oh yeah, did i mention i started lessons?
1) The studio & set-up is not at all unlike any number of other dance studios I have gone to, (I've taken many varieties over the years, from ballet to hip-hop to swing), except for it being pretty much women-only (they run some classes for couples and gay men, but not on the nights I've been thus far)--a good 50% or more thus far (both staff and students, as well as an exiting bachelorette party who'd rented the studio) WOC. Boas and other props in a corner (which we're not using for this class--strictly meat and potatoes)--been there, did that: theatre dance. Oh yes, and the poles.
2) It's. Not. Easy.
What I am hoping for out of this, I am realizing, in part, is some sort of triumph over all those memories of sucking hopelessly at gym, particularly pullups or anything similar involving the upper body.
Actually at this point, it seems like it's as much -fear- as actual lack of strength that's keeping me from being able to do the spins or support my weight for more than a second or two. Instructor sez I'm thinking about it too much.
Oh, just in case you were thinking it's not as valid or challenging as any other form of dance/physical art form:
--oh, what the fuck is wrong with youtube all of a sudden?! what is this "beta" shit?
never frigging mind. anyway.
On the way home, I found myself eyeballing the subway poles in a new way...
I also found myself overhearing some woman on her cell:
"The guys I'm used to, when they want to kiss me, they kiss me. When they wanna hug me, they hug me. I'm not used to them asking. He might be a little too, you know, granola?"
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love the pole, BD, yet respect the pole, it can be your friend
good for you belle.... will we get photos?
In my experience, photos of dance blow. You've gotta see the actual motion. We need video.
I'm not a big fan of the sex industry (for selfish reasons--it's geared to men as customers, and I'm too slutty and lecherous to be happy with that, and I get downright resentful ove the whole thing). However, I do know women who strip or have stripped. They say the women who make the most money aren't always the prettiest--it's the ones who are friendly and outgoing. It sounds like a sales job, except you're naked and in really uncomfortable shoes.
/slight thread derail
--Sheelzebub
great point sara, we'll need video to see if belle is pandering to the male gaze well enough.
Well, I'm not all that terribly interested in the Male Gaze, y'know.
but, yeah. "It's all show biz, kid."
actually there's competitive pole dancing now (not nude, in heels yes), which was the vid I was trying to bring up.
the women who's teaching is actually considerably heavier than most of the "conventional" dance teachers I know, at least those who're still working in the bidness. personally I think pro ballet's a lot more problematic in its physical demands. shrug.
anyway, welcome Sheelzebub.
Actually at this point, it seems like it's as much -fear- as actual lack of strength that's keeping me from being able to do the spins or support my weight for more than a second or two. Instructor sez I'm thinking about it too much.
*nodding* I had that issue, too. I still have it with new spins. It goes away with LOTS AND LOTS of practice. What it really comes down to with a lot of the moves is, just like with a lot of other physical activities, muscle memory.
So glad you started taking these classes and glad you're enjoying it so far! Out of curiosity what spin(s) have they taught you so far? Probably they use different names for the same spin depending on where you take classes, but just curious. The first one we learned was the fireman spin. Everything kind of builds from there.
Speaking of which, open house at the studio tonight. Hopefully I'll get to do a short demo for potential students...
Competitive pole dancing? Ooohh... I gotta find out more about this.
Btw, feel free to let me know if I'm pandering to the male gaze sufficiently. :P
Totally pandering. Totally. The glasses just scream "come objectify me." especially when you're balancing UPSIDE DOWN (go you!)
videos: they WERE on Youtube, you just search for "pole dancing;" but as of yesterday youtube was all fucked up and wouldn't display ANY videos, to me at least.
She didn't call the spins any names, just walked up and demo'd. Two so far; the one where you're sitting, kind of clamped with both legs (probably "fireman"), and one with one leg extended behind in arabesque. She's not the most verbal instructor I've ever had, but she's nice. It's only four weeks for an hour a week; not sure how much i'm gonna take in in that tbh. I'll probably sign up for the two-hour one, but, again: not cheap, dunno how much i can do of this. i might look for another studio, although i'm reluctant to fuck around once i've found something that seems to work.
but yeah, muscle memory. You can't really -explain- how do to (for example) "wings" in tap dancing after a certain point. You just...do until you do.
oh, btw, Sheelzebub, if yer into objectifying male pole dancers, have you seen this?
Hmmmm. . .may have to postpone the "Pretty Roughneck" Tuesday lechery and go with the pole-dancing burlesque. . .
WHY DO YOU TEMPT ME LIKE THIS? WHY OH WHY???
Don't mind me, it's Friday and I'm a bit punchy if ya can't already tell. Heh.
Sheelzebub
Amber: You get the Henchwomans stamp of approval, and lord knows, in some sectors, that is pretty much the same thing as pandering to the male gaze...
i also have some bearded, paunchy Bears in Viking helmets pole dancing...
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