[keex]

I think people often open pole studios based on passion & a personally transformative experience they’ve had with pole. There’s a genuine desire to share that experience with others. But when that passion isn’t matched with clear vision, business skills (including impeccable customer service) & an effectively taught movement curriculum; it results in overwhelmed and frustrated studio owners and students.

[keex]

Glad to see you've re-surfaced, Sarah. We've missed seeing you since USPDF! Welcome back & much success with your pole studio.

[keex]

The response to this thread has been awesomely helpful in creating the playlist for my new, sensual movement workshop, IndieGirlEmBODYment: a soulful self-seduction.  I'm launching it in Tulum, Mexico next week. Thank you so much Veeners! You da bomb!

Here's my workshop description: http://on.fb.me/TvgBXN

Here's my playlist: 16 tracks, 1hour

Herfra Hvor Vi Star, Quadron

Love Song #3, Me'Shell Ndegeocello

Chasing Pirates (Droogs Remix), Norah Jones

Unsuffer Me, Lucinda Williams

Give, Tori Amos

Heavy In Your Arms, Florence + the Machine

When You Love Somebody, Leela James

Wasted, Mazzy Star

Glory Box, Portishead

Blue Jeans Blues, ZZ Top

Feelin' Love, Paula Cole

You Look Like Rain, Morphine

Everybody Here Wants You, Jeff Budkley

Gravity, John Mayer

Lovesong, Adele

Ready for Love, India.Arie

[keex]

the one w/ the least chemicalshttps://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif

[keex]

How am I just now seeing this? I swear by Alaffia brand which I get at natural food stores like Whole Foods. They're shea butter based products which are awesomely moisturizing for curly hair which tends to get dry/brittle easily. It helps add shape to your curls too. Oh, & their products are certified fair trade.

@ was absolutely right. Don't "wash" your hair a lot. I wash my once/week but condition it every 2 days followed by a leave-in-conditioner.

http://www.alaffia.com/

[keex]

One of the best ways to grow as dancers is to experience working with multiple, highly qualified and skilled instructors and their unique approaches to teaching technique, artistry, performance skills etc. 

I don't think your potential for growth or breadth of experience should be limited by a sense of studio loyalty. Instructors/studios should be able to recognize that they can't solely offer every student everything they want and need. Every instructor/studio has its strengths and weaknesses. Collectively, well-rounded dancers are trained.

[keex]

Listening to all the sensual musical suggestions I purchased on iTunes last night while writhing on the floor. I'll give you the final playlist for my workshop once it's complete. I'm inspired and excited.Thanks again for your help, Veeners!

 

[keex]

You ROCK (sensually, of course). I'm heading over to iTunes right now to sample each of the 84 songs you've recommended. I'll let you know the final outcome of my playlist once it's complete. It's for my new workshop:

IndieGirlEmBODYment: a soulful self-seduction .This workshop is a guided, moving meditation led by professional dancer and aerial pole artist, Keex, and artfully designed for you to embrace the sweet surrender of vulnerability and the strength of your fierce feminine power. Experience how to redirect your energy inwardly and redefine your sexy; not based on media’s contrived concepts, but by channeling your own innate sensuality and your ability to experience pleasure through organic movement. Erase shame, stigma and inhibition related to your erotic energy. Instead, get lost in the grounding, multi-sensory landscape of your body, mind and spirit while bringing physical expression to the positive emotions that support self-love… your IndieGirlSpirit.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

[keex]

@CapFeb: TOTALLY worth the wait, huh?

[keex]

Yet another phenomenally talented and articulate artist representing pole dancing and the USPDF title supremely well. The legacy continues with Michelle Stanek.
Thought you might enjoy this awesome interview w/ her plus highlight videos from the 2012 USPDF Championship.

http://www.animalnewyork.com/2012/meet-the-us-pole-dancing-champion/

 

[keex]

@Mary Ellyn: I have no idea. I'm waiting with baited breath like the rest of you and I've already seen each performance from the best seat in the house : )

I did see on the USPDF fan page that videos are coming soon. And I noticed that they worked with a new video company this year so perhaps that will make a big difference in how quickly they're released too.

[keex]

@chemgoddess1: have you visited the USPDF YouYube channel? I see amateur and pro videos from '09–'11

http://www.youtube.com/user/poledancer2/featured

[keex]

I'm 42 years old. And isn't it awesome to recognize the growing contingency of us "mid-lifers" defying our age and kicking ass in our own unique ways?

[keex]

Karol Helms placed 3rd. Not sure why that wasn't announced. She was phenomenal!

1st: Michelle Stanek

2nd: Alethea Austin

3rd: Karol Helms

[keex]

@Mary Ellyn: Wow, that was one of the first videos I ever shot when I was brand spankin' new to pole. I love that song "Give". Thanks for the reminder https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif