Saphyre
Forum Replies Created
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Shout out DaniDuB! You are an AWESOME instructor! I always have so much fun with you!
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In the large scheme of things, I think what you might look for as far technique and poling background changes as you progress. As far as personality, body type and other personal traits, I think that varies based on your own age and background
When starting, I agree with Chem. Most people probably have no idea what to look for. I know I didn't, but perhaps that's because I've never had formal dance, gymnastics, or martial arts classes of any kind. My background was strictly aerobics and yoga. The most important thing for me as a newbie was an instructor who didn't make me feel uncomfortable about my age or lack of strength.
To specifically address your question: So my questions is Day 1 – you want to learn pole dancing. Who do you go to? Why? What is it about the staff of instructors that brings you in? What makes you say "This is the place/instructor for me?"
I didn't even know this kind of class existed. My fitness friend had just opened a studio and contacted me to see if I was interested in pole lessons, and that's how I started at her studio. It was only 20 minutes from my home. My first set of classes was taught by the fabulous Glitterhips. She made me feel very comfortable, age and all. I have to say the fact that she wasn't an uber toned, skinny minnie, too sexy for words woman made it a lot less intimidating. What she was was fun, flexible, sexy in an approachable way, strong, great at step by step instruction, clearly had a love for pole, was really good at it, and had the most magnetic personality I'd encountered in quite some time. If it wasn't for her, I would not have continued on. Unfortunately, she longer teaches at my studio.
Now that I have been poling for over a year and I have different instructors, I can say that what I prefer in an instructor is different than when I started. What I wouldn't do to still have Glitter! My studio choices are extremely limited.
I don't think it is neccessary for an instructor to have a dance/gymnastics/exercise background. There are plenty of polers who don't have that, and are as good, if not better than some who do. It's like saying that just because you have an MBA you would be better at a job than someone who has 5 years of experience in that field. What is important to me in an instructor at this point in my journey, which I don't neccessarily have are:
~ Can perform advanced moves. Easily.
~ Is able to teach step by step instructions, safely and properly
~ Knows of several alternative ways to get into a move. Even if they cannot get into that move another way themselves, they can explain it clearly and help you do it.
~ Mixes in stretching and conditioning
~ Is willing to play different genres of music, not just what they like.
~ Continues their own pole journey and education outside of teaching
~ They are likable and I can relate to them. They don't have to be super outgoing, just relatable and courteous.
~ They can teach combos, floor moves, and other "dancy" stuff
~ Know how to make the class fun. Is creative.
~ Being certified as a pole instructor would be awesome, but not required
As far as teaching, in general. I believe that someone can be the best at something, but have no clue how to teach someone else. We see this in just about every field out there, and pole is no different. Even though I have only been poling a year and have none of the usual dance, etc background, I am a natural teacher. I was a "new hire" trainer at the job I retired from. I have shown my nieces some moves. I gave a friend a "teaser" class in my home with just some floor and sexy dance moves and a fireman. She complimented me on my teaching style. I have helped out other's in my class. They have commented on how I was able to help them get a move when the instructor could not. I'm not trying to toot my own horn, just trying to make a point.
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Oh! I can't wait to respond to this, but I don't have time right now. Tomorrow….
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Yes. Let us know! I am in the far West Suburbs and need pole playmates!
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I have gotten tops from Kohl's before. They have a section for sports wear. Ditto Charley on Target.
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Cramping in the lower extremities can be brough on my dehydration and/or low potassium. It seems to kick in more when inverted! I usually try to eat a banana the day I pole. Of course we all know to increase our water intake, but sometimes towards the end of a strenuous workout it can get depleted.
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This pain can be totally separate from tendonitis. I injured my forearm 2 months after starting pole. I had physical therapy, which included heat, electro stimulation, stretching, and massage. Mine was pretty severe though. It was basically like shin splints, but in the forearm. When you overgrip in a spin , you can cause the muscle to kind of pull away, which i turn, causes the injury. Here is my advise in addition to rest:
Do these in order at least twice a day
1) Heat
2) Stretch using Veena's forearm extensor and flexor exercises!!!!
3) Heat
4) Massage
Once you start to feel some relief, get a firm ball or a hand grip exerciser. Use as often as you can to strengthen those muscles and you'll be back to normal! xoxo
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Yeah, Autumn Sky!!
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Good point. My resting heart rate went down as well. I was so exited about the BP, I didn't even make note of it. The benefits keep piling up!!
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I have. It works really well. I had to kind of adjust the iron to get it to steam while being in the verticle instead of horizontal position though. Try it out away from the pole first so you can figure yours out. Like Veena cautions, make sure your hand is covered or away before it steams or you can burn yourself.
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I have the newer one and I do whatever I can to keep it off my hands. I use a makeup sponge (tip form Charley) to apply it to my legs, and arms. It only takes a teeny, tiny amount.
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I should be getting my Cramers this week, Lyme! Won’t be able to use it yet, but I can still spray some on and pretend..You might soon be getting a prize for the most poles in a residence!
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Just to clarify, I would only use the brass or TG in the warm, humid summer. It doesn’t seem like a good cold weather choice. I love my chrome the rest of the year!! Thanks, Charley! Looking forward to meeting you and checking out other pole finishes! – Susan O
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Hey, Charley, will there be multiple pole finishes to check out at the Michigan festival? I want to purchase a second pole for the hot, sweaty summer months (I have 45mm chrome), and can’t decide between TG and Brass. I can only control the sweaty hands to a degree in summer, and I can handle not doing spins at home, but I need the stick for tricks at home. I had heard that there wasn’t much of a difference between the TG and chrome in the hot, humidity. Getting too much info and can’t make up my mind without touching them for myself!
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You might like "Barton Hallow" by the Civil Wars.