The Great Invert Debate: Can You Kick?

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

Full disclosure: I have always been anti-kick in my inverts.

Even before I could chopper, I remember looking at girls pushing off the floor to invert with a kind of disdain. CHEATERS, I thought.

I just feel like this is what tends to happen…

But like many beliefs we hold dear in life, my feelings to this effect have less to do with personal experience and more to do with “well, that’s what I was taught when I first started!”

Reasons Why Kicking Is Bad (I always thought)

1. It’s CHEATING, you cheating cheaters!

2. You’re developing a false sense of your own strength

3. …which you’ll become devastatingly aware of when you try an aerial invert.

4. You’re reinforcing bad habits.

But then I watched Leigh Ann’s video offering tips for the most recent flow challenge (involving inverts, natch), and her nonchalance about kicking… well… it kind of won me over.

1. Better to get comfortable inverting as quickly as possible (and lord knows a deadlift chopper can take frickin’ forever)

2. Inverting, even through kicking, helps build muscles that will enable you to invert better! IE. kicking inverts are better prep for deadlift ones than, well, not inverting at all.

3. She didn’t explicitly say this, but, generally her opinion seemed to be that there’s no reason to set up such a tough barrier to inverting for yourself as it just leads to frustration and cuts off your access to a variety of tricks/poses you could be battling your way through.

Now, as a form stickler… I’m conflicted here. I definitely feel part of the “If you can’t do it right, don’t do it” camp, especially when inverting and, it follows, safety is involved.

But I also wonder how much time I lost working on difficult tricks because I just couldn’t deadlift-chopper yet (and lord knows I tried all the time, and did ALL the reverse crunches).

What do you guys think? Do you HAVE your deadlift chopper or do you kick into inverts?

Here’s that Week 5 Combo, in case you’re interested. Pretty slick!

XOXOXO

Sometimes I think I only pole dance because it doesn’t require two sports bras.

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

ImageI think I’ve blabbed on here before about working out during the day, but, things have changed.

I used to take a class called “Chisel” that was weight training, but like, high intensity, high-rep, agility-based training (was any of that in English or am I wiling out with the hyphens?) We would do squats and lunges combined with other stuff so that our heart rates would stay up, but blessedly, no jumping jacks or bouncing of any kind is involved.

I was ALL ABOUT THIS CLASS until something horrible happened: our instructor peaced out. He was all, “BRB in October,” and we’re all “HAAAAALP, you can’t abandon us during swimsuit season!!”

(Disclaimer: I don’t give a crap about “swimsuit season” and consider a “bikini body” to simply be your body in a two-piece. But, these were the concerns of many of my classmates and I’m trying to reflect that).

So now we have a new instructor. I tried to keep an open mind, but as soon as he said “Set up your equipment in the middle, we’re going to need the perimeter of the room for the warm up,” I made a made dash for the locker room.

Why? To retrieve my second sports bra. And like, MAYBE cry a little. Because I have huge boobs, and it makes me hate the running I knew we were about to do.

And oh god, it wasn’t just running. It was jump squats. Jumping jacks. That football thing where you shuffle really fast but up and down the aerobic step. It. Was. Terrible.

Real talk: I’m a 32DD, and even with my two bras, I came very close to losing an eye.

So when I saw this article I was like DUH, my boobs make literally 80% of all my exercise decisions for me.

That explains why I love bellydance and pole, but not Zumba. Why I was a swimmer in high school and not a runner. Why I have always, always hated trampolines.

Do your boobs call the athletic shots for you? Am I the only one in the world who has to layer sports bras?

XO

 

 

I hate teddies because I don’t like showing my stomach: keeping it real.

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

I have stomach issues.

That means two things, both related to each other:

1. I have issues showing my stomach because I never know what the eff it’s going to look like, and I can’t seem to find any correlation between diet and exercise and whether or not it’s going to be flat our puffed out post-natal style. (sorry).

and 2. I have literal, physical stomach issues. I have been in denial of this for a long time, because the aforementioned diet, exercise, and a very low dose of prescription meds mostly keeps it under control. During other stressful times (NOW, like, totally right now), things go a little haywire and all kinds of pain and general puffiness ensue.

I’ve been doing all the things I normally do to get things under control: up the dosage on my meds. Drink tons of water and exercise even though I’m feeling some ouches. Eat lots of basic, varied foods. But, ya know, I’m still dealing. It’s a flare up. And despite a better-than-ever diet and 5-days a week gym routine, it’s giving me a Homer Simpson gut.

…Just in a time for a belly dance show on Sunday! Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

Anyway, I’m still trying to live my normal life like this isn’t happening to me, and I was in a pole class when we decided to do a Teddy.

First of all, I fucking hate Teddies. Because:

1. I think they’re ugly. I mean… you’re basically holding your thighs open like, LOOK AT MY CROTCH. LOOK AT IT. I mean…. 

2. I can’t do them. I get up there and the underside of my arms is like NOPE, and then I slide down with a loud, long screech.

3. They fucking hurt to fail at (I can’t say “they hurt to do” because I have never successfully done one. Fuck.)

Oh yeah, and last but not least, I hate Teddies because never fail, when we’re trying to do them, the instructor says “you really need to expose a little stomach to grip the pole.”

And then I pretend that I didn’t hear so I don’t have to lift my shirt, but everybody else does. And then when I inevitably fail at my next Teddy attempt, the instructor will say again, “It will REALLY help you to lift your shirt a little and get some skin.” She’ll avoid eye contact with me so as to pretend that she’s not directing her comment at me, the only person in the room with my torso fully covered, and I’ll pretend once again not to hear her. The dance continues.Image

Yes, I really hate showing my stomach that much.

Yes, I’m aware that I belly dance and that’s pretty ironic. (I almost always keep my stomach covered in belly classes too).

Anyway, I’m already anticipating horrible, bloated pictures from my show, so here’s a preemptive strike: a picture of how good my abs looked this past Saturday.

I have so few days where my hard work actually shows, so while I was Face Timing a friend while chopping vegetables and went to wipe my hands on my shirt, I saw my stomach and went WHOA, GOOD STOMACH DAY FOR ONCE and snapped a shot.

I know it sounds vain, but when I’m in classes this week in a normally-loose top that’s stuck to my pot belly like cling wrap, I need that picture.

It’s an emotional thing.

Do you guys have a body part that continually embarrasses you? Am I missing something about the Teddy? How in the hell does your armpit support your whole body??? Pls explain.

Okay, I’m getting a little tired

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

Hey gaaaaaaaais, what’s up?

I told y’all that I was teaching again, but Jesus, even I didn’t know I was going to be TEACHING. Like, anywhere between an hour and 5 every single night this week.

When I first started out, I came on the scene like THIS:

Now though, I have blisters on my palms, bruises on my knees, and large sections of the balls of my feet peeling off and I feel kinda like Lili Von Shtupp from Blazing Saddles:

And speaking of showers, between morning, lunch time gym sessions, and post-class detox, I’m up to 3 a day. Eep. Pole is truly a lifestyle.

Anyway, since I’m too tired to think critically about anything I’m doing right now, so here’s an awesome trailer for a documentary someone’s making about a ballerina who crosses over to pole. It looks really, really interesting (of course I’m biased).

This just reinforces my belief that a background in ballet or concurrent training is a perfect companion to pole. I mean… D’ose lines. I’ll never forget the first time I stepped into Shaina Cruea’s class at B&P and immediately just KNEW that she did ballet, just from the warm up. Her extension and toe point game is off the charts, and it makes her movement absolutely ethereal. (But in case you were wondering, she’s one of the kindest, most encouraging, lovely teachers I’ve had–not anywhere near as intimidating as her dancing 😉 )

How’s everybody? Are we all just playing hooky from the studio to go on picnics, etc? I am loving the extended Spring we’re getting in NYC, so much better than the Frigid=>Balls Hot jump we usually make from April to May.

Okay, BRB, teaching 4:30 to 10:30 today. Eeeeeeeep.

XOXOXO

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

Easy, homemade body scrub for pole days

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater
I made the scrub and put it in Mason Jars because I live in Brooklyn.
I made the scrub and put it in Mason Jars because I live in Brooklyn.

Alright, we’re in the home stretch of winter, and thank god because it is kiiiiiiiilling me. I’ve been poling more often than ever, hitting the studio on the way home from work several days a week. But, sadly, that means a shower with no lotion in the mornings.

Which sounds like 1st world problems, but when you’re stretching, and you can literally feel the skin on your sides breaking… it’s bad news bears.

Luckily, I just remembered BODY SCRUB.

I made a batch with this totes awes recipe from the Idea  Room to go with my Christmas presents this year (see picture to the right), and it finally occurred to me to make some for myself.

Guys, game changer. The scrub sloughs off the dry spots so the oil can really soak in, and then most of the oil itself goes safely down the drain. Unlike lotion, any residual oil really doesn’t come out of your pores when you sweat at a class, so it’s compatible for dance days. If you’re nervous, try it the night before, but it’s been fine for me so far.

I got kind of fancy and made stripes of blue and white scrub for my Christmas presents, but really, you can be basic here–just sugar and oil, of any kind, if you like. You kind of can’t screw this up. That said, making it to the letter is divine.

HT!

I have an important audition tomorrow so I’m ice skating?

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

You guys ever have something so important coming up that you purposefully avoid preparing, because you’re terrified you’ll immediately realize you suck during the preparation?

I think that’s why, with a big audition tomorrow, I’m doing this:

Image
I’m fuuuuuuuuucked.

What do you guys do to prepare for freestyle that matters?

I know practicing so that I have a few moves fresh in my muscle memory would help, but, I’m kinda feeling instead like cleaning the house and grocery shopping, and then waking up in a cold sweat about all of this tomorrow, when I have no time left to practice.

balls.

Oh well, me and my friend rilly, rilly need to work on our lines.

I'm trying a little harder.
One of these people is trying too hard.

<3,

CV

The next chapter of my 2014 cross training is…. (A STRONG HINT)

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater
LOLZ BALLET, I'M TRYING BALLET
LOLZ IT’S BALLET, I’M TRYING BALLET

Okay, cat’s out of the bag: I’ve been watching too much Dance Academy (Australian TV dramas, why you so compelling?!!) and now I’ve decided I desperately need to take ballet classes.

Lest you think it’s a whim, this is definitely happening. I have the Groupon, the slippers… it’s on. And soon to be popping.

I’m thinking of taking some before and after shots of a few things to see if 20 classes makes a difference in my flexibility,  strength and extensions, so, let’s make that my goal for the weekend. I don’t have any illusions about getting on pointe in 3 months, but I’d love to be able to lift and hold each leg out gracefully at waist-level. Goals!

Anyway, I’m excited!! And my mom was so. fucking. thrilled. After years of belly and pole she’s so glad I’m doing something in clothing. This is for you mom!

Is this the worst idea ever? Have you guys ever taken ballet? I’m hoping to get more control on spins/turns for belly dance too, so I think this is going to mean 360 degree improvement on my dancing, even if I hate every minute. And I have a feeling I will. (This is going to be a lot like yoga in the pain/boredom departments, isn’t it?)

(Seriously, fuck yoga).

HAPPY PIROUETTES BITCHES!

Cathy

 

Last night I got my no-handed chopper and dumped by text message!

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

***UPDATE: very short clip of my no-hands chopper is now here!***

I’m happier about the no-handed chopper, obviously. Pics when I have my camera on me at the studio next time!!

Until then, just imagine it as an uglier version of this (because I’m still learning, duh!), and with a hand supporting the grip leg, just as with Jade splits (which I CAN FEEL are coming, woot woot). Also, shout out to Cathe over at Our Pole Tricks for doing a no-handed chopper like a boss, just saying.

Technique note: ***the secret*** to the NHC is shifting the weight into your arm pit as you set the leg. Not as hard as it looks, since amazingly, I got it on my first attempt. Next step: trying it on the non-dominant leg.

We also worked on this pose that I’m pretty sure Antoine made up himself, because he’s creative like that (YES I BLOGGED ABOUT YOU ANTOINE, be less fabulous next time and you’ll be safe!) but so far, no dice on hitting it. It’s really friggin’ hard. Oh well, next time!

Image

Oh, so is it just me, or is it extra gross to get dumped by somebody you are not officially dating? Like, you were hanging out for a couple of weeks, and you text them to meet up because had a good day and you’re feelin’ extra sassy, and then they text back that they are “too busy to give you what you need.”

Um. Chicka what?

I just… okay?

Someone please tell me this has also happened to them, because I’m bewildered. I can’t decide if it’s nice and respectful, or a huge diss (like, I know I don’t owe you a break up because we’re not going out, but I just wanted to go out of my way to make it CRYSTAL CLEAR that I don’t like you).

My ego… it… stings.

In other news, sorry the posts have been so few and far between, but things should pick up soon as my NEWLY FIXED COMPUTER should be arriving any day now!!! Thanks, Dad!!! I can’t wait until I can watch movies and write blogs in my spare time again, because lately, I’ve been listening to the radio (seriously) and reading when I get home like it’s the year 1942. Which has been pleasantly chill, but, I’m over it at this point.

<3<3<3 and happy twirls!

Cathy