Forum Replies Created

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    September 4, 2015 at 12:47 pm in reply to: Blocking

    From a business owner’s standpoint, there are threads i’d be more apt to start/participate in, if i was able to preemptively block the mean girls from my local competitor so they can’t see my commentary. I’d love to be involved in the business-related threads without feeling like i’m putting it all out there…
    I do realize they could probably just make other emails/accounts anyhow though, but it is helpful at least in pole dance forums on Facebook, that you know your blocked accounts aren’t seeing you at all.

    I know thats an extensive development overhaul, but do you think that is an update you’d make in the future?

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    September 4, 2015 at 12:16 pm in reply to: Blocking

    I was wondering this too…

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    October 29, 2014 at 1:57 pm in reply to: Opened a Studio!!! (it’s scary) What brought YOU into pole?

    GOOD GOD, YOU LADIES ARE A SMART BUNCH!!! So much great, HELPFUL feedback here. Thank you!

    @ClubDynasty, I really like that ‘Ladies Out’ idea. Its sort of like hosting a bachelorette party, but maybe I could market to specific ladies groups in my area? I like it.

    @azblanco, $40 UNLIMITED? That is crazy!!!! I totally agree with the one-time deal perspective. I’m all for specials that end after a set amount of time, or are geared towards one type of class. I really don’t want people assuming they should wait to buy packages because they just KNOW there will be specials. Not going to lie though- thats usually been my approach to training at Body & Pole though hahaha

    @allysonkendal- i def see where you’re coming from. Even if something seems to bring in numbers of people, will the numbers translate to money and income. Some good points to think about. Thank you!

    @romo, thanks for the FB info! Scheduled posts in particular is very helpful- i had no idea that existed!

    Thanks again, everyone!!!

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    October 24, 2014 at 2:39 pm in reply to: Opened a Studio!!! (it’s scary) What brought YOU into pole?

    And yes, I think i will keep Fridays free for parties and maybe just add those classes to Tuesday.

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    October 24, 2014 at 1:31 pm in reply to: Opened a Studio!!! (it’s scary) What brought YOU into pole?

    I totally agree @lustyzins! Especially if you want a storefront (which I did not). What also dissuaded me, was thinking about the clientele I want… like if you want to EMPOWER women of all ages, shapes, sizes, having them walk through a group of men smoking a blunt, and hollering at every girl they see while loitering in front of your store, would def be a deterrent for a lot of people. I know I wouldn’t want to deal with it, no matter how much I enjoy the dance class.

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    October 24, 2014 at 10:37 am in reply to: Opened a Studio!!! (it’s scary) What brought YOU into pole?

    Thank you guys for all the feedback! Its all SUPER helpful. I am feeling like groupon may not be super beneficial for me yet. For timing- i hear ya on all that evening feedback! I currently have classes 4 nights during the workweek, from 6:30-7:45 and on Saturdays from 11am – 12:15, and 12:15 – 1:30. I feel like these are some of the times that are beneficial to ME when I’m looking to move, so i guess we’ll just see what sticks! So far, no one has come to Friday night classes. Every other day has resulted in at least one person.

    Do you guys think I should nix Friday night?

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    October 24, 2014 at 10:30 am in reply to: Opened a Studio!!! (it’s scary) What brought YOU into pole?

    @romo, that is good to know, because i def had a few people tell me “boosting” your FB posts was really helpful because a lot of people see them… i do see those numbers, but you’re right: who are they hitting? it doesn’t matter if 1200 people saw your post if 1100 of them were men over 50.

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    October 24, 2014 at 10:28 am in reply to: Opened a Studio!!! (it’s scary) What brought YOU into pole?

    @oakmama, not sure where you’re looking exactly, but I had the same experience. I found a beautiful place in Poughkeepsie, on Main St, but it was 1100. The inside was PERFECT, but that was still too high for rent, especially considering some people [who’ve obviously never traveled to other cities], consider it a rough section of town. I don’t find it that bad, but really, what will you steal from a small pole studio? Rubbing alcohol and rags? But alas, I also didn’t think i needed a storefront, so paying more for that seems silly. I’d suggest driving around, and calling the numbers on buildings. I had NO luck with Craigslist.

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    October 24, 2014 at 10:22 am in reply to: Opened a Studio!!! (it’s scary) What brought YOU into pole?

    @Freddie, that is def good advice. I also think thats why a pole studio will hopefully work here: there isn’t much in terms of adult dance classes of any sort in this area!

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    October 24, 2014 at 10:20 am in reply to: Opened a Studio!!! (it’s scary) What brought YOU into pole?

    @Lucca Valentine, you and I are on the same wavelength! I live near a college, so i’ve jogged through campus and left fliers in fun places! I’m def thinking about purchasing a stand-alone stage to host demos in festivals and art fairs, as there are many here, especially in the warmer months. I’ve been doing the drop-off at local studios I go to, and they don’t seem to mind (probably because I give them a lot of business as a patron myself). I think it’s working. The lead-up has been slow, but when I think about the fact i’ve been open a week and I’ve already have a handful of new students, I don’t think thats so bad. #optimism

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    October 8, 2012 at 8:53 am in reply to: Pole Size Utilized in Competitions

    Thanks for the feedback and info, everyone! I had def noticed that USPDF was using 45mm poles, so that got me thinking maybe a new industry standard was in the works. Based on everything I've ascertained from this thread, I'm just going to go ahead an invest in a 45 mm!

     

    That being said, if you know anyone trying to sell their 45 mm in the NYC area, let me know! Thanks guys! 🙂

     

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    October 3, 2012 at 12:16 pm in reply to: CHRISTMAS TREE SPLITS CHALLENGE AGAIN? I am in!

    It really depends on the splits you are trying to acheive, but generally speaking, anything you can do to loosen your hip flexors and stretch your hamstrings is good. Pigeon pose is pretty handy, as is a good ol' jazz split. 

    I'm pretty decent at my side splits, but am currently trying to get a solid middle split. One method i've been using for the middle splits (which seems to be working), is using ankle weights on both ankles and sliding my butt to the wall . I'd only recommend doing this after some light cardio (so you're warm), and i wouldn't go higher than 2 1/2 lbs per ankle…. gravity seems to be doing the rest, but it's still a process. 

    Also, try holding a low horse stance for a little longer each day: this will work your inner thigh and  hip flexors. Good luck Michelle!

  • NikitaDarling

    Member
    October 3, 2012 at 8:52 am in reply to: CHRISTMAS TREE SPLITS CHALLENGE AGAIN? I am in!

    I'm in on this! Have researched several new methods involving small balls and therabands…. never a better chance to put them to the test, while also getting to know my peers!