[keex]

I am a firm believer in education.  The more you understand anatomy, myology and kinesiology the more effective you'll be able to teach proper bio-mechanics and technique to your students.  That, in turn, helps to ensure the safety of your students who are entrusting you with the health and well-being of their bodies.  That is a HUGE responsibility.

Do I think becoming a Certified Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer should be a pre-requisite to becoming a pole dance instructor?  It certainly can't hurt.  But, you can also search for a comprehensive pole dance certification training program where pole–specific functional anatomy is taught.  And if a pole dance program emphasizes strong bio-mechanics and technique, it's surely grounded in a thorough understanding of the human body.

Another option is to take extension classes in anatomy/physiology/kinesiology at a local college. The key is finding quality, comprehensive education that will legitimately help you to become the best pole teacher you can be.  The more hands-on and experiential your training is, the better.

Good luck!  Teaching pole is one of the best careers ever!!!

 

 

 

[keex]

PERSONAL  http://twitter.com/#!/KiraSLamb

BUSINESS    http://twitter.com/#!/climbandspin

See you in Twitterland!  

XO,

Keex

[keex]

I'll be teaching a USPDF Workshop too!  It's a 1.5 hour Climb & Spin class on Friday, April 29th from 10-11:30am.  Come get your dance one!  You'll get to learn a choreographed routine that includes at least 1 spin or combo spin, climbing or a spinning climb, a stationary bent-arm pose, dance transitions and floor-work… just like the routines I post.

I place a strong emphasis on bio-mechanics, technique, artistry, style and musicality.  

Hope to see you in class!

[keex]

@polekitten87:  Miss Thing…it's only the beginning of 2011!  Why are you doubting your abilities for 2012 already?  You just might shock yourself at the level of improvement that can take place in 1 year.  Perhaps you won't be selected as an Amateur USPDF competitor, but imagine how great you'll be if you train with the discipline and passion of a competitive athlete? Good luck to you, girl!

[keex]

Marlo is PHENOMENAL! period.  She's an athlete and an artist. She brings tricks and drama.

[keex]

I’ll be there! For those of you wondering, it’s definitely in NYC. I just don’t know the venue yet for the competition. WOOHOO! I can’t wait. I’m sure it’s gonna be a phenomenal competition.

[keex]

you can rent studio time from body and pole, shockra, or NYPD. NYPD charges $325/hr.

I don’t believe New York Pole Dancing rents out its space for pole jams. But, you can purchase private or semi-private sessions with an instructor OR have a pole party which is always supervised by a NYPD instructor. According to the website, a pole party is $30/person for a 1-hour party. $45/person for 1.5hours and $55/person for 2 hours. There is a 6 person minimum.

[keex]

THIS FEELS LIKE A SHAMELESS PLUG BUT…

Wendy Traskos & I (Kira Lamb aka "Keex")are the Co-Creators of Climb & Spin Inc. which offers comprehensive educational programming for pole dance instructors based on systematic and progressive training.

CLIMB & SPIN CERTIFICATION emphasizes:

1.) proper bio-mechanics based on anatomical/fitness principles
2.) step-by-step technique of 120 skills including climbs, spins, stationary bent arm poses, dance transitions and floor- work
3.) how to assess the needs of each student in class using our FUNDAMENTALS
4.) how to modify skills based on the fitness level & experience of each student
5.) how & when to challenge or progress a student
6.) how & when to spot a student
7.) effective verbal cuing
8.) how to structure, manage & teach multi-level C&S classes
9.) how to teach an effective warm-up that simultaneously prepares the body for the athleticism of pole and prevents injury
10.) how to choreograph your own C&S routines using our C&S formula and 120 skills as a the building blocks for your own creativity and style

This year, we’re launching our Climb & Invert program!

OUR CREDENTIALS:
Wendy & I collectively share 34 years of experience as certified personal trainers/group fitness instructors. Wendy was also a gymnast and fitness competitor.

I have also been a professional dancer and aerialist for 18 years with a background in classical ballet, modern, jazz, salsa, and hip-hop. I also hold 2 comprehensive Pilates certifications through Power Pilates and PhysicalMind Institute and I’m a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist with additional certifications and training in Neuromuscular Therapy and Active Isolated Stretching.

If you have more questions about our Certification Programs or Teacher Training Intensive Workshops please visit our website: http://www.climbandspin.com

[keex]

That was AWESOME! I just posted it on facebook. Congratulations!!!

[keex]

I’m still wrapping my brain around the fact that I’m even old enough to be called an "older woman". LOL. At 40 years old, I feel like a kid at heart with a youthful and playful spirit to match. I’m sure than anyone 40+ , who "dares" to pole and is on this forum is probably a mirror reflection of that attitude. So, kudos to everyone in this age category who chooses to lead active lives rather than sedentary ones. Kudos to everyone in this category who doesn’t feel too old to face new challenges and fears (physical & emotional) while following their passion. Here’s to us old fogies!

[keex]

What great responses, Veener peeps! I love the descriptions offered about pulling your heel up and lengthening through your toes rather than scrunching them. I also like the suggestion about taking your time when practicing pole tricks in order to pay attention to the details of the lines you’re creating with your body along the way. Transitioning in and out of tricks is just as important as the trick itself.

Just to clarify, the ability to point your feet is generated from a contraction of your calf muscles. Extending your leg at the knee comes from a contraction of the quads. 99% of the time in dance, our feet should be pointed even if our knees are bent.

Another common tendency I notice amongst pole dancers is "sickled" feet. I think its because we’re constantly wrapping them around the pole and muscle memory keeps them stuck in that funky position, even off the pole. It completely breaks the line of the leg. When our feet are off the pole, that "hook" shape should disappear. (Anyone notice in Jenyne’s recent USPDF performance, she didn’t even use a climbing foot brace? Both feet were pointed as she climbed. amazing attention to details, that girl!)

Anyway… when practicing standing calf raises, make sure that as you lift your heels off the floor, your body weight is distributed onto your big toe & second toe rather than rolling onto your pinky toes.

Also, if you’re seated on the floor w/ your legs in front of you, you can practice everting your ankles while pointing. Point your feet and try pressing your pinky toes away from the midline of your body to strengthen your peroneal muscles.

Keep it coming ladies. There’s so much to learn from one another!

[keex]

What great suggestions everyone! Visualization is a major tool I use as a dancer and performer. The other thing I do is allow myself the freedom to just play. I turn on an inspiring piece of music and just let my body move naturally and organically. I’ll admit that I’ve caught myself on video doing some embarrassingly hideous movement, but, I’ve also discovered unique ways to move across the floor and up & around the pole too…stuff that I’ve never even learned in class. The stuff that you learn in class can serve as a platform for your own creativity. Discover who you are as a dancer through play.

[keex]

@hookedonpole: sorry we didn’t get a chance to meet. until the next one…

[keex]

What a phenomenal event hosted by the incredible Poletential! The weekend was filled with exciting performances, workshops, an after-party with 2 poles AND the opportunity to meet some of my Veener peeps. Thanks for introducing yourselves!

[keex]

Be sure to come introduce yourselves at the competition. I’ll be the nervous, curly-haired Black girl sitting at the judges table. Oh, and before that, I’ll be teaching a Climb & Spin workshop at Poletential. I’d love to meet my Veener fam! Bummed Miss Curvy Diva won’t be there. I was totally looking forward to meeting and poling with you.
XO,
Keex

ps. travel safely everyone!