[Reyn]

I definitely agree on execution. The way you move through combinations is what makes the dance so unique to you! I also just love seeing those creative new movements built off of a move that maybe everyone recognizes. That's one of the reasons I always try to "create" something new when I choreograph for a competition – even though it usually isn't new, I know it is at least something not seen EVERYWHERE and something that I built while in the moment of my song. 

I also thing a big factor about a performance is in the rhythm, the rise and fall, where the dancer speeds up vs. slows it down and extends. 

[Reyn]

Totally in this phase of pole right now… Mainly with my stupid shouldermount, left side most of all. I got both sides one day, STRONG holds, and now can't manage to get 'em back. 

 

I also managed to get the Janeiro, but now I just can't get into it! I get so close, until I try to drop my top leg down! 

[Reyn]

CRAIGSLIST… I spent about $20 and got two mirrors, one is about 3'x6' the other is about 2'x3' =)

[Reyn]

I tend to super-duper introvert. I plug in my music and go through my routine over and over… and of course try to really enjoy the music so that when I get on stage with it I can pump it out the way it's meant to be. If I don't go through my routine over and over just before I get on stage, I know my anxiety will get the best of me because it makes my brain basically shut down. I need the extra reinforcement to help me remember it when that happens. 

[Reyn]

Anything inverted with a split grip =(

 

Also my aerial inversions… basic and shouldermount.

[Reyn]

So I am glad I re-read those rules now, just realized my forearm grip Ayesha should be within the guidelines for level 2 🙂

[Reyn]

Oh and really really pay attention to your arms and shoulders! Shoulders need to hold back and down like you're squeezing shoulder blades together and pushing the shoulders away from your ears. Arms should squeeze in tight, don't let them straighten out. 

[Reyn]

Bring your hands into position as if you're going to invert, hips in front of the pole. With legs together, lift your knees into your chest. You can start by just holding that position for as long as you can. Once you can do that for 3-5 seconds, try doing crunches, crunching knees to chest, then extendling legs back down (without touching the ground), rinse and repeat. 

[Reyn]

Repetition, but particularly repeat doing it WITHOUT kicking. LIFT into an invert tuck position THEN lift back into the invert. Do invert tuck crunches =) 

[Reyn]

I'm about in the same boat- well, I have had my full splits for a while now but they are still uncomfortable to get into and hold… thinking maybe if I start doing oversplits then it'll make the normal splits a little less intense, but I don't want to go too far if I'm just not ready. 

 

Though, I have come to the conclusion that if I can get my hamstrings a bit more flexy I'll be much more comfy. 

[Reyn]

I am trying to learn to dance in heels, and I like to start small and work my way up. Dance in something with only a tiny bit of weight or a tiny heel, get confident, then move up to something bigger. 

Also work on inverting without kicking. Because when you wear high heels you lose a lot of your momentum because you can't kick into it, it sort of forces you to do it correctly!! 

 

Good luck =) 

[Reyn]

Story that is awesome to hear!! I get that sensation a lot too – it is so frustrating for me because I have flexibility to do splits but it is very uncomfortable under my knee, and that kneepit tension is what keeps me from having a flexy pike stretch =( 

I'll definitely be trying the foam roller and some extra hamstring stretches now!!

[Reyn]

OH, or you could get a pole buddy!!! Definitely recommend it 😉

[Reyn]

I adore Veena's lessons, but I also believe that having studio time is great for inspiration, motivation, and really making sure you are executing the move properly. It can make a world of difference when you have someone evaluating what you're doing. Another great thing you can do is make sure to join in on Veena's Friday Chat day. You can get some good feedback there =) 

Mostly, though, I like studio classes for inspiration and motivation. The community is great, and I really CHALLENGE myself so much more with other people pushing me =) 

 

[Reyn]

Haha Charley I video all the weird moves I learn! It's the only way I can really remember specifics, but sometimes if it's really wonky I'll video AND take notes 😉 

 

I know how you feel Lovepole, my pole at home is still so super slippy, and I've had it for 3 years! I did recently buy Mighty Grip gloves to help out with it, they are hit or miss, but so is pretty much everything on my pole. Actually I was surprised the other day at the moves I managed to work through on it, I really think warming up makes a BIG difference =)