Forum Replies Created

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  • Kobajo84

    Member
    April 19, 2014 at 7:25 am in reply to: conflict of interest for instructor to visit competition?

    Reyn – Just be honest and open about everything. I would call or show up and talk to them about the situation. In the end, everyone will appreciate your being open and honest. However, be prepared to pay more for classes/lessons because you are an instructor. Many studios charge existing instructors from other studios more or prefer lessons be done as privates due to the conflict of unintentional promoting of your studio of employment. There may also be a contract you sign to protect themselves if you choose to take what you learned and start teaching it yourself. It can get to be a very touchy subject and your best bet would be to discuss things with the studio you’re wanting to take lessons from. They can refuse you as a student if they feel their hard work of their program is going to be jeopardized by local competition. Just all things you should take into consideration.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    April 2, 2014 at 10:27 pm in reply to: Valentino brothers’ stretching DVDs

    I have the front split and spine stretching system DVD. I really like the stretches in this DVD and found their tone to be quite soothing. The quality of the DVD isn’t professionally done- it was more if a home movie quality but I liked the stretches and found them beneficial. I adapted the stretches to what worked with my body. I also found some great tips in this particular DVD. I have many resources for stretching and this was just one of the many supplemental resources I’ve utilized.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    March 18, 2014 at 5:59 pm in reply to: Straight leg inverts…ugh

    I have found major improvement in my straight leg inverts through strengthening both the quads and hamstrings. Make sure to target both areas. I have also made a conscious effort to point my toes and this has also helped. The floor straddles Danielle was talking about are amazing. I have my students do both internal & external pointed toe leg circles in this position. Great for overall strengthening and toning quads & hamstrings.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    March 11, 2014 at 3:18 pm in reply to: Instructors (and everyone else)! Advice needed! pleez wit cheez?

    I teach based on modifications. Very similar to what Danielle is explaining. Basically- you adjust your teaching to an individual’s skill level. If one version of the move has been mastered one week, then you introduce the modifications until all areas of the material have been met. There is always something to teach. I find it hard someone would run out of material- especially at a beginner level. It’s about tapping into creativity. Really plan things out and find the direction you want your class to take. There are endless possibilities. One of the biggest techniques I focus on is creating seamless flow. Once moves are mastered, I want to see them executed in proper form and smoothly in the form of a routine. My routines vary in length- generally one class routines are mini routines repeated over and over again in multiple directions and cued changes/modifications.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    March 11, 2014 at 3:11 pm in reply to: In the market for a new pole

    When choosing a pole, you want to think in terms of long term goals- as a pole really is an investment and a purchase you should take seriously to assure you get the longevity/resale value out of your purchase. With that being said, if your long term goals are to compete- you may want to strongly consider the X-pole. I say this because traditionally (at this moment in time) competitions use X-pole brand poles. There is a difference between the spin on an X-pole and a Platinum Stages pole. Very crucial training elements for competing can make or break your routine if you’re not training on the proper equipment that is utilized for a big performance. Another factor for strongly recommending X-pole is resale value. In a few years, say you want to sell your X-pole because it just wasn’t for you. You’re more likely to snatch a buyer and resell for more money than a pole that is not in higher demand that the one you’re stuck with and desperate to off load. Another thing I really have enjoyed about X-pole is their customer service. They have been awesome in every regard and being a studio owner, I’ve had to contact them several times. I will say that Lil’ Mynx has always been easy to deal with as well and my first ever pole was a Lil’ Mynx. I’ve not really had very much commentary with Platinum Stages to comment on how well their customer service is.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    March 7, 2014 at 9:52 pm in reply to: HELP: Need sample waiver form to host pole parties pleasssse

    Your insurance company provides you with a waiver.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    February 26, 2014 at 2:40 pm in reply to: The “SV” version of Yoga?

    You’re welcome! I love that it’s free and they’re always adding lessons.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    February 25, 2014 at 9:12 pm in reply to: The “SV” version of Yoga?
  • Kobajo84

    Member
    February 22, 2014 at 7:57 pm in reply to: Get Bent DVD

    I’ve had this DVD for a long time and only watched it once. I found a lot of the stretches and information to be repetitive for me- as in the stretches weren’t anything new to me outside of a lot of what I already do. I really liked the tone of her voice as I found it to be soothing.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    February 13, 2014 at 7:18 pm in reply to: 40mm Chrome X-pert Build-a-Pole for Sale – $175 – Chicago

    Interested.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    February 2, 2014 at 8:54 am in reply to: Portable Dance Flooring

    I made one for my pole room. Just plywood and we fastened the two plywood pieces together and put peel and stick laminate wood tiles. The fasteners are on the underside and it required two people to flip the boards.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    January 31, 2014 at 3:31 pm in reply to: Friday Chats?? Where did they go??

    I work Monday through Friday now so popping in chat during the day doesn’t happen for me. And tonight I have pole parties. In the summer my Fridays will open up! Hoping to get back to chat too.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    January 29, 2014 at 3:49 pm in reply to: Announcing the 1st pole dance classes in central Illinois!

    I know there is a pole and aerial studio opening in Champaign, Illinois soon.

  • I kind of feel like the whole traveling workshops is a dying fad. I don’t get psyched for workshops anymore like I used to. I will host at my studio, however the person has bring something original to the table. I look at what has been done already locally and what the instructor can offer my students for their own growth as dancers. I look deeply at whether or not I feel like my students would get much out of a workshop- just having someone come because they are a big name isn’t going to cut it for me since many of my students don’t know who is who in the industry. I do a lot of research on prospective guest instructors. Like Chem says, I want to make sure their money is well spent and the person teaching is reputable and has a strong background and knowledge base of what they’re teaching.

  • Kobajo84

    Member
    January 22, 2014 at 5:12 pm in reply to: healing hamstrings–advice

    I see a sports massage therapist monthly. If it’s an injury though, you may want to inquire through your insurance for a medical reason. Your primary care may be able to direct you in the right direction.

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