition (to a superman fall, to a SM, dove, etc.), but I don’t like it as a "striking a pose" move – hold it for longer than a second or two and I get annoyed. I will say that I loved Fleur’s bent-leg variation of it that she did in the ballet part of her USPDF routine, though. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

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PERFECT! I have a "stupid" playlist on my iPod that has 4 or 5 songs that would be perfect… I may have multiple submissions this month. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_tongue.gif

And, be warned, my dancing will still match my music… So if you see one of my videos posted, watch it before I take it down out of embarrassment https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

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50s are easier to grip with your legs, harder with the hands
45s are easier to grip with your hands, harder for your legs

But since you seem to have larger hands, you might do just fine with a 50. Is there a way you can try them out? Like a studio or a friend who has one?

I have a 50 and am trying to get a 45 – but I have tiny hands, and it’s not like I hate having a 50 – I just want to have both!

I have noticed a lot of people making the switch from a 50 to a 45 though, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t prefer a 50 for yourself. Everyone is different. It’s also interesting to note that USPDF decided to use 45s in the competition this year… Also keep in mind it’s easier to switch to a smaller size, so if you got a 50 then decided to downsize it would be harder than going up from a 45.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong either way. I know it’s nerve wracking sitting there wondering which one to pick, but I’m sure you’d be happy with either one. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

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Hi guys! There is a facebook group now for Christian Pole Dancers for those interested in fellowship and pole dancing.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?gid=107071045991600&ref=ts" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Oh sweet, you did do it! I heart you, Charley https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

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I have the tacky kind (that sounds funny). I like them a lot but I cannot spin with them. I use them solely for learning new tricks that require extra grip or that I think will be easier with extra grip.

Mine have been beautified by Stella Bella. She took off the tacky (and I mean the real kind of tacky) mighty grip logo which looked a little like a logo for a tonka truck and then added rhinestones. If you are interested. Let me know and I’ll forward it on to Stella. She rocks
Sunny https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif

LOL you’re right about the logo! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif I so would’ve sprung for these gloves sooner if it wasn’t for that… I saw it and was like, "Umm… maybe I’ll see if there’s something a bit less cheesy looking…" I’ll probably spruce mine up a bit when and if I ever get them, too. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

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Yes! I’ve seen the Nomis gloves… I sooo wanted to order a pair but I have no idea how international orders work. Besides, the only colors they have right now are a multi-colored green-red-black thing or something like that. Maybe we should get a bunch of Veeners together that want them and order them together and see if we can get a discount and save ourselves the individual hassle of international shipping crap…

And thanks for the info on the MG gloves, I’ll probably order myself a pair when I get some more cash. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

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Amcut – can you still spin with the non-tacky MG gloves??? I’ve heard they still stick too much. And what exactly is that material made out of?? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif From the picture you can just see some shiny stuff – it almost looks like PVC or something…

I’m thinking about getting a pair of these just to have… I thought they would be too sticky for my tastes, because I don’t want to give up my spins – my hands sweat so bad I can’t even do a reverse grab anymore. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif But I’m still working on my modified batting gloves – left hand is done, about 1/3 of the way done with the right. Unfortunately, it’s been raining and I haven’t been on the pole since USPDF weekend so my grip is suffering too much to get a proper test-run.

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My hands sweat really badly, too, and am currently on a quest for the perfect pole glove. I suspect I have that same condition you do – my hands are always sweating, and I’m even leaving wet streaks on the keyboard right now (it’s gross!). I’ve tried hand antiperspirants (Dry Hands, Tite Grip, etc.) and nothing has stopped the sweating for me. And the sweat negates every other grip aid I’ve tried. Even if I dry my hands off completely and immediately before a move, literally 2 seconds later they are just as sweaty and I lose my grip. Once I start sliding, there’s no stopping it.

People generally look down on using gloves because it’s better to learn without it, but when you have an actual condition that you can’t do anything about, then you really don’t have much of a choice. It’s not like you’re being lazy or taking shortcuts, or even that you need to learn to relax so the sweat will stop, you just can’t stop your hands from sweating! And it can be dangerous if you can’t control it, and I don’t think that any amount of grip strength training will completely help in this case (although you should probably still work on strengthening your grip, anyway).

Right now I’m modifying a pair of leather batting gloves to meet my needs – cutting the fingers off, sewing the raw edges, and pulling the extra padding out of the palm. They grip really well when I want them to grip but slide a bit too easily, but I do like that I don’t have to sacrifice my spins. Most gloves grip too well so that you can’t spin in them. My goal is to have a glove that grips like my skin so I could do an uncut dance if I wanted to, and not have to skip moves because of too much or too little grip.

In addition to this, I’m looking into getting a 45mm pole (easier to grip with hands) and I bought one of those powerballs to help strengthen my grip.

Mighty Grip makes pole gloves, with and without "tack" on the palm, but I’ve heard you can’t spin with either glove. Golfing gloves are great, maybe just a smidgen too sticky, but the palms are extremely thin – I’ve tried a pair but I was afraid they would rip. Joel (Poledancefan) told me that quarterback gloves are perfect, but I haven’t tried them. And for the UK peeps, Nomis 1/2 finger gloves are supposed to be awesome, too.

Generally, find something with either a sticky palm, or something with the smooth, soft leather. Don’t get anything with the fuzzy kind of leather – they slide (been there, tried that). I’d recommend going fingerless and something with a couple layers in the palm but without extra padding – that way you get the grip but your hand can still get a feel for the pole itself, and it won’t be so thin that it rips. Also decide what you’re looking for, as in if you want gloves just to help with your holds or if you’re looking for a glove that does everything like I am (warning: I had a heck of a time trying to find my everything glove…. not fun). I’d also recommend still working on moves without gloves as long as you feel you can do them safely, but don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work out.

Oh, and be prepared to spend money on this whole thing. You’ll be trying and returning gloves and probably wasting money at some point because you’re going to have to experiment to find your preference.

And this is just my experience, I’m no expert…

Amcut is another glove junkie, maybe she’ll chime in… https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

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Empy is right – we were explicitly told at the start of the competition that we could not record any part of the show and it was printed in the program, too.

I just wanted to point out how funny it is that even the performers are posting on Facebook saying "Hey look! A video of me! Watch it before it’s taken down!" If the performers don’t care and you don’t tag the video as being from USPDF or get a shot of their banner above the poles or anything, then who really cares??? It kinda bugs me that they are once again showing "ownership" over the dancers and their performances… They shouldn’t have to re-perform and record their routines just to show everyone what they did. I would think the YT vids would be free advertising for USPDF.

But at the same time, it’s not all that different from recording a movie in a theater. The movie belongs to the producers, etc. etc. at that point – not the individual actors. The only difference is that this is a live performance. While each routine belongs to the individual dancer, the entire show is USPDF’s.

However, with a movie, it’s taking away from the profits of whoever owns the movie because people are watching it illegally. With a competition, it’s a one-time thing – they aren’t going to lose a profit from people posting vids of competition clips, especially because USPDF doesn’t sell DVDs of the show! It’s never going to be seen again except by the dancers themselves who get vids of their performance – they have nothing to lose. And once again, free advertising – people would watch the clips and want to go the next year.

So do I see why they do it? Yeah. Do I agree with it? Nope.

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Yay for Brynlyn (one of my instructors) for making it into the Top 5 AGAIN! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif She was a little down on herself and didn’t think she had done well at all.

I thought she was SO CUTE in the compulsory round – hers was the only one that stuck out in my mind from that round. But near the beginning of her optional round, I believe her hand slipped during a reverse grab? and you can tell it shook her up – she didn’t seem as confident or she was enjoying herself as much. She didn’t do badly, she appeared to nail the rest of her tricks, but you could see a slight difference after that. If I hadn’t seen how she was in the previous round, I wouldn’t have known the difference.

So relay the message that she was awesome and I enjoyed watching her – just about all the dancers slipped but the important thing is that she kept going. I personally would’ve broken down crying or something…

And Keiloces was smart and didn’t tag the videos… *sneaky look*
I’m almost feeling guilty for not trying to record the show! I had a perfect view – very inside row on the right side balcony, so no heads in the way or anything. But I think an usher was chillin’ not too far from me… I’m going to have to brush up on my camera hiding skillz for next year, I guess https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_tongue.gif