beginner pole dance lessons

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

Hey y’all,

Wow, so I got lazy and took like two weeks off of practicing and I’m really feeling it.

You know you haven’t danced in a while when you’re bruising again. Whoops.

I’ve been feeling kinda blue and burned out so I’ve been trying to trick myself into falling in love with pole again. Kinda like taking your spouse on a date, or making your boyfriend speak with an English accent and messing up his hair so you can pretend he’s Rob Pattinson.

I digress.

First I tried my pole on spin mode. I think I first attempted this for about 5 seconds when I first got my X-Pole and filed the experience under NEVER AGAIN.

Staying on a spinning pole when you’re a rookie must be what riding a mechanical bull feels like. That sucker DOES NOT want you on. Also, Centrifugal Force is a bitch!

This time, I got all smug like, whatevs, I can handle this now, so I tried again. And yeah, I did better, but, I’m a wimp and I dizzy quickly.

(I think I’m going to try it for 10-15 mins at a time, just to get used to it and work on staying in control. Because you can get reaally out of control on a spinning pole. It’s kind of amazing, but yeah, a little too difficult and sickening for long periods of time).

Anyway, I decided to pick a couple of tricks/style points to master. I’m still working on my headstand mount, but I’m a little scared of cracking my head open at home without a spotter, so instead, I’m working on style stuff.

My first mission: the Jenyne Butterfly climb. (Sorry it look me like eight paragraphs to get to the point, guys).

If you haven’t seen it… this is Miss Jenyne Butterfly, making climbing look insanely easy (dig it at 0:19).

Funny how, with her technique (which is in fact more difficult than your average climb), getting air looks effortless. I hate it/lerve it.

Anywho, I’m working on it, and here’s a couple of finer points I’m trying to crack that might help you as well:

1. Push/pull

So basically, with Jenyne’s climb, you’re lifting both legs from a dead hang. Hence, you gotta keep your body from collapsing into the pole as you do this. If you look closely, you can see she has her bottom wrist locked and is pressing her whole forearm flush against the pole. (It took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out that this is what she was doing). This is the push arm! (Duh). The other is the pull arm (ultra-Duh!).

2. Pointed toes

Yeah, it’s really hard to to grip a pole without flexing your inside foot to grab it around your ankle, but the effect is totally worth it. You’re really going to have to rely on the grip your “push” arm is getting, and you may need a little grip aid on the tops of your feet. Test is a few times with your traditional climb to find the “sweet spot” where your ankle dips in enough for this not to hurt (though I guarantee you’ll bruise, sorry!)

3. Even knees

If you’re used to a one leg-then-the-other climb, it’s going to feel really weird bringing both knees up and gripping at the same time. I recommend getting into position and just practicing the first lift over and over (switching push-pull arms!) before you try making your way up the pole.

I hope everybody tries this and lets me know how it goes!

I may have a new bruise collage by the end of this, but I’m not quitting!!!

PS. Classes this Thursday, and another open house is coming up! Check the schedule for more info.

Happy twirls!

Cathy ❤