Hammering in My Head

Well, I may have taken a hiatus from blogging, but definitely not from dancing. Bruises are sore muscles are the constants among all my recent changes. BF is now DF (dear fiance) and, come Dec. 18th, will be DH (dear husband). Wedding planning is a laugh riot.

A new bruise to report as of yesterday. The top of my head. Yes, that's right...the top of my head. The headstand to lay-back to upright sequence has been my goal since I started. Jeremee totally rocked it during her intro demo, and I was determined to master it one day. I have the lay-back to upright down. The headstand from the floor is proving to be more difficult...and painful.

I have tried to photograph some of my more impressive poses recently, with limited success. Might have to enlist DF. Lay-back and reverse shooting star to come in future posts, hopefully.

Ball of Confusion

Well, I knew it was bound to happen eventually. Really just a matter of time.

The lady bagging our groceries tonight asked if I was "OK." I said "Yeah, doing fine." Wearing a more grave expression than I expected, she said "Are you sure?" That's when it occurred to me that she had noticed the purple and green bruises mottling the insides of my biceps. Right where the pole snags me during a Twizzler spin. Also, as it turns out, where BF would grab me to shake me. Not that he ever has or ever, ever would. But the grocery lady doesn't know that. BF now feels the need to go back and explain.

I always thought it would be a co-worker who broached the topic of possible domestic abuse. Not a total stranger. Maybe while BF is explaining that he doesn't beat me, that I just have a crazy hobby, I should thank her for her concern and human kindness.

Finally...

Finally, some photographic evidence of my home set-up. BF was kind enough to install the large mirrors and provide me with silly but necessary red lighting. Now I just need to work on the stereo system.

Pink Pony

I think I may have finally recovered from the hangover that was The Pink Pony. Over all, it was lots of fun. I feel less weird about the men in my life going now. Those ladies are businesswomen, and I have to respect that.

The dancers really ran the gamut of skill, which I expected. A few were very impressive - absolutely amazing on the pole. Others were slightly less entertaining than a compost pile. It makes me wonder what the requirements are for working there. Clearly, some of the dancers take it more seriously than others - There to do their jobs and go home, which I can't blame them for. There were definitely some mega-pervs gazing straight into some of the dancer's crotches.

We showered the ones that wowed us with cash, and they came over to chat after their stints on stage. Some really seemed to appreciate our interest in the technical aspects of their work. Elegant pole work didn't seem to pay the bills, however. I got the impression that some of the ladies were more skilled than they let on, and simply resorted to ass jiggling because it's what pulled in the cash.

After a few drinks, I was ready to give up my life in a cube and hit the pole. I don't mind being naked, and I LOVE dancing. And, oh, the shoes! However, I have to assume that reality is very different that what I saw. My few minutes in the ladies' restroom/strippers' locker room probably did not paint an accurate picture. Otherwise, I would know more strippers, right?

My genius idea for a hangover cure the next morning was a huge egg breakfast followed by my very first Jiggle It class. Maybe one or the other would have worked. In concert, they were cruel and unusual punishment.

Jiggle It was phenomenal, though. An intense work-out, for sure, but so fun I barely noticed I was Lamaze breathing. Having grown up a white girl in the rural South, I was not born jiggling. This will certainly add filler to my routines, and if it can do for my lower body what pole has done for my upper body, I will be one happy camper.

Turn and Face the Strange (Ch-ch-changes)

Our informal class field-trip to the Pink Pony is tonight. I am hoping for a bevy of hilarious stories to share with my small audience later. I'm definitely excited, but a little nervous. Lots of questions, since this will be my first trip to a strip club. How do my skills compare to the professionals? How do I "tip" the dancers? Where the hell does a person get that many one dollar bills?

I figured I would visit one of these establishments at some point. I don't consider myself a prude, and things happen when you've had a few too many cosmos. I just assumed it would be a silly, Bucket List sort of thing rather than an educational endeavor.

BF is visibly nervous about this excursion. I was told "No getting on stage" but somehow managed a look that got me down to "No stripping." Like I would...

This got me thinking about other aspects of my life that dancing has changed. My musical tastes, for one, have definitely been impacted. I remember one of my instructors saying as much on day one of level 1. Songs that you would listen to in the car are not necessarily what you want to dance to. Styles of music you wouldn't have considered before will move you to jiggle it. I did not anticipate the number of Lil Wayne songs I would download this year. My iTunes receipts are always a surprise.

Also, my shoe selections. I will admit it's nice to see these lined up next to my collection of sensible work pumps.

The most astounding thought to me, though, is that there are now people in the world that see me as The Girl Who Jiggles to Lil Wayne in Glittery Stripper Heels. Not Accountant with Brown Bag Lunch in Kate Spade Tote. They are almost completely unaware of that person. I like it. It's liberating to only be accountant by day...

All Things in Moderation

I'm really beginning to appreciate the power of rest. My band director in high school (yes, I was a band nerd) always emphasized that the rests are just as important as the notes. Silence adds nuance to sound.

Now, not dancing adds nuance to dancing. I MUST take a few days off a week. Really, 3 hours of practice per week is the max. Especially now that we're inverting (ahhhh!). My shoulders, back, forearms, etc. just can't take any more than that. I get tired, I get injured, and then I get frustrated. Muscles need time to recover in order to come back stronger.

I think rest is going to be the key to learning moves at the pace I was accustomed to. I was perhaps overzealous in my practicing after the home pole installation, and set myself back rather than moved myself forward.

Inverting is a trip. It looked so strange and so scary, but after the first try, it feels like the most natural thing in the world. We rehearsed leg positions on the ground, then took our first shots over a mat. I am not a fan of the mat. It's too squishy to stay balanced on, and I definitely can't wear 6-inch stilettos on it. I was brave enough to try at home over the weekend - under BF's watchful eye in case there were complications. Even with the slicker stainless pole, I can ace it. SO FUN.

I am still having trouble admitting that I pole dance, which is a tad depressing. Now I am more concerned that it's TMI , rather than tarnishing my reputation. Do co-workers really want to picture me shakin' it? Never can tell...

No Pain, No Gain

I don't think I have been this sore in a long time. Like wakes me up at night sore. It's Level 3, and we're learning to invert. Well, we're going to. So far I am attempting to master curling myself up and holding my legs in a V. I think this might honestly be more difficult, since it involves posing rather than grabbing the pole with my legs.

I have got to find my camera and post photos. I don't think my descriptions really do any justice to these moves.

This is really the first time since I started in January that I feel like I'm struggling. Before, I could do a move on the second or third try in class. If not then, I would lick it after an open pole session. Still not much success on this front. It's not a matter of picturing the move in my head this time. It's building that foundation in my body. Strengthening, stretching. This will take time. And practice. And pain. BF says pain is weakness leaving the body. Apparently I have a lot to lose.

I would practice at home, but I am just too sore. Also, minor home pole issues. I probably have not been checking the security as much as I should. The screw holding the pole into the joist has been working itself out and making a larger hole in the ceiling. BF has repaired, but I will have to be more careful in the future. Ah, fun with removable poles.

Bad Mojo, Bad

Level 2 recital last night. I have been better. The last few weeks I just haven't felt the same drive while in class. My pole at home is lots of fun, but I have practiced to the point of injuries. Now I just feel "low and slow," as my grandmother would say. Just don't feel like rocking out.

This is difficult for me, and hopefully will turn around in the near future. I am so competitive that while I absolutely ADORE watching my classmates get stronger and better, I still want that edge. I don't have it. Boo hoo.

Maybe this has something to do with the fact that I now seem to be successful at work. For a while there, I was so depressed and down-trodden. Dancing was my outlet. My source of joy and confidence. My release. Maybe I don't need it as much now?

Maybe I am over-thinking this and just need a break long enough for my muscles to heal? Yeah...let's go with that.

If I can put in the time and effort (not to mention $$$), I think I would really like to be an instructor. My favorite activities thus far were teaching American Colonial history at the American Village and training orientation counselors at Auburn. I love turning people on to what excites me. Just puts a big ol' smile on my face. Watching my classmates dance does the same thing.

Just have to get my mojo back first...

To-Do List

WOO HOO! My pole finally arrived yesterday (FedEx Home Delivery doesn't deliver on Mondays?), and BF was kind enough to install it last night.

I like it, but it will take some getting used to. BF's upstairs junk room is not exactly the pole studio, and 8 feet of pole definitely isn't 16 feet. I need mirrors, forgiving lighting, some sort of stereo equipment. I did finally get to dance for just a minute while the BF ran to the grocery store, though, which is exactly what I wanted out of a home pole.

I can dance full-out for as long as I want to. Well, as long as I can. It honestly isn't very long. By the time I reach the improv section of the Level 2 recital routine, I am too tired to do anything fancy. Must work on endurance.

Also, must work on not becoming a YouTube gag reel in the making. I got a little over-excited last night and attempted to slide down upside-down. Made it about 2 feet gracefully, fell the rest of the way.

Must save up for floor mats so I don't kill myself.

Lil Minx

Working 55-60 weeks, started studying for my last section of the CPA exam. Needless to say, I haven't been dancing as much as I would like to/need to. Sooooo.....I ordered my own! Can't wait! Everything I read leans toward Lil Minx or X Pole, and the Lil Minx is cheaper.

I should post some photos when I finally have everything set.

Don't Try This at Home...

In addition to my Wednesday night class, I have also been going to Sunday Open Pole for 1-1.5 hours of practice time. Up until this point, it's been great. Instructors walk around tweaking our moves, sometimes I learn a variation or an entirely new spin. Recently, though, it's just not enough. We learned to climb last class, and I practiced on Sunday...for about 10 minutes. Believe me, after a few trips up the pole, you are EXHAUSTED. Attempts at pretty spins afterward are futile.

I have wanted a pole at home pretty much since I started. Sometimes I just get the urge to dance for a minute. When I get home from work, when BF's running for milk on Saturday morning, etc. It's just not practical to drive 20 minutes downtown and hope the studio is open. I can see it becoming more of a necessity as my moves get more complicated and more taxing.

BF seems open to the idea, but apprehensive given the current (un-renovated) state of the house. Maybe this summer?

La Douleur Exquise

I have put on at least 5 pounds of muscle at this point. Funny story, I actually went Incredible Hulk on a French Connection dress with too-tight sleeves yesterday. Flexed in frustration and popped the seams.

My abs hurt. My back hurts. I have yellow-green bruises under my arms, which are better than the purple ones I used to get on the backs of my knees, but they are more difficult to cover. Especially now that the weather is getting warmer. It's worth it. The sideways spins are incredible, and I am trying to master some variations with open legs. My abs are not happy about this.

We have to improv a section of the Level 2 recital, and I am fresh out of ideas. Maybe some more classes are in order - Jiggle It, Sultry Pole, etc. A classmate taught me a hand stand w/poppin' it move, which will no doubt come in handy. Yeah, I said hand stand. To be fair, it's with feet on the mirror, but it still looks impressive.

Lately what I like most about dancing is all the positive re-enforcement floating around. When I finally ace a spin, the instructors are almost freakishly happy. I cheer for my classmates, they cheer for me. This isn't something I get very often...or really ever...at my job. No one says a word unless something goes wrong.

I feel like the other ladies and I are like war buddies of sorts, which is why I am a little perturbed to have a returning veteran in the class this level. A Level 6 (masters' level) is retaking the courses with her beginner friend, and she takes every opportunity to show off. There was a veteran in level 1, and I didn't mind her at all. She was great for ideas, and worked on Level 1 moves along with the rest of us. The issues with this lady are her uncontrollable urge to bust out complicated moves and her inability to perform even basic moves gracefully. I would use her for ideas if she could even make the fundamentals look good. Not happening. I hate that I'm saying these things. I am resisting the urge to use the clever and insulting nickname I have for her. This is not positive and it's not constructive. Just needed to let it out for minute. Hopefully my blogging will not return to this topic.

Onward and Upward

Level 2 classes started Wednesday. Some old friends, some new ones. The same instructors for this level, which is nice. We know each other's names now, and can learn personalities, music tastes, etc. One instructor made a comment at Level 1 recital that we couldn't be nervous because they had seen all out stumbles, falls, and T & A already. I hadn't thought about that before, I am glad I don't have to introduce my T & A to a new set of teachers. We're not dancing naked...sorry if I haven't made that clear. The outfits are pretty small out of necessity, though (more skin = more grip), and there are inevitably wardrobe malfunctions.

I have a feeling this level is going to be more work and less play than the last one. At least in class. We learned the Roly Poly spin last class, which is a sideways spin - sort of in a fetal position. I managed it once, awkwardly, and I am honestly impressed how strong I have gotten as a result of pole dancing. I am already rocking some moves that I NEVER thought I would be able to do. Level is 2 is also when we learn to climb. ???? This would have been a crazy thought for me 2 months ago. Level 3 we go upside down...OMG.

I am still apprehensive about sharing this hobby with anyone, which is why I feel the need to blog about it. My parents would probably not be fans. Well, let's be honest...would absolutely not be fans. "What sort of example are you setting for your sister?" The assumption is that pole dancing = stripping. No one is taking off their clothes, and while we are encouraged to grind, hump, jiggle, etc. it's certainly not mandatory. Every woman in my class responds so positively. We are stronger, sexier, and more confident in all aspects. We all probably started to impress significant others, but it quickly became more than that. This is just impossible to explain in the millisecond it takes someone to dismiss pole dancing as slutty.

Just got GA State acceptance email. We will see if there are any open classes I can make it to left. FML on the CPA front. Only one exam section to go, but school will likely be a pain. This is why I need a crazy hobby...

Map

Definitely a victim of the Fireman and the Backwards Spin bruises. Sporting bona fide scars from pole burn on the wrists. Hopefully with strength comes grace, and with graces comes fewer injuries.

Progress

Level 1 Pole completed as of last Wednesday. We had a recital, which was a blast. I loved seeing all the ladies' music choices and lovely smiles. This is such a pleasant and positive setting. Women of all shapes and sizes are clearly loving being sexier than they thought possible. I danced to NIN "Just Like You Imagined" at the suggestion of BF, which was out of character but lots of fun. Who knows, maybe in character for Sasha, my stripper alter-ego for the night? I spent the rest of the night filming the ladies that wished to be filmed and smiling like a proud parent while my classmates rocked out.

Afterwards, we had "graduation" complete with diplomas and white garters (bc we are no longer "pole virgins" ha ha). Apparently, graduation garters will get more elaborate as we progress.

Level 2 starts this Wednesday. Looking forward to sideways spins and climbing. I bought new heels with straps in anticipation. I have lost a shoe a few too many times. Hard to look sexy while hobbling in one six-inch heel.

Progress on the accounting front too! I passed Regulation, so only FAR left to go!

Applying to GA State slowly but surely for a Masters' of Taxation. Problems with the admissions office receiving my transcripts, updating my status, etc. Class registration has already started for summer, and still no admissions decision. I am not enjoying my GA State experience so far, to say the least. Maybe my client service expectations are too high. Maybe I was spoiled by undergrad. Argh.

Accountant by day...and also by night.

I haven't had a blog since old school Livejournal, if anyone remembers that. I feel very CurrentTV now. Very Hipsters in Space.

Busy season is starting to crank up, or as I like to call it, "Prime Time." Kidding, of course. I just like the laugh I can get out of my on-the-ledge co-workers. Not as busy as I would like to be at this point in the season because a client is taking a week off for Chinese New Year and won't be submitting their trial balances until after the holiday. Got to say, Chinese New Year was not something I anticipated. It's a small world after all...

I've been taking pole dancing lessons at a great studio lately (polelateaz.com), and I feel like I'm leading a sort of double life. I imagine this might be a slightly uncomfortable topic at work, so I have only mentioned it to my closest cube-mates. I do sport some pretty gnarly bruises from spinning that I'm sure beg an explanation. Attempting to cover up with colored tights.

BF seems to enjoy it, but (ostensibly) mostly because I enjoy it. I did a little routine as a V-Day treat, and his first comment was "You were smiling the whole time." Cute.

I look forward to my lessons all week, so I don't doubt I do it with a grin. It's so nice to break out of my geeky accountant shell once in a while.