[Runemist34]

I think I understand. Many women I’ve met, oddly most of them older women (including my mom!) don’t seem to have a connection to their hips, because they either just aren’t taught to be that way, or they’re even taught it’s "wrong" to be moving that way!
The best way I can teach hip movement is by showing, but I can try to describe it. First, for things like hip rolls, tilts, and the sorts of things belly dancers do, is to stand straight. Try to get your hips in a neutral position (spine totally straight, usually, but it’ll feel really weird), and then lean all your weight on one leg. Push that side of your hip upwards as far as you possibly can. Doing that to the other side, and then front to back (imagine pushing your pelvic bone all the way forward, or lifting your tailbone all the way back and up), and if you put it all together (front, side, back, other side), you can get a hip circle.
For what Veena is doing, it’s more of a…spine thing, feeling it with your body. Think of yourself, particularly your torso, as a big ribbon, or something equally flowing and graceful. Shoulders/chest first, move to one side, keeping your hips where they were until the veeeerrry end, when they join the rest of you. You can do this in a sort of circle motion as well (which is what Veena was doing).

If this is totally confusing to you, then just let me know. I can try to make a video for you instead! I’ve got big hips, so it’s easy to see what I’m doing. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[Runemist34]

I pole dance because there are so few forms of exercise I actually enjoy. Pole dancing was my own introduction to a variety of sexy fun things, including burlesque! I explore my range of movement, have a great time working out, and make some very interesting friends along the way! While I accept I may never compete, I may never take it that far, I do it for myself, because I want to be able to physically do anything I think I should be able to do. The pole gives me concrete goals and challenges to strive toward. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

It doesn’t really bother me. It’s like calling a Katana a "Samurai sword." Everyone knows it by that name, and while it might not be the "right" name, it’s a name like any other. If someone goes "I notice you have a stripper pole!" I’ll say "Yep, I do!" And that’s that. Simple. They know who dances on it, what’s goin’ on in the living room…who cares? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[Runemist34]

Hey guys! I don’t want to put a damper on the happy vibes, and actually I’d love to get in on this thing…but I have some concerns.
When I was in Fitness Trainer’s class, we learned all about muscles and what happens when you damage them or abuse them, what they can and can not do…one of the biggest examples that was explained to me was when guys do the weight lifting thing, and get all manly and don’t know what they’re doing, they will often lift weights that are too heavy for them. They get into the "lifted" position, and then let the weight drop as they resist the gravity of the weight, forcing their muscle to try as hard as it can. This causes large amounts of tearing within the muscle (worse than if you are stretching normally), and even severe muscle damage, and lumpiness. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif
So, from the explanations I’ve heard, I have concerns that Resistance stretching is the same…or perhaps similar! I wouldn’t want anyone to get injured this way, and I wouldn’t want to go into this thing blind and just "Yaaaaayyy! Everyone says it’s awesome!" https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif I’m really cautious, generally, especially when things fly in the face of what I’ve been taught for so long.
So, I’m not saying it’s not awesome, I’m not saying stop doing it…I was just wondering if anyone had a way to alleviate my concerns? I’d love to get the DVD and give it a shot! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

[Runemist34]

Thanks ladies! I would never have guessed the razor https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif I’ll change the blade and see what happens!

[Runemist34]

I’d like to just say…I’ve heard that Anti-perspirant is very bad for you, and can lead to a series of health problems, including (as always) cancer. I’ve known many women who have "lumps" under their arms, and their doctors are positive it’s because they are using anti-perspirants. If you think about it, an anti-perspirant actually prevents and blocks the body from sweating, which helps you cool down, it helps the body release toxins, and all sorts of other things. Can you imagine what would happen if you clogged all that for so many years?
That said, unfortunately I’m still stuck with the old stick…I still haven’t found anything more natural and not an anti-perspirant, since they’re so popular. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_redface.gif
I also have an odd problem…it looks like acne, but it’s not. It seems to come up randomly, when I shave, and especially when I use the stick under my arm. Any ideas? It’s just red bumps, pretty itchy, centred on the underarm area. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

[Runemist34]

and no alcohol anymore…ohhhh to be 21 and not get to drink anymore!!! what rotten luck….

It’s really not that bad. I never drank until I was about 20/21 (personal choice) and since then, ever drank more than a couple of sips in a night, never been drunk, and actually haven’t found a lot of drinks I would want to participate much in. Ciders, maybe. Just maybe.
So, I know what it’s like. The only thing for younger people to do in my dingy little town is drink, party, have sex, work, go to school, and drink. It’s really boring here, and yet…I’ve never thought of drinking as something "life enriching." I’m a crazy hippie like that! So, if you want any tips on what to do when everyone is drunk and "having a good time" and you can’t drink, just let me know! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
Also, I have a friend (my best friend, in fact) who gets major health problems. Things like ulcers, tonsillitis like seven times, and all sorts of things. I’ve seen her have to turn down things like chocolate and meat, and lots of other delicious things I know she loves. However, she gets through it!
I would go back to the doctor, and ask a lot of questions. Things like what you should be eating, if there are any tests you can take to find out why this is happening, any allergies you may have that may cause this kind of thing. If you can figure out the why of things, the how and when and what to do usually falls into place, too! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

Also, wanted to add…I’m lactose sensitive, and caffeine gives me migraines, and I’m totally allergic to eggs. So, yeah, I gotta watch my eating, too. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif

[Runemist34]

Hey Glitter…I know I’m coming to this conversation a little late (I finally got my computer in the last couple days, been trying to catch up on news) and I wanted to say…I’ve been there.
My first (and last) boyfriend gave me HPV. He and I were both virgins when we hooked up, so I know for a fact he cheated on me. I was with my new boyfriend, now husband, when I found out. We were both very frightened and worried, neither of us have had anything like this. I’ve always used protection with him, so I’m not worried it was from him or that I gave it to him…but still, possible cervical cancer when you’re 21 is scary!
So, I had a horrible experience getting the biopsy (they decided to be sneaky and not tell me that they were doing it, so I freaked out and almost hyperventilated myself into unconsciousness), I still want to kick that guy in the head, and then I got the lazer-treatment. My entire cervix had to go. It grew back, of course, but it was a long few months of not being able to stand up for long, and feeling like there’s always something wrong with me down there. I was lucky to have moved back in with my mom at the time.
Since, I’ve had clear tests and no more need to see those people in the hospital. I count myself lucky for that.
SO, you aren’t alone, and I know what it’s like to get that phone call. I’m glad things are clear for you, and I’m so happy you have someone supportive as a partner! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

[Runemist34]

I know this thread is a little old, but I’d like to add a couple of things…
My father in law was having breathing problems a while back…probably about a year and a half ago? He went to the doctor, who prescribed him drugs and told him it was a lung infection. The issue never got better, and so he waited over a month to get in to see a lung specialist. What did the specialist do? Took his blood pressure! He was immediately sent to the hospital, specialist not required. His blood pressure was so high that his heart literally was shunting fluid into his lungs to handle the load. He could have had an attack at any moment.
Since then, he’s changed his life. Stopped smoking and drinking coffee, started a G.I. Diet (a Glycemic index diet, which I am still meaning to look into) and discontinued going to work for a year or so. This man had been working, no breaks or vacations, for a very long time. He was the classic "father" figure, work all the time, stern and strong. He never gave any sign that he had problems.
While, yes, I totally think that first doctor should have hanged for the fact that he didn’t check the blood pressure of an overweight smoking man in his early 50’s, I also think the shock did him some good. His life is balanced, and honestly…he and his wife (my mother in law) look great! They’ve lost lots of weight, are eating healthy and feeling no ill-effects (like being hungry or grumpy all the time) and they are gaining a greater relationship by walking every day together. I’m amazed by their change, and it’s been a long time for me to realize the need for my own change.

Personally, I’m in school (university) and take the bus every day to get there. I work (sorta) on the days I’m not in school, and aren’t the weekend. Again, the bus gets me there. I’ve noticed a huge drop in my ability to take care of myself. With homework constantly looming, the driving need to actually SEE my husband, let alone see other people and have a life outside of schooling, and the bus (I wake up at 6am to get the bus to school for an 8:30 class, FYI), I’ve found a distinct lack of time for food. Seriously! I’ve stopped eating breakfast, often don’t eat lunch and have a nap instead, and barely have time to scarf down some food before I run off to evening class! My sleep’s degraded, insomnia is plaguing me, and migranes are getting worse! And what with my constant feeling of tiredness, I barely dance anymore, too!
So, balance is the key here. I need to start taking care of myself, because I’m finding myself hitting the wall all the time. Everything in my life is suffering from a severe imbalance. Breakfast, first of all, is very important…and don’t let anyone tell you different! I’ve tried substituting breakfast with hot chocolate…I’m lactose sensitive, so it takes a while for my body to digest the lactose in hot chocolate. It feels like I’m fine…when really I’m starving. Mostly, this is why I sleep so much. I have so little energy!

So, there you have it. I confess, I’m not taking care of myself! I’ve decided that this week (my reading break) I’m getting up in the morning (No more seeing 10-12 o’ clock on the clock before I get out of bed!) and eating food! I’m gonna dance and get my homework done the way it should be. I’m actually scheduling my time, making goals for the day…I’ve never done it before!
So, if anyone has pointers, they’re always welcome! That aside…perhaps I’ll later make a thread and tell you all how it’s going. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

[Runemist34]

Update:
Well, unfortunately the tech I know looked at my computer…I was there to see the logic/mother board. It had water on it, probably fried some stuff…thus, a new one has been ordered! It was expensive, but I got what I wanted, and will be very careful with it in the future!
So, the new compy arrives around the 17th or so, and I shall return to posting here and pole dancing more! It seems that without my regular routine and support, the dancing kind of dropped off.
Lucky for me, I didn’t love the harddrive, so I still have that (It’s now an external drive) and I have a few extra parts in case something goes in the new one…like the battery, or anything else that isn’t a logic board or keyboard.
See you all soon!

[Runemist34]

I’ve gotta agree with Audball here…see the doctor. I mean, that’s what they’re there for, right? It might just be some kind of weird rash or something…you never know. Your body is a lot more complex than most of us think it is!
I hope you’re feeling better soon, though!

[Runemist34]

Carrie, I think perhaps your husband was…not expecting the "sexy walk" but I doubt he meant for you to stop! I once went for a photoshoot with a friend of mine, who did up all my makeup…and when I went home, my husband asked me "What happened to your face?" I teased him for ages afterward! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif
I think that "professionalism" has become synonymous with "robotic," and I don’t agree with that. Also, most people recognize sexuality as something…passionate, close, and something people connect through. So, perhaps they just don’t see how these things can go together? I would think that if you kept doing it, though, they would eventually just get used to it. You can even try to steer the conversation away from strippers and whatnot if you like, or even tell them you don’t feel that you want your dancing to be associated with that topic.
Honesty is always the best policy, but sometimes people forget that. I think that husbands always appreciate when we’re being sexy…they just don’t know how to express it! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cat.gif

[Runemist34]

Hey there, eh? Another fellow Canadian come to say Hi! I’m in BC, so kinda far from you! But, still the same country https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Runemist34]

Scarlett, I agree and disagree with you.
The only point I disagree with you on is this idea that it’s such a "man’s world" and that all they want is a tiger in the bedroom, and a 50’s housewife for dinner. My husband isn’t like this, and I know quite a few other men that aren’t, too. Perhaps I’ve just found the exceptions, and men abroad are actually like that…but this would make me sad.

Otherwise, I think that if you truly love the idea of showing your body to others, pole dancing and floor dancing, making up performances, and you don’t feel that this reflects badly on yourself (because I know some people would think it does) then I say…go for it!
I know a woman who is a mother of two, a devoted wife, and her life and livelihood is Burlesque. That is, the art of slowly, teasingly taking off your clothing, ending usually in a pair of pasties and a thong.
Curiously, burlesque is seen as the "classy" version of stripping, allowing women of all shapes and sizes to flaunt it for an audience of screaming, happy people. I assume this is because you can choose how much or how little you want to take off, as well as if you want to do it funny, or sexy/serious.
However, Burlesque was actually tied to the sex industry, way back when, and many women were arrested for stripping on stage in this manner. Most of them were up their, flaunting their wares, because how they got their money and their life is by attracting men, and getting said men to buy them things.
I thought it was interesting!
I always love to find women who are so in love with their own bodies that they would like to share them, however they choose to do so. Many women will pose nude for pictures, some will get into Burlesque…and some just run around nude in their homes!
I would only say…be careful, because most of the time, strippers are encouraged…well, more like it’s almost mandatory to do lap dancing in order to make money. You sell the lapdances, you make the money. I, personally wouldn’t be comfortable (or very good) with this, but if you think you can do it…I say go for it! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Runemist34]

Have you messaged Webmaster about it? How big are your video files? What format are they? These things really have a bearing…especially the size! Videos can be huge, even if they are really, really short!