Day Eighteen

Who is your pole idol?

I have a couple, actually.  First is Felix Cane, which is probably not all that surprising.  Her name is probably the most recognized in all of pole dancing.  She's famous for the spatchcock (see previous post about ultimate moves), but also for her amazingly fast rise to the top.  She is considered to be one of the best, if not the best pole dancer in the world.

Then there's Natasha Wang.  Oh my goodness, I love her.  She has an amazing style that's all her own.  She is so graceful and strong, and her artistry is just breathtaking.  Her lines are just gorgeous.  You can tell she has a dance background.  Just an amazing performer.

Day Seventeen

How many hours a week do you pole dance and do you cross train in anything else (sports, other aerial apparatuses, yoga)?

Well, I go to about 3-4 classes each week, and each class is at least an hour (sometimes longer), so I'm going to average it out to probably about 4 or 5 hours a week.  If I had the money, I'd also go to Studio Revolution to continue aerial silks, trapeze, ballet, contortion, partner acrobatics, and yoga.  More things to do at SR, as you can tell, but my heart truly lies with pole dance.  Perhaps I'll take a look at my budget and see if there's some things I can cut out to afford both gyms.

Day Sixteen

What’s in your pole bag? Grips, cameras, mp3 players, etc.


Well, I don't have an official pole bag (although maybe I should...retail therapy, anyone?!), but here's what I take with me to classes.

1) Tite grip and X-Grip.  See previous post about my favorite pole accessories.
2) Ballet slippers.  Fun to dance in, and they make my feet look even better.
3) iPod/headphones/arm strap.  For when I want to disappear into my own music.
4) Water bottle.  So essential!
5) Choreography notes.  Even though I'm known to completely abandon my choreo and do improv instead.

Hrm...perhaps I shall look into a separate pole bag.  To Google!

Day Fifteen

Post a picture of your awesome biceps, abs, or back!

I tried very hard to get a picture of any of these, but the camera on my phone isn't high-quality enough to capture the definition in my biceps.  And it's pretty much impossible to get a good abs or back shot by yourself.  Thus, I will give you a picture of Troy and me doing partner acrobatics at GenCon last month.  Because only the cool kids do exercise on vacation.  :)

This pose is called the back angel.  It's my very favorite to do with Troy because he's such a stable base.  I trust him wholeheartedly to keep me safe up there.  And it shows off my flexible back and lovely toe points.  And look at that definition in my calves.  Toot my own horn?  Don't mind if I do.  :D

Day Fourteen

Quick announcement before I do my daily challenge -- I did a shoulder mount for the very first time tonight!  It's an advanced move and takes a good amount of strength, so I am extraordinarily pleased with myself.  Seriously, I'm on a freaking high right now.  :D

What is your favorite pole video to watch?

Pink Puma's Master Cup performance, without a doubt.  There are others I like to watch, but I just love her artistry, strength, flexibility, power, etc.  Enjoy!

Days Twelve and Thirteen

Apparently, long weekends make me not want to update my blog.  :P

How has pole dance changed you or your life?

Many ways.  First of all, my body is radically different.  It isn't much lighter, but I take up less space -- ie, less body fat.  I'm no longer self-conscious in a bikini.  Many people have commented on my figure and asked if I've lost weight.  I am very strong for the average woman, and my muscles are toning up.  I am getting more flexible all the time.  My dancing has also improved, which has been a goal of mine.  It has also encouraged me to eat a more healthful diet and drink more water.

I have met many amazing people through pole.  It has grown from a fun exercise into a full-blown passion for the sport.  I can't imagine never not doing pole for the rest of my life.  I want to be poling when I'm 80!

Have you ever been injured because of pole? How?

Aside from bruising in all the usual places that all dancers get, not really.  Sometimes in certain grips, I can hurt my wrists and forearms, so I try not to do those.  I've fallen on my stomach (see previous post about embarrassing moments), but that really didn't injure me.  So I'm lucky enough to not have really seriously done any damage.  As long as you are taught with a qualified, knowledgeable instructor, pole is usually very safe.

Day Eleven

What kind of clothes do you prefer to dance in? Leg warmers, sports bras, sparkly hot pants? Show us a picture!

Usually a sports bra, tank top, and short biking shorts.  Looks something like this.

The tank usually comes off when I'm ready to invert so I have plenty of side skin to stick to the pole with. :)