[Veena]

Glitter….I was the same way when I was a kid (even now). As a child I could easily train myself to do a middle split but then one day a teacher asked if I could do the side splits.  I tried and it felt impossible!! When I did finally manage a side split I always cheated by allowing my hip to open. I still rarely do a "squared" front split when dancing. Not squaring the hips in a split wont hurt you but its not "technically" correct.

I do however focus on squaring my hips when I do flexibility training…When your doing splits training, if you don't have your hips squared you will not get a full a proper stretch though the hip flexors. When training for back bends and such having flexy hip flexors comes in handy!!

So I personally think you can archive the front splits your just gonna have to take some time and train the front of the hip. You probably have great natural turn out! We can take a look at your middle splits in chat again sometime https://stage.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

[Veena]

Welcome to the site! https://stage.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif

[Veena]

I can see in your pics Shellectra your too centered on the pole. if you look at your pic and then my lesson you can see your not pushing off slightly to the side. The pole should be near the shoulder of the bent arm at the top of the Caterpillar and ayasha not in the middle of your chest. Go back to the lessons and listen close and  watch how I move in both the Caterpillars and ayasha. Pull pull with the legs let them do the work as you push off to the side of your bent arm. https://stage.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif

[Veena]

The top leg positioning will variety slightly from dancer to dancer. Looks good to me. I do not recommend grabbing the ankle…. this can put a lot of stress on the knee. You should be able to hold the position strongly with just the leg insuring your using the Hamstring fully before trying to grab the ankle.

[Veena]

I wanted to add that I really have no problem if others want pole to be in the Olympics. https://stage.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gif I just don't want people thinking that this is the way we'll get everyone to accept pole. I also don't want everyone to assume that it will be the pole dance style that most know and love. For example we wont see the sexy Alethea style pole at the Olympics. It will be different and that is fine with me, just not something I personally jump for joy over. I enjoy Chinese pole but it doesn't hold my interest as much as artistic pole dance.

So again, I'm not saying no one should try to push for pole in the Olympics. https://stage.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif  The way to gain respect and approval is by example. If we stop hiding what we do and talk about it like its a normal acceptable thing (cuz it IS) slowly but surely others will see pole can be beautiful regardless of what style. 

[Veena]

@ CeledaBcn, Yes, inside each level the lessons are placed in order in which you should learn them.  Wow guys I'm so happy to see your enjoying the lessons! https://stage.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif

[Veena]

Shellectra, The lessons are placed in an order I feel is best. If you cannot yet do a Caterpillar you should wait to move on the the Ayasha and Handspring. So go back and work on these two lessons before moving on to the Aysha

Caterpillar https://stage.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4cc97c20-7e0c-47ee-8303-49360ac37250

Basic Butterfly https://stage.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4ccec7a3-6ed8-4907-befb-61210ac37250

Once those moves are consistent and comfortable THEN move on to the Aysha. When your ready to move on listen closely to the tips I have for placement on this lesson https://stage.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4d10f457-834c-45b0-8448-3b550ac37250 Can you hold yourself in the tuck position of the aysha? Do you have a pic or vid or you trying to caterpillar?

Also looking and trying a lesson a few times and not getting it is not any reason to get frustrated with yourself….some moves take time, so don't be too hard on yourself, you'll get it!!

 

[Veena]

I'm not embarrassed about the "roots" of pole dance and I hope everyone isn't trying to legitimize it by "sporting" it up. I can appreciate the athletic aspect of it that has its own appeal….but my PERSONAL passion for pole comes from the expression and art that can be created between the dancer and the pole. I am woman, I am sexy, and I am not ashamed https://stage.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_queen.gif If pole is ever an Olympic sport it will not be the pole dance I love, but rather a vertical bar placed in with other gymnastics type apparatuses, The thought of that doesn't thrill me.

Oh one other thing, I don't think of splayed legs as sexual….in my mind its just a variation of splits that's all. BUT…You can add things like lyrics or the tone of the overall performance and that could make it more sexual. I also don't think there is anything wrong with my boys also having fun on the pole. It is what you make it. I could make a chair seem pretty damn DIRTY but its still just a chair! hehe!!

 

[Veena]

Here are the 3 Butterfly Variations I teach for any of you taking the lessons

Basic Butterfly intermediate https://stage.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4ccec7a3-6ed8-4907-befb-61210ac37250

Butterfly Intermediate https://stage.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4cd0054b-9630-42dd-9748-057f0ac37250

Extended Butterfly Advanced https://stage.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4d0f72c7-bb30-4035-8905-6a420ac37250

[Veena]

I like to have ppl start with a basic butterfly first. This uses the forearm or elbow grip not a split grip like in the butterfly or extended butterfly. Have you tried that?

[Veena]

Yep Aerial, sounds like your doing a half Cartwheel thats good! I use the same positioning that Otter does…so I'll add another other tip…its common for a dancer to let the head go past the pole as you come down. Remember your goal is to end up beside the pole so the top arm should pull your hips towards the elbow and the bottom arm is pushing away from the pole Oh and wear shoes to cover your toes! here is the lesson if your interested.

https://stage.studioveena.com/lessons/view/a08e8322-b8f0-11df-856f-001b214581be

 

[Veena]

Be sure your using your upper body as well…..its not only about abs.

Don't allow the arms to fully extend as you move up into position, allowing your upper body to drop. YOu don't want that! 

Keep the scapula engaged and use your Lats as well (the big long muscle that runs along the sides of your back).

Work on the negative to build control. This means coming into the positing from a basic invert up on the pole…then V straddle down as slowly as you can. I think I meantion this technque in the V invert or Tuck invert.

[Veena]

If your taking the lessons here Smokin…this massage feels great and can help to loosen thing up! Get out your tennis ball…and ahhhhhh feels so good! https://stage.studioveena.com/lessons/view/6cebe76a-b893-11df-856f-001b214581be

[Veena]

Hmmmm do you have a vid we could see of you trying? Sometimes the angle of the calf needs to change. https://stage.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gif

[Veena]

Gawkpop yes the chest stand is more difficult than the bow or the cobra. https://stage.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif The chest stand is NOT a good move for beginning back work yikes https://stage.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_eek.gif. That is something to work up to.