I can’t even take credit for the only truly indie song on this list, which is courtesy of a guy from work whose taste is way higher-brow than mine. (Case in point: I listened to a Backstreet Boys CD last night. 80% non-ironically. I KNOW).
1. The Gaudy Side of Town, The Gayngs
I feel like this is audio softcore porn. In a really, really good way. I love how every new verse, new layers of tones/beats/general complexity (i’m not a music writer okay?) keep developing and it gets more interesting. Just listen, I promise it won’t be just once. IT IS THE PRINGLES OF POLE SONGS.
2. Shadows, Rufus Wainwright
I recently discovered a CD I burned (yes, this was from 2004) of Rufus Wainwright’s Poses and Oh. My. God. Such beautiful music. Most of it’s totally not suited for dancing, but I’m partial to this track. I stopped dead in the middle of doing dishes to flow to this. That’s how you know it’s good. Also, that was a dead giveaway that my pole is totally in my kitchen.
3. Straight to Video, Mindless Self Indulgence
So this one’s a little creepy/dark/emo, but I dig it. It’s refreshing after all the hip hop.It’s also really slow, so hello dark, creepy, sexy dancing!
4. Psychotic Girl, The Black Keys
Another slow jam. Love the raw vocals on a mellow bass groove. Yum.
5. Every Day Is Exactly the Same, NIN
Wow, this got dark, huh? Sexy/Depressing is definitely one of my favorite combinations. It’s like sweet and salty! Anyway, heavy percussion, lots of distortion, hot.
BONUS:
A Backstreet Boys selection courtesy of a very weird night for my neighbors.
New schedule guys!!!! My 4-week course starts Tuesday, so sign up before it fills up (see what I did there?). Class is 1.5 hours and includes some killer core and upper body work in addition to choreo, spins, transitions that progress each week into a full length piece by the end of the course. Also, 1-1 ration of people to poles for this one, so, good stuff.
I love me some KC. This chick is the queen of songs you can dance to while simultaneously crying a little.
2. Outside, The Weeknd
Is this technically R&B? Don’t know. Don’t care. The Weeknd, I’m not even going to complain that you’re missing an “e.” That’s how hot you are.
3. F***ing You Tonight, Biggie
Okay, so you know there’s always one that breaks the rules on misogynism… but come on, this is vintage. And it’s so smooth, guys. So very, very smooth.
4. Touch Me, Tease Me, Case
Like, was 1996 a really good year for me or something? I don’t know, but music from this era always makes me feel good. More vintage! Also, gotta love an Isaac Mizrahi shout out.
5. Can’t You See, Biggie and Total
Ahhhh, I can’t help it, I’m sorry.
BONUS: You Don’t Have to Be a Prostitute, Flight of the Conchords
I mean, it’s an inspirational message. And there’s a little pole dancing. Also, JEMAINE.
Didn’t sign up for classes yet? PREPARE TO DIE. Just kidding. But, ya know, you might want to check the schedule.
(Sorry guys, headlines don’t like ampersands–Rnb=R&B)
Okay so challenge accepted re: my own difficulty finding pole music: I dug around my old Pandora likes and found several songs that aren’t about bitches n’ hoes. Mostly. Except for this first one:
1. Diced Pineapples, Rick Ross Ft. Drake, Wale
Okay, this song actually is gross (I think diced pineapples is a reference to the idea that certain fresh fruits make certain forbidden fruits taste better IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.) but whatever, I can’t get enough of Drake’s hook on here. Also, it’s very female positive! Or at least vagina positive!
My only complaints here are about Rick Ross’s nasty facial hair ruining yet another sexy music video. Seriously, they film in the gorgeous, sun drenched Caribbean and all I can think about is how musty his damn face forest must smell. Stop it, Rick Ross. Just stop it.
2. Adorn, Miguel
Uuuuuuugh Miguel. Okay, I know everybody already knows this song, but COME ON. It needs a holler. This dude makes such sexy music… Vixen, Quickie… Almost sexy enough to excuse the hi-top/pompador hybrid. Get it, Miguel.
3. Closer, Corinne Bailey Rae
Love her. +10 for a roller disco video theme.
4. I Only Want to Give It to You, Elle Varner (Featuring J. Cole)
This song makes me so happy inside that I literally walk differently when it comes on my ipod and smile at strangers, which might get me killed. Also, J. Cole.
5. Say Yes, Floetry
Ungh. Every time I have a crush on a new guy and he walks by (unless he smells funky or something) this plays in my head.
What’s that? You can’t picture a pole dance to this?
I shock and confuse many people with my knowledge of crip walking.
Yet, I’m sooooo not down with The Music Those Dang Kids Are Listening To These Days.
Honestly. It’s not cool anymore. I mean, why is everybody always trying to “beat the pussy up?” What did the pussy do to anybody? I can’t even.
So, the point is, I get requests in my class for 2 Chainz a lot. (I know, I find the numericals and zany misspelling of “chains” to be cool and exciting too). So, I go to pull a few songs for my ‘pod.
Here’s what I found. First few seconds of this song=head bobbing, I dig it!
Then came the verses.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH.
Same problem with “Ball” by TI. These hoes so drunk, huh?
How can I lead a class of women through a class with shit about poppin’ pussies blasting in the background?
WHAT DOES POPPING A PUSSY EVEN MEAN.
What the infinitesimal fuck. Seriously. I like hip hop and rap. So do my students. But why is it ALL written like women are never going to hear it? Is it really that hard for somebody to just write a single damn rhyme that doesn’t degrade and insult the ladies who just want to listen to it and dance like everybody else?
This isn’t even about feminism (although sure, we can take it there, buy me a drink some time). It’s about me wanting to play some good beats in my class and I can’t because seriously, I’m not going to have a class of my cool, smart, hard-working girls listen to shit about bitches and hoes choking on you-know-whats.
Damn it.
Okay, I feel better now.
Can you guys recommend any good pole songs? My chicas tend to like hip hop/R&B and my playlist is getting stale, but I seriously can’t find anything that’s not really gross and offensive. Like choking on dicks.
Class tonight, 7pm, Beginner Spins (week one)!
Be sure to sign up @ our new site–danceyourwaynyc.com/schedule.
Trying to get back on the horse after a week away… but pimpin’ ain’t easy. I’m dragging ass today, and I’m not even wearing uncomfortable heels yet!
Listening to this to get pumped up for class…
Speaking of comfort, is it just me or is it no longer balls-hot anymore?!
Hooray! I might actually be able to dance at home again (no AC) without blowing a week’s supply of dry hands and going through a creepy amount of washcloths.
See y’all at 7!
And don’t forget–no classes this weekend! Because Labor day, betch.
Awkward still of Chris Brown showing his abs in the “Strip” video. Why? BECAUSE I CAN.
Hey Y’all!
Sorry I haven’t written in so long… shit has been CRAY CRAY.
Luckily, it’s all in good ways–classes have been intense, and we just had a packed open house. I taught a few intro pole classes, but the best part was sitting in on the “exotic stuff” that I usually don’t get to see… lap dancing, the “wiggle it jiggle it” booty class (booty booty booty rockin’ everywhere!), and an amazing chair dance demo.
Of course, half the fun for me in watching the other instructors was sneaking a listen at their playlists. The music is a huge part of why I love dancing. And getting to pick my playlists for class? YES PLEASE. So sorry students, but we DO have to listen to “Creep” by TLC at least every other week. THAT’S HOW I ROLL.
Anyway, after shamelessly incorporating a few new jams from the routines I saw last week, it got me thinking…. let me share my weird-ass favorite pole songs!
I know when I was just starting out I was desperate for good tracks to dance to. So here ya go–10 sweet-ass tracks to get you started, and, with one or two exceptions, I can guarantee that you’re not sick to death of them!! Cause they’re super-weird, guys!
I bold faced stole this from the lap dance demo I saw. Sexy but not raunchy, it’s a great performance song… even if your audience is just a bewildered guy in a chair.
Sometimes I get tired of hip hop (very, VERY rarely) and this little bit of grit is such a palate cleanser. Great for floor work, and lots of bump and grind level changes.
Ugh, so. frickin’. sexy. Great spin song, especially extended ones, with a little pirouette work. It’s got the perfect lilt for a little bit of playing around between moves.
6. Keep It In the Closet, Michael Jackson (For extra fun, this vid is an amazing pole dance by Miss Pole Dance Ukraine, 2011!)
High energy and “different.” Perfect practice track to throw on when you’re exhausted and frustrated with inverts 😛
Vintage pole song! This is unbelievable sensual, emotional, and romantic to dance to. Also, a great build up on the last 30 secs to toss a big trick in. Try it on your S.O. 😉
You guys, I don’t know why I like this song. It just kinda kicks ass. I like the words. LEAVE ME ALONE. Personal preferences aside, this is great for a trick-loaded routine. It’s very well suited to snappy movements and hair flipping.
Also, “You can’t make up for what you’ve done, but you still try to be the one” is every girl’s life, right? 😛
Oh PS, my studio’s having an AMAZING promotion right now–45 bucks for $115 worth of classes (ie. a 5 class card). Having been to at least half of the studios in the great NYC area, I can tell you that you’re almost never going to do better than $25 an hour… and this breaks down to $9! GET ON IT, it’s only up for 2 days!
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to request MOI for your first lesson ;)Here’s the schedule, snitches, come get me!!
The Spin Diaries: Your Guide to Everything Pole and Aerial 