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Thank you, chemgoddess, I’m gonna have to try that tonight when I practice!

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I am also tall with most of me being legs (42" for floor to hip and I am just under 5’8") and did not have too many issues with both of these moves (besides pain). However I cannot go from outside leg hang into star easily but I think that is more due to having crappy center splits.

Hmm, then it must be that I’m not strong enough yet or I’m just not biting the bullet hard enough w/ my attempts. You look very lean and athletic, chemgoddess, were you that ripped before you started poling? I haven’t been this active in my entire life to be honest, and thanks to my mostly sedentary lifestyle I think I’m less disciplined with my pole practices than I would like to be. Btw, anyone interested in becoming my drill-Sargent?
https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

? ~*Serzi

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I’m wondering if my height has something to do with me struggling so much with the knee hold and star.

Are you really tall or leggy, girl? I have had much difficulty w/ these moves too and I think that’s a big part of my prob. My legs are 40" long from hip to toe and I am 5’10" tall all together. As a result, it looks amazing when I finally get a move perfected but the struggle in-between is very clumsy and frustrating. I think my lengthy limbs kinda cut my reaction time and, well, there’s just so many possible points of contact that it’s hard to find the right spot before I run out of steam. My short pole and low ceilings don’t help the situation much either. The things you never consider before you get into poling, you know? Haha!

? ~*Serzi

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CONGRATS!!! I’m happy that you got your teddy! I just got it lookin’ good this month too (after trying here and there for about two full months), and I also found that by climbing it was a lot easier to get into it. Don’t know if it has to do with body-type, height, or flexibility but it’s strange how some moves are easier to nail from the floor or in the air the first time. Anyway, cheers to you! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

? ~*Serzi

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Hey Charley! For $300 even could I get the whole shebang AND a private session on Sunday? Sorry to haggle, but it would be nice. Can’t blame me for tryin’, haha! I’m gonna be so broke after this…Hell, BEFORE even! Either way, I’m really lookin’ forward to this. Karol is my favorite, aww I think I’m gonna cry when I meet her! ??????

? ~*Serzi

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Hi there! I don’t know how helpful my info may be, but I have a 30 degree curve in my spine (scoliosis) that often causes problems with the muscles underneath my right shoulder blade due to inflammation. My shoulder blade used to kinda "pop" occasionally when I would rotate my arm at an odd angle, but that was long before I started poling. I have been through physical therapy and the exercises that I learned I have been able to incorporate into my pole routine with great results!

My physical differences from straight-spine polers has its share of disadvantages, but also benefits. For example, I have a lot of difficulty with the advanced plank if I use my right hand to grip beneath me because my shoulder always wants to roll forward instead of back and down. It doesn’t cause any pain, but I can’t get the move to look good if I use my dominant hand and (to add to the frustration) my bra strap always slips down. LOL

With learning new moves I take it rather slow until I understand what position my body may either ease into or fight against altogether. I try very hard to make sure that when I execute a move that I am doing it in a way that works with my unique spine. Inverts where I am facing away from the pole (Gemini, Scorpio) are very comfortable for me and came with much less struggle than ones where I am facing the pole (Inverted Crucifix, Butterfly). Pretty much any move where I can lean back and hold with my legs is more comfortable than when the grip relies mostly on my arms and hands. However, strangely enough, handstands are easier for me (both dropping down into or going up from the floor) facing the pole rather than when I have my back to it. There is also the recent bizarre realization that I can do a teddy bear with minimal effort, which is a move that I had been dreading to attempt because it seemed like it would be impossible.

Just a guess, but your strengths and difficulties may be the exact opposite of mine since (I’m assuming) your spine curves at your lower back. You may have an advantage at upper body and core strength, with the possibility of some very interesting and sexy flexibility. What you mentioned about your hip on your left side sounds a lot like this thing I can do with my right shoulder, haha! =D

Anyways, I hope at least some of this was helpful. My only real advice is to look into physical therapy (they will show you the way!), keep up to date on the status of your condition (i.e. has your spine fused into position or is it still curving?), and ABOVE ALL ELSE don’t let your back rob you of your glory. You may have to adopt a different approach than most people, it may take you longer to nail a new move or to learn how to properly execute one that you got right away, but believe me when I say that you can do it! If you are very aware of your body and what you are doing with it while up on the pole it will serve as a great advantage to guide you into new moves and guard you against injuries. If you are strong, flexible, and a good dancer besides…well, heck, you got it made!

? ~*Serzi

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I think that maybe I’ll combine last month’s challenge with this one since I never got around to it. A silly song works well with repetitive spins, it has so much gray area to fill in. Haha!

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@ KikiGeneres I don’t mean to speak on behalf of everyone on this site, but I think I’m safe to assure you that we are a supportive community here! We would love to see your May challenge no matter what level of dancer you currently are. =) Positivity and constructive criticism are a key attribute of everyone I’ve met on here, and you are in good company. I hope that you will give the challenge a try and put up lots more videos too! Beware, though, as with everything pole-related it gets rather addicting once you get started. Haha!

? ~*Serzi

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I find that my X-Stage (pre-Xpert model) makes a creaking sound in stationary sometimes. Not 100% sure, but it seems to do this most when there is a change in humidity or temperature. Would kinda make sense, I suppose, due to how temps can effect expansion. It doesn’t concern me too much because it’s not a clunking noise, my pole is level and secure, and it’s just a slight creaking on occasion. Does that sound like what your pole is doing or is it something different entirely? =)

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We all feel like this at times, but what always helps me is to remember "Just because someone makes it LOOK easy in their video doesn’t mean that it is." What you don’t see is the hours of struggle and the weeks of building strength that came before that move was perfected. Nobody just gets up there and kicks butt right away, you know? You are absolutely capable of doing every move you see, you just gotta want it bad enough and keep trying. If you can’t get something maybe you need to work on other moves and come back to that one later. Don’t get ahead of yourself by watching all these amazing videos and then comparing yourself to them, that is not what sharing pole vids is for. You need to be proud of what YOU can do and keep at it until you are fit enough to progress.

Personally, I like to take breaks from watching and recording videos so that I can get some "quality time" in with my pole. It totally works for me, but the only sad thing is that the first time I nail a new move I usually don’t have a recording of it. Either my pole is camera-shy or I am, but it is true that I’m at my best when it’s not on. I also feel better about what I can do when I’m not concerned about how I look while I’m doing it. I have a lot more fun and feel more inspired when I take the time to make mistakes and learn from them. Then, when I’m feeling especially good, I put on the camera and sometimes I get a nice little surprise. Then I feel GREAT about my abilities because it looks so much better than the last time I recorded my progress.

Also, pay attention to the little things. Don’t neglect the basics because you want so bad to pull off some kickass power-moves. Basics are what pole-dancing is made up of just like a book isn’t really a good book unless it’s got some plot before the conclusion. A girl can do all the power-moves and cool tricks she wants, but I’m not truly impressed unless she can DANCE too! I love a great back-hook spin on static-mode with an x-ankle landing, all smooth and controlled. Or when a chick can keep on her toes, pointed and graceful as she slowly drags one foot and then the other in a walk. And I love to see someone thoroughly enjoying themselves, smiling and laughing. This is when blooper-vids and practices are obviously too fun to not share! Haha! xD

I hope that I helped you to somewhat reclaim your enthusiasm towards pole. Get up there and give it your all, RAWR!

? ~Serzi

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You can buy X-poles from Miss Sexy herself, Karol Helms, at http://www.polepraxis.com ! I bought my X-stage from her site. She’s very reliable, answered all my questions prior to purchase, and fast on shipping!

? ~*Serzi

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What I’m trying to figure out is what she’s doing (or not doing) that makes her such a target. Every month it’s a new crew of girls that want to jump her. She doesn’t have any close friends and spends pretty much every wekend and evening home with us.

Your last sentence serves as a pretty good explanation as to why your daughter is being targeted. She’s also an individual who stands up for herself and doesn’t compromise herself for the sake of fitting in, right? People who aren’t as secure with themselves often feel threatened by anyone who deviates from "the pack". It’s disturbing, but not surprising, when they begin to verbally and (sometimes) physically threaten the lone wolf. I’m sorry to hear that your daughter is going through this, but if she continues to stand-up for herself and shows that she’s not afraid of their petty bullshit they will eventually back off.

I hate to say this, but I wish I could have watched the video before it was taken down. (Aww, I was gonna flag it too! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_rambo.gif ) I wanted to see what happened exactly before I offered my advice to this post which, btw, I feel very strongly about because I was often targeted when I was younger. By what you mentioned, though, I think your girl is gonna be okay if she just toughs it out as best she can. So long as she is able to understand it and stays fearless, she’s gonna be alright.

It must be hard to be a mom and have to let your children experience this world head-on. I salute you, Lady Sissybuns! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

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Thank you for the links everyone! The recreated routines are PHENOMENAL!! I hope that all the USPDF girls recreate their routines because I’m favoriting them all! (and studying for the future, btw) https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

? ~*Serzi

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Oh boy, YOU KNOW I got some amazingly inappropriate music to dance to! Haha! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif This is gonna be so much fun!!!

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Hi girls, https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
vids are online on youtube!!!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
http://www.youtube.com/user/PINKPOLEPRINCESS22#p/u/7/oWnMRab9SDE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Thank you pinkpoleprincess22! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif Eva

Karol’s performance is on there!!! OMG, THANK YOU!!! Oh…but no Alethea? Why not? I’ve been dying to see what all was done w/ the handcuffs. Well, I get to see Karol’s routine anyway and that’s the one I’ve been waiting for since like October! THANK YOU once again!!! ???????????

~*Serzi