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.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
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 $$$), I think I would really like to be an instructor. My favorite activities thus far were teaching American Colonial history at the American Village and training orientation counselors at Auburn. I love turning people on to what excites me. Just puts a big ol' smile on my face. Watching my classmates dance does the same thing.
Just have to get my mojo back first...
This is difficult for me, and hopefully will turn around in the near future. I am so competitive that while I absolutely ADORE watching my classmates get stronger and better, I still want that edge. I don't have it. Boo hoo.
Maybe this has something to do with the fact that I now seem to be successful at work. For a while there, I was so depressed and down-trodden. Dancing was my outlet. My source of joy and confidence. My release. Maybe I don't need it as much now?
Maybe I am over-thinking this and just need a break long enough for my muscles to heal? Yeah...let's go with that.
If I can put in the time and effort (not to mention $$$), 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...
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, April 5, 2010
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.
I should post some photos when I finally have everything set.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
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?
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?
Monday, March 15, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, March 5, 2010
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...
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...
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