Dangerous Curves V

I would like to congratulate Tausha Ostrander for taking the Dangerous Curves reins from Roz THE DIVA Mays, and putting on a successful event earlier this month in Denver.  I had the pleasure of attending the event and was impressed with Tausha's hard work.  The competitors did an amazing job as well!  I know how difficult it is to plan an event of this magnitude, and I cannot imaging doing it alone.

I really appreciate the safe space that Roz and Tausha have created, which allows plus sized pole dancers to compete.  Although I have often heard that plus sized dancers should just compete at the level in which they feel they are able, I do recognize that our bodies are not usually built the same as our "straight sized" counterparts.  We often have to move boobs out of the way, or we have more thigh skin that shifts when we try to attach ourselves safely to the pole.  Competing against other dancers that face the same challenges evens the playing field.

I have often blamed my size for my inability to invert or climb well.  Mama Bel has recently stopped accepting my whining and excuses and has been forcing me to do the work -- basically, each week I am climbing and inverting in class.  Watching these ladies do so many of the moves that I keep telling myself I'm too big to do makes me realize I really am just making excuses.

Congratulations again to Tausha for putting on a great event and to all of the competitors for sharing their souls with us!  I look forward to next year!

Dangerous Curves III

This weekend is the third annual Dangerous Curves, a celebration of plus size pole athletes, created and hosted by my friend, Roz THE DIVA Mays.  Roz has been a cheerleader for plus sized athletes in pole dance since the birth of modern pole and I appreciate all the love and support she gives me so I try to give it right back when I can.  I cannot be in New York this weekend (but am hoping this is a trip I can make next year, either as a spectator or maybe even as a competitor!!!?).  However, if you ARE in New York, please check out the show and give me a review! 

If you need more incentive, my loves at the Pole Dancing Bloggers Association are giving away a free ticket!!  Click THIS link for more information.

I encourage everyone to support the shit out of Roz and Dangerous Curves!  Please check THIS link if you're in New York and want to purchase tickets! 

Pole Expo 2014 from the perspective of a plus-sized pole dancer

There are a lot of bloggers in the pole world now (although shockingly few came to Pole Expo).  Anyone could tell you about everything that was going on at Pole Expo.  I'm sure every pole dancer's feed was filled to the brim with Pole Expo/Las Vegas shenanigans last weekend.  So rather than *just* talk about my weekend, I wanted to talk about attending Pole Expo as a plus-sized pole dancer.

First off, this year I was really excited (and strangely, somewhat surprised) at the body diversity at Pole Expo.  I don't want to say there were a lot of "big girls" (sorry, Roz, I just can't stop myself from using that phrase) at Expo, but there were definitely a lot more than the oft-seen tiny pole dancers.  There were also a lot of tall girls.  It was really cool.

That being said, of all the vendors at the event, I found ONE that carried up to a 2X.  I would like to give a shout-out to Artista Active Wear for thinking about us (they were practically sold out of plus sizes the first day, if that tells you anything).  Wink would take measurements for a custom costume, but there's something about impulse buys and walking out of the vendor hall with your purchase in hand.  Bad Kitty does carry up to XL on their website but only brought up to size medium for most styles to the event.  I know there were a few other places that carry up to XL but I still want to point out that Artista is acknowledging that life doesn't end at extra large.  There are pole dancers beyond that size and it can be difficult to find good 2X pole shorts.

I generally stick to floor workshops at events like this.  I know I am not advanced enough for pole workshops, and feel like I would be uncomfortable and lost on a stage pole with one to two other people in a huge room full of stage poles with one pole star trying to instruct us all.  Last year, I signed up for a beginner workshop and the first move they did was an inversion.  "Lucky" for me, I was in a boot post-surgery, so I had transferred my workshop to Robert.  If I *had* shown up, I would have been very disappointed.  This year I took Cleo the Hurricane's floorplay workshop and Michelle Shimmy's booty workshop.  Both had simple routines that were mostly done on the floor.  While both required more flexibility than I really have, I felt like they were simple enough for me to at least follow.  I may not have looked sexy doing either routine but I really enjoyed them both. 

In the free Expo room, Nia Burks gave a talk on the challenges of pole.  I believe she was discussing body diversity and acceptance.  I was in a yoga class, and was extremely upset I missed her.  I hope I can get into contact with her and am hoping someone videoed her piece.  I was very happy that I got to see Roz give her speech about affinity groups in pole dance.  She used black girls and plus sized polers as examples in her world, but she really touched upon why it *is* okay to have these affinity groups in the world.  [Watch that speech HERE.]

I was very happy to see Mone't from Sacramento participating in the burlesque showcase and the go-go contest.  She is a plus sized dancer who always impresses me with her moves.  [Watch her Star Wars performance HERE.]

I was also excited to meet Emma Haslam O'Toole from Britain's Got Talent.  I really admire her pole dancing and can only hope to be as strong and flexible as she is one day!  I'm really bummed I didn't get a photo with Roz and Emma.  I call us the trinity of plus sized polers.  I just want to pretend I am more epic than I am. 

So, now that I've given you my plus size highlights, I want to just tell you about how the weekend went in general.  First off, our very own Patrick from Twirly Girls Pole Fitness competed in the Pole Classic.  He did so well!  I was really proud of him!  [Watch his video HERE.]  The competition and showcase was on Thursday night this year inside the Pearl theater, which is so much bigger than Rain Nightclub.

On Friday, a few of us walked part of the strip to see the sights.  I'll include some photos below.  I also had my Cleo workshop.  [Watch hot video of our dance HERE.]

Saturday was all kinds of awesome [read sarcasm].  I felt like I was running around a little too much.  As soon as I got into the pool, it was time to go to a meet-up at the Adult Playground.  I went upstairs and immediately jumped on to a Fly Gym, which I have been on a bunch of times.  I flipped upside down once and realized it was too close to the ground, so I jumped out and made it higher.  I then leaned back again, didn't open my legs wide enough and immediately flipped out of the thing.  On the way down, I hit four of my toes on the wall behind me and smashed my face on the floor (giving me carpet burn on my face, bruising my cheekbone and cracking my neck pretty hard).  It knocked me silly but I jumped up and said I was okay.  Definitely as the day progressed, I realized one of those toes was pretty badly injured.  The bruise is fantastic.  I actually had an x-ray this week to find out if it is broken.  Mostly, I was just embarrassed that I pulled such a rookie move in front of everyone. 

Sunday was a little more relaxed.  I had my Shimmy workshop (which was pretty difficult with my injured toe).  [Watch video of the routine HERE.]  It is also the day I went home.  I had a 5:45 PM flight (delayed due to weather, once again), so I got to relax around the hotel most of the day.

I feel like I should have done way more than I did.  More workshops.  More free seminars.  More pool time.  More going out.  I need more hours in the day to do *all* the stuff!!  But I also need my 8 hours of sleep and time to recover from the workshops.  There has to be some balance.

In the end, I did have a great time.  I got to see old friends and make new ones.  We have outgrown The Palms.  Pole Expo next year will be at Hard Rock, which is closer to the airport and will be able to hold all of us a little better.  I believe Pole Expo had between 1,200 and 1,400 attendees this year.  In its third year, it has certainly grown into one of the largest pole events in the world.  I am happy I have been able to attend all three years to watch it grow and flourish.  Successful events like these help breed more success in the industry in general.

Did you go to Pole Expo?  Which vendors did you love?  Which workshops were your favorite?  I want to hear about your experiences below!  

Emma Haslam from Britain's Got Talent

Steven Retchless from America's Got Talent

You can't take us anywhere

Had to jump back on the horse immediately

Cleo the Hurricane

Shimmy workshop - photo by Nina Reed Photography

sad toe

 

Cowboy Wild and me at Caesar's #splitsontree

ahhhhhhhhhhh the sugar factory!!!!

Come one, come all: Northern California Pole Presentational and West Coast Curves

I've written in the past about how much it costs to put on a pole show.  Until I started trying to organize a pole show, I had NO FREAKING IDEA how much it actually costs, not only in money, but in blood, sweat and tears, to put on a dang pole show!

Last year, Amy Bond brought me an idea:  Let's put on a pole competition, but not a comeptition, a showcase with feedback!  Initially, she wanted to put our show ahead of PPC in LA (which was held the weekend of March 1-2, 2014) so that competitors could showcase their routine and get feedback from a panel of judges in order to present a more polished routine at the actual competition.  The more we thought about it, the more we realized that most people wouldn't want to reveal all of their cards pre-competition.  But we decided we still liked the idea, so we tabled it for summer of 2014.  Not all pole dancers want to compete but many have a desire to get on the big stage and showcase their talents without the pressure of a competition.  At the same time, if we're going to bring together all of these dancers, why not offer them the option of receiving feedback on their routine, so that they can improve their dancing. 

Then early in 2014, Amy, who recently passed the California Bar Exam and took a new job, e-mailed me to tell me she wanted to focus on other things and needed to drop out of the planning process.  She gave me her blessing to continue without her, and I am honored that she would trust me with bringing her idea to light. 

But now I needed a new partner.  Enter the amazing Ellen Lovelace.  When I told Ellen about my predicament, she immediately stepped up and has been kicking ass ever since.  Ellen has secured the location and has been doing a ton of work behind the scenes to keep the process moving.  It certainly makes me respect Amy and Bayleigh of PSO for putting on multiple shows each year.  And my hat is off to Ellen for all the work she is doing to make this event happen. 

So, let me formally introduce to you the Northern California Pole Presentational (NCPP), which will be held Saturday, August 23, 2014 at the San Jose Stage Company in San Jose, California.  This event will be run PSO-style.  No need to send us a video link to try-out, you just pay your fee, fill out the form and you're in!  Why do we need competitors to pay?  Because, like I said earlier, putting on a pole show is not cheap.  The largest expenses are the venue, rigging and insurance.  In order to keep ticket prices down so that friends and family can come watch, we (like many other pole events) have asked participants to help share the cost.  We use that money to create a safe environment and beautiful stage for you to showcase your routine for your loved ones.  Also, each participant can choose to receive feedback (or not) on their routine from a panel of judges (which we will announce soon).  We don't only accept solo performers, though, we are also excited to include duos and groups. 

Why does Northern California need this event? It is evident by the 200+ participants in PPC that Southern California is inundated with people who want to perform (including many Northeran California polers, who traveled down to compete). Nothern Calfornia does have some really amazing pole shows, however they are generally associated with area studios and/or require try-outs to get in. This will be first independently produced pole event for Northern California, which will be open to everyone. We are trying to give Nor Cal polers a chance to get in first by only allowing Nor Cal and Nevada addresses to apply until April 30. At that time, spots are fair game for any pole dancer in the United States.

In addition to NCPP, we have Roz THE DIVA Mays, bringing her plus-sized pole comptition from New York to us!  West Coast Curves at NCPP (WCC) will be held the same day.  This is an actual competition and the top two competitors, chosen by the audience, will win entrance into the Dangerous Curves finales, which will be held later this year in New York. 

So, with all of this excitment coming to the Bay Area, what is THE topic everyone is talking about?  Our bear logo.  Meet Pat.  Who knew a cute, fluffy bear wearing a pink pole outfit would cause so much chatter?!  In my mind, the purpose of a logo is to brand something and make it memorable.  Even if some of you hate it, it's certainly doing its job.  You will all remember this bear.  For me, the logo is fun, which is how I want this event to be.  It pulls in the California flag, which has a bear on it.  Is it doing a pole trick?  Is that a karate kick?  Who knows?!  Maybe it is a pole ninja doing some innovative new trick that hasn't been revealed yet.  I enjoy all the bear comments, though, so keep them coming.

Ellen and I are really excited about this event.  Sign-ups are currently open to Northern California and Nevada residents.  The cost is only $50 per person/performance slot.  People are certainly encouraged to do solos and group routines.  Or they can particiapte in NCPP and WCC (we have already had someone sign up for both).  Information on sponsorship, vendor booths, and tickets to the show will be available soon.  All information regarding participation, including volunteering, can be found at www.PoleNorCal.com.  If you're on the fence about participating, remember you will be at home in front of all of your loved ones.  I can't think of a better way to get your first pole show under your belt. 

I hope to see all of my Pacific Northwest friends at NCPP in August.  I would love to know what you love most and hate most about big pole events.  We want this to be the best pole event you have ever attended.  Please leave a comment below.  Also, if you have any questions, please e-mail us through the website.  See you in August!

San Francisco Adventure with Roz the Diva!

Right after Pole Expo, Roz The Diva came to town.  There was so much going on.  I had just spent a month off work recovering from foot surgery.  Then straight to Pole Expo in Vegas.  Then back to work.  It was a hectic time and I never got to write about it.  So now that things have calmed down a bit, I need to talk about my pole sister coming to visit!

I first wrote about Roz two years ago.  She was the first normal sized poler I had ever really seen through Facebook.  I wrote about Roz' competition for plus-sized polers, Dangerous Curves, last year.  There are a couple of videos of Roz on that post that you won't want to miss.  Dangerous Curves II was held earlier this month (so sorry I missed it...it sucks to be broke and injured!!!).  We still have hopes of creating Dangerous Curves - West Coast edition sometime in the future.

So, since I had just taken a month off work and then went straight to a vacation, I couldn't really take any time off to hang out with her in my neck of the woods.  I  DID get to take another workshop with her at Twirly Girls (SWAG) and then met her for lunch, then an after-work adventure one evening.  As usual, photos seem to tell a better story, so check them out below.

Warming up for SWAG with Roz the Diva

Warm-up

Our class with Roz

We all learned how to twerk!

So jealous of this girl

Taking Roz on a cable car adventure in San Francisco

The cable car was full so we had to ride on the outside.  She thought she was going to die.

We took Roz to church (Grace Cathedral)

We had cupcakes

We went to a bar

Then Roz got to experience BART

I really, really enjoyed hanging out with Roz and hope that next time we meet, we will have more time to hang out.  I need to make it to New York for the next Dangerous Curves and we still need to bring it to the West Coast!

Dangerous Curves - West Coast Edition

Last year, I wrote about how Roz the Diva had created a competition for curvy pole dancers.  Dangerous Curves was held on August 25, 2012 at Sacred Studio in Brooklyn, New York.  It was hosted by the hilarious Luenell.  I have not had the pleasure of being able to watch any videos from the competition, but I understand it was an awesome, sell-out performance. 

I spoke on the phone with Roz while I was at Pole Expo in Vegas last September.  We chatted about creating the West Coast edition of the competition.  I don't think there is confirmation of a date or venue yet, but I am hoping that the second edition of this competition will be scheduled in connection with Roz's trip to Las Vegas for the second annual Pole Expo this September.  I am planning to attend that event, and am hoping to schedule some workshops in Northern California for Roz as well (if you are in Las Vegas or California, please let me know if you'd be interested in workshops and I will connect you with Roz). 

Here's the kicker...I may even throw my hat in the ring.  Sure, I have a loooong way to go before I am ready for a competition.  But I feel like, as an advocate for curvy pole dancers, I need to talk the talk AND walk the walk.  Hey, I can't guarantee I'll get in, but I do promise to submit a video for consideration. 

Roz really is one of the most dynamic performers I have ever seen before.  I hope to take a few of her tips to provide an entertaining performance, and I am hoping that having an end goal like this will also keep me on track at the gym.

Now I can start throwing up and sweating.  I don't know why I keep forcing myself to do things that terrify me.  I feel like this is similar to the roller coaster ride I took at Disneyland.  The first two made me almost pee my pants.  But the next four times, I was having a grand ol' time.