[lolorashel]

I can't wait to hear about it!  Good luck and have fun!!!!

[lolorashel]

I will be at the Pole Show AND the Convention.  Check out http://www.poleshowla.com for BeSpun Pole Show tickets.  🙂 

[lolorashel]

Check out Pole For A Cause: http://poleforacause.com/2011/12/power/ ~ CALLING ALL STUDIOS:  Power of Pole – Giving the Gift of Pole (a day of fundraising for a cause close to YOUR heart)!

[lolorashel]

We have set a date…Sunday, April 22, 2012.  Please join our Facebook group to discuss details.  🙂

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerofpole/

[lolorashel]

I left a comment on Leno’s page. 🙂

[lolorashel]

Oh yeah…as for moves…I do fine with most of the basic spins…even fireman (which we call fairy) and chair.  I also use what I call "footies," like a foot bra to help with transitions on the floor.  My hip started hurting after I started pole and I thought maybe it was because I was having to push my hips so hard when I was trying to dance.  The footies have padding under the ball of my foot but leave my toes, arch and heel bare so I still have traction and don't slip.  Getting up "pretty" from the floor is also an issue for me.  Every larger dancer has their own issue with this.  For me, its my hips that hurt.  For others, it might be their knee.  But helping us find a way to get up without looking like a cow is really nice.  I finally have two ways of standing up without feeling fat.  😀

[lolorashel]

I'm 6 feet tall — 250 pounds.  I wear about a size US 16-18.  I have been pole dancing for 2 years but still consider myself barely an intermediate dancer.  I can muscle into some moves purely by throwing myself into it.  I always worry about squishing my spotters (my instructor is 59 years old…five feet tall and probably under 100 pounds).  I actually decided to start pilates a few months ago to strengthen my core before inverting anymore (and am getting close).  I want to do it the right way.  As for talking about a person's weight, each person is different.  I talk about my size because its clearly obvious.  But many overweight people become invisible and talking about their weight is really difficult.  Maybe have a few websites or blogs that you enjoy (both larger dancers and not) and have a suggested reading list?  I know all about making comments about myself (I call myself Shrek, my instructor calls me a Twirling Viking Warrior).  Just being positive and supportive of your larger dancers will make them appreciate and love you.   I love you already for being so sensitive to it!  🙂

[lolorashel]

I tried to embed the video and it wouldn't let me, so here's the YouTube link:  http://youtu.be/ut9T02uQVxg

Rita would love to hear your story!  You are a fellow survivor!!  🙂

[lolorashel]

Cool — I added you to my blogroll as well.  🙂

[lolorashel]

I have added everyone to my blog roll, which is on the bottom, right-hand side of my posts.  🙂  http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/ 

[lolorashel]

Thanks for the shout out, Shelly! Lots of great blogs mentioned here! I’m going to check out the ones I hadn’t heard of before and add them to my blog roll! 🙂

[lolorashel]

Here's a link to pictures and videos from the day!

 

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/04/thank-you.html

[lolorashel]

I thought you did a great job!!  And I'd much rather be able to pull off tricks than have smooth transitions.  You can learn transitions.  I'm awhile away from being strong enough to do tricks!  😀

[lolorashel]

I think you might recognize this!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lheRexF5UU

[lolorashel]

Here's a video Rita put together today!

 

http://youtu.be/1M2exn8d324