If straddles hurt your outer thighs, READ THIS

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

Hey guys,

Enjoying summer?

I’ve been taking some time out to do summer stuff and generally chill in my time off, instead of spending it hunched over my computer as during the work day. So pardon my hiatus!

I did want to drop a quick line though because I haven’t stopped training (though I’m mainly doing flex, ballet barre, and poleography–no hardcore pole right now because my favorite teacher hasn’t been in in a while and I’m STILL having bad experiences with other peeps. *SIGH* Just want to get through a Level 2 without wanted to cry y’all).  Anyway, I love my other classes, and as usual when I take class with my utterly fabulous, professional, knowledgeable, infinitely patient, etc etc teachers I I LEARN SO MUCH.

Our flex teacher (WHO I LOVE, OMG YOU GUYS, SHE’S THE LITERAL BEST) asks for requests sometimes, and I recently issued a weird one: butt stretching.

Here’s the background: I have a horrific time with frog/straddle stretches. I’m used to some intense stretching, but while other people say they feel these stretching in their inner thighs, they make me feel like my outer thighs as well as hips are being broken. Like, wishbone-being-pulled-apart style.

This cannot be normal, I thought, so I googled “are straddle splits impossible for some people.” Because it feels that bad to me, and I have seen NO progress, despite making visible gains in all my other flexibility–including shoulders, aka fixing my dinosaur arms. (whaaaaat? I know! Miracles happen.)

This is a T-band stretch.
This is a T-band stretch.

What I discovered from a gazillion message boards is, sometimes the issue with painful straddles is not necessarily the muscles that straddles stretch (inner thighs) but the opposing ones: hips, outer thighs, and glutes. By targeting these muscles with stretches like figure four or T-band stretches (I don’t know the name for them but they usually involved turning your leg out and pulling it across your body), you have a better shot at getting to the muscles you actually want to stretch: yo inner thighs!

Class was mostly the typical order of operations, with straddles at the end. I don’t notice anything different, except that our figure fours and T band stretches (I admitted to the teacher when I asked for “butt stretches” that I actually didn’t know any besides these, the ones we were already doing) came right before we went into straddles.

This is also a T-band stretch.
This is also a T-band stretch.

Then a miracle happened. My straddles/froggies hurt like a bitch (lol what else is new), but for the first time ever I felt the pain in my inner thighs!!! Then we did some rolling of the hips and weight shifts and sure enough, I was able to go a little deeper. ie. I MADE PROGRESS.

I asked the teacher after class what did we had done differently (because that was MAGIC), and she said nothing–we had just changed the order. We weren’t doing any additional or different stretches, we were just doing those outer hips and glutes ones right before center splits. The teacher said she felt a difference too, and that she going to do her class like that from now on, which made me feel like less of a wackadoo for asking for “stretches for your butt” while others were requesting classy things like “heart openers.” #elegance

Figure Fo'
King of the Butt Stretches: Figure Fo’

So what’s going on with y’all? I definitely didn’t bother with the flow challenge like I thought I would because my air conditioner has just not been keeping up with this heat. When I get home I just sit on my couch and pant like Jabba the Hut, it’s pretty attractive.

I have been learning some cute combos in class though–I’ll post some poleography clips in another blog. But for now, look at this HAWT routine I saw at “Shtick a Pole in It.”

Shtick a Pole in It is a combo pole/comedy show. No, the dancers don’t tell jokes and the comedians don’t pole haha–they alternate! The comedians were surprisingly hilarious and the dancers were top freaking notch. Like, SICK.

I had two favorites performances but in one of them the dancer (terrifyingly) fell so I don’t think they’ll post it. She was fine and actually resumed the routine after a quick break to wipe the pole down, but it was really too bad because she was obviously a pro and her performance was out of this world until her fall. To her credit she was doing an insane trick combo at the time, so I guess it just goes to show that a slippery pole can strike anyone at any time.

Anyway, here’s my other favorite. My friend said she’s a NY Poler and her name is Anna. You can’t see it in the video, but she had a really lovely ease to her dancing and cute facial expressions which took an already sick routine to the next level. I’m fangirling here but I don’t even care because it was perfection.

Check her out!

And if you’re New York in September, catch the next show! I think they said it would be the last Sunday of the month, but that have yet to post. Check the Facebook group, I’m sure it will be up soon!

Video: how people walk around a pole for the first time

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

I was bored today so I made a video of the various odd ways new polers have walked around the pole in my classes.

No hate… I definitely was a #3 in the beginning myself. But a cute walk adds SO much to your dancing. It’s worth practicing!

A few stretching tweaks that can get you past a flexibility plateau

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

Hey guys,

I’m hoping to get some pics up soon (especially since I got an awesome new bluetooth clicker thing that enables my iPhone to snap photos from across the room, holla!), but basically, I’ve started taking flexibility classes at B&P that have been GAME CHANGING.

I know, I know, I was all “lol I can stretch at home, why would I pay for this” too, but trust me: the prompts that you will receive from a good teacher in these classes are everything. Here’s a few key, simple things I’ve learned so far that have my flexibility game on serious fleek.

(Accompanied by pictures I stole from the internet for explanation purposes)

upper back bend
Photo: popsugar.com

1. In back bends: think of opening your chest, NOT about crunching your back

Not only did this make back bendy stuff feel so much safer and more comfortable, focusing on opening my chest and getting it up and over my back activated all the muscles in my upper back–which are what make that nice, rounded, SAFE (have I said safe enough yet?) shape in a backbend instead of that “hinged at the lower back” look.

2. In hamstring stretches: pop your booty out and arch your back

hamstring
Photo: http://shannonmiller.com/

This creates that nice burn of opposition, making the stretch so much deeper and more effective, while keeping it totally in your control.

3. In lunge stretches: think 360

lunge side bend a
Photos: https://elsieyogakula.wordpress.com

lunge side bend b

lunge back bend arms down
Photo: http://www.twofitmoms.com

It’s easy to just cycle between lunges and hamstring stretches, but if you’re struggling with splits, hitting those hip flexors from new angles may be just the thing to get you into deeper territory.

A few things to try:

-Back bends in a deep lunge stretch (just make sure you’re squared off to get the most out of it). And try arm circles: sweep into them with one arm at a time, up and over, front to back, side to side.

-Pushing the inside of the front knee away in a deep lunge stretch (so that your knee opens and the weight shifts to the outer edge of your front foot). Turn away from the front leg for a little added opposition.

-In a bent over hamstring stretch (one leg straight in front, the other kneeling): turn the front leg out from the hip (so that the pinky toe is closest to the ground), and turn your body to face it, planting hands on the outside of your extended leg as you lower your torso to meet it. (You can allow your kneeling leg to pivet into a “knees together” position). You should feel a deep stretch in the inner thigh.

Do you guys have any flexy tricks up your sleeves? I’ve honestly made so much progress in my back in a few months that I think I’m going to attempt a crescent again! (For the first time since failing at it and swearing off it forever 2 years ago).

And huge shoutout to Emily Sanderson at B&P who teaches flex and is fabulous. Just saying.

XOXO

For Sharay: What Might Be Messing Up Your Invert (But I’m Just Guessing, Girl)

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

I have been getting some awesome fan mail lately, which makes me wonder if I’ve been accidentally sending out “I feel like I don’t have anything to offer anyone now that I’m not teaching anymore, might as well just give up on this blog” vibes and y’all just happen to be lovely supportive people like that.

Old photo (and slightly lopsided chopper) but note the straight arms, dropped head/upper body, and lifted hips!
One of my first (and slightly lopsided) choppers! Note the straight arms, dropped head/upper body, and lifted hips.

But THIS ONE got me so excited, because it asked for my help.

(I am nothing if not DESPERATE TO HELP, especially when “helping” involves me being a know it all. Like, you all know me by now, right? This is my jam.)

So anyway here’s a question I got from Sharay:

“I am having so much trouble inverting and doing an open v spin. Am i too heavy? Do you have any tips? Thanks so much!”

First things first (I’m the rilllllest): you are not too heavy.

Why do we always assume that something is mortally wrong with us when we can’t do something right away? This reminds me of being an 11 year old in 1997 when every piece of clothing was cropped and made of lycra and I remember thinking “I AM JUST SO FAT AND WRONG, I SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO GET DRESSED.” Now I’m all LOL, it’s because I was going to turn out all curvy and bangin’, and high-waisted side-zip clam diggers look good on no one.

But that was a tangent.

Sharay, you are not too heavy. Just saying.

OKAY, so from there, please know that inverts are fucking hard. It took me about a year to get mine, and even then, it was sporadic (could do it one day, not the next) for a few months. I still can’t aerial invert, but a large part of that is simply not attempting to.

Assuming you ARE attempting (which please, keep doing that, you’re getting stronger every time you try and fail, trust), here’s some stuff that might be messing you up:

1. You are not allowing your upper body to tip back

This one gets a LOT of people. It’s like you want to keep your head up so you can see yourself chopper, but duh, no one can anatomically get their legs over their heads unless their heads drop. Once you crunch your legs to your chest, let your arms straighten and TIP YOUR UPPER BODY BACK so that your head is lower than your hips. Scary? Fuck yes, this is terrifying, which is probably why your body may not be letting you do it. Get a patient, ballsy spotter who’s not afraid to position you correctly and get used to this position. You’re gonna spend a lot of time here when you get your invert!

2. Your arms are too high

You should be grabbing the pole about chest level, maybe a tad higher, while you’re standing (before attempting an invert). But if you let your hands creep up to eye level or worse, your arms will already be straight, and it will be impossible for you to drop your upper body once you crunch your legs in (see above).

3. You’re not pushing your hips up like your life depends on it

Do me a favor. Next time you’re near a pole, lay down next to it with the pole tucked into one of your armpits. Grab it with both hands as you would for any invert, then slowly draw your knees to your chest. THEN, push up from your hips/butt and open into a V as your booty lifts off the ground. Try it a few times slowly, both in and out. (This is conditioning by the way, so feel good about that!). Is inverting 80% abs? Yes. But that little hip/booty bump is what gets you up and over. And I have a feeling that’s where you might be stuck. So practice this exercise to get comfortable with the movement before you’re all OMG I’M TRYING TO INVERT AND THIS IS HARD AND TOTALLY DISORIENTING.

I’m too lazy now, but let me see if I can shoot a quick vid to visually illustrate these issues. Anybody else want to weigh in? Community effort!!

PoleFreaks has free routines???

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

Today in Things Everybody But Me Probably Knows About: PoleFreaks.com has routines (with breakdowns!) that you can download for free after signing up for their newsletter. This is a pretty awesome alternative to pole choreo classes that many people might not have access to. It’s super fun to work on a routine at home, if you have a pole. And most of the moves appear to be beginner level, at first glance. Get on that!

They also have workouts that cost a small amount ($3.99) which is something I might look into when my class cards run out and Christmas shopping has got me hella poor.

Sorry if this came off as an advertisement–I genuinely just found out this existed and thought it seemed like an awesome resource. The blog looks interesting too!

Anyway, I know I’m being really naughty about writing pole posts, so here’s a party favor for stopping by:

SONGS I AM CURRENTLY DESPERATE TO POLE TO:

Again, this is kinda-sorta a half ass attempt at blog hopping. I need to get on that…

1. TeeFLii feat. 2 Chainz, 24 Hours

This is sexy, but upbeat enough to keep me choosing the cute creative moves over endless hairflips and body rolls.

2. James Blake, Retrograde

I saw one of my (belly dance) teachers perform to this recently and it actually brought tears to my eyes. Understated but gorgeous song.

3. Tinashe, 2 On

Yes this is all over the radio, but it’s so. fucking. smooth.

4. Jeremih, All the Time

Another one all over the radio, and yes, it’s filthy. Sorry. This is a good rolling on the floor jam.

5. Misery, Maroon 5

Okay clearly this one is as old as the hills, but it popped up on my ipod the other day and I realized it would be for some really dynamic, story-telling choreo.

OMG and one last thing–can we talk talk about Nicki Minaj’s chair choreo at the VMAs? I know everybody was all about Beyonce, but I’m way more into the moves from the Anaconda set. She was CRISP LIKE CELERY on those tick-tocks. Love it.

Here’s the video a couple of scrolls down on Jezebel because Amtrak thinks MTV.com will be porn.

<3<3<3

I took a stage makeup class and all I got was a gorgeous makeover and new skills for life.

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

It was pretty awesome.

First, Le Results.

Here are a few shots of me modeling in soft, romantic fluorescent light of my litchenbedroom (I live in a studio). I didn’t think to show you my eyes closed because, naturually, my number one concern while taking photos is making sure my nose doesn’t take up 3/4ths of the shot. Sorry! #priorities

 

I woke up like this. (LOL JK this took 45 mins).
I woke up like this. (LOL JK this took 45 mins).

Before this I was trying to get a clear shot of the makeup in the bathroom for a long time, and my face started getting tired. My smile became kind of… demented… and I rolled with it.

image
Trying to be pretty is tiring.

 

True story: I used to make faces at my ex-boyfriend all the time while being silly and he would suddenly get really serious and say, “That was too scary, never do that face again.”

ANYWAY. This makeup class was two hours long, and offered at my bellydance studio, taught by the director of the school.

K, a teacher and performer, used to do 5 shows a day in Las Vegas in the same face of makeup, so clearly she knew her pencil eyeliner from her potted to her liquid felt-tip. The first hour was spent watching in awe as she applied her typical stage face, which was awkward, but informative. It’s not very often you get to openly gape at another dancer while she does her makeup and not get a strange look.

True Story #2: speaking of dancers putting on makeup, part of the reason I decided to take this class was because of a passive aggressive comment one of my dance idols made before our last show. She came up behind me in the dressing room while I was digging through my makeup bag, and thinking she needed the mirror, I immediately cleared a spot for her. But she said, “No, no, I’m fine–did you do your own makeup?” and I totally fan-girled and turned red and said yes, yes I did (OMG SHE LIKES MY MAKEUP??!!!). And then she sighed and walked away. “We really have to offer that makeup class at Bellyqueen again.”

BURN. BURRRRRRRRRRRRRN.

So anyway, I decided to take the class–the second, more hilarious half of which was spent using our own supplies to try and do anything resembling what we had just been shown. The steps were as follows.

OFFICIAL STAGE MAKEUP ORDER OF OPERATIONS:

-Moisturizer (always, K said we should let it soak in for 10 minutes before doing anything else)

-Primer (Yas, suction cup your makeup to yo’ face!)

-Eyelid primer (I dismissed this as prissy and unnecessary until Kaeshi put a little on her hand and then applied some blue eyeshadow over it–which look very intense, highly pigmented, and practically opaque. She then applied some of the same eyeshadow on the bare skin next to the patch of primer and it look about 5 shades lighter and completely see-through. ALRIGHTY THEN. [buys all of the eyelid primer])

-Foundation (K applied this with a brush, a technique I fully endorse)

-Concealer (zits, etc)

-Powder (set that ish!)

-Eyebrows (There is some science to this! Did you know your brow should arch just over the outside rim of your pupil? And try this trick: hold a pencil parallel to your nose at the nostril: that’s where you eyebrow should start. Then hold it diagonally from your nostril to the outisde of you pupil. That’s where your eyebrow should end. Actually fuck it, here is a picture).

-Eye shadow highlight (You probably know this trick–champagne/white/silvery shimmer shadow under the brow bones and in the inner corner of your eyes. This will contrast with your darker shadows to give more dimension (re: highs and lows) to your face that stage lighting will wash out)

-Eye liner (complicated, I’ll revisit this)

-Eye shadow, tri color (FINALLY something I know about. I’ve been doing the brown bone/crease/outside corner trick practically out of the womb. But turns out… my technique was lacking–K said I needed to bring my dark “crease” shade a lot higher up, since I was trying to keep it safe and close to my lid. She was right, of course.)

-Eye lashes (Note: fuck these. They are gorgeous, but so unwieldy.)

-Contouring (Kim Kardashian killed any interest I had in manipulating the look of my bone structure but I grudgingly did it).

-Blush (Apples of the cheeks only, bitches, it’s 2014.)

-Lip liner

-Lipstick (the kind you can practically peel off like nail polish for children, ie. Cover Girl Outlast, etc.)

So those are the steps… but now let me impart on you my biggest stage makeup breakthroughs (since, come on, we all know how to put on basic makeup).

Dat gap. (between top and bottom eye lines, not thighs).
Dat gap. (between top and bottom eye lines, not thighs). And yes that IS the Verazzano Bridge, thanks for noticing.

BREAKTHROUGHS:

1. Connecting your top and bottom eye lines makes your eyes look tiny

The pros leave a SPACE. (I know, my mind was blown too). And for extra points, use that light colored eyeshadow you popped on your brown bone to further define the little space. Use a small brush or Q-tip.

Here how ya do it: start by lining your lower lash line. Continue the line (keeping the same angle) past your lash line. Then, starting from mid lashline on the top, start drawing a line and pull it out parallel to your bottom line. Fill it in and bring it up to the inside corner of your eye. SHAZAM.

2. You can get away with cheap-ass eye shadow if you have a good primer

For stage make up especially (where you need to see that shit coming and going from 200 feet), pigment is everything. But pigment is pricey, and we can’t all afford K’s magical trunk of MAC goodness. This is where dropping a little cash on a good eye shadow primer up front will help you get tons of use out of the crappy eye shadow you already have: it grabs and holds the pigment (however little), making it appear super intense, and keeping it on your face.

I used Urban Decay… Potion… something or other? It worked well!

3. Contouring for stage isn’t just about making your face skinny or tanned-looking like IRL

It’s about replacing the natural high-and-low dimensions that stage lighting will wipe out. Ditto for the eybrows and lashes and lips. Stage makeup is a little different than your everyday “look-young-and-rosy-and-doe-eyed” game. Your eyebrows, for example, have to be clearly defined so that the audience can see you lift or scrunch them. They’re as much a part of your dance expression as fingers or a pointed toe. Same goes for eyes and lips–the makeup simply makes them visible, so you really can’t be shy about highlighting them.

4. You can reuse eyelashes

What?! I didn’t know this. You just need to wash the glue off gently after a wear. That makes me feel a lot better dropping $20 bucks on a pair at Sephora.

So that’s all the knowledge I have to drop on you guys! Speaking of Sephora, I completely spent $150 I don’t have on new makeup in a pre-show panic Saturday. But I’m now the proud owner of a proper pot of eyeliner, quality lashes, a single pan eyeshadow (NOT PART OF A KIT I GOT FOR CHRISTMAS, WHAT), a new angle brush, and a general mishmash of overpriced, undersized products.

Do you have a go-to stage look? A favorite product? Can you reassure me that higher-end products are indeed worth their insane price points?

XOXO

Get more spin: 5 tips

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

Hey guys!

I got a question regarding getting more spin and I’m on my lunch break, so super super quick, here are my five tips for getting more spin out of your… spins. (I’m writing this too quickly to be a wordsmith, LEAVE ME ALONE).

Note: these are all tips for a STATIC POLE, though most of the momentum rules (long and short levers and sweeps) apply to spin too.

1. Lengthen your levers

As in, extend your arms and legs as you “fall” into a spin. The greater the weight you put into your fall/kick off motion, the faster and longer the spin.

2. …and then shorten them

As soon as you kick off the momentum, you’re going to want to pull your arms and legs in. Picture a figure skater–you know how they start a spin with their arms out and then cross them over their chests until they speed up into a tornado-like blur? That’s what you’re going for.

3. Work your walk

You never want to jump into a spin, but a good, strong three-step walk into a leg sweep (always on the outer leg, unless you’re doing an inside hook, ex: a Front Hook spin) will add some power to your “fall.”

4. Lean out

Again, the more weight you have to throw into your spin, the better. If you pull your hips away from the pole, you’re adding to your “kick off” weight as you fall. More good news: a nice saunter/lean combo looks super sexy and effortless. Just keep your head up to avoid looking like you’ve had an attack of narcolepsy.

5. Tighten your core

Good form (abs in, chest up, eyes forward) will help you stay “up” as long as possible while spinning. Sloppy form (forgetting to engage your shoulders–ie. The Dead Hang, looking down, hunching your back/core/chest) will drag you down, literally.

6. Watch the grip aid

While it’s important to have grip (never spin on sweaty hands), an overdose on Dry Hands is a sure-fire spin killer. So is too much squeezing from body parts other than your hands (like a behind the knee catch on a Back Hook or ankle grab on a Fireman). If you find your spins coming to a dead stop in mid-air, do a quick check-in with your contact points and make sure you’re keeping things light.

That’s all for now–hope this helped! And if you have any spin tips or tricks, please feel free to share them below.

XOXOXO

Choosing a Studio by Perceived Level of Bullshit

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

Hey guys,

Let’s talk about finding studios. I have a patented bullshit scale for myself that you might find helpful! First, a soundtrack for this post:

(Chris Brown is NOT having any of your bullshit in that album art.)

Second: let’s go over kinds of bullshit you might encounter when trying to find a studio to suit all your poling needs:

1. Yoga Bullshit

This is not a standard  I apply just to pole studios, but to bellydance ones as well: there should not be a fuck-ton of yoga in classes for OTHER THINGS.

Yes, stretching, warms ups–important and appreciated. But if we have to stand around with our hands clasped in prayer position or focus on our breaths for more than half a second, I’m going to get irritable. And 20 minutes out of an hour class dedicated to sun salutations instead of spins or omis? No.

No.

2. Cancellation Bullshit

Now by this I don’t mean cancellation policies that apply to you–those are fair, and, as a teacher, I know they’re necessary. I also understand, as a teacher, that classes get cancelled if they don’t fill up, because that teacher needs to be paid.

But when I’m a student, it’s really annoying to plan my day around a class that may or may not happen. More often than not, a pattern in cancellations will make me skittish and seek other, more predictable studios. (I feel bad about this, but, it is what it is).

3. Lack of Class Structure Bullshit

I have a pole at home. If I wanted to pay 25/hr for what’s essentially an open pole class, I would not have hauled ass out into the snow.

4. Environmental Bullshit

Poles too close together. Cattle call classes of 3 girls to a pole. Lack of basic necessities like alcohol or cloths. For how much these classes cost, this type of bullshit is most definitely Deal Breaking Bullshit (DBB).

5. Mean Teacher or Staff Bullshit

I don’t know about you guys, but, if I have to go through a rude front desk person to buy more classes, I will kind of put it off until–OH LOOK, this other studio has a sale… aaaaaand, I’m gone. Same with teacher that make you feel shitty. Again, I’d just stay at home and tell myself I suck. Way cheaper!

Aside form this criteria, I also have more subjective, judgement-call type bullshit categories like 60% of a class dedicated to booty work (nothing wrong with booty work, but if I came to learn new pole stuff, I’m gonna be disappointed), or, general scariness of other students (if it’s laundry day and I only have a ratty tank top to wear to class, and the girls are the shade-throwing type, I might skip it).

These are factors that are very important to me. I’m pretty open to new styles, teaching methods, etc, so long as a studio has as little DBB as possible.

If you’re in the process of choosing your “home studio” so to speak, know that they kind of fall into the following categories, and that to get a full experience that fits your goals with pole, you might need to combine a few (I totally do this).

I realize I’m sort of repeating myself from a previous post on types of pole studios, but I believe a year of class hopping has helped me refine my categories. Here’s how I think they should be sorted now:

1. The Sensual, Mirror-less studio

I think this is a cool idea and would probably try it as a side dish to my regular training. I can see its usefulness in building artistic stuff, or if you’re dancing for fun and not with a goal of performing. I know a lot of people rave about these places. Downside: I hear rumors of extensive freedancing in class (AHHHHHHHHH), and weird intimacy exercises like making eye contact with class members during dances (no nope bye CANNOT DO IT SORRY). I also feel like I’d fall into bad habits by doing what “feels right” instead of checking the mirror… as in, my choppers would not get any less lopsided and my right side would be SUPER STRONG.

2. The Booty Studio

These places are a lot of fun. You’ll probably get a lot of flexibility work in and learn some rad raunchy moves to incorporate into your routines, a la Michelle Shimmy. Downside: If you’re like me, you could get a little uncomfortable with all the head to the ground, butt in the air work. Bonus: there will probably be cool lighting and maybe champagne, and it’s a very fun place to visit with friends. Also, the teachers are usually a riot and very approachable.

3. The Pole-astics Studio

This place is flat out just not as much of a playground as the above studios, but, it’s where I usually put in most of my class time. You’ll probably be forced to do all kinds of awful things like conditioning exercises, doing moves on Your Evil Bad Side, or combining moves. You may be a little scared of your instructor, and you might also be tempted to skip class at the end of a long work day. BUT, here’s your reward: you will see a lot of progress.

How would you guys describe your studio? Do you have a couple you alternate between?

I definitely have a “home” studio I go to because it’s close to my literal home and full of familiar faces, but have a “serious” studio for cancellation-proof training. Is this weird? I also really miss some of the hot floorwork I used to get out of the more stripper oriented classes, so, I definitely think there’s a place for all kinds of pole dancing in our training.

Thoughts?

XOXO and HT,

Cathy