Reflecting on a summer of poling (lightly)

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

Hey bitches.

My mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday this year (tomorrow) and this is the list I gave her (from which she could pick an item or two):

-Ballet slippers

-OR just a package of black socks. Exactly the same thing, practically.

-An over the door pull up bar (like, self explanatory).

-Ear buds.

This is an accurate reflection of my interests this summer.

I signed up for “summer school” at Body and Pole, which, in hindsight, was a mistake.

For one thing, I didn’t calculate how many weekends I’d need to be out of town this summer–camping trip, wedding shower, wedding-wedding, special visit home to visit the Lil Stinker who looks like this now, CAN YOU STAND IT??

Julia
Julia 😀

My favorite classes–and frankly, the only ones I’m fit enough to do in a row–are all on weekends: ballet, flexibility, and poleography.

The classes available on weeknights are too early (5pm???? Body and Pole you need to calm down, you’re a half hour away and I get off work at 6), or too freaking advanced (we all remember my foray with “floor fusion”).

😐

The upside is, without feeling guilty about spending precious pole $$$ on flex classes, I did definitely did get super into flexibility this summer. And that is (sorry, I have to do it again), 100% due to the lovely teachings of Emily Sanderson, who was just made flexibility director/czar/empress/etc at Body and Pole. Coming back from that low back disc issue, I could weep tears of gratitude at the zero-pressure atmosphere she creates in her class. With her cues and notes on where things should feel “interesting” and plenty of modifications, I always know HOW to push a little harder if I want to, but I never, ever feel shamed into doing stuff that doesn’t feel right. I only wish this was true of all of my fitness classes. #SHADE.

Okay stopping gushing now, I also had a blast with Polegraphy–and omg, I discovered so much amazing music. Body and Pole had a studio-wide “Glass Animals” movement and now that’s my whole stretching playlist.

Here’s a sample of how sick this music is for pole (this is Emily from flex dancing to Gooey. BTW, COULD YOU JUST DIE at her fluidity???):

I could post a shitton of videos here, but, I just did a dump on instagram, so click the the link to the laptop-friendly version of all those. (Re: instagram: yes, I have one, yes I’m still intimidated by other dancers, and yes, I’ve decided to embrace mediocrity and put it out there. We need more examples of what “intermediate” looks like, or MARION CRAMPE WINS).

Huge ups to Tatiana, Kelly, and Irmingard of B&P for their beautiful choreo which was unfortunately butchered by my willing, yet not terribly able body. The struggle is real, but so is the progress!

What have y’all been up to?

Are you on insta? Can I follow you? I don’t know anyone. Come find me at @thespindiaries!

Now enjoy these pictures I took from”Movies with a View,” plus other miscellaneous summer picks. Movies with a View is basically free movies under the Brooklyn Bridge, and the night I took the pics we saw “Dr. Strangelove.” It was motherfucking hilarious. PROTECT YOUR PRECIOUS BODILY FLUIDS.

Oh, and after that, I’ve dropped a few choice yummy jams from Glass Animals. I HIGHLY recommend you use them as Pandora/Spotify inspiration, they’ll turn up some great pole music.

Glass Animals Songs I Like (presented without comment because this post is already hella long).

1. Gooey (the song Emily’s rocking above)

2. Black Mambo

3. Hazey (Click here to see a clip of some dope Tatiana choreo for this!)

4. Toes

5. Gooey Rework

I saved this one for last because we’re working on choreo for it in Kelly’s poleography class tonight–stay tuned!

XOXO

I’m 28 years old and I got my nose pierced.

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

My beauty routine now involved wetting a q-tip and polishing the stone after I powder my face.

photo 2

It’s cute though, right?

I should note that I only got this because, on a trip to the mall to get my glasses adjusted (an appropriate activity for someone who is almost thirty), my little sister announced that we were making a pit stop to get her nose pierced. And she did (she’s 25… I protested a little, but hey, she’s an adult and it’s her face). The thing is… it looked so cute that I got mine done on the spot.

Spoiler alert: it does not feel like a “little pinch” to get your nose pierced.

It feels like a metal rod is being pushed through your cartilage, and it takes several excruciating seconds.

Nobody told me that it wouldn’t hurt, but, ya know, I figured I’m Pole Strong (TM) so it wouldn’t bother me. Lol yeah it hurt so bad.

Again, cute though, right? I was thinking that I would immediately regret it, but actually, I’m in love. It’s pretty (SPARKLES) but a little edgy, just like me. The edgy part anyway.

Okay okay, so here’s some obligatory Thanksgiving pictures of The Baby,  who now says the word “Cat” which I’ll go ahead and assume is an attempt at Cathy (IN YO FACE, “mama” and “dada”!)

Please note her exasperation with my sister’s posing as she waits for more yogurt to enter her face. This kid. Love her.

photo 3photo 5

…MOAR YOGURT.

Everybody have a good thanksgiving? Are we all getting appropriately, seasonally fat?

Here’s a song I just found and can’t wait to try on the pole, ps–acoustic version of Running, Jessie Ware. DAMN can this woman sing.

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

Blizzard got your studio closed? Trapped inside? 5 indoor activities (plus a playlist) to the rescue.

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

Don’t freak out, we’re going to get through this!!!

First: watch this. It’s Channing Tatum dancing to Pony by Ginuwine. If anything’s going to make you feel better right away, it is this.

I’m not even talking about the ass cheeks here! Just the passion and flow make me feel jazzy.

(Side note: why do male strippers throw you around and aggressively put their balls in your face? I think I would pay them not to do that. And also, the stripping should end at the pants, because G-strings is where things stop being sexy and start getting ridiculous). BUT ANYWAY.

1. If you have a pole, you should freestyle, son! In between eating those 6-7 meals a day (consisting of cookies) that we’re all having right now, that is. Don’t bother working on anything hard–it’s a snow day, duh!

Here’s some songs to get you started. (Sorry, it’s all hip hop… you guys know me. If you like Evanescence, you’re on your own)

1. Jhene Aiko, The Worst

She’s my new favorite singer, since I heard her on Drake’s From Time (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, but I already included it on my Drake playlist, so I had to skip it this time :||||| )

2. The Weeknd, Montreal

Part of this song is in French. Bitch. Speaking of French, is it just me or is there a Cirque du Soleil feel here? Like you should be dancing with a fog machine?

3. Show Me, Kid Ink

Ugh, this video just reminded me that Chris Brown is in this, and is still very much a piece of shit. Sorry guys. STOP MAKING CATCHY MUSIC CHRIS BROWN.

4. Partition, Beyonce

Okay I’m actually not much of a Beyonce fan, but I saw this choreo video and holy. fuck. I hate it when guys in high heels put my best attempts at being sexy and having attitude to shame 😐

Anyway, BONUS ACTIVITY: teach yourself this bomb ass routine:

5. Betterman, Musiq

Okay so this one’s a wild card; it’s really soulful and fun. Musiq is so… uplifting.  FUCK, I said it, so corny. Oh well, I find I dance a different way to the upbeat stuff and it helps me bust ruts. See what it does for you!

6. Limit to Your Love, James Blake (Feist cover)

I first heard this song in a bellydance performance and only JUST NOW remembered that it would be sick on the pole.

2. Don’t have a pole? Workout on your floor! PopSugar has some INCREDIBLE workouts that will kick your ass and improve your mood with no equipment or just a set of dumbells… in 10 minutes or less. Seriously, you thought you were in shape until that second set of mountain climber/push up combos. Yeesh. (No, they didn’t pay me to write this, I just stumbled on the workouts over Thanksgiving and they’ve successfully help me ward off the Holiday 5, even away from the studio).

OR, you can just put a playlist on and spend one song doing all the ab exercises you know, one song squatting and lunging, another song alternating tricep dips and lady pushups… BAM, you are done!

3. Watch a dance movie! This week alone I saw Magic Mike, Step Up 1, 2, and 3, Honey 2, and a couple of ballet documentaries. It’s fun and potentially enlightening–and you just may find new floor work or flow moves, or discover some music for when your studio thaws out! Or…. you could do what I usually do and Google “movies with pole dance” or “movies about strippers” to find more specific, um, inspiration.

4. Try to incorporate a new dance style into your pole moves. It sounds silly, but, try a classic jazz step, salsa spin combo, tango dip, on the pole–make a game out of trying to work it into your flow. It’s fun, and mixes things up! If you didn’t pick anything up from that dance crew movie I just made you watch (soooorry), try YouTubing the Rumba or twerking or the foxtrot something. Whatever rings your bell. New and novel is the name of the game. It doesn’t have to be good.

5. Film yourself. I dare you. Practice is always more fun when you have the option of showing off. Bonus bravery points if you’re doing something a little experimental. And when you do… please send me the link to the vid!!!

Stay warm!

XOXOXO

Cathy

I heard the new Drake album and NOTHING WAS THE SAME

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

If you haven’t heard it yet, here are my favorite Pole-tastic tracks. Enjoy!

1. Come Thru

Simply put, I FALL DOWN DEAD FOR THIS SONG.

2. From Time

Great, mellow vocals on this.

3. Hold On, We’re Going Home

I actually first heard this track watching Dirdy Birdy… that’s how you know it’s good.

Re: this video though… my opinion is that Drake set in 1985 for exactly one reason: so a waiter could bring a phone to his table in a dramatic fashion.

4. Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2 ft. Jay-Z 

I don’t understand this title, but song is hot.

5. Too Much ft. Sampha 

Bonus:

Janelle Monae and Miguel=hot fire.

10 more heartbreak-friendly pole songs, so get your tissues… and your Dry Hands!

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

So, you guys apparently LOVE sad pole dance songs. Do y’all need a hug? 😦

I was in the car with my lil sis for many hours this weekend, listening to her Kelly Clarkson and Ne-Yo cds, and I heard some surprisingly awesome stuff (that’s also nice and family friendly, as opposed to all the French Montana, The Weeknd, and Drake I’ve been dancing to).

It could just be that her car has huge subwoofer things that make EVERYTHING sound epic, but wow, some of these songs were hittin’ my ears mighty fine, and I was doing some mental choreography for much of the trip.

Anyway, because you guys are all frantically searching “heartbreak pole songs” (yes, I check these things), let’s indulge in another sad playlist! Wheee!

This one is special though: this is special dance prescriptions for all of your I-Just-Got-Dumped needs. I got you, okay? Just keep dancing. We’ll get through this.

1. Kelly Clarkson, Addicted

I wish I were more of a polerina because I would Jenyne Butterfly the SHIT out of this.

For dancing through: utter helplessness whilst treading water in the deep end of your feelings. Just wait till you hear that beat drop…

2. Ne-Yo, Back to What You Know

Good “I FEEL BITTER” song.

For dancing through: feeling superior and above all this ish, duh!

3. Omarion Ft. Wale, M.I.A.

Revenge song.

For dancing through: break up? What break up? Fuck it, I don’t care!

4. Omarion, Ice Box

SPEAKING OF OMARION. Come on, I know this is old, but it’s a killer.

For dancing through: your need to psychologically dissect all the shittiness. (Don’t bother, you’ll never understand).

5. Jessie Ware, Running

This song makes me want to punch myself in the face. But that’s for personal reasons.

For dancing through: that freefall feeling when you run into him and lock eyes. And then you walk away thinking, “Back to square fucking one…”

6. Maroon 5, Misery

Upbeat despair!

For dancing through: when it’s been a few days and you can’t stand love songs, but you’re ready to put away the Taylor Swift for a while.

7. Maroon 5, One More Night

More Maroon 5, for the inevitable relapse.

For dancing through: your sexual needs. DON’T GO CRAWLING BACK THOUGH, OKAY.

8. LeToya Ft. Ludacris, Regret

“You left the best you had, baby don’t look so mad”

For dancing through: self-righteous outrage.

9. Diddy Dirty Money, Loving You No More

Awww, even Diddy can’t buy his way out of feeling crappy.

For dancing through: Reminding yourself of all the garbage you’ve been through. Yup, can’t really do this again after all.

10. Corinne Bailey Rae, Enchantment

Ugh, it’s so HARD to be responsible for your actions.

For dancing through: I CAN’T HELP MYSELF.

Bonus: Take Me In Your Arms, The Isley Brothers

Okay, you DEFINITELY can’t pole dance to this, and it’s kind of a pre-break up song, but it came on my ipod last night and I loved it, so, here ya go.

Take care of yourselves ladies! As my mom would tell you, you are WONDERFUL, don’t forget it. (She also likes to say “be the one that got away,” but that’s easier said than done). Love you mom! I’m being careful with inversions!

Also, come take my class tomorrow and if you look sad or break-uppy I will TOTALLY give you a hug. 6:30-8pm, and be prepared for some crunches. (The best revenge is looking fabulous, am I right?)

HT,

CV

Pole Songs That Won’t Make You Puke (Part 3: The Indie/Dark Edition)

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

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.

Happy twirls!

Cathy

5 R&B Pole Songs That Won’t Make you Puke Part 2 (And Kinda Sorta the 1996 edition)

Posted on by Cathy Vandewater

1. Enough of No Love, Keyshia Cole

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.

Happy Twirls!

Cathy