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

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

Posted on 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,

CV

the constant problem of finding music for classes

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

you guys. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugh.

How to say this. I like hip hop.

I like rap.

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.

Much love and happy twirls!

Cathy

Pole Jams ’12: Your Ultimate Playlist

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater
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!

1. Tonight (Best You Ever Had), John Legend

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.

2. Careless Whisper, Seether

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.

3. Look After You, The Fray

This is such a sweet slow jam… great for a more emotional dance, or where you’re going for a more artistic, less sexy routine.

4. Strip, Chris Brown ft. Kevin McCall

Great performance piece–upbeat, sexy, and under three minutes! Nuff said.

5. Quickie, Miguel

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 😛

7. Kick Your Game, TLC

Cute, sexy, but not trying too hard–great “dancing for other dancers” song. Plus a few moments where the music slows down to throw a pose on. Love!

8. Fool That I Am, Etta James

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. 😉

9. I’m Doin’ Me, Fantasia

Empowerment song. When I’m dancing through boy trouble, I play this.

10. Play With Fire, Hilary Duff

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? 😛

BONUS: SEXIEST SONG EVER CREATED.

Just kidding ;)but if you can successfully pole dance to that, please send me a video and you’ll be my hero for life.

Actually, just for fun, here’s 5 terrible songs to dance to:

1. Mystery!

2. Bet you wish you knew!

3. Oh man, SUSPENSE!

4. You know this one’s gotta be good…

5. BEST FOR LAST.

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!!

Happy Twirls!

Cathy