Poletential has DONE IT AGAIN! Their third Air Show was another huge success. (Check out my post about the second Air Show HERE.)
This time, the show was on a Friday night, and the ENTIRE REST OF THE WEEKEND was filled with poletastic workshops and events.
The show was headlined by David C. Owen, Nadia Sharif, Flying Laura, Amber Richard, Aerial Amy and the Paper Doll Militia. Also, many of the amazing students and instructors from Poletential performed. I think one of my favorite things about a Poletential show is the caliber of performer that they create. All of the students do such a great job of getting into character.
Anyway, I could talk all day about how amazeballs the performers were. Nadia Sharif spinning and climbing through an aerial cube. David C. Owen bending in the craziest ways. Flying Laura killing it, even though she's still nursing a broken finger. Aerial Amy making it look easy with her sexy floor work and flawless spins. Amber Richard busting out an awesome reprise of her Girls Next Door 80's performance. And local performers, the Paper Doll Militia doing a jaw-dropping silks routine on CHAINS. But you don't want to read my review. You want to watch it yourself! Check out the YouTube play list:
The rest of the weekend was really great too. Due to some other issues, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to participate in any other events. On Saturday, Twirly Girls had their 2013 calendar shoot. It was a long (but fun) day. But, after the shoot, Rita and I headed back over the bridge to meet Annemarie Davies and Alex Davies (from United Pole Artists), as well as Nadia Sharif (a freaking pole ninja). And things just got crazier from there. We joined the Poletential crowd at a local pub where we mingled with the rest of the pros and students from the studio. There are not many words to explain what happened next. Mostly just: Best. Night. Ever. hahaha! Pictures are below.
As we dropped Annemarie, Alex and Nadia off at the hotel, Nadia encouraged Rita and I to come to her workshop the next morning. At first, I declined, mostly because I had been running around all weekend and needed to do some things at home. Then I decided, why not...you really shouldn't pass up opportunities when they are smacking you in the face. So, on Sunday, we attended Nadia and Mina's doubles workshop. Then I stayed for Aerial Amy's fluidity and floorwork workshop.
The doubles workshop was so fun. Nadia and Mina are such a great team. They seem to know what the other is thinking at all times. We did some partner stretches, then worked on a few pole moves. The entire workshop lasted over two hours. Rita and I were not advanced enough to do some of the moves, and since I am a sweaty beast, its really hard for me to partner up with people anyway. But I felt like we learned a lot. I did successfully complete an acro shoulder stand off of David C. Owen's thighs! I so wish I had a photo of that. Sorry about the whole vagina in your face, David!
Amy's floorwork workshop was amazing in a different way. We spent an entire 90 minutes on the floor. Crawling and writhing. Tossing our hair. Moving our bodies in very sexy ways. I don't know how to really describe it. Sexy is not really something I pull off very well and this definitely took me out of my comfort zone ... in a good way. I tried very hard to not watch myself in the mirror, as I get VERY self-conscious. But Amber Richard paid me a very sweet compliment and said I looked just fine. Sexy is not a size. Confidence is sexy. I keep forgetting that.
As I sit here on a Monday morning, tired and sore, I am so glad that I didn't turn down any opportunities. I had such a great time all weekend and I want to say that I really adore my new little friend, Nadia (she really is tiny, her head only comes up to my boobs!). My boobies can be her pillows any day!
This blog blossomed in 2010 to chronicle my adventures in pole dance after weight loss surgery. Although I am pole dancing less these days, I still hike and do yoga. I sometimes still have to remind myself that the size of my body doesn't dictate my worth. I believe living a life full of gratitude and joy helps lead to a true mind, body and spirit connection. You have the power to manifest your best life!
Showing posts with label Aerial Amy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aerial Amy. Show all posts
Monday, August 13, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Didja know...
...there are a whole bunch of pole dancers out there who just...pole dance??!
They don't know who Felix Cane, Jenyne Butterfly or Alethea Austin are. They don't Facebook stalk every pole celebrity in the world, post about their successes and failures, and share photos of every bruise earned. They aren't on Studio Veena chatting and watching videos. They aren't searching YouTube for the newest videos from the pros. They don't read Aerial Amy's blog every day. They just...go to class and dance.
Over the weekend, I went to the Pacific Pole Championships in Los Angeles. I found a spot in the front row to take notes, photos and videos (I will do a more in-depth blog about the competition very soon). I sat next to a lady who was very excited to be there and was taking notes about songs she wanted to dance to in the future.
We chatted between routines (many dancers didn't realize that the quiet time between routines were for judges to finish scoring). I said something about the amazing Felix Cane. Blank stare. Jenyne Butterfly? Nothing. Alethea Austin? Nope.
Wow.
I really am a Pole Geek!
Hey there's nothing wrong with either of us. I was just happy to be in a room filled with people who have a passion for pole dancing.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Pioneer of Pole: Sheila Kelley and S Factor
Sheila Kelley is one of the most famous pole pioneers. She definitely makes pole more of a lifestyle than a workout. If you have not been to an S Factor class, I suggest you try one!
I designed the S Factor Workout to cover every base of feminine fitness that I (and so many of my girlfriends) had tried for years to find in multiple forms of exercise. We were taking Pilates for the ab work, yoga for long lean muscles and stretching and meditation, different kinds of dance, jogging, biking, hiking, treadmilling, weights, ahhhhhhhhhH! It was too much and none of it worked. I tried everything alone and in every conceivable combination and it just felt like this uphill battle that one could never catch up with, especially after having children. When I built S Factor I wanted to create something "total body" that could be achieved in 2 hours once a week. That's why S Factor's copyrighted sequence of circular fluid feminine movements is multi-directional and isometric. You feel it in your entire body because a woman's entire body needs and craves movement in order to feel balanced. It is designed to prep women to do polework too! In Level 1 and 2 of the S Factor Original Series session women learn signature S Factor polework that builds their upper body and abdominal strength, which then prepares them for more advanced signature S Factor climbs and inversions as they progress to Levels 3 - 6 of their Erotic Creature Journey.
You were at the forefront of bringing pole to the every-day woman. How do you feel about it going mainstream?
It's like...I keep waiting to wake up. It's really something. I never imagined when I was teaching S Factor to women in my house back in 2001 that something like this could have such a tremendous affect on the world and history. Nothing like S Factor existed on the planet. And there we were, these extraordinary women and me, just celebrating our femininity and having fun. To be an innovator of something brings with it a lot of responsibility. I receive thousands of letters from all over the world from women who have tried "pole dance fitness." Some I have to say have had a different experience than what S Factor is defined as. While I love that there is a growing community of women exploring new ways to move their body, I wish I could be everywhere in the world at once with an actual S Factor studio on every corner because we do more than just dance on a pole. And that "more" has become the impetus behind my Soulfully Sexy DVD Series and the Wake the S Up movement. S = Feminine. The idea of women having a culture of their own is what I hope will become mainstream, versus simply the act of pole dancing.
I have met many amazing dancers who have come from S Factor backgrounds: Natasha Wang, Claire Griffin Sterrett, Amy Kim, Sheena LaShay, and my own friend here in California, Jenny Gain. I'm sure there are many, many more I'm missing. How proud are you of your ladies being in the pole world limelight?
The women who currently teach S Factor at our studios are some of the most phenomenal women I have ever met in my life. Our highly trained staff have inspired many women in the world. S teachers do more than just guide women through the workout, or teach them pole tricks. They dramatically change lives. They are therapists, body whisperers, confidantes, nurturers, healers, they are in the limelight of each and every life they touch through the two hours they share once a week with women from all walks of life. And I am proud to have them as sisters and friends.
Do you participate in pole competitions?
Do you like to dance in shoes or barefoot?
I love, love, love my 6 and 7-inch stilettos. They make me feel larger than life. But some days a girl's just gotta go barefoot!
Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you, any upcoming events or S Factor?
My first-ever pole class was at S Factor in San Francisco about three years ago. I was really impressed (and surprised) with how safe the studio made me feel. It was kind of dark but warm and very inviting. I know you first got into pole dancing for a movie role and realized the increased fitness was an added benefit. What made you decide that the sensuality of exotic dance was an important part of the workout?
Hi Lori, thanks for reaching out to me! I love talking about S, sharing my passion for elevating the feminine, which has become the passion of so many women, and every opportunity to "wake the S up" in the world. It wasn’t the sensuality of traditional exotic dance that became a part of S Factor, it was the natural sensuality of a woman's body that I began to acknowledge in my own body. The no make-up, hair undone, no frills, pure, organic S shape of our hips, butt, shoulders, wrists, the inside of a woman's elbow, everything top to bottom, right down to our baby toes. Women are sexy! Right out of the womb. And that sensuality in the shape of our hips, also lives inside our hips. We are circular natured and we are built to move naturally in a circular, sensual way. It's enticing to men in an exotic dance environment because (well they are enticed by women whether we are moving or standing still!) we're exaggerating those S shapes. But for women at S, we're just doing what comes naturally in the privacy of our S studios, and the sensuality of it is inherent.
Hi Lori, thanks for reaching out to me! I love talking about S, sharing my passion for elevating the feminine, which has become the passion of so many women, and every opportunity to "wake the S up" in the world. It wasn’t the sensuality of traditional exotic dance that became a part of S Factor, it was the natural sensuality of a woman's body that I began to acknowledge in my own body. The no make-up, hair undone, no frills, pure, organic S shape of our hips, butt, shoulders, wrists, the inside of a woman's elbow, everything top to bottom, right down to our baby toes. Women are sexy! Right out of the womb. And that sensuality in the shape of our hips, also lives inside our hips. We are circular natured and we are built to move naturally in a circular, sensual way. It's enticing to men in an exotic dance environment because (well they are enticed by women whether we are moving or standing still!) we're exaggerating those S shapes. But for women at S, we're just doing what comes naturally in the privacy of our S studios, and the sensuality of it is inherent.
I remember busting out a CRAZY hard core workout before we got anywhere near the pole. How important do you feel it is to build a strong foundation before you stick ladies to the pole?
I designed the S Factor Workout to cover every base of feminine fitness that I (and so many of my girlfriends) had tried for years to find in multiple forms of exercise. We were taking Pilates for the ab work, yoga for long lean muscles and stretching and meditation, different kinds of dance, jogging, biking, hiking, treadmilling, weights, ahhhhhhhhhH! It was too much and none of it worked. I tried everything alone and in every conceivable combination and it just felt like this uphill battle that one could never catch up with, especially after having children. When I built S Factor I wanted to create something "total body" that could be achieved in 2 hours once a week. That's why S Factor's copyrighted sequence of circular fluid feminine movements is multi-directional and isometric. You feel it in your entire body because a woman's entire body needs and craves movement in order to feel balanced. It is designed to prep women to do polework too! In Level 1 and 2 of the S Factor Original Series session women learn signature S Factor polework that builds their upper body and abdominal strength, which then prepares them for more advanced signature S Factor climbs and inversions as they progress to Levels 3 - 6 of their Erotic Creature Journey.
You were at the forefront of bringing pole to the every-day woman. How do you feel about it going mainstream?
It's like...I keep waiting to wake up. It's really something. I never imagined when I was teaching S Factor to women in my house back in 2001 that something like this could have such a tremendous affect on the world and history. Nothing like S Factor existed on the planet. And there we were, these extraordinary women and me, just celebrating our femininity and having fun. To be an innovator of something brings with it a lot of responsibility. I receive thousands of letters from all over the world from women who have tried "pole dance fitness." Some I have to say have had a different experience than what S Factor is defined as. While I love that there is a growing community of women exploring new ways to move their body, I wish I could be everywhere in the world at once with an actual S Factor studio on every corner because we do more than just dance on a pole. And that "more" has become the impetus behind my Soulfully Sexy DVD Series and the Wake the S Up movement. S = Feminine. The idea of women having a culture of their own is what I hope will become mainstream, versus simply the act of pole dancing.
I have met many amazing dancers who have come from S Factor backgrounds: Natasha Wang, Claire Griffin Sterrett, Amy Kim, Sheena LaShay, and my own friend here in California, Jenny Gain. I'm sure there are many, many more I'm missing. How proud are you of your ladies being in the pole world limelight?
The women who currently teach S Factor at our studios are some of the most phenomenal women I have ever met in my life. Our highly trained staff have inspired many women in the world. S teachers do more than just guide women through the workout, or teach them pole tricks. They dramatically change lives. They are therapists, body whisperers, confidantes, nurturers, healers, they are in the limelight of each and every life they touch through the two hours they share once a week with women from all walks of life. And I am proud to have them as sisters and friends.
Do you participate in pole competitions?
I don't personally because the dark, rich chocolate fudge that is S Factor movement itself off the pole is what I aspire to journey deeper into. However, S Factor is very proud of our S teachers Barbara Dial in New York and Jen Campo in Houston who have won major pole dance competitions due in part to the uniquely feminine nature of S Factor's signature style.
Recently, some of my pole dancing friends who are mothers have had issues with their children's friends making fun of their mom for being a "stripper." Did you ever have to deal with that. If so, how did you handle it? If not, how would you advise someone to handle it?
Hmmmm...this is the first I've ever heard of this happening. I guess I would say that children tease other children about a whole slew of things that are untrue. There really isn't anything that can be done about it, it's just kids. I know that many S moms bring their daughters in to our Mother-Daughter classes and events and the little ones have a perfect understanding of the difference between S Factor movement and "pole dancing."
Men on the pole is a very hot topic right now. S Factor is very famously a place for women only. Do you foresee a change in that policy any time soon?
Recently, some of my pole dancing friends who are mothers have had issues with their children's friends making fun of their mom for being a "stripper." Did you ever have to deal with that. If so, how did you handle it? If not, how would you advise someone to handle it?
Hmmmm...this is the first I've ever heard of this happening. I guess I would say that children tease other children about a whole slew of things that are untrue. There really isn't anything that can be done about it, it's just kids. I know that many S moms bring their daughters in to our Mother-Daughter classes and events and the little ones have a perfect understanding of the difference between S Factor movement and "pole dancing."
Men on the pole is a very hot topic right now. S Factor is very famously a place for women only. Do you foresee a change in that policy any time soon?
There's been some confusion about this. Actually S Factor is very open to teaching men. I even taught Conan O'Brien (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPKzdwhRTyE). And there's a note about it in the FAQ section of our website. Due to the nature of the Erotic Creature Journey, S Factor classes are not co-ed, but men may call their nearest studio and request a Private Lesson or Private Party. I've taught S to a bunch of men (we have a few guys who work upstairs in the LA offices who have taken a class or two) and it's fun to see them find their feminine side. They get a kick out of it and they really get it. They get that it's no different than men basking in their masculinity on a golf course or basketball court.
What kind of "diet" do you follow?
Diet is an evil word and I don't do it. I eat clean and healthfully, and I do S Factor!
What kind of "diet" do you follow?
Diet is an evil word and I don't do it. I eat clean and healthfully, and I do S Factor!
Do you like to dance in shoes or barefoot?
I love, love, love my 6 and 7-inch stilettos. They make me feel larger than life. But some days a girl's just gotta go barefoot!
Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you, any upcoming events or S Factor?
YES! The S Factor Retreat is like...where do I begin? Imagine a world completely ruled by women. Imagine everything you see, hear, eat, sleep, breathe, say, do, feel, smell, experience...it's all been hand-selected to cultivate your feminine side. You are surrounded by other women who are there for the same purpose and it's just a frickin' lovefest of what it means to be a woman, what we struggle with together and apart and how easy it is for us to elevate our minds, bodies, hearts and souls when we pull ourselves out of the every day stresses of life and retreat in every sense of the word, into our femininity. We can be emotional, we can be sensual, we can be loud and wild and young and free, we have no responsibilities except to ourselves and our own desires and pleasures and needs. We can play (and we do in luxurious outdoor locations and indoors at 5-star resorts!!), smile, laugh, dance and live authentically in our skin with no apology. It's heaven. It's bliss. Women come from all over the globe and I personally teach the classes and seminars along with the best of the best S teachers from our studios across the U.S. It's an awakening that's like jet fuel propelling women toward achieving their greatest desires and becoming more successful in all areas of their life. I've also taught mini-retreats as part of Tony Robbins' Platinum Partners retreats and the philosophies go hand-in-hand. This is for women who are ready to be reborn as superwomen. We'll be in Miami this coming February! We may be sold out by the time you read this but we're working on opening up more spots because the retreats are so popular. We limit registration so that I can really spend a lot of one-on-one time with each woman and really give them an understanding of the mind, body, heart and soul of S Factor. Miami in February will be our 4th retreat I have hosted! Women can go to SFactor.com/Retreat and get all of the details. I'm looking forward to meeting your readers and you Lori if you can come!
*****
I know Sheila is a busy lady and I really appreciate her participation in my blog. S Factor has four locations in California, two in New York, one in Houston and one in Chicago. Check out http://sfactor.com/ for more info!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Project 365: Days 160-175
Day 160
Monday, November 21:
Day 161
Tuesday, November 22:
Day 162
Wednesday, November 23:
Day 163
Thursday, November 24:
Thanksgiving with Taylor
Day 164
Friday, November 25:
Day 165
Saturday, November 26:
Jaxon
Day 166
Sunday, November 27:
Day 167
Monday, November 28:
Day 168
Tuesday, November 29:
Day 169
Wednesday, November 30:
Day 170
Thursday, December 1:
World AIDS Day
Day 171
Friday, December 2:
Me with Aerial Amy and Ellen of Poletential
Day 172
Saturday, December 3:
Sarah Starlight and Jennifer at Poletential's Air Show
Day 173
Sunday, December 4:
Saki, Mahlae and Vicodonia
Day 174
Monday, December 5:
Me with Natasha Wang
Day 175
Tuesday, December 6:
Natasha Wang at Twirly Girls
Last night, Twirly Girls hosted a workshop with the amazing USPDF champion, Natasha Wang.
The workshop was called poetry on the pole. I don't want to give away too much, but we worked on some pole moves, then we talked about the dance. We learned teddy bear (armpit ouchie...my teddy bear had straight-down legs...with one that seemed to not want to leave the ground) and worked on what the TGs call the KT Coates spin (using Aerial Amy's theory about spins, I did my most successful spin yet!). I tried side climb (maybe in my case better described as a side sit and cling). And also did what we call the Natasha toe slide (from a handstand).
Then Natasha gave us cards and we had to dance a story. We talked about how a story should have a beginning, middle and end. We randomly chose cards, but it was like she hand picked mine. My story was about being starving, then after you are satiated, feeling guilty. This is so my relationship with food. I eat. I feel guilty. It's such a bad place to be in.
So I decided the pole would represent food. I started away from the pole -- hungry. Then I danced what I felt was one of my best free dances ever. The middle of my dance was spent devouring the pole and the floor around it. I ended by leaving the pole behind. It completely describes my relationship with trigger foods like jellybeans.
I really enjoyed the story aspect. I felt like maybe I danced better too because I have such a painfully emotional response to food. I always say food addiction is so hard to deal with. You can live without alcohol, drugs or cigarettes. But you can't survive without food. So finding a healthy relationship with it can be difficult.
We ended with a cool down and stretch...blindfolded. There were a few times when my toesies touched someone else in the darkness (turned out to be Rita). But for the most part, I felt like I did pretty well. The pole was my guide and I let him lead me.
Here are some videos and photos from the evening. Natasha is so easy to chat with, very beautiful to watch and really fun to dance with. I hope I get another chance in the future to take a class from her!
My story (very dark so it might be hard to see...sorry!):
And, just for fun, here's a video we made for Aerial Amy. Check out her video about waving legs. This is...the vagina monster:
The workshop was called poetry on the pole. I don't want to give away too much, but we worked on some pole moves, then we talked about the dance. We learned teddy bear (armpit ouchie...my teddy bear had straight-down legs...with one that seemed to not want to leave the ground) and worked on what the TGs call the KT Coates spin (using Aerial Amy's theory about spins, I did my most successful spin yet!). I tried side climb (maybe in my case better described as a side sit and cling). And also did what we call the Natasha toe slide (from a handstand).
Then Natasha gave us cards and we had to dance a story. We talked about how a story should have a beginning, middle and end. We randomly chose cards, but it was like she hand picked mine. My story was about being starving, then after you are satiated, feeling guilty. This is so my relationship with food. I eat. I feel guilty. It's such a bad place to be in.
So I decided the pole would represent food. I started away from the pole -- hungry. Then I danced what I felt was one of my best free dances ever. The middle of my dance was spent devouring the pole and the floor around it. I ended by leaving the pole behind. It completely describes my relationship with trigger foods like jellybeans.
I really enjoyed the story aspect. I felt like maybe I danced better too because I have such a painfully emotional response to food. I always say food addiction is so hard to deal with. You can live without alcohol, drugs or cigarettes. But you can't survive without food. So finding a healthy relationship with it can be difficult.
We ended with a cool down and stretch...blindfolded. There were a few times when my toesies touched someone else in the darkness (turned out to be Rita). But for the most part, I felt like I did pretty well. The pole was my guide and I let him lead me.
Here are some videos and photos from the evening. Natasha is so easy to chat with, very beautiful to watch and really fun to dance with. I hope I get another chance in the future to take a class from her!
My story (very dark so it might be hard to see...sorry!):
And, just for fun, here's a video we made for Aerial Amy. Check out her video about waving legs. This is...the vagina monster:
Monday, December 5, 2011
Poletential's Second Air Show!
Warning: With videos, this will be a long one. Feel free to skip around if you can't sit still for very long. :-)
Last weekend, Poletential held it's second Air Show filled with pole dancing and aerial arts galore! [You can check out Poletential's first Air Show HERE.]
On Friday, after workshops, they had a pole jam. A pole jam is an informal gathering of pole dancers to hang out, chat and dance together. I was such a pole geek. First and foremost, I met fellow blogger, Aerial Amy, who was hanging out with Poletential instructor, Ellen Lovelace. I also saw Natasha Wang, Alethea Austin and Amy Guion. I met Karol Helms and Marlo Fisken in person for the first time. Estee Zakar and Sarah Romanowsky (silks) were the last two pros who were in the showcase but they were not at the pole jam.
Rita and I mostly hung out and chatted with people. We didn't pole. We checked out Alethea's and Karol's awesome merchandise. We talked with Christina A. from Poletential, who was a pregnant M&M at their Twirloween event, so she will always in my mind be the green M&M. We also got to see our good friend, Tracey. Poletential Owner, Christina Kish, was also there. The studio was hopping with people preparing for Saturday's show.
Marlo, Natasha and Amy wanted to head back to the hotel and I happened to have my monster truck with me, so I offered to drive them to pick up food and then take them back to the hotel. Of course, who wouldn't want to have the adorable booties of those three ladies imprinted in their car?! On the drive, we talked about Natasha's recent blog about body image (check out my response HERE). Marlo said that she doesn't want to get kudos for something unless she actually pulls on some amazing move. I said that when I climbed to the top of the pole, we almost threw a party. However, for me, that WAS an earth-shattering move! They are professional competitors, so their standard of excellence is much higher than the average pole dancer.
Saturday was the Air Show. I sat near a group of super fun ladies. I met Tina Kelly, owner of Venus Pole Fitness of Turlock and I plan to do a Poletry in Motion for her studio soon. She promised to come to Twirly Girls one day too. I don't want to take much too much space talking about the show since the videos will speak for themselves. After the show, Amy Kim did ask me my top two performers. It was so hard to say since I loved each and every performance for a different reason. Shelly Lamb made a great comment, saying that she had competed with most of these girls in New York and it was so different to see them in a showcase setting instead of a competition setting. They were so much more relaxed, which I'm sure made it much more fun to perform. Anyway, back to Amy's question. I told Amy that I had to give it to Marlo because I LOVED her rockin' song (all of the other girls performed to slow songs, which I totally love and respect since I have a hard time dancing to slow songs, but I always love the down and dirty rock songs!). I also had to give it to Natasha, since she is my personal favorite. She always responds to me on Facebook and I'm doing a workshop with her tonight at Twirly Girls. She is such a lovely and graceful dancer. However, Amy Guion's performance was so beautiful and the smile on her face during her entire performance was amazing as well (her theme for the dance was dreaming of being a princess). And, although Alethea danced to a slow song she oozed sex and pure awesomeness, as usual. This was my first time seeing Estee Zakar, Marlo Fisken and Karol Helms perform. They were all crazy off the hook as well (I'm running out of adjectives to show much I love this show)! So it was hard to pick my top two favorites. They were all my favorites for different reasons.
This show also contained a lot more silks. My very own silks teacher, Sarah Starlight, performed with her friend, Jennifer. She did such a great job! Also, Sarah Romanowsky, who performed at Twirloween, and who has been chatting with me on Facebook and Twitter, performed on the silks. I really loved her outfit and I wish I had her hip bones!
I have to say the show opener and scene stealer was Christina's imitation of Alethea. Oh. My. God. When I first saw the blonde hair and stomach tattoos from afar, I knew it was Alethea. There was something off. Different. I couldn't put my finger on it. But no one else in the show had a tattoo on her stomach like that. The rockstar swagger was there. I was slightly shocked they'd have a pro actually start the show, but maybe she had somewhere to go and needed to leave early. Then it hit me. THAT WAS AN IMPOSTER! This is best viewed on video because I can't give Christina enough kudos for her act. And Alethea is clearly a good sport. Man, what a great intro!
Anyway, check out the videos below and then I'll finish up with some photos, my Sunday class and my impression of the whole weekend at the end:
I loved Estee's music. It's kind of industrial and animalistic. She has an amazing body and such muscle control! I also really liked her costume!
Like I said, Amy's sweet smile really made this performance. I totally love the princess theme too! She too has amazing muscle control and a beautiful body!
As Karol herself said on Facebook, my angle captured her asstastic beginning! Perfect song too. She certainly does move in mysterious ways. Such control!!
Alethea...what else can you say about her? So sexy. Those body rolls are so awesome. I want to do everything she does!! I think I'm like a day or two away from being able to pull off her moves. Or not. ;-)
Sarah is so beautiful on the silks. Such flexibility and grace!
When I took Natasha to the hotel, Rita and I wondered why she had a basket of apples. We were like, look how healthy she is!! We told her she could re-enact the Twilight cover. She said that was fitting since her dance was wolf themed. Now we understand... lol! I loved the Red Riding Hood/Big Bad Wolf theme! It might be hard to see in the video but she had make up that made it look like the Wolf had really kicked her ass!
Marlo apparently had to change her routine around because stage poles are not as steady as those attached to the ceiling. She definitely pulled off a rockin' routine. I guess her song doesn't count as a true "down and dirty rock song," but I pretty much count any fast music as down and dirty. :-D
I finished off Air Show weekend by taking aerial hammock with Ellen Lovelace and Aerial Amy. I live an hour away from Redwood City, so I got home Saturday night around midnight but didn't get to sleep until 1 a.m. I got up at 7 a.m. on Sunday to get to silks on time. I thought I'd be super tired but I was fine. And I loved Ellen's class. It was different than Jessica's class. I was actually able to do most of the moves. Other than a couple of moves that aggravated my old lady hip, I think I held my own. I even did two...count them TWO....back somersaults! Well, Ellen helped me because there is a point when I'm upside down that I swear I'm going to lose my grip and fall on my head -- but I did it!! ("Did it" meaning I did the somersaults, not the falling on my noggin.)
Poletential put on another awesome show. And thank you for always being so welcoming and kind to the Twirly Girls!
Last weekend, Poletential held it's second Air Show filled with pole dancing and aerial arts galore! [You can check out Poletential's first Air Show HERE.]
On Friday, after workshops, they had a pole jam. A pole jam is an informal gathering of pole dancers to hang out, chat and dance together. I was such a pole geek. First and foremost, I met fellow blogger, Aerial Amy, who was hanging out with Poletential instructor, Ellen Lovelace. I also saw Natasha Wang, Alethea Austin and Amy Guion. I met Karol Helms and Marlo Fisken in person for the first time. Estee Zakar and Sarah Romanowsky (silks) were the last two pros who were in the showcase but they were not at the pole jam.
Rita and I mostly hung out and chatted with people. We didn't pole. We checked out Alethea's and Karol's awesome merchandise. We talked with Christina A. from Poletential, who was a pregnant M&M at their Twirloween event, so she will always in my mind be the green M&M. We also got to see our good friend, Tracey. Poletential Owner, Christina Kish, was also there. The studio was hopping with people preparing for Saturday's show.
Marlo, Natasha and Amy wanted to head back to the hotel and I happened to have my monster truck with me, so I offered to drive them to pick up food and then take them back to the hotel. Of course, who wouldn't want to have the adorable booties of those three ladies imprinted in their car?! On the drive, we talked about Natasha's recent blog about body image (check out my response HERE). Marlo said that she doesn't want to get kudos for something unless she actually pulls on some amazing move. I said that when I climbed to the top of the pole, we almost threw a party. However, for me, that WAS an earth-shattering move! They are professional competitors, so their standard of excellence is much higher than the average pole dancer.
Saturday was the Air Show. I sat near a group of super fun ladies. I met Tina Kelly, owner of Venus Pole Fitness of Turlock and I plan to do a Poletry in Motion for her studio soon. She promised to come to Twirly Girls one day too. I don't want to take much too much space talking about the show since the videos will speak for themselves. After the show, Amy Kim did ask me my top two performers. It was so hard to say since I loved each and every performance for a different reason. Shelly Lamb made a great comment, saying that she had competed with most of these girls in New York and it was so different to see them in a showcase setting instead of a competition setting. They were so much more relaxed, which I'm sure made it much more fun to perform. Anyway, back to Amy's question. I told Amy that I had to give it to Marlo because I LOVED her rockin' song (all of the other girls performed to slow songs, which I totally love and respect since I have a hard time dancing to slow songs, but I always love the down and dirty rock songs!). I also had to give it to Natasha, since she is my personal favorite. She always responds to me on Facebook and I'm doing a workshop with her tonight at Twirly Girls. She is such a lovely and graceful dancer. However, Amy Guion's performance was so beautiful and the smile on her face during her entire performance was amazing as well (her theme for the dance was dreaming of being a princess). And, although Alethea danced to a slow song she oozed sex and pure awesomeness, as usual. This was my first time seeing Estee Zakar, Marlo Fisken and Karol Helms perform. They were all crazy off the hook as well (I'm running out of adjectives to show much I love this show)! So it was hard to pick my top two favorites. They were all my favorites for different reasons.
This show also contained a lot more silks. My very own silks teacher, Sarah Starlight, performed with her friend, Jennifer. She did such a great job! Also, Sarah Romanowsky, who performed at Twirloween, and who has been chatting with me on Facebook and Twitter, performed on the silks. I really loved her outfit and I wish I had her hip bones!
I have to say the show opener and scene stealer was Christina's imitation of Alethea. Oh. My. God. When I first saw the blonde hair and stomach tattoos from afar, I knew it was Alethea. There was something off. Different. I couldn't put my finger on it. But no one else in the show had a tattoo on her stomach like that. The rockstar swagger was there. I was slightly shocked they'd have a pro actually start the show, but maybe she had somewhere to go and needed to leave early. Then it hit me. THAT WAS AN IMPOSTER! This is best viewed on video because I can't give Christina enough kudos for her act. And Alethea is clearly a good sport. Man, what a great intro!
Anyway, check out the videos below and then I'll finish up with some photos, my Sunday class and my impression of the whole weekend at the end:
I loved Estee's music. It's kind of industrial and animalistic. She has an amazing body and such muscle control! I also really liked her costume!
Like I said, Amy's sweet smile really made this performance. I totally love the princess theme too! She too has amazing muscle control and a beautiful body!
As Karol herself said on Facebook, my angle captured her asstastic beginning! Perfect song too. She certainly does move in mysterious ways. Such control!!
Alethea...what else can you say about her? So sexy. Those body rolls are so awesome. I want to do everything she does!! I think I'm like a day or two away from being able to pull off her moves. Or not. ;-)
Sarah is so beautiful on the silks. Such flexibility and grace!
When I took Natasha to the hotel, Rita and I wondered why she had a basket of apples. We were like, look how healthy she is!! We told her she could re-enact the Twilight cover. She said that was fitting since her dance was wolf themed. Now we understand... lol! I loved the Red Riding Hood/Big Bad Wolf theme! It might be hard to see in the video but she had make up that made it look like the Wolf had really kicked her ass!
Marlo apparently had to change her routine around because stage poles are not as steady as those attached to the ceiling. She definitely pulled off a rockin' routine. I guess her song doesn't count as a true "down and dirty rock song," but I pretty much count any fast music as down and dirty. :-D
I finished off Air Show weekend by taking aerial hammock with Ellen Lovelace and Aerial Amy. I live an hour away from Redwood City, so I got home Saturday night around midnight but didn't get to sleep until 1 a.m. I got up at 7 a.m. on Sunday to get to silks on time. I thought I'd be super tired but I was fine. And I loved Ellen's class. It was different than Jessica's class. I was actually able to do most of the moves. Other than a couple of moves that aggravated my old lady hip, I think I held my own. I even did two...count them TWO....back somersaults! Well, Ellen helped me because there is a point when I'm upside down that I swear I'm going to lose my grip and fall on my head -- but I did it!! ("Did it" meaning I did the somersaults, not the falling on my noggin.)
Poletential put on another awesome show. And thank you for always being so welcoming and kind to the Twirly Girls!
Me with Aerial Amy and Ellen Lovelace at the Pole Jam
Rita, Marlo Fisken and me at the Pole Jam
Karol Helms and me
Labels:
Aerial Amy,
air show,
Alethea Austin,
Amy Guion,
Amy Kim,
Estee Zakar,
Karol Helms,
Marlo Fisken,
Natasha Wang,
pole dance,
pole dance ambassador,
Poletential,
Sarah Romanowsky,
Shelly Lamb
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Spotlight on Aerial Amy!
Thanks to Chwenny's post, I recently found the blog of Aerial Amy. I love her posts!! I need to start practicing my vagina monster!!!!
What is your fitness routine (on and off the pole)?
In a typical week, I teach pole for 5 hours, take 3-5 hours of pole classes as a student, do flying trapeze or lyra for 2 hours, and take a 1-hr pilates class or private.
What kind of diet do you follow?
I eat what tastes good! I find that the more activity I do, the more that my body gives me cravings for specific foods and I find unprocessed and healthily prepared foods to be more tasty. But I don't hold myself back from anything. I need a meal every 3-4 hours or I get hangry (hungry + angry), and I tend to eat a lot. My friends and I have a "post class meat" tradition where we eat Korean barbeque right after pole classes, and lobster rolls after flying trapeze. It's an excuse to eat the protein you need after a workout and socialize =)
Do you have a dance background?
Nope, none at all!
Do you compete (pole fitness or any other kind of fitness competitions)?
No, I don't. I started pole dancing to boost my self confidence and I've come to accept myself, flaws and all, through that. I don't have any interest in being judged by others!
Do you teach pole classes? If so, where?
I teach beginner through advanced at Shockra Studio in Manhattan.
Do you have a preference? "pole fitness" or "pole dancing"
I feel like pole dance is a more inclusive label and a more accurate way to describe movement that includes the sensual aspect of pole that I love. I don't think you have to be "fit" to pole dance!
What do you think about the stripper vs. pole fitness debate?
I don't think that it is a "vs" situation except for a few people who have made it so; I'd like to think that for the most part, we try to be accepting of one another and respect our differences. I think that people will always judge, and be afraid, of power and sexuality. I don't think it's realistic that even within our own ranks, we will agree: we are all here for different reasons, and getting something different out of pole, and that is beautiful, and okay!
What is your favorite product to help you stick to the pole?
I'm always experimenting (I'm writing a blog entry about grip aids with a slightly different perspective that I'm very excited about, watch out for it!) but right now it's Dew Point or iTac on the contact points of the legs, and Dry Hands when I need extra grip on my hands!
How do you deal with the dry skin on pole days (and on off-pole days?)?
I wrote an entry about this already-- I hope you don't mind that I link to it here =)
http://aerialamy.com/blog/2011/03/09/dryskin/
Where do you like to buy your pole clothes?
I'm a diehard fan of the Bad Kitty Brazil PoleFit shorts (full disclosure, I write for the Bad Kitty Blog) because they make everyone's butts look ridiculously good. For tops I always wear LuLuLemon Athletica sports bras-- they have great detailing, I never fall out, and they are rugged and last forever.
Do you like to dance in heels or barefoot?
Both, and it depends on my mood, the song, and the lighting =)
What is your favorite thing about dancing on the pole?
I love that I have learned so much about myself through the 4+ years that I've been pole dancing. I love the self expression, the catharsis, and the friends that I've made.
What is your favorite song to dance to (at this moment)?
Oh boy. Don't you know I have a music downloading problem? Here's one of the songs that I'm posting in Thursday Tunes this week, that is on my list for the next time I freestyle: "2, 3, 4" by Jonneine Zapata.
*****

In a typical week, I teach pole for 5 hours, take 3-5 hours of pole classes as a student, do flying trapeze or lyra for 2 hours, and take a 1-hr pilates class or private.
What kind of diet do you follow?
I eat what tastes good! I find that the more activity I do, the more that my body gives me cravings for specific foods and I find unprocessed and healthily prepared foods to be more tasty. But I don't hold myself back from anything. I need a meal every 3-4 hours or I get hangry (hungry + angry), and I tend to eat a lot. My friends and I have a "post class meat" tradition where we eat Korean barbeque right after pole classes, and lobster rolls after flying trapeze. It's an excuse to eat the protein you need after a workout and socialize =)
Do you have a dance background?
Nope, none at all!
Do you compete (pole fitness or any other kind of fitness competitions)?
No, I don't. I started pole dancing to boost my self confidence and I've come to accept myself, flaws and all, through that. I don't have any interest in being judged by others!
Do you teach pole classes? If so, where?
I teach beginner through advanced at Shockra Studio in Manhattan.
Do you have a preference? "pole fitness" or "pole dancing"
I feel like pole dance is a more inclusive label and a more accurate way to describe movement that includes the sensual aspect of pole that I love. I don't think you have to be "fit" to pole dance!
What do you think about the stripper vs. pole fitness debate?
I don't think that it is a "vs" situation except for a few people who have made it so; I'd like to think that for the most part, we try to be accepting of one another and respect our differences. I think that people will always judge, and be afraid, of power and sexuality. I don't think it's realistic that even within our own ranks, we will agree: we are all here for different reasons, and getting something different out of pole, and that is beautiful, and okay!
What is your favorite product to help you stick to the pole?
I'm always experimenting (I'm writing a blog entry about grip aids with a slightly different perspective that I'm very excited about, watch out for it!) but right now it's Dew Point or iTac on the contact points of the legs, and Dry Hands when I need extra grip on my hands!
How do you deal with the dry skin on pole days (and on off-pole days?)?
I wrote an entry about this already-- I hope you don't mind that I link to it here =)
http://aerialamy.com/blog/2011/03/09/dryskin/
Where do you like to buy your pole clothes?
I'm a diehard fan of the Bad Kitty Brazil PoleFit shorts (full disclosure, I write for the Bad Kitty Blog) because they make everyone's butts look ridiculously good. For tops I always wear LuLuLemon Athletica sports bras-- they have great detailing, I never fall out, and they are rugged and last forever.
Do you like to dance in heels or barefoot?
Both, and it depends on my mood, the song, and the lighting =)
What is your favorite thing about dancing on the pole?
I love that I have learned so much about myself through the 4+ years that I've been pole dancing. I love the self expression, the catharsis, and the friends that I've made.
What is your favorite song to dance to (at this moment)?
Oh boy. Don't you know I have a music downloading problem? Here's one of the songs that I'm posting in Thursday Tunes this week, that is on my list for the next time I freestyle: "2, 3, 4" by Jonneine Zapata.
*****
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