Serzi
Forum Replies Created
-
The different finishes tend to favor specific body chemistry, I’ve noticed. For instance, I am the exact opposite of what you described. My skin is often drier than most so chrome is by far my favorite finish. Every experience I’ve had with brass has been a nightmare as it tears my hands to shreds and I also seem to have a sensitivity to the metal itself.
However, I’ve known a lot more people who favor brass to chrome and it seems to be entirely dependent on either their body chemistry or just their texture preference. The sleek feel of chrome is something I feel more comfortable transitioning in and out of moves than any other finish. It does take longer to “come to grip” when warming up on chrome, but once it gets there for me it’s heaven. People who prefer brass often describe feeling more secure in their moves than on chrome and, from my own experience, that is very true but brass is definitely too much grip for my body chemistry.
The only suggestions I can offer to improve your experience on your chrome pole is to use a grip aid (like Dry Hands or iTac) on areas where perspiration may cause dangerous slippage and possibly invest in a pair of Mighty Grip gloves with the vinyl palms. I’ve never personally used these things (except the gloves once when I was first attempting a shoulder-mount), but pole-folks who prefer brass have sworn by these methods when they’re forced to use chrome. Also, a steamer may help warm your chrome so that it “comes to grip” faster.
I hope this info is somewhat helpful and that you are able to use your pole comfortably. Either that or I hope you’re able to get a brass without too much difficulty in the near future. I know I’d be devastated if I was stuck with a finish that didn’t agree with me. 🙁
-
Oh, my…not sure what all is up with this plan, but I like where this is going! USPDF was like the Superbowl of Pole when I first started dancing. Even if I never compete I would absolutely love to be in the audience and if they really do this in Detroit I’d have no excuse to miss it!
-
Wow, really? Pretty much everything else leading up to a Scorpio is more painful to me, even non-inverted moves. Scorpio is my “breather move”, I love to release into one and just hang there or spin as long as possible while I’m in it. I’ve kinda started avoiding Scorpios because it’s such a comfort zone for me that I neglect working on my other moves or transitioning OUT of Scorpio. Maybe it’s the stretch while doing it? Idk, it has a trance-like effect over me. Gemini-Scorpio switch is like instant euphoria to me, I’ve done them excessively ever since I learned how.
Other moves, however, never really seem to get quite as comfortable to me. I guess it’s because I don’t feel that “release” when I go into them. Am I making any sense? lol It’s funny that I can’t remember any prior discussions about this move, but I never realized it was a painful move for others. I know lots of amazing dancers who extend beautifully in a closed Scorpio and now I wonder if they are less comfortable than they appear while doing it much like when people master a superman.
It’s surprising to me. Even when I’m watching somebody else dance I tend to reflexively breathe a sigh of relief when they release into a Scorpio, like “Ahhhhhhh…after all those freakin’ kneeholds and supermans and Aysha’s and crazy skin-scraping moves that’s gotta be like stepping into a hot bath.” Now I feel like a weirdo for thinking that. haha!
-
It can be devastating at times to see how different the camera’s view is compared to the mirror. If it truly bothers you as much as mine has, I recommend playing around with the recording/editing options. A lot of my videos were either black&white or had a red filter. I used to be extremely self-conscious and heavily edited out the more unflattering angles. Through doing this I actually found a new hobby because I really enjoyed editing the videos.
In retrospect, I feel I was much too harsh on my pre-pregnancy body. lol Even though I weigh less now than I did back then, I can tell that I am significantly more out of shape these days. If possible, I encourage you to embrace your shape no matter what it is and record your progress with or without editing. Years from now it will motivate you, either because you’ll see how far you’ve come from that point or to see what you’re capable of if you ever have to take some down-time. It reminds you that it’s not impossible, it gets easier, you look and feel better over time.
Can I just add that there ain’t nothing cuter than those awkward beginner videos? Few people will share their earliest pole attempts, but when they do I appreciate it so much. I’ve seen some super adorable first vids of champion pole dancers and you would never guess that it was them if they didn’t tell you so. We may not all have the same body type, but we all start off pretty much the same with the pain, determination, and flexed feet. haha
Whether you keep your vids to yourself or share them, record your progress anyway. You won’t regret it! ♥
-
Please note that I did not intend for this to strictly be about negative attention from men, although there is plenty of that. I get scowls and insults from other women too fairly often on a typical day when I’m not dressed “inappropriately” or doing anything in particular. Just walking from point A to point B or sitting in a public place minding my own business. Mostly teenage girls in a group, but sometimes ladies I would least expect it from. Why are people unpleasant to each other in general? What is it that brings about such nasty reactions sometimes to simply noticing another human being out and about? I’ve never had such an impulse, so I really do not understand it.
-
Rubbing alcohol has worked great on my chrome pole. Occasionally I steam clean it, but I use that more so for it’s warming purposes. Still cleans it great too. I’ve used Windex in the past but it seemed to leave residue after awhile…kinda sticky/soapy feeling and I didn’t like it on my pole.
-
I’m interested in seeing the responses to this because I’ve also been considering getting some pole gloves. Hand-grip just ain’t what it used to be and, although I wouldn’t intend on using them all the time, it may be beneficial for trying new moves or to take some of the strain off during my workouts. The first shoulder-mount I got was with the aid of a friend’s gloves, but that’s the extent of my use with them.
If anyone could give a review on what glove brands they’ve used and how to properly size them when ordering online I would greatly appreciate it. Any other info too! 🙂
-
I don’t believe stripping is “the easy way”, but it is an option that I consider because it may compensate me better for something I already somewhat deal with while fully clothed in a supposedly “professional work environment” that does not even pay enough to cover all my bills or basic needs. I really don’t look down on strippers for what they do or feel that it would destroy me or whatever the moral excuse may be. My only concern regarding anyone’s personal feelings on the subject would be my husband’s. As far as my own, well, don’t touch the merchandise unless you arrange payment with me in advance. My body is worth far more than minimum wage EVEN AT age 30, I at least have that much self-respect.
-
There has been such an overwhelming response to this thread, both on it and through personal messages sent to me. For everyone that is telling me their honest opinion without trying to drag me down or devalue what I have to say with comparisons, I thank you.
Ultimately, I know I walk this path alone but it is helpful to stop and ask directions sometimes before I set out down a new one. I never intended for this to result in scolding personal messages mentioning everything from Jesus to how hard other people have it in their lives and that I pretty much should just stfu about my own. That truly is not helping anything and is extremely uncalled for but, hey, my own mistake for posting to an open forum discussion regarding my own struggle to make ends meet. Like I said, my shoes don’t need anymore holes.
I don’t exactly know what I’m going to do, but I think I may try amateur night (with my husband’s blessing, of course) just to see how it goes and so I can stop wondering about it. If nothing else, I do have a job for the time being. It ain’t great, but it’s something and that’s more than I’ve had at times in the past. I don’t want anyone thinking that I believe I’m too good for a specific job, I’ve worked some of the most underpaid and dirty jobs imaginable. I would, however, like to have the basic respect or safety EVERYONE deserves at work. Not the least of which being that it’s not necessary, encouraged, or condoned to grab someone else without consent or consequence or compensation. You can probably see why I’ve considered becoming a stripper, I obviously have something about me that may be a marketable asset and I’d like to be compensated for it on occasion rather that people just helping themselves. I ain’t no damn soup kitchen, although I have worked in one before.
Once again, thanks to all of you who have offered such enlightening opinions and encouragement. I cannot thank you enough. ♥♥♥
-
Thank you to every one of you who responded to this realistically. (which is almost all of you) I appreciate your suggestions and this supportive feedback has really helped me consider this from a variety of ways I hadn’t. I don’t know exactly what I’m going to do yet, but I will likely keep you all updated at some point in the future.
And, I apologize if I’m wrong, but jennjen appears to be a troll. No info or activity prior to this that I’m aware of. If not, well, why do you have these opinions on clothing and male entitlement if you’re on a pole dancing website?
-
Runemist, yes, I’m damaged goods. That really is no surprise, I have to live with that fact every day of my life. I accept it, but I don’t understand what to do about it. I can’t afford counseling, I have no one to take care of me, I have had to suck it up and go out there and make money. I don’t really know what else I’m supposed to do to improve my situation. Maybe I couldn’t be a stripper for more reasons than the obvious. I’m just saying, it’s an option I consider because it sure seems more worthwhile and do-able than any of the others available to me.
-
That is very true, poleisnewtome, and is a huge reason why I never tried stripping when I was younger, fitter, and single. I know it takes a very strong woman to handle that line of work. Still, please take into account all that I’m saying. I think it’s pretty fucked up that I’m fully clothed (BAGGY UNIFORM, don’t worry I’m in no way sending cues that I’m “asking for it”), married, faithful, working my ass off at a so-called somewhat respectable business, barely surviving off my pay, and constantly having to tolerate or confront people who touch me without much consequence. I find it ironic that at a club I could dance completely naked on a stranger’s lap (or not, if I so choose simply because I DON’T WANT TO), be compensated at the arranged price, and have the douche thrown out if he touches me. I can’t expect or regulate that in an immediately effective way at a regular job…so…yeah, wtf, life? lol
And I understand sometimes clubs are extremely dangerous. It’s a trade-off for sure, and I may not be fit enough in more ways than one to handle it. Still, I’m not handling this and I don’t exactly have the time or money to embark on a journey of education and self-discovery until I find out how to make it in this world. I have a family. They depend on me. I gotta do something.
-
Well, I’m constantly being treated like an object anyway practically for free. I’d kinda like to be compensated a little better or to feel some level of control or to at the very least not be caught off-guard when it happens.
-
Umm, srsly, I wear the same frumpy uniform everyone does at my job. To blame it on my clothing (or body) really makes my blood boil. Perhaps I should put a bag over my head?
-
Thank you all for your input. All of this has given me much to consider and I appreciate it. I am being reactive with this at the moment and it’s mainly because I don’t know what else to do. I have literally no one that can help me monetarily, I would try counseling if I could afford it, and I just feel trapped in my life. To become a stripper is probably a sugar-coated fantasy of mine. To face my fears, to control or regulate it, to say WHEN and WHO. I must say, I absolutely hate the slavery of money and needing it. I have never been one of social grace, try as I might, and it effects every aspect of my life. I can’t fake my way through anything and that would certainly put a dent in the divine dream of becoming a dancer for a living. It’s all about projecting that fantasy.
I liked Phoenix’s idea, though. Play a scary, sexy, intimidating bitch. lol If that were what appealed to a club and I were allowed to behave as such I can guarantee I’d be the most evil dominatrix-type stripper on the planet. Pieces of that come out at jobs I’ve worked, it takes a lot to get me that way in “the real world” (grabbing my ass and propositioning me like I’m a prostitute, for example) and it’s never a good outcome. I guess I figure maybe that would serve me well in a club environment if it were supposed to be my professional persona. Men sure seem to find pleasure in trying to degrade me wherever I go and almost seem to enjoy being disciplined or told off in retaliation. I, however, would find it immensely more satisfying to say whatever the Hell I want to some handsy fuckboy and then have a bouncer throw him out of my workplace for a change. Some petty sense of justice for all the bs I’ve suffered for merely existing and trying to support my family in “the straight world” for so long. Idk, is that pathetic? lol I would love for my weakness to become my strength and an asset.
Once again, babbling in circles. I know my husband would never want me to become a stripper although, really, he could not stop me if I did. (cue the “Well, what does your husband do for a living? Shouldn’t he be taking care of you instead of you taking care of him because you’re a woman and therefore incapable of supporting a household on your own?” bs) I’m so overwhelmed by my ridiculous life, I know it could be worse, blahblahblah, but that does nothing to improve anything. I have a three year old daughter and a sick husband, I have been taking care of other people my entire life and I am so close to reaching my breaking point. I initially did everything in the right order (went to school, married someone I love and trust, bought a home, had one child about seven years after marriage and supposedly financial secure enough) and I still ended up in this circumstance.
It’s not all based on attitude, either, I wasn’t always a vicious bitch. I used to believe in myself and other people and that is what has always repeatedly fucked me over. It seems the meaner and nastier I am to others the better they treat me in the long run. Problem is that I don’t like being that person to anybody who doesn’t deserve it. Strip club patrons I believe would greatly appreciate having the attention of woman who treats them like a king when they’re good and like the lowest dungeon shackled scumbag on Earth when they’re bad. It’s honesty and it’s role-playing at the same time. I guess I’m just afraid I’m too old or not fit enough to turn a profit. I’m really not that bad physically…sure doesn’t prevent guys from wanting to touch me all the fucking time, that’s for sure.