PoleAndAerial.com

In September, I got a call from Collette Kakuk, owner of OC Pole Fitness, and manager of the amazing Felix Cane.  She recently started a website called www.PoleAndAerial.com, a site that produces instructional videos for pole and aerial enthusiasts.  She very kindly hooked me up with a free membership so that I could take advantage of all areas of their website and provide a review to all of you, my loyal blog readers!  I was very excited to watch ALL of the videos for my review.  Then the job-situation happened.  The day I got back from Pole Expo in Las Vegas, my former boss told me I should start looking for a new job.  I found a new job quickly but am now commuting into San Francisco every day.  It has left me very tired and with a lot less time for fun and exercise.  I have spent some time on the site (and know Bel from Twirly Girls has spent a lot of time there herself), so I feel comfortable still giving you a review of my findings.

PoleAndAerial.com offers instruction from some of the top pro pole dancers around the world: Felix Cane, Jenyne Butterfly, Marlo Fisken, Mai Sato, Brandon Pereyda, and Erika Labansat.  This month, they are featuring videos from guest instructor, Michelle Stanek, USPDF's most recent champion. 

I love that the videos are broken down between various levels of difficulty: beginning, intermediate, advanced and extreme.  I also love that they offer the same tricks taught by various instructors and even offer instruction in Spanish.  It is good to watch the various techniques, since each instructor has their own way of teaching.  The video genres are also broken down into pole, hoop, silks, floor work, strength and flexibility.  There are sub-genres that can help you further pinpoint what you are looking for. 

The terminology used is associated with the terms defined by the PFA (Pole Fitness Association). While I don't have a problem with their terms, I recognize that there are so many different terms used around the world for the same moves.  I would be nice to see more "aka's" included when you search videos for a certain move. 

I would also love to see a series of modified moves for those of us who may not be strong enough to do certain moves, may be taller or curvier than the average pro instructor, or may be recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic pain or health problems (for example, those with high blood pressure might not be able to invert but would love to have a lot of spins and twirls to work on).  I would love to see a larger pole dancer demonstrate how someone maybe with a little more in the chest area can place their hand or arm on the pole in certain moves.  I know for myself, I can't always reach across my chest for a move such as chair.  I have to reach higher or lower because my boobs are just too big. 

I am not the biggest advocate of learning pole dance at home alone, especially once you get into the more advanced moves.  However, if there are no studios near you, I believe PoleAndAerial.com will provide you with safe and proper instruction.  Please read and watch their safety precautions. 

If you are a studio owner, I think having a subscription can help you take your classes to the next level.  If you have a laptop or iPad at your studio, you can choose a move, watch it performed by multiple pros, and then teach it to your class.  I don't think studio owners should think of a website like this as competition, but should use it as part of their lesson plan, to complement their class.  Everyone learns differently, so being able to watch the moves performed by multiple people can help it "click" in someone's brain.  Also, as a beginning pole instructor, who may be able to talk someone through a move (and spot them flawlessly), since I cannot perform the advanced tricks, I feel like PoleAndAerial.com is a tool for me to help the more advanced students not be bored in my class.

If you haven't checked out PoleAndAerial.com, please visit their website.  You can view their free videos HERE.  A 30-day pass is $29.95, or your can purchase a year for $249 (barely $21 per month -- and hey, if you're a studio, is a business expense and tax write-off!).  I look forward to continuing to use PoleAndAerial.com to help myself and my students learn the newest pole moves in the safest manner possible.  Thanks again, Collette, for allowing me to check out your site and provide this review to my blog fans!

Studio Spotlight: Studio Jasmine!

Here is another Twitter friend to add to our ever-widening pole dancing circle (I can actually see little poles with dancers on them across a map of the world...maybe someone can create a logo!!):  This is Jasmine Grace!

What is your fitness background?

I figure skated about 3-4 times a week growing up. I was on a synchronized ice-skating team for 6 years and we disbanded when everyone went off to college. After I quit skating I didn’t follow any fitness routine at all and slowly gained 40 lbs over 4 years time. Then I found pole dancing! It has transformed my body and it is helping me to get into the best shape of my life.

What is your fitness routine (on and off the pole)?

I try to pole dance 2-3 times a week. I am working yoga and pilates into my fitness routine about twice a week as well. I do a short yoga session before bed when I have the time. It really helps relax my back muscles for a better nights sleep.

What kind of diet do you follow?

I’m really bad about what I eat. I don’t eat very healthy at all to be honest so I rely mostly on portion control. I eat a few small meals throughout the day when I am hungry.

Do you have a dance background?

I have no dance background. I have never taken a dance class in my life but like I said before I figure skated for quite some time so it did have its benefits.

Do you compete (pole fitness or any other kind of fitness competitions)?

I have never entered a pole competition before. I just started out about a year and half ago and I have tremendous stage fright. When I was younger, I never once skated solo in a competition. I always competed with my team, which consisted of about 15-20 girls. I am still working up the courage to dance in a pole competition. Maybe next year at the pole convention?

What interested you about pole dancing?

At first, I just wanted to learn to dance around the pole and do a few spins for my husband. When I went to youtube to find some moves to learn I found a whole community of people using it as an apparatus to do gravity defying stunts that looked literally impossible to execute. I kept thinking to myself, how are they doing that? And with such grace? I was hooked from that day on! I have been teaching myself from youtube ever since!

Do you have a preference? "pole fitness" or "pole dancing"

I don’t really have a preference, but I do find myself using the term pole dancing more often. I think it describes my style more. I don’t just do it for the fitness aspect. I like creating a lyrical dance.

What do you think about the stripper vs. pole fitness debate?

Dancing is dancing and talent is talent! It really all depends on the approach and the demeanor of the dancer.  I think pole dancing has roots everywhere. It is hard to pin point it and say that it came from one specific place. Every country approaches pole dancing differently, some countries very differently, and other countries only slightly. I think we should remain more focused on where pole dancing is headed versus where it has been!

What is your favorite product to help you stick to the pole?

I have not experimented with any product yet. It is on my to do list. I’m really interested in trying itac2.

How do you deal with the dry skin on pole days (and on off-pole days)?

I don’t get dry skin that much. I just use a little bit of lotion on my off pole days. I never use lotion on the days when I am on the pole.

Where do you like to buy your pole clothes?

I love Bad Kitty Exoticwear, especially their Pole Fit collection! I’m about to buy an outfit from PoleSkivvies to support a fellow poler. From what I have heard, I won’t be disappointed!

Do you like to dance in heels or barefoot?

I prefer to dance barefoot. I think it is very sexy when pole dancers wear heels in their performances, but for everyday practicing it’s just not for me.

What did you do before opening your pole studio?

I recently just graduated in 2010 with a BFA in graphic design. I had a hard time finding a job after school, so I decided to spend some time designing an online pole studio for self-taught pole dancers, like myself.

How did you come up with the name for your studio?

The name of my studio is Online Pole Studio, and it is simply that because I feel like my website is a giant online pole studio for everyone across the globe to instruct and share knowledge about pole dancing for no cost.

What is your favorite thing about dancing on the pole?

I love the thrill! I never thought I would ever be hanging from the pole by just the skin of my leg. I always wanted to take gymnastics and dance classes growing up but the figure skating classes already broke the budget. It is hard to believe that buying my first pole would lead me to learning both.

What is your favorite song to dance to (at this moment)?

“You and I” by Lady Gaga


What else would you like people to know about you or your studio?

Online Pole Studio is a great instructional aid for self-taught pole dancers. It has a pole moves glossary divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced moves. There is also a photo gallery, videos section, FAQ section, members section, and a forum coming soon!

You can sign up for a membership at Online Pole Studio for free at this web address: http://www.onlinepolestudio.com
Upon signing up you can create a profile, add friends, upload photos, connect your YouTube channel, and socialize with other pole dancers!

My youtube channel is: http://www.youtube.com/user/onlinepolestudio

My Twitter name is @studiojasmine I follow back all dancers!