Pole Music – Page 6 – The Spin Diaries: Your Guide to Everything Pole and Aerial

Does anyone ever dance to country music?

Posted on February 27, 2014February 28, 2014 by Cathy Vandewater

DISCLAIMER: I am a resident of New York City, which I think is one of the only cities in the United States that does not have a country radio station.

I am not a fan of country (mostly).

I am also not a fan of guns, pick-up trucks, large dogs, casual references to Jesus, etc, that many country songs contain. Though I do enjoy whiskey.

That said… I kind of like Miranda Lambert.

AM I HAVING AN IDENTITY CRISIS. Anyway, I was really, really tired of the hip hop, and while coding yesterday (yes, still doing that project, IT SHALL LAST FOREVER), I switched over to country music on Pandora.

And I.. I didn’t hate some of it.

(Except for Luke Bryan. He is everything I hate about country music poured into a person mold. And Rascall Flatts should just entitle all of their songs “This Is a List of Similes”)

Anyway, I got to thinking about pole (which I do it every 7 seconds, like men with sex), and started jotting down the name and band every time I heard a might-work-for-pole track.

Here’s what I came up with. You might totally hate it. Or it might make you think about your pole game in a different way and be totally refreshing!

1. I Feel a Sin Coming On, Pistol Annies

Miranda Lambert is in Pistol Annies. Did I mention that I love her?! I f***ing love her. You’re my spirit animal, ML!

2. Blowin’ Smoke, Kacey Musgraves

Okay I’m seeing a pattern in my country musics tastes: sassy women!

3. Undo It, Carrie Underwood

I know that feel, Carrie. Also, any relation to Frank? (soooooo much House of Cards).

4. Downtown, Lady Antebellum

I remember reading that Antebellum means “before the war,” and that a lot of country music celebrates that time (during which slavery was a thing), and that that’s kind of racist. Lady Antebellum got some crap for this. Anyway, I like this song. (This is becoming stream of consciousness because I’m exhausted).

6. Done, The Band Perry

I LOVE THE SHIT OUT OF THIS SONG. Kimberly Perry is so damn sassy. Bless her heart. (Not the correct usage?)

Okay that’s my list. Are you guys ready to disown me for these selections? Or do MOST people really like country music and I’m just in this geographical bubble so I don’t realize it?

HT 🙂

Today’s pole song brought to you by The Polar Vortex of Death

Posted on January 7, 2014July 28, 2016 by Cathy Vandewater

…which shall be henceforth referred to as WINDQUAKE 2014. Because that icy, icy wind, mang… it’s shaking the windows and howling, and it totally tried to burn my face off earlier.

Don’t know about how cold you guys are, but right now in New York City, it’s 10 degrees with wind chills of -15 degrees (that’s in Fahrenheit, for all my foreign friends!). I’m sitting at my desk in a long sleeve silk undershirt, button down, sweater, fur-lined hoodie, scarf, tights, knee socks, pants, and snow boots. And that’s INDOORS (still thawing).

So anyway, blow me, Vortex! PLAY THE TRACK.

XOXOXOXO and a virtual shot of vodka to keep you warm (because it’s SIBERIAN cold out there),

Cathy

Blizzard got your studio closed? Trapped inside? 5 indoor activities (plus a playlist) to the rescue.

Posted on January 4, 2014July 28, 2016 by Cathy Vandewater

Don’t freak out, we’re going to get through this!!!

First: watch this. It’s Channing Tatum dancing to Pony by Ginuwine. If anything’s going to make you feel better right away, it is this.

I’m not even talking about the ass cheeks here! Just the passion and flow make me feel jazzy.

(Side note: why do male strippers throw you around and aggressively put their balls in your face? I think I would pay them not to do that. And also, the stripping should end at the pants, because G-strings is where things stop being sexy and start getting ridiculous). BUT ANYWAY.

1. If you have a pole, you should freestyle, son! In between eating those 6-7 meals a day (consisting of cookies) that we’re all having right now, that is. Don’t bother working on anything hard–it’s a snow day, duh!

Here’s some songs to get you started. (Sorry, it’s all hip hop… you guys know me. If you like Evanescence, you’re on your own)

1. Jhene Aiko, The Worst

She’s my new favorite singer, since I heard her on Drake’s From Time (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, but I already included it on my Drake playlist, so I had to skip it this time :||||| )

2. The Weeknd, Montreal

Part of this song is in French. Bitch. Speaking of French, is it just me or is there a Cirque du Soleil feel here? Like you should be dancing with a fog machine?

3. Show Me, Kid Ink

Ugh, this video just reminded me that Chris Brown is in this, and is still very much a piece of shit. Sorry guys. STOP MAKING CATCHY MUSIC CHRIS BROWN.

4. Partition, Beyonce

Okay I’m actually not much of a Beyonce fan, but I saw this choreo video and holy. fuck. I hate it when guys in high heels put my best attempts at being sexy and having attitude to shame 😐

Anyway, BONUS ACTIVITY: teach yourself this bomb ass routine:

5. Betterman, Musiq

Okay so this one’s a wild card; it’s really soulful and fun. Musiq is so… uplifting. FUCK, I said it, so corny. Oh well, I find I dance a different way to the upbeat stuff and it helps me bust ruts. See what it does for you!

6. Limit to Your Love, James Blake (Feist cover)

I first heard this song in a bellydance performance and only JUST NOW remembered that it would be sick on the pole.

2. Don’t have a pole? Workout on your floor! PopSugar has some INCREDIBLE workouts that will kick your ass and improve your mood with no equipment or just a set of dumbells… in 10 minutes or less. Seriously, you thought you were in shape until that second set of mountain climber/push up combos. Yeesh. (No, they didn’t pay me to write this, I just stumbled on the workouts over Thanksgiving and they’ve successfully help me ward off the Holiday 5, even away from the studio).

OR, you can just put a playlist on and spend one song doing all the ab exercises you know, one song squatting and lunging, another song alternating tricep dips and lady pushups… BAM, you are done!

3. Watch a dance movie! This week alone I saw Magic Mike, Step Up 1, 2, and 3, Honey 2, and a couple of ballet documentaries. It’s fun and potentially enlightening–and you just may find new floor work or flow moves, or discover some music for when your studio thaws out! Or…. you could do what I usually do and Google “movies with pole dance” or “movies about strippers” to find more specific, um, inspiration.

4. Try to incorporate a new dance style into your pole moves. It sounds silly, but, try a classic jazz step, salsa spin combo, tango dip, on the pole–make a game out of trying to work it into your flow. It’s fun, and mixes things up! If you didn’t pick anything up from that dance crew movie I just made you watch (soooorry), try YouTubing the Rumba or twerking or the foxtrot something. Whatever rings your bell. New and novel is the name of the game. It doesn’t have to be good.

5. Film yourself. I dare you. Practice is always more fun when you have the option of showing off. Bonus bravery points if you’re doing something a little experimental. And when you do… please send me the link to the vid!!!

Stay warm!

XOXOXO

Cathy

Just in time to completely miss Halloween… is “Scary Sexy” a thing?

Posted on November 1, 2013July 28, 2016 by Cathy Vandewater

OMG I just saw Alethea Austin’s casually awesome new vid on YouTube, and it got me wanting to shake up my dance style.

Current style: Soft, pretty, a little slinky, lyrical-ish with a bit of stank on it (ie: booooootay, in small doses).

Not-my-style-but-I’m-considering-it: Badass, bawdy, agressive. Or maybe emo-dramatic. Or just balls out flexy, sexy, bling blang bloww.

She was scaring people by jumping on couches BEFORE Tom Cruise. — Street cred: she was jumping on couches BEFORE Tom Cruise.

(I’m going to stop now because I’m making up words).

The thing is, I think I’m scared to try stuff from these “style categories” because, pole is pretty shocking to people as it is. Dare I be aggressive? Overtly sexual? Dramatic? In ADDITION to being on a pole? Oh my gosh, I don’t know. That’s… a lot.

Setting aside pole for a second, here’s what I associate with different kinds of “Might Scare People A Little” sexiness:

Exhibit A: Confrontational Sexy

Remember Scary Spice? Who I found shocking and confusing, as a child? She was always sticking her tongue out like Miley Cyrus and wearing shiny, uncomfortable looking outfits! (Actually, that might have been all of the Spice Girls). And in hindsight, it was probably a little racist that they made the only black spice girl the abrasive one that “scared people.” 😐 I need to think about this.

Exhibit B: Depressed Sexy

All those creepy, sad, emo girls in rock videos circa the oughts. They’re all strung out and thin and pale, and self destructive, and possible already dead! Ahhh! Spooky! And also very de sex? I guess? Depending what you’re into? I’m exclusively referring to the Breaking Benjamin “Diary of Jane” video.

Exhibit C: DGAF Sexy

Kelly Clarkson, just, throughout that whole My December period, rolling around in the mud in a wedding gown. Because everyone knows angry hot girls are TERRIFYING. This also includes women who are sexy, but like, for themselves? They don’t really care if you’re feelin’ it, because THEY are feelin’ it? Alethea, Pantera… lookin’ at you ladies.

Anyway, if you were going to be emo/rock’n’roll/heroin chic for a dance, what kind of music would you play?

I was REALLY feeling Alethea’s music, so this is my shiny new NIN pole playlist:

1. I’m Looking Forward To Joining You, Finally

I’ve actually danced to this before–but not on the pole! Bastet did a super creepy duo belly dance to this back in the day. I can’t help picturing lots of rolls and chest pops to it. It’s a very grind-friendly song.

2. Everyday is Exactly the Same

I know I’ve included this in another playlist somewhere, but, it’s worth re-mentioning.

3. All the Love in the World

This one’s creepy and slooooooow.

4. With Teeth

This song is dark, but weirdly boppy and energizing. DIG.

5. The Lines Begin to Blur

ANGRY pole music. You need tall, scary shoes for this.

6. God Given

This one takes a little time to get going, it’s really cool and almost techno-pop-sounding.

7. Capital G

Pretty baby with the hiiiigh heels on… oh wait, different song.

Did everybody have a good Halloween? Piiiiics of your costume or it didn’t happen.

HT/HH,

Cathy

I heard the new Drake album and NOTHING WAS THE SAME

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Cathy Vandewater

If you haven’t heard it yet, here are my favorite Pole-tastic tracks. Enjoy!

1. Come Thru

Simply put, I FALL DOWN DEAD FOR THIS SONG.

2. From Time

Great, mellow vocals on this.

3. Hold On, We’re Going Home

I actually first heard this track watching Dirdy Birdy… that’s how you know it’s good.

Re: this video though… my opinion is that Drake set in 1985 for exactly one reason: so a waiter could bring a phone to his table in a dramatic fashion.

4. Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2 ft. Jay-Z

I don’t understand this title, but song is hot.

5. Too Much ft. Sampha

Bonus:

Janelle Monae and Miguel=hot fire.

I’m burnt out and someone pooped on the towels: NOTHING LEFT TO DO HERE.

Posted on September 5, 2013March 5, 2014 by Cathy Vandewater

So, it’s been a strange week.

-I was in Boston, which was GREAT.

-I met a boy, which was okay, and then great, and then meh.

-I got a fantastic opportunity to work on a Bellyqueen show coming up (which is an unbelievable learning experience–BALANCING A CANE ON MY HEAD LIKE A BOSS–but it’s a 6 hour weekly commitment).

And thus… I’ve made it to exactly 2 pole classes in two weeks. 😐

misc-nothing-to-do-here-l

Oh, and then to put a cherry on top of a banner week, in the last two minutes of my 10 hour work day at my gym job over the weekend, I opened a washing machine full of our towels and discovered someone had shit on them.

Like literally.

Somebody shit on the towels.

I have a lot of questions about this, but mainly the situation just made me instantly really tired. Like, seriously? So close to going home and now I have to figure out what to do with an arm full of wet, shitty towels?

(We threw them away, in case you were wondering. But not before I had an existential moment in the laundry room, just staring at them with my mouth open).

Anyway, I’m really focused on learning tons of new choreo for the Bellyqueen show, working extra hours at my nights-and-weekends-job (so I can afford the time off from my day job that the show rehearsals require), and as much as I want to be in the pole studio I’m just so… exhausted. I caaaaaaaaaan’t.

The one class I took last week (SIX DAYS AGO… I HAVE NOT TOUCHED A POLE IN SIX DAYS) was great, but I made it suck because I was mentally checked out. Ie. not trying very hard, giving up quickly, being kind of a whiny pain in the ass… (“it huuuuuuuurts!”)

It’s just that when I’m tired, pole feels felt like one more item to tick on my to-do list before I can watch SATC with a sandwich and collapse.

(NB: My desire to watch SATC all the time when I’m burnt out is extra ironic because Chris Noth lives in the building I work at. So I’ll just look at him like GOD CHRIS NOTH CAN YOU PLEASE JUST LEAVE SO I CAN GO HOME AND WATCH YOU HURT SARAH JESSICA PARKER’S FEELINGS???). Eh. I just want what I want, okay?

Bad attitude, I know.

And yet I haven’t adjusted it. Even now I’m like lol I won’t be able to do a push up in a week if I keep this up, too bad, guess I won’t change anything I’m doing! SANDWICHES AND NETFLIX PLS.

Maybe I just need a lil’ more rest and I’ll be back in the game soon. I hope. If not, someone please help force me 😐

The funny thing is, I’m still poling in my head constantly and finding lots of great new music (playlist coming soon). So until then, I HEARD THIS SONG AND I CAN’T WAIT TO FLOW TO IT WHEN I GET MY ACT TOGETHER: (ps. is it just me or is Marvin Gaye having a moment?)

Happy twirls!

F*** everything–but here’s a new playlist!

Posted on August 20, 2013February 19, 2014 by Cathy Vandewater

AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH

You know that feeling where you’ve been hitting the studio after very long days of work and drilling a routine for HOURS, and then come to a rehearsal two days before the show and find out you now how to do everything completely in the reverse of how you trained your body to memorize it?

Oh you don’t?

Here’s how it feels: IT FEELS LIKE FUCK EVERYTHING.

I would actually have been much better off if I had NOT practiced, because my muscle memory is just utterly bewildered. The changes happened last night. The show is tomorrow. I have both a day job and night job today, so I don’t even know when I can practice this. I just… I just want to go back to bed.

I know, I know, I’m being a big whiny baby and this isn’t even the first time this has happened to me. It’s to be expected in a group performance. I get it. But I really hate looking like the idiot that’s lost on stage and I will be DAMNED if I do.

So here’s the plan: I am going to listen to this song on repeat all day, and dance the shit out of the routine in my head. I will run it in the bathroom mirror. I will do modified versions of the footwork while folding towels at work tonight. I AM COMING FOR YOU, new choreography.

Anyway, I can’t wait till the show’s over and I can hit the pole with my full attention again. Here’s what I’ve been saving up to jam to…

1. Beware, Big Sean

2. Let’s Talk, Omarion Ft. Biggie and Rick Ross

…bawse.

3. Swim Good, Frank Ocean

4. Enough Said, Aaliyah, Ft. Drake

5. Long Way to Go, Cassie

HT,

Quick question… and a quickie weekend playlist!

Posted on July 26, 2013February 19, 2014 by Cathy Vandewater

First things first….

OKAY, now that that’s out of the way… 😀

So, for my marketing class, I have to make a promo video advertising my teaching services.

Um, because I hate that idea, I thought I would instead just do a quick tutorial vid on a basic/intermediate move and then be all, “LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK” in the last second of the video. Because fuck promos, right?

I was thinking of breaking down the Jenyne climb, because I still get lots of questions and comments on that. Would you guys want to see that, or something else? A basic spin, invert, pose, etc?

I LIVE TO PLEASE. Lemme know, guys 🙂

Oh, and this is totally unrelated, but I’m dancing my BUNS off to these songs, that have nothing at all in common or to do with each other. I hope you get some good freestyles out of them because I certainly have!

1. I’ll Make Love to You (Remix), Boyz II Men

SHUT UP I LIKE THEM. This is the remix. You’re welcome. NB: I had this on cassette tape in 1997.

2. Somebody Else, Mario

Feeling this so hard. Sounds like nothing else on the radio now… fresh.

3. Body Party, Ciara

Sweet, sexy… it’s like musical chocolate covered pretzels.

4. Girls Love Beyonce, Drake

Because a little Drake was mandatory…

5. Closer, Kings of Leon

Okay, not even going to pretend that I didn’t get the idea to dance to this from the fabulous Michelle Shimmy… so here she is in all her glory!

Have a great weekend, guys!

❤ ❤ <3,

Cathy

10 more heartbreak-friendly pole songs, so get your tissues… and your Dry Hands!

Posted on June 12, 2013February 19, 2014 by Cathy Vandewater

So, you guys apparently LOVE sad pole dance songs. Do y’all need a hug? 😦

I was in the car with my lil sis for many hours this weekend, listening to her Kelly Clarkson and Ne-Yo cds, and I heard some surprisingly awesome stuff (that’s also nice and family friendly, as opposed to all the French Montana, The Weeknd, and Drake I’ve been dancing to).

It could just be that her car has huge subwoofer things that make EVERYTHING sound epic, but wow, some of these songs were hittin’ my ears mighty fine, and I was doing some mental choreography for much of the trip.

Anyway, because you guys are all frantically searching “heartbreak pole songs” (yes, I check these things), let’s indulge in another sad playlist! Wheee!

This one is special though: this is special dance prescriptions for all of your I-Just-Got-Dumped needs. I got you, okay? Just keep dancing. We’ll get through this.

1. Kelly Clarkson, Addicted

I wish I were more of a polerina because I would Jenyne Butterfly the SHIT out of this.

For dancing through: utter helplessness whilst treading water in the deep end of your feelings. Just wait till you hear that beat drop…

2. Ne-Yo, Back to What You Know

Good “I FEEL BITTER” song.

For dancing through: feeling superior and above all this ish, duh!

3. Omarion Ft. Wale, M.I.A.

Revenge song.

For dancing through: break up? What break up? Fuck it, I don’t care!

4. Omarion, Ice Box

SPEAKING OF OMARION. Come on, I know this is old, but it’s a killer.

For dancing through: your need to psychologically dissect all the shittiness. (Don’t bother, you’ll never understand).

5. Jessie Ware, Running

This song makes me want to punch myself in the face. But that’s for personal reasons.

For dancing through: that freefall feeling when you run into him and lock eyes. And then you walk away thinking, “Back to square fucking one…”

6. Maroon 5, Misery

Upbeat despair!

For dancing through: when it’s been a few days and you can’t stand love songs, but you’re ready to put away the Taylor Swift for a while.

7. Maroon 5, One More Night

More Maroon 5, for the inevitable relapse.

For dancing through: your sexual needs. DON’T GO CRAWLING BACK THOUGH, OKAY.

8. LeToya Ft. Ludacris, Regret

“You left the best you had, baby don’t look so mad”

For dancing through: self-righteous outrage.

9. Diddy Dirty Money, Loving You No More

Awww, even Diddy can’t buy his way out of feeling crappy.

For dancing through: Reminding yourself of all the garbage you’ve been through. Yup, can’t really do this again after all.

10. Corinne Bailey Rae, Enchantment

Ugh, it’s so HARD to be responsible for your actions.

For dancing through: I CAN’T HELP MYSELF.

Bonus: Take Me In Your Arms, The Isley Brothers

Okay, you DEFINITELY can’t pole dance to this, and it’s kind of a pre-break up song, but it came on my ipod last night and I loved it, so, here ya go.

Take care of yourselves ladies! As my mom would tell you, you are WONDERFUL, don’t forget it. (She also likes to say “be the one that got away,” but that’s easier said than done). Love you mom! I’m being careful with inversions!

Also, come take my class tomorrow and if you look sad or break-uppy I will TOTALLY give you a hug. 6:30-8pm, and be prepared for some crunches. (The best revenge is looking fabulous, am I right?)

HT,

…What have I been DOING?!! Plus: 5 Heartbreak-Friendly Pole Songs!

Posted on April 23, 2013August 7, 2013 by Cathy Vandewater

I legit feel like I just woke up from a coma.

So, for the past couple of months, I was sorta kinda a little bit falling on my ass for this guy I work with.

With a girlfriend.

I KNOW.

I’m not really the cheating type so it was mostly just talking, a lot, but that didn’t really stop me from being a big dumb idiot with 3 kinds of obsessive thoughts, on a loop:

1. “OMG HE’S SO GREAT.”

2. “OMG THIS IS SO BAD.”

3. “OMG LET ME LISTEN TO MY IPOD AND DAYDREAM ALTERNATELY ABOUT HOW GREAT HE IS AND HOW BAD I FEEL ABOUT MYSELF FOR DOING THIS.”

(BONUS: “omg I should totally send him this song I’m listening to so he can know my feeeeeeeeeeeelings.”)

Did you throw up yet?

I did, a little.

Anyway, it’s all over now. I wanted to do things legit or not at all, and he was all, “LETS MAKE A DEAL”… the deal being, in his words, “I can give you 100% of me, part of the time.” (….<—-DAFUQ?!! Why would I ever sign up for that? I don’t do drugs, sir.)

So after about 48 hours of crying, I woke up this morning, totally fine, and looked around. And I thought… wait, what have I been doing with my time?

I haven’t written anything in months (and this is supposed to be my life calling).

I haven’t touched my pole.

I haven’t blogged. (But you already know this).

I haven’t even grocery shopped, judging by the carton of expired eggs in my fridge and NOTHING ELSE in there.

What I have been doing: TEXTING TEXTING TEXTING MOPING TEXTING TEXTING PLANNING MY WORK OUTFITS.

Jesus. Anyway, I’m suddenly horrified at how much time I’ve lost, so it’s time to get back on the dang wagon called OH WAIT I HAVE A LIFE, DURR.

(Sorry for all the capital letters, this is an emotional time, guys).

So, GOALS:

1. Several hours a week on the pole.

2. Spare time spent NOT at home looking at my phone (so, either gym or studio).

3. Something fun and interesting to cross train with (I’m thinking hoop maybe… or yoga, to get my inflexible ass slightly more flexible again).

Mainly, I just want to remember that there was a time I was doing all my awesome life stuff for ME… not to impress some douchebag who already has a girlfriend.

I want to kill it on the pole, I want fresh photos, I want to work out some choreo I can pull out when I feel like showing off, I want videos on youtube… I want to feel proud of myself again.

FTS. Back to me.

Anyway, I’m not going to lie, I’m totally still moping, so here are some awesome “FUCK DATING” songs to pole to. I know I certainly will.

1. Doin Me, Fantasia

This song is a nice mix of ass-kicking and positive. Also, “No more crying, going through hell–it’s so good, I’m loving myself”… this song makes me feel so much better.

2. Me, Myself and I, Beyonce

Okay so I’ve decided that what I’m doing is just quoting the line in the song that makes me tear up/instantly feel a little better: “Yeah, you hurt me but i learned a lot along the way/After all the rain you’ll see the sun come out again.” I hope so, Beyonce. I hope so.

3. Bad, Wale (Featuring Tiara Thomas)

This song makes feeling bitter seem cool. Also, it’s sufficiently sexy to pole to without being sex-positive enough that you get depressed over your lack of boneage. (Listen, this is the best the descriptions are getting today, go with it).