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.