[Tine007]

I agree with Michelle https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

For me, definitely a day rest between pole days or at least working on something completely different.

For my bruises, the same rule applies as for sore muscles:
If I’m still a little sore/bruised after my day of rest, I keep working and if I can do the move I’m working on the same or better it’s all good.
But if I get to the point where I’m still very very sore or bruised so that the move gets *worse* due to the pain, or I can’t do moves anymore that I usually can do when not bruised, then definitely stop and rest for a few days till bruise/soreness is pretty much gone.
I still work on other moves that use different skin areas and muscles in the meanwhile https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

Take care and listen to your body, if it hurts too much it’s trying to tell you something https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif
After all, giving your body a chance to repair itself will make it stronger and your skin tougher https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Tine007]

Hi SharkyHill,
first of all welcome here on StudioVeena!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

I’m also in San Diego https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_sunny.gif
If you are looking for a local studio, I’m happy to share my experiences, I’ve been to a few https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
I also have an X-pole at home, and love learning from Veena and everyone else here https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

[Tine007]

Thanks for sharing!!!
Amazon has it for ~13 bucks for 90 pills incl. shipping, definitely worth a shot!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

Low energy https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_neutral.gif , a bruised mess https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_blackeye.gif and losing hair sounds exactly like me https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_pale.gif … and I thought my energy is low because I’m working like crazy and didn’t have vacations for a full year https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif I’ll try and see https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_salut.gif

[Tine007]

If I could have 2 poles they would be different ones https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

My studio has all kinds and finishes of the X-poles (50 & 45 mm, chrome and TG) and I like that you can go back and forth, sometimes I trade poles in the middle of class https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_mrgreen.gif

It really depends on each trick, some are easier on one pole, some on the other, so it’s nice to have a choice, esp. when learning new moves. In the end you’ll be able to do any move on any pole https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

In general, 45 mm are easier to grip with the hands, while 50 mm is easier to grip with the rest of your body (because of larger contact area).

[Tine007]

Veena is right https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif

I just want to add one thing – you don’t need to cross your legs at the knees to sit on the pole.

For me, pole sit with crossed legs seems almost impossible. I don’t get into position, my knees don’t even get close to crossing (maybe because my thighs are thick, or the geometry of my hip, who knows), it’s uncomfortable as hell and doesn’t hold me on the pole. Even after almost 1.5 years… It just feels wrong (and different from just pole burn or bruising), kinda like my legs are not made to be forced into that geometry.

However, without crossing my legs at the knees, I can sit no problem (after weeks and months of pole burn agony though https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif )

I either sit keeping both legs wrapped around the pole in crucifix position.
From there, I can release the foot that’s in front of the pole and point it straight out, so no crossing at all.
Or I extend both legs out crossing at the ankles as in basic plank (but without leaning back).

Bottom line, try different positions with your legs to find what works for your body https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

And yes, it took weeks to months to be able to climb and sit without having the feeling that my skin gets ripped off… Keep at it, every practice you will be able to sit a little longer and get used to it https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif

[Tine007]

Hi Charley,

I’m using McCall’s bikini patterns to make pole/belly dance tops.
Check out their web page http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/activewear-pages-118.php
Mouse-over the images shows you all the styles included in the pattern.
M5400 looks like it includes two nice triangle-y tops. It’s on sale for 4.99 right now (might be just today though).

I have M8813, M4471, M5861. I think those are discontinued – ebay is a good source (and usually cheaper than ordering from McCalls when not on sale directly), try searching for "swimsuit pattern"

Hope this helps https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif
Keep us posted, I’d love to see your creations!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Tine007]

For me, it also totally depends on the move and is a combo of strength and flexibility, but basically I don’t know till I try…
I’m 100% right-handed in real life and prefer it for most spins. Anything chair & split grip spin is better on my left. However, I worked both sides from the beginning and can pretty much do all spins on both sides, for some one side is still prettier than the other.

If you invert with the left arm as the low (inside arm)….I consider that lefty but just for inverts. In general you want the "strong arm" to be the lower arm (inside arm) so it sounds like that may be what she is referring too.

Veena, why stronger arm at the bottom??? I invert with my strong arm (right) on *top* because I have more force pulling myself up. And that even though my teacher always made sure we do equal # of invert preps on both sides… I can do the other side, but it’s definitely worse. Air invert so far only happens on my strong side.

SM is left shoulder, right hand on top

I do butterfly w. left arm at the bottom, because that’s how I end up from my strong invert side and I guess I got used to it?! Caterpillar on the other hand I can only do right arm down, means I gotta invert on my weak side https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif
Gemini (outside leg hang) I prefer on my strong invert side, Scorpio (inside leg hang) on my weaker.

I guess it boils down to whatever works for you is good https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif and you don’t know till you try https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cool.gif

[Tine007]

Did you check out the July challenge videos here? The theme was booty dancing and a lot of dancers picked awesome booty songs https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

On my booty play list are the following:
"Shake Ya A*s" – Mystikal
"Booty" – JenRO
"In love with yo booty" – John Blu
"(Shake Shake Shake) Shake your Booty" – KC & The Sunshine band
"Shake that Ass Bitch (Remix)" – Splack Pack

Happy Booty bouncin’ !!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_bounce.gif

[Tine007]

… she puts some Red Bull (yes, the drink) on her hands

hookedonpole, it’s worth giving it a shot, as weird as it sounds https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cyclops_ani.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/alien.gif
I would have never thought of such a thing, untill….

Right before hopping on a stainless steel pole in a bar, a guy spilled his drink (something vodka, lemon and from the stickyness I suspect sugar) all over my arm. First I was like Dude!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_twisted.gif The bathroom was a floor down and the bar was packed, so I only toweled it off, leaving a somewhat sticky residue on my hand.
What shall I say, I had the best grip ever https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif and I am usually veryveryvery sweaty and slippery. Too bad I don’t know exactly what his drink was, LOL!

Hopefully RedBull works the same…
Keep us posted! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif

[Tine007]

Thank you, Webmaster, for working hard to keep this site running smoothly and making it even better!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

1.What country are you located in: US
2. What operating system is on your computer: Windows XP
3. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the video performance on your computer: 8
4. What web browser did you use: Firefox 3.6.9
5. What kind of phone do you have: N/A
6. Did the video work on your phone: N/A
7. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the video performance on your phone: N/A
8. How does the performance of the test video compare to the performance of current StudioVeena.Com video:
exactly the same for quality (resolution, smoothness), size of video window, and loading speed.
9. Please provide any other comments regarding your video experience:

* Loading/Pausing while playing:
Page loads in ~2 sec and video started playing after 2-4 sec. The loading speed was not much faster than the playing speed, and I got some pausing (frequent with old vids, pausing till it’s loaded completely helps) in one of 3 times watching. I’m connected via WLAN and have the feeling that plays a role in how fast things load. On average I’d say it’s about the same.

* Navigation slider – fine in normal mode, stuck in/after full-screen:
I could navigate anywhere in the vid without problems in the not-fullscreen mode.
For several OLD vids (but not all), the video would start over from the beginning when trying to navigate with the slider – quite annoying.
HOWEVER, after changing to full-screen view, the NEW video starts over and the slider becomes dead: the button still moves, but the video does not jump to the desired spot. Exiting full-screen mode didn’t fix it and neither did reloading the whole page in my browser https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif paused it for a little, now it works again?!? https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif Old video doesn’t have this problem, I can switch to full-screen and back without the vid starting over and the navigation slider works no problem in either mode.

*Full-screen mode – not really full screen:
The old video is truly full screen. The new one though only takes my main browser window, means it does not expand over browser menu, tool bar, bookmarks and side bar (see screen shot):
SV_newvid_fullscreen.JPG

* Replay -doesn’t work:
New video plays once but doesn’t replay unless I reload the whole page in my browser. Screen goes white for a sec and it’s back to the image & play button without moving https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif Replay works fine with old vids.

Overall, unfortunately, for me, the new format shows more bugs without any significant improvement https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_confused.gif

Sorry this got so long, hope it makes sense https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_idea.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Tine007]

I’m a 10 in street shoes and wear 10 in both Ellie and Pleaser platform sandals.
For my Pleaser boots I ordered 11 because I have wide toes and big calves. They fit quite loosely, if they had half sizes a 10.5 would have been best… I wear them with some fun knee high socks https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Tine007]

Thank you so much everyone for your input!!

It sounds like the clear ones are better for my intended use https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

I am usually a barefoot dancer and even with shoes I try to grip with my skin rather than the shoe (I have black ones with a more narrow top), but I still wanna be safe in inverts etc. Also if the glitter comes off that’s not what I’d like…

@ ktjane – whoa, those look HOTTT!!!
Unfortunately, they only come as stilettos and taaallllller than what I’m looking for…

I can barely walk holding on to a pole in my 6.5" stilettos, not to mention walk from bar to bar…
So I really want a low platform and a wide heel https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumright.gif
Plus, I’m almost 5’11" – without shoes I’m already taller than most of my friends in 6" heels, LOL!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_lol.gif

[Tine007]

Hi Fuzzy,

I know of 5 places of which I have taken classes at 3.
Starting at PoledanceSanDiego and then moving on to FunPoleFitness was perfect for me and I’d do it the same way again https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

http://www.poledancingsandiego.com/
I started at this place and still think it is great for beginners totally new to pole. They only offer beginner classes though. I switched studios when they moved (and were closed for a while) which was at the same time I felt I started to outgrow their level. Apart from pole they also have "booty burn" which teaches fun routines with floor, chair and/ or wall work.
Susan’s the only teacher and she has background in ballroom dancing. She stresses alignment and safe positioning a lot, big plus https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif She teaches each spin/trick separately, about two tricks per class, and then incorporates them into a mini routine. I like this format a lot because it gives you time to learn & practice a new move but still get an idea how to use it in a dance. We started strength moves (climb & hold, knees-up invert )early on, but even though she gives you a new challenge when you’re ready for it, Susan makes sure you don’t do it if you are not https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif She didn’t have a lot of poles at their old studio (haven’t seen the new one yet, she had XPoles, from the pic on the web side I think now it’s stage poles), so 2-3 people had to share a pole. As a beginner I didn’t mind because I couldn’t pole for an hour straight and watching other people was very helpful, but by now I prefer having my own pole the whole class.

http://www.funpolefitness.com/
That’s the place I’m at now. I’d consider it good place for beginners through intermediate/beg. advanced (although some classes are called "advanced"), however I think their style teaching very beginners would have been a bit fast for me in the beginning. Everyone gets their own pole, you have to sign up beforehand. Poles are X-Poles and they have the different sizes/finishes so you can pick which works best for you.
I love that the instructors are all very sweet, break each move down & explain preps to progressions, give everyone personal attention & help getting a move. You get a response really quickly (usually under 24 hours) and all the staff just really cares. The focus is a bit more on fitness & fun and if you want to learn "stripper style" dancing this might not be the best place for you. The ladies taking classes are very nice, down to earth and supportive, I made many friends here. You can be as sexy or not as you want it’s totally up to you and everyone welcomes either way.
They start with Intro 1 & 2, which contains a routine with the basic spin families (inside planted foot = everything fireman to chair to cradle, outside plated foot = everything backwards, inside hooked leg = front hooks & side spin, blind hand grab = reverse grab). Different leg variations are then explained when they show up in a choreography or you take the "spins" class. I think for me, this would have been too fast in the beginning.
There’s a lot of different style classes to choose from. Beg/int. choreography classes are fun and not too hard. Pole conditioning is great using the pole for strength training. I’d recommend this one before moving on to tricks. However, they let you take (beg.) tricks right away, which includes climbing, forearm/handstands, strength exercises, and inverts (although they teach lifting into invert they’ll let you try in your first tricks class – not so fond of). "Advanced" tricks includes inverted tricks, holds, different climbs (advanced inverted holds like straight edge, twisted grip, handspring & Co. are not on the list yet, that’s why I wouldn’t recommend it for truly advanced dancers). They also offer GoGo dancing, floorwork, and chair/lap dance classes.

http://www.polesinsations.com
I have only taken the Beg./intermediate choreography classes here, but they offer from intro to advanced (not sure how advanced that is). They have wonderfully tall permanent brass poles https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif. Organization didn’t seem their strong side and it took a while to get a response. Even though you have to sign up beforehand, there were always more people than poles so we had to share (not sure if that changed since they switched to an online sign-up system). The beg/int. classes teach a full routine which I found much more challenging than at FunPoleFitness. Moves were demonstrated, but not really broken down (don’t know if that’s also true for intro or advanced). Their style is pretty much super sexy "stripper" style, and many girls going there are professionals, I assume they use the routines at work. I love to watch dancers move like this, but as a just-for-fun dancer I’m not good at it and felt a little out of place (although everyone was nice).

http://sexysilhouettesbysara.com
Haven’t been to this place yet, but a friend of mine just took her first class there. She said it’s a small studio but they don’t share poles, so they can handle only 4 students at a time. They had a promotion running not too long ago and a lot of people signed up, not sure how easy it is to get in. My pole teacher said the instructor is a quite advances dancer. Currently they only offer beginner/intermediate classes and don’t have regular classes on weekends.

http://www.frommindtobody.com/classschedule.html
They didn’t even reply to my email asking questions about classes and how to find which level I belonged in. That kicked them off my list. The San Diego studio used to have 3-4 beg. and int. classes per week, but is currently listed with only one (beginner) class.

Sorry it got so long!
Hope this helps finding the right place for your aunt!
~Tine

[Tine007]

For me, there is a "magic spot", means if I grab the pole too low OR too high I feel like I can’t press against it, there’s just no force behind my arms…
If I get it right, I can push, and the arch in my back, hips up and feet down follow automatically into the right position.
So I move my hands up and down the pole a little once in CAR till I find this spot.
I’m suspecting this might be different for everybody, depending on your shoulder & back flexibility https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_scratch.gif

Good luck!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

[Tine007]

Wow, that was awesome!!! Nice combination of tricks and you make it look so easy!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_thumleft.gif