Koidragon
Forum Replies Created
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If you answer with a video call, then they can see you as you can see them – which I presume is helpful as they can correct what you would be doing. However you can 'hide' your cam so it is one way.
As for filming, I would make sure you have their permission to do so, you cannot do it with the skype program itself, but there are other programs which can piggy back off skype which will allow you to record.
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Divapolegoddess – Alas we now live in a society of choice… 20 different types of bread, 17 cheeses, choose your own salads. No longer do the masses appreciate the specialist, we prefer ikea with it's multi-coloured everything locks with everything else. This probably means that people will be turned away because there isn't the option there, even though they may not go to it even if it were… and not to cast stones, I am just as bad as the next person, I like to see all the things I *could* do if I wanted… I would suggest, that if it doesn't really cost you much, run the extra classes simply for the attraction of shiny new options and diversity.
Build it, and they will come. 🙂
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Chem… you get me… so incredibly well said. That is exactly what I meant. *wipes tear*
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I know there are some crazy grip aides out there, and I would love to try some of them out (my partner is convinced he can cover my new slippery chrome pole with contact cement ha) but the ladies in my studio climbing around with clothing on are definitely not using them, as us meeker mortals will use the pole either side of their antics. Funny, when I asked how, she gave exactly the same response, Cliche… (the first things about fight club is we do not talk about fight club)
I am hoping that one day, I too will be initiated into this weird and secret gecko-gripping society… and then I too, can whisper 'squeeze' knowingly to those around me…
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I don't have the same issues, but certainly some strange idiosyncrasies – one of my collar bones has either an extra bit of bone or the other is missing some, which means I can only really shoulder mount on one side without crunching bone. Also, I had hyper extensive shoulders which meant that in the beginning I could not take my weight on one shoulder at a time (so no split grip at all, and a lot of moves were out). I have done exercises though which now have helped – it means I have very tight and possibly over muscular shoulders, but I can do more things with pole, so I am not complaining 🙂 Also, due to tendonitis in my wrists, I can't physically twist my wrist in a certain direction to get some moves – one of my instructors just simply says "there are some moves you may not be able to do, and some you probably won't, and that's ok". I think everyone tends to have moves they like, and moves they don't – some they can do and others that just always elude them or don't feel comfortable in. find what works for you and make it yours – but yes, I have found there are often ways to help heal/improve physical limitations of this nature.
I did see a chiropractor for a spine issue (old injury) who used a very particular style, which 'adjusted' the body the way the body moves naturally rather than against… this did a lot of good of me, but took a while, but other than that I haven't had any experience with something like rolfing.
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Oh wow. WOW. I also just watched Chrystal Belcher's performance at Chem's mention… I have to say, I think there are very many definitions and interpretations of the word sexy.
And that. was. sexy.
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I am going to throw something in – alas, this is what happens as many 'arts' move towards the mainstream. I am going to give the example of martial arts (both because I know about it, and also because what else do you come onto a pole dancing forum for… to talk about unrelated things https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
Bruce Lee (bless his fabulous cotton socks) brought martial arts to the mainstream. From there we got competitions – from Olympic wrestling and taekwondo through to things like UFC. Now, what has now been an ongoing discussion/issue in the MA community is that with all this competition and spotlight, the philosophy has gone – people don't train the deeper side of martial arts anymore. However, it is still there – just almost underground.
My view is that this is a similar thing that will happen to pole dancing, and it may in fact be inevitable. The philosophy side of MA is introspective and 'self' oriented – it is also a somewhat subjective thing, and can be difficult to say 'who is more philosophically strong in MA than someone else' – as it is with pole. In pole, as weall know, there is dance and sexiness and so much that is left to interpretation which cannot truly be judged on – so I think this aspect will seem to decline. In fact though, I think it will just seem to do so as the percentage of people into pole and pole based arts increases. I think that, like MA, the personal, soul filling side of pole will just become something that those who use pole as something more than just fitness and gymnastics will continue to express, and they may or may not dabble in the competitions. And hopefully there will continue to be forums and showcases to display these aspects. It may be that over time, there will be competitions and then, separately, entire shows devoted to performance and expression, as there is with dance.
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I can't tell you how many business owners I have heard tell me after a promotion 'the only thing groupon (or insert other deal type promotion name) is good for is groupon'.
I think the $10 intro class with a discount offered if they sign up on the spot is a good idea – it is a model many gyms use. As for the sexy side of things – the studio I go to (which offers a big variety) has both a 'sexy' set of classes, a 'tricks' side and a 'fitness/strength' side of things. Mind you, this studio is established and has a strong and loyal member base – I think working out what is wanted in your area is a good thing, but also be prepared to change it/offer alternatives, as you may find that the initial interest will be from the floorwork type, but as their understanding of the style grows and diversifies, so will the wants of your members.
Do you cater to hens nights? Whilst I don't think that you would get a lot of members from it, it is a revenue builder and can help get your name out.
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Just on the intro promotions side of things – Often, if the promotion is 'too good a deal' then it won't really matter how happy people are, they will balk at committing to what they see as the same thing for a lot more. Don't go too low on your promotion – $20 unlimited is pretty darn great. Or, better yet, offer the promotion to the members you already have – ie, give them 'free class' passes to give out (limit them), and if their referral joins, give them a bonus (reduced membership price for a time span, etc). It is better to reward the people already there than new people who as yet have no loyalty to you. I know you don't have many students yet – perhaps offer a reduced rate (say, the 20% off you mentioned) if two people join together?
(I have been a gym manager for multiple locations with sales winning results).
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I do agree with you Corby, even the best teachers can have students who have injuries – especially from those of us who do tend to go for the 'no pain, no gain' aspect 🙂 I guess though what I am saying is the likelyhood of a student getting injured will be much higher from someone who doesn't have the years of experience.
Another point I agree with – if you are passionate about it, you should definitely go for it! But then, do it wholeheartedly and go the whole hog. Going through a studio is a good idea, but I don't know if that is available to Sassypants? I personally have no issue with someone teaching under the table – in a lot of ways, it is a great way to build a student base. But, that person teaching under the table I would hope would still be giving me the same level of instruction and expertise as I would expect anywhere else, especially if money is involved, and I would definitely want to know they are insured.
Ha, the studio owners and private teachers I know aren't exactly rolling in money, they definitely do it for the love of it 🙂
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How about something 'old skoooool' (haha)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PPC7s2_Qh8
Or this. It might be more my taste, but I can visualise some really powerful stuff…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77TlfZwvWxQ
Or, perhaps something with more ups and downs, with a tempo increase?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G45p1GqI_tA
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Welcome to trying to lighten heavily dyed black hair – the red/orange colour is just what happens to most of us.
I would agree with Misspolejava (from seeing it happen a number of times) – with your hair having had so much colour in it for so long, bleaching it to blonde in one hit is a bit much of an ask, and to do much more to it now could give you a chemical haircut. Also as Dwiizie said – bleach may not even lift the colour you have in your hair. I would suggest getting a rinse (I don't know if that is what they are called where you are) – ie, a non-permanent die (they say I think 8-10 washes on the pack? Can't remember) with no ammonia, in a brown colour you aren't adverse to, and then let your hair settle down before gradually taking it blonder, with either a salon or with Dwiizie's recommendations – but wait, or you may end up with a very short hair style and mush in your hands. Lots of conditioner!
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I guess part of the point is, that none of the people who taught those of us (myself, portable ninja, kasanya etc) meant us any harm, nor did they believe they were teaching anything wrong – however, by not having the right experience, or enough experience, and pole specific expertise, they did not see, and in fact could not see, how we were being taught wrongly. I am sure they are still teaching, and there will be many other people out there with similar stories. I have also been asked to teach pole, and there is no way, absolutely no way, I would risk damaging someone else by lack of knowledge the way I have been. I hope to teach one day, but not until I am absolutely sure I have the utmost safety of my students in my control.
I was fortunate, I went to a studio where I was seen by a 7-year competition winning instructor, who took one look at my poling and told me to go back and start at the very beginning again. Trust me, I wasn't happy to hear it at the time, but I am grateful now 🙂
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Hi Celeste21
I agree, your lines are lovely 🙂
Looking at your photo – the move you are doing would more likely be some sort of elbow grip straddle invert? – it looks like your body is touching along the pole, which means it isn't the ayesha, (hard to tell from the angle though) and it isn't the reversed inverted V, as that requires your body to be beside the pole, not behind it. I'm not entirely sure what it is, but I would agree that you should try focusing on the butterfly to get used to your body being away from the pole before trying these moves. Veena has a really good set of lessons on here, which go through a process specifically designed for you to train at home and to build the strength in the right places 🙂
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There are so many good responses here so I won't go too far into it but yes, you NEED insurance, CPS training, first aid certification etc. I was taught the improper technique by a school that was filled with fitness instructors who weren't specific pole instructors, and have tendonitis in my wrists as a result. I am a fitness instructor, have studied physio therapy and have been a martial arts instructor for years, and I didn't realise I was doing things wrong at the time because it was a different type of specialisation. There is so much more to teaching than knowing how to put your own body into the moves – you also have to be able to see where someone else in engaging wrong as soon as they do it. I was strong enough physically to do a lot of things with the wrong engagement, and thus am now paying for it.
