[dustbunny]

I use my laptop webcam and skype for the jam part, but I set up a separate video camera to record.  That just seemed the simplest way for me, I'm sure there is a way to do it all with the laptop, but I'm too lazy to figure it out. LOL

[dustbunny]

Ooh, does it have to be a pole related class?  I've been taking adult gymnastics and I love it!  I am so excited for days before the class, and I am excstatic for days after a class about what I learned!  Flipping through the air is so much fun.  The hardest part is convincing yourself to just try.  Before trying a new trick I quite often talk to myself, LOL, out loud I repeat "Don't be afraid" as I run at full tilt towards the vault table, and then I shriek as I go over.  Trampolines, big foam mats, and pits full of foam cubes take all the pain away, and once you try it for that first time the fear goes away too.

[dustbunny]

That looks much better, much stronger.  🙂 I'm sure the "squishage" will disappear with some more practice.

[dustbunny]

Maybe it's something as simple as a shoulder strength or stretching issue (lol, not that shoulder issues are ever simple).  Make sure you are stretching your shoulders well before and after your practice. 🙂 Oh and try the butterfly from a gemini as Paunobs mentioned on your vid, some people find that transition easier.

[dustbunny]

Sweet!  I can't do splits either, but I love the jade.  I like to just drop into scorpio, I found it to be a very natural transition that looks great too!

[dustbunny]

Yay for being sexy in the great white north!  If you have no choice but to order things from the states, try asking if they will ship it USPS.  As MsBKitty mentioned it takes a little longer, but the shipping is way less, and there are little to no customs fees!  Some sites who normally ship UPS will ship USPS if you ask, others wont, but there is no harm in asking.  🙂

[dustbunny]

This is a video game and not a TV or movie, but my hubby has loved the Grand Theft Auto series since…well, since always. lol 

I can't remember which number in the series it is, but in "Liberty City" one of the things you can do is go to strip clubs which have pole dancers.  https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif  They're not half bad to be honest, they have some decent tricks as well as some more erotic type dancing, and I have seen the routines change occasionally as the developers add updates to the game.  https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_geek.gif

[dustbunny]

IPC is in September every year in Alberta, Canada.  I would love to go, but sadly it is nearly as expensive to fly across my own country as it is to fly overseas!  I joked last year that the ontario/quebec girls should rent a big van and drive down together because it would be cheaper…but 3-4 days (each direction) is a LONG way. lol 

[dustbunny]

Good for him!  I'm glad he went, gave it a try, and actually listened to what people had to say.  It IS nice to see this in the media. 🙂

[dustbunny]

As someone who had to relearn this move after a year of doing it wrong I would avoid teaching it with the foot on the pole.  It is WAY harder to relearn something than to just learn it the right way from the start.  I originally learned it with one foot on the pole, but was not taught how to tilt and use my thighs to hold on.  As Veena said, most of my weight was on my foot, not on my thighs.  As a result of that, it was more difficult to learn other thigh holds later on until I got Veena's lessons and relearned a lot of the basics.

[dustbunny]

For some people, it depends how they get into it.  If you go into it from a gemini (outside leg hang) you will be hooked in the knee, I go into it from an inverted crucifix so my calf rests along the side of the pole.  I don't think one way is necessarily better or "right" just different.  I find it easier to transition into the extended butterfly from the "calf along the pole" variation because the ankle is already in place.  From the knee hook version you would have to bring the ankle to the pole first before extending and turning your hips.  But again, I don't consider either to be "right" or "wrong" just a matter of personal preference.  🙂

[dustbunny]

Very nice!  As you get stronger, you'll be able to bring your hands closer together and that will help push your body away from the pole more.  But you've got the gist of it no doubt.  🙂

[dustbunny]

I would love to see her poling again too.  I remember when she injured her knee, I never suspected she was going to dissapear completely.  I started thinking about her again when someone started asking around here about Tara Karina, it made me think of other people who have vanished as time passed including Lola.  She was a beautiful dancer, and last I saw was making incredible progress on her stretching/flexibility by training with one of the Valentino brothers.  I do wish she would come back to the community, she is such a sweet and talented lady. 🙂

[dustbunny]

Thanks gals

I will check out the links you have posted and @sensualsimitar thanks for the advice about working backwards once i find out more about pole cec's.  That makes a lot of sense. 🙂

[dustbunny]

I too have hopelessly sweaty hands!  It's very de-motivational when you want to pole, but feel like you can't. I use grip aids like dry hands and tite grip all the time now and often pole with mighty grip gloves (with tack) when nothing else will work.  I didn't know they made a full-fingered version…I may have to look into that.   I feel your pain but unforetunately have no advice for you, I havn't looked into any kind of medical strength antipersperants or treatments like botox or surgery.  Just know you are not alone. 🙂