Poletry in Motion: Phoenix Aerial Art & Pole

 Recently, I attended a showcase at Phoenix Aerial Art & Pole in Berkeley.  Phoenix recently changed ownership, and I was eager to come out support Kirstin in her new endeavor.  I can't believe this was my first visit!  

The studio is beautiful, but what I loved most about the showcase is that this is a family, just like Twirly Girls!  A studio recently opened down the street from my office (Hello Spin Sity!!).  My co-worker asked why I wouldn't be attending regular classes.  He asked if it was about competition.  I said, no, not really.  The studios in the Bay Area are pretty good about supporting each other, are far enough apart to not really have to compete, and I adore the ladies at Spin Sity, however, Twirly Girls is my family.  While I certainly hope to attend some open pole or occasional classes at Spin, I certainly look forward to going home to Twirly Girls for my regular classes each week.  That isn't because the ladies (and potential gents) at Spin Sity aren't awesome -- it just means I love my family.  Phoenix is my extended family and I was extremely happy to support their show and see that they are just like us -- they love and support each other and provide a safe place for these dancers to express themselves and feel beautiful.

I uploaded a bunch of videos to my personal Facebook page but wanted to share these three with you.  The sex appeal is through the roof.  It makes me want to work harder to feel comfortable in my own skin so that I can move with the fluidity that can only come with confidence like this.  These ladies are sexy AF.  Sexy has never been my thing.  I feel silly and I usually laugh, make jokes and ruin the moment.  I bow down and hope to learn something from each of them.  Please enjoy and if you have any messages of support for Kirstin and Phoenix, share them below!

Sexy mamas at Phoenix Aerial Art and Pole
Posted by Confessions of a Twirly Girl on Monday, February 8, 2016

More sexy from Phoenix
Posted by Confessions of a Twirly Girl on Monday, February 8, 2016

So much sexy
Posted by Confessions of a Twirly Girl on Monday, February 8, 2016

Wipeout Run

Last month I joined a few friends (and my brother) and did the Wipeout Run (my sister-in-law and baby girl joined to cheer us on).  Much like the TV show (although a lot easier), we faced obstacles, all while running a 5k in the South Bay heat.  Luckily, this day wasn't one of those 100 degree days.  I think it was only in the mid-80's, however, running around without cover in the blazing sun still lead to overheating and a sunburn.

Leading up to the event, my only true concern was not whether I would injure myself, it was whether or not the life jacket would fit over my monster boobs.  My second (minor) concern was whether I would be able to keep up with the rest of my group, who were way more fit than me.  When we arrived and joined the cattle call to wait for our turn to run, there was a guy hyping up the crowd.  We were laughing and dancing (and preparing ourselves for our sunburns).  Once the horn blew, we were off.  Our group ran off toward obstacle one.  I almost ran the entire way.  But after that, I was too tired and too hot to keep up that pace.  My group didn't complain much (although Jessica DID make us walk the entire 5k instead of letting me cheat and take shortcuts in a couple of places).  Boo.  

Most of the obstacles were fun and had very little danger of actually hurting us.  However, the big red balls were a little more daunting.  My experience in watching the show, and others who went ahead of me, is that the danger is bouncing off ball 1, face planting into ball 2 and then backwards taco'ing and kicking yourself in the back of the head, thereby destroying your back.  NCPP was the following weekend, and I just couldn't afford an injury.  So, I bitched out and just kind of jumped around the sides of the balls and made half-assed attempts to actually jump on the balls from the ground (instead of jumping off the platform).  I left lots of face sweat on the balls for the next person though.  I was okay with that.

As I was walking with my crowd toward an obstacle in the middle, I hear: Is that Lori?!  It seems like I can't go anywhere without seeing someone I know!  Danielle, another Twirly Girl, was running the course with her husband and some friends.  We bounced through the next obstacle together and then they were off (because they were actually running).

The next stressor came towards the end, when I had to try on that life jacket.  I had watched videos, which showed zip-up life jackets.  Those would never fit.  I even e-mailed the promoters to explain my plight.  I was assured that their life jackets went up to XL and I would be just fine.  XL.  hahaha!  This chick has never seen my boobs!!!!  As we walked up, I saw a really big dude with a jacket on, completely un-done.  But I noticed, it had buckles!!  No zippers!  I picked up my XL, let out the straps and put my life jacket on.

The whole course took us two hours to walk, but we had the best time.  I would definitely do it again, so I hope it comes around again next year!

Chunky Girl Comics at Wizard World San Jose

Labor Day weekend, I had the pleasure of once again donning the Candy costume and joining my fellow Chunky Girls (and boy) for a panel discussion at Wizard World in San Jose.

Although we knew our body diversity panel was set to be the first discussion of the day, when Marisa and I turned to corner to our room, and saw it was already full of people, we backed out, believing we had accidentally walked into the end of a previous panel.  We sat outside for a few minutes, then looked at the sign again, which reminded us that we were first up that day.  Holy shit, all those people were there...waiting...for us!  We peeked around the corner, noticed the panel table was empty and our name tents were there, so we sheepishly walked into the room and took our places.

The panel was fantastic!  I realize I am a nerd-in-training, and so some of the conversation was over my head, but the discussion was not only about diversity in body type but also in race (both in comics and movies).  It could very easily been an uncomfortable or heated conversation but everyone was extremely respectful and I felt like it was very productive.

I would like to (once again) thank Marisa of Chunky Girl Comics for including me on these awesome adventures, Gia for being reliable and fun-sized, and Ray of Tragic Hero Comics for being our Chunky Boy nerd in the know.  His knowledge of comics always impresses me.

After the panel, we stayed to sign autographs and take photos.  Again, we were so surprised and humbled by the number of people willing to wait to talk to us.  It was just such a great day and an amazing experience.  Of course, there were plenty of shenanigans, including celebrity stalking and planned debauchery (which really didn't go down as I had hoped).

On Sunday, we headed into Wizard World one last time before leaving for the weekend,  We happened past Josh McDermitt and Michael Cudlitz from The Walking Dead in the hotel lobby.  Marisa and I stood just close enough (but we thought, just far enough away), trying to decide whether we should say hi.  Suddenly, we hear one of them say loudly (pretty sure it was Josh): "And then I killed a goat and spread its blood all over my body!"  Soooooooo, we left.  The bonus was Marisa got to meet Dean Cain (of Superman fame) at Peet's two seconds later.  We still should have gone over to talk to TWD dudes!

As always, pictures speak louder than words, so enjoy a few photos of our adventures from that weekend.  We are very much looking forward to Wizard World Reno in November!

NCPP - Pat the Bear Turns Two

Well, we did it again.  Call us crazy, but Ellen and I survived another year and brought Northern California Pole Presentational to the Bay Area once again.  

I have to be honest.  I was tired this year.  New job (love it but it has longer hours and I had to completely re-do my after-work schedule so as not to burn myself out).  Less pole.  I just wasn't sure I wanted to keep doing this.  So many late nights and long weekends spent on the computer.  Planning.  Sending e-mails.  Gathering music.  Spreadsheets.  Scheduling.  Stressing.  But when the day arrived, I was reminded why it was all worth it.  We certainly aren't doing this for the money.  I'm barely doing it for the love of pole.  We do this to be part of a larger community.  For me, it is all worth it because of all the happy faces that I saw coming off that stage.

I really do want to personally thank each and every person who participated that day -- the judges, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, studios, audience members.  I am grateful to The Stage for providing us with a legit theater.  I am eternally grateful to Ellen, who keeps me on track and helps balance our workload.  I could not do this without her.  And I am ever so grateful for the dancers.  This show is for THEM.  I am not a natural performer (or even that great of an unnatural performer).  I am always terrified to perform, so I have the utmost respect for the performers who are spending their time and effort preparing to dance for us.  This year, thanks to the awesome cyborg headsets, Ellen and I got to actually watch a good portion of the show.  I am always amazed by the artistic beauty that pole dance inspires.  NCPP performers did not disappoint!

We posted a note on the NCPP blog yesterday.  Please visit that post and check out the eloquent thank you posted by Ellen on Facebook.  We have just signed the contract for next year and will be announcing the new date soon!  Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates and photos and we will see you next year!

Thanks for fulfilling my fantasies -- so many groups and duos!

Chunky Girl Comics on KTVU!

Marisa and I recently filmed a segment about Chunky Girl Comics with Bay Area People on KTVU Channel 2.  We had such a great time.  As soon as I walked into the room, I just wanted to sit on the newsroom desk.  Claudine Wong said, why not?!  So up I went!  Thank you, Claudine for being so awesome!  I feel so grateful for Marisa and the adventures we are experiencing with Chunky Girl Comics.  If you are going to a local comic book convention, let them know you want to see Chunky Girl Comics there!

Check out the segment below!

Review of Artista Active Wear's Monokini

Recently, I posted a photo of myself wearing Artista Active Wear's monokini on Instagram and I received messages asking how well it supported "the girls."  So, Saturday, I went to the studio to test it out.  I did video my review, but apparently didn't realize that camera wasn't focused, so I figured a written review and pieces of my dance on video should suffice.  I recorded this dance at 9:30 PM on a Saturday, after having participated in the Wipeout Run (a 5k with ten obstacles) that same afternoon (and after spending over four hours in the car going to and from the event).  I got ridiculously sunburned.  And I haven't been doing regular pole classes since starting my new job in February.  Now that the disclosures are out of the way, don't expect much from the actual dance.  Just watch the movements and see how the outfit moves with me.

In the interest of full disclosure, I was recently invited to be a Brand Ambassador for Artista.  However, I did purchase this item with my own money.  This review would be the same whether I was reppin' them or not.

First off, I loved how the monokini looked.  I did order a size up (XXXL), as I felt I was between sizes, and I probably would have been fine with the XXL.  Second off, I loved how it felt.  It was comfortable to wear.  No riding up or slipping down.  And no dreaded back rolls.

Now, for how the girls reacted.  In the category of "TMI," although most people probably do know, and again, in the interest of full disclosure, I had a breast lift nine years ago.  However, my boobs are way bigger and sit way lower than I would like.  That being said, they are still way perkier than the boobs I used to have.  If I had tried to wear this outfit back then, my boobs would not have stayed in place.  However, I do have a halter dance bra that would fit just fine under the monokini.  I have to say, though, that I loved that this outfit didn't give me a back roll, and I imagine a bra under it might do that.

At the end of the day, though, I did love the outfit and would recommend it.  If you want to see it in action, check it out below.  And if you want to order it (or anything else) for yourself, you can use my discount code for 10% off: ABALM10.  Just visit www.artistaactivewear.com.

Check out the video and let me know if you have any questions!

Off The Floor: a pole dance documentary

I was recently offered the opportunity to watch Off The Floor, a documentary about Jessica Anderson-Gwin and her dance troupe, Jagged.  I had been a fan of Jagged for many years, but had NO idea of their history.  This month is kind of crazy with NCPP coming up, and I felt like I wouldn't have enough time to fit it in, but something drew me to say yes.  I am so glad I did.

The stereotypical theme of stripper versus modern dance is definitely interwoven throughout the film.  While I tend to shy away from having that argument (strippers do also use poles, so if that is a problem, maybe this isn't the right dance outlet for you....), as a person with a somewhat conservative day job, I do understand it.  I also understand the struggle to find the proper venue for a show.  Not only do the ceilings need to be high enough, and the set-up needs to be right, but the venue has to understand what you'll be doing.  In the beginning of the movie, Jess is calling venues to set up a show, and then tries to explain what pole dance is.  I feel like I made those exact same calls in the early days of the creation of NCPP.  We really only lucked out with a fantastic venue because Ellen had connections.  Otherwise, almost three years later, I might still be making those calls.

It was absolutely amazing to see where Jagged trains.  I don't want to ruin the movie for anyone, but you have to watch it for the sheer brilliance of how their practice space gets set up.  Seriously, I want to live there.  I mean, you know, if they had a space like that here in Northern California that wasn't on International Boulevard in Oakland.  It really does show you the heart that these ladies have.  It is the love of dance and pole that drives them to make due with what they have and create a most beautiful show.  

In case I haven't mentioned it before, I LOVE GROUPS!  I don't want to discount all of the amazing solo dancers I have watched, and I have been very lucky to see some of the most famous pole dancers in person.  I have been completely spoiled to see the best of the best perform.  So I feel like watching the creativity that comes out when a group of polers gets together is like eating the most delicious chocolate and the calories not counting (it's a serious compliment from a fat girl).  

The movie not only follows the path of Jagged and Jessica from approximately 2010 to 2014, but also includes interviews from some of my favorite pole celebrities and pioneers of modern pole.  I also recognized many of the dancers in Jagged from various showcases and competitions that I have attended.  It was a lot of fun to put the pieces together and realize how many of these girls I had watched before.  I also feel like Jagged was way before its time.  Pole was very much a solo gig all the way back in 2010.  I started poling in 2009.  I attended California Pole Dance in 2010.  All solos.  Pole Show LA had some doubles and groups.  Then Pole Convention had doubles and groups.  I'm sure there were plenty of doubles and groups happening before I realized it but I still remember seeing Mina and Nadia perform for the first time and being completely blown away.  I also remember watching Jagged compete at Masters (maybe this was 2012 or 2013?  I'm getting old).  They were beautiful to watch, and perhaps that is where my love affair with groups began.  

I really believe that polers should watch this documentary.  It does a great job of showing, not only how pole dancers are often treated, but how difficult it is to be an artist.  These ladies put their hearts, souls, and, often, all of their money into this art.  This movie is especially for those polers who are just starting to dance.  For every one of them who won't have to hear, "isn't pole dancing for strippers?"  (Because, let's be honest, even if you support strippers, it gets old when everyone asks you that question.)  A debt of gratitude is owed to all of the pole dancers that came before them.  Fawnia in 1994.  Sheila in 2000.  And every amazing poler since.  One of the girls in the movie had a great line:  The pioneers are the ones with the arrows in their back.  I believe that Jessica and Jagged are part of pole history and I applaud them for sharing themselves with us in this movie.  

Jessica is competing this weekend in PSO's Nationals championship.  In honor of Jess, Off The Floor is offering a $3 discount off the price of the movie.  Just use the code: USNPC.  I am a busy person and I often find myself having a hard time sitting through movies, but I found this one to be engaging and completely worth 90 minutes.  The website is:  www.offthefloormovie.com.  

Go watch it, come let me know what you thought, then wish Jessica good luck this weekend at Nationals!