[chumpchkin]

I practiced the one-handed Rocketman from the floor until my arm got a little more used to it, and then I did it without hands. Once I could hold it for a second from the floor, I started it from up the pole in a crucifix, and Rocketman led more easily into Yogini. Rocketwoman actually didn't take so much maneuvering, I just had to do it and deal with the pain–that's because clasping your arms together locks in the position for you, whereas with the others you have to hold it there. Can't do the Chopstix yet, so I can't help you there, I'm afraid!

[chumpchkin]

Yes, good catch! But I watched that video (it's just at the beginning, right?) and it doesn't show how she gets out of it. So I'm still stumped.

[chumpchkin]

I know that insecurity about the way you look has really nothing to do with other people, but just in case it helps at all, I looked at the pictures you have on your profile and you're BEAUTIFUL. Really. And your makeup skills are insane. If you honestly can't physically do the routine, then maybe it makes sense to wait until you feel stronger (goodness knows I would never be brave enough to enter a competition at this point!), but if it's just concern about your appearance, I think you have nothing to be ashamed of. Do what feels right for you.

[chumpchkin]

I can do that move, but only from the floor. I think you can do it from a crucifix, but you have to have a very flexible back–which I don't, yet. Studio409's latest video might help:

https://www.studioveena.com/videos/view/4df10c4c-b498-48ee-af2d-1ab80ac37250

[chumpchkin]

I use Windex for my pole and Tite Grip (plus Mighty Grip if I'm trying a new move) for my sweaty, sweaty hands!

[chumpchkin]

That's the bum slide, I think! Yeah, all you have to do is shift just a little to either side so that the pole is really sliding down one of your upper inner thighs. It looks like it's in the middle, but really it isn't. So after you put your hands down, just move your hips a little bit to the left or right, and you should be okay. I mean, it'll still hurt, but not more than any other move.

[chumpchkin]

MilienElayne, how about you just come to Boston and teach this American poler how it's done? You're one of my pole idols. Also, I can't do anything on spin to save my life.

[chumpchkin]

I don't have a good answer, but I'm wondering exactly the same thing, actually. I definitely can't get a second pole yet, but I would like to, and I also have the 50 mm chrome X-pert. I'm pretty sure I would want my second pole to be brass, and possibly 45 mm. (Especially because I've heard it hurts more and I'd probably have to develop new bruises!) But I'm really interested to hear from other people and find out whether that would be too big a difference.

[chumpchkin]

Yeah, then unfortunately you're going to have to pound it out. Gotta stick a broom handle or something in and just keep pounding it until you feel it loosen and can pull it out. WD-40 helps too. It's hard–you have to pound way harder than you think–but it should work. Mine twisted 180 degrees around and I still got it out.

[chumpchkin]

Are you sure you're tightening the joints enough? I had a problem with joints twisting the first time I put mine up, but ever since then I've tightened the joints much more than I had thought I needed to. Haven't had a problem since. Maybe that could help?

I've never used a Platinum Stages pole, so I really don't know, but just from browsing the forums here, I've overall heard great things about X-Pole (especially their amazing customer service, which I have experienced) and kind of bad things about Platinum Stages. Just my two cents.

[chumpchkin]

@meaganoff: Meg the Knife?

[chumpchkin]

Yeah, given that my arms and shoulders are extremely, extremely inflexible in any case, I don't really plan on trying it again…especially if it's not necessary for any particular moves. It gave me such a BadHurt when I tried it.

[chumpchkin]

Agreed. I had the same problem and completely ruined a Swiffer handle hammering out the joint. You really have to use WAY more force than you think. Have you tried using WD-40 to make it more slippery? That helped me. Good luck!!

[chumpchkin]

Have considered it. Was utterly stumped at the preceding and very necessary question: "Is it a boy or a girl?"

[chumpchkin]

There's a studio called Gypsy Rose Pole Dancing in Boston, MA! Their website is gypsyrosedancing.com.