Confessions of a Twirly Girl (As The World Twirls)

Poletry in Motion: Poletential!

2012-02-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

Poletential is really becoming my home away from home. Even though I am technically from another studio, they have all embraced me and I feel very welcome there. Nothing can replace my Twirly Girls...I love Bel and every single person at the studio. But it has certainly been fun meeting up with friends at Poletential on occasion!

Here are some of my past Poletential adventures:

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/10/studio-spotlight-poletential.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/10/zumba-fundraiser-for-tracey-horne.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/11/aerial-hammockyoga-at-poletential.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/12/poletentials-second-air-show.html

I can't believe its been a week since my last post on the Confessions blog. I went to Los Angeles for BeSpun's Pole Show LA and was working like mad through the weekend (shout out to Christina from Poletential...she was there too!). I went to Poletential for Jessica's Pole-In-Motion class on the Sunday before I left on the trip. Each week the class learns a short routine based on different genres of dance.

That week was Showgirl Style. I really loved it. It was simple but really cute and for those of us (ahem, mostly just me) who couldn't do a trick or two, she had options. I felt like she broke down the pieces into small enough bites so that dance-dummies, like me, could keep up. I sweat. Of course. I had fun. (TRACEY WAS THERE!) I also met Samantha there (we met on Studio Veena and she recently moved to the area) and Uzette from Alice Radio (San Francisco radio station, KLLC 97.3 FM).

I was really excited to meet up with Uzette because she is going to be doing a short pole routine in a couple of weeks at a Sarah and Vinnie Secret Show! (More info on that later!)

Anyway, I had a great time taking class with Jessica at Poletential. It has really inspired me to start learning how to DANCE more (not the silly body wiggle that I usually do). So thank you to Jessica and all of the Poletential girls for being awesome as usual! I am hoping to actually come out again this Sunday for another hammocks class...gotta check that schedule.

Uzette and me

Vote for Bendy Kate!

2012-01-25T19:21:00.000-08:00

Recently, I started seeing posts on Facebook asking people to "Vote for Bendy Kate!" Turns out we have another pole dancer on mainstream television! Last year, Steven Retchless was on America's Got Talent. This year, Bendy Kate has made it into the finals for Got To Dance, a talent show in the UK. This weekend, Bendy Kate will go up against five other acts and we need everyone to vote for our pole sister! I asked Bendy to tell us her story:

I stumbled across pole fitness at my University in the UK and fell in love with it immediately! My gymnastic background meant that I adopted the nickname "Bendy Kate" straight away! There was too many Kate's in the studio and as I was the one doing splits and putting myself into strange positions on the pole so "Bendy" seemed appropriate at the time! After a year of pole dancing I became the UK Amateur Champion. I turned professional when X-Pole asked me to perform for them (which i LOved!!). Since then I won the Miss Pole Dance UK Doubles Division with my mentor Kate Spincity Johnstone, came 2nd in the World Pole Fitness Doubles Championships and won the UK Professional Pole Championships. Pole Dancing has genuinely changed my life, I am now much more confident, graceful, stronger than I've ever been and my creativity has been unleashed! Because of pole I am now following my dreams as part of a circus troupe in the UK doing aerial silks, acrobatics and handbalancing. I hope one day to bring my pole act into circus too!

I entered Got to Dance, a UK Dance competition to try and prove to the public that pole dancing has evolved it is no longer just associated with gentleman's clubs but now is an acrobatic, creative, beautiful form of dance. I auditioned alongside my friend and fellow pole dancer Justine McLucas. The judges loved both of our auditions, we received some of the nicest feedback we have ever had! They gave us both 3 gold stars and we even managed to get the boys Adam Garcia and Ashley Banjo on the pole!

Unfortunately the pole dancers were called back to perform again and me and Justine had to compete against 4 other dancers for the last 2 spaces in the competition. After a looooong day of call back auditions and even having to change my flights to Asia for a circus tour I MADE IT THROUGH :D I clenched one of the last 2 spaces making it through to the first round of Live Semi Finals after showcasing my acrobatic cabaret chair themed routine to the judges. Justine didn't make it through this time but I have no doubt that she has many great things still to come in her pole dancing career.

I am superrrrr excited about my Semi Final performance on the 29th January on Sky 1 at 6pm. I will be pushing the boundaries of pole fitness and my routine is definitely one to make an impression on the general public (in a positive way I hope!). So please join Team Bendy and support me this Sunday on Got to Dance at Sky 1 as I will be flying the flag for pole dancing and I hope to do everyone proud!!!

*****

If you haven't seen Bendy Kate perform, check out these links:

www.bendy-kate.com

http://sky1.sky.com/got-to-dance-home/bendy-kate

Team Bendy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/158286307617304/?ref=ts

Vote event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/139556159495315/?ref=ts

Bendy Kate fan page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bendy-Kate/159603887462981?ref=ts

Bendy Kate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/BendyKate

Article: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/view/231706/Bendy-acrobat-has-got-the-pole-world-in-her-hands/

Project 365: Days 204-222

2012-01-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

Day 204

Wednesday, January 4

Day 205

Thursday, January 5

Day 206

Friday, January 6

Day 207

Saturday, January 7

Day 208

Sunday, January 8

Day 209

Monday, January 9

Day 210

Tuesday, January 10

Day 211

Wednesday, January 11

Day 212

Thursday, January 12

Day 213

Friday, January 13

Day 214

Saturday, January 14

Day 215

Sunday, January 15

Day 216

Monday, January 16

Day 217

Tuesday, January 17

Day 218

Wednesday, January 18

Day 219

Thursday, January 19

Day 220

Friday, January 20

Day 221

Saturday, January 21

Day 222

Sunday, January 22

The fat versus skinny girl debate rages on...

2012-01-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

I have posted about fit vs. fat in the past...essentially talking about not all fat people being unfit and not all skinny people being in great shape. I've also talked about self-esteem and body image. To me, they are all related. There has been a push lately on Facebook to give street cred to the curvy girl. Now the skinny girls are pushing back.

Here's my most recent post on the topic (which includes links to other posts if you need to get caught up): http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2012/01/more-curvy-girlswho-are-fit-and-fat.html

And here's an old post I did in 2010 called, Real Women Rock It: http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2010/03/real-women-rock-it.html

"Real," of course, referring to larger girls, although I do give props to women of all shapes and sizes.

It can be hard to feel good about yourself when all of the models in magazines are small and airbrushed. However, if you ever see any of those "stars without make-up" posts, you know that even the famous celebrities are just normal looking people without tons of make-up and airbrushing. Even still...it can get to you.

Gabby Reece, a professional volleyball player, and another over-six-foot tall sister, recently posted a blog called "We All Have Cellulite." I liked this quote "My point is that we all have cellulite. Cellulite meaning big hips, small breasts, less than perfect skin, not bright white teeth, funny ears, a big nose, no top lip, cankles… You name it, we can zone right in on our “cellulite” area and fixate on it several times a day." . . . "We as humans, especially women, love to torture ourselves. It’d be like having a hand full of aces and kings and somehow obsessing over the fact that we had a two. We could win the game with the cards we were dealt but we don’t. Why? Because we can’t see the whole picture since we are focused in on our two. Meanwhile someone next to you is playing the table and having a great time with a mixed bag of 10s, an eight, and a Jack."

It's funny how so much of what we do is to impress other people. And although women have a hard enough time with self-esteem, it is usually our sisters breaking us down when we are vulnerable. Why is it that so many of us feel like we have to break people down in order to build ourselves up? I don't think it needs to be that way.

Check out this article called, "The Problem With Skinny Bashing."

The Problem With Skinny Bashing

Published on January 20, 2012 by GirlieGirlArmy

Calling All Women: Let’s Stop Body Bashing and Widen Society’s View of What is Beautiful!

Full figured women have long been under assault. They aren’t represented on television, in movies or in print. And if they are, they aren’t the heroine or the love interest. They are the friend. If the media were to be believed, the average woman would be a size 2, white, straight, and carry a $3000 handbag.
The desire to push back against that vision of what society says is the ideal body type is natural. And it should be challenged. Lately, I’ve been seeing images accompanied by text on facebook that seek to elevate the status of women with curves. They look back to the period of Marilyn Monroe to show that thin, or very thin, wasn’t always in. And that’s wonderful. Celebrate healthy bodies of all shapes and sizes. Sing it loud and proud. But, this particular image which I’m linking to because copyright precludes me from posting it, while trying to rage against what society says is beautiful, is truly an example of what is wrong with society. It shows our lack of a way to discuss our bodies without judgment and without competition.

When I look at this image, I see two beautiful women. Marilyn, of course, was the biggest sex symbol of her time and is undoubtedly lovely. But the woman on the right, the woman who this image seems to despise, is not sickly. In fact, if you look at her legs, you’ll find muscle. If you look at her stomach, you won’t see ribs poking out. You’ll see a toned abdomen. It’s true that she’s thin. That she fits the size 2 image of woman that is unfairly represented in media as the only desirable figure. But to say that the woman on the right is less attractive simply to advance another body type? That’s not right either. Demonizing one to glorify another isn’t the way to have a real discussion on the female body. In fact, it’s part of the problem.

The real question is, why must it be one way or the other? Shouldn’t we all be striving for healthy bodies? And that means a different shape for every woman. The media has us all chasing our own tails in the search of the perfect figure. No matter where you look, you’ll find a reason to believe that your body can never reach perfection. The idea that perfection actually exists is the real myth.

It’s obvious that we have an issue with weight in this country. As a teacher, I’ve met ten year old girls without an ounce of fat who are dieting. They hate gaining weight even though they are getting taller and growing up. That’s unhealthy. We also have a nationwide obesity epidemic that’s putting our children at risk for diseases like type 2 diabetes. That’s also unhealthy.

The sad thing is, I’m not seeing this image posted on men’s profiles. I’m seeing it posted by women and commented on by women. They are relishing in the comparison between Marilyn and the woman on the beach. They are loving this moment of hate towards the woman in the bikini. It’s true that women who don’t conform to the narrow vision of beauty seen on TV are ostracized. They are angry for being given less importance and less of a voice in society than size 2’s, and they should be angry. However, why does this anger automatically turn into criticism of the other body type? Shouldn’t we as women be banding together to insist that a larger group of women be represented? Shouldn’t we be taking the fight to the media who is largely responsible for only showing one type of body? One woman, after noting that she’s the same size as Marilyn was, wrote, “So IN YOUR FACE all you haters who think women need to look like stick bugs to be attractive.” Why must this woman verbally assault the size 2’s and call them stick bugs to make a place for the size 12’s? Isn’t there a place for all of us?

What should be attractive? How about healthy bodies. Whether they come in the form of a size 2 or a size 12, a well loved and cared for physique is what we as women should be striving for. By all means, challenge the idea that obtaining runway model size isn’t the only way to be beautiful. Demand that the full range of woman be represented in film and in print. But tearing someone else down to demonstrate your point does a disservice to all women. It’s time to celebrate our differences. To realize that there is no one correct image of beauty. To do away with notions of perfection and instead, enjoy life as healthy confident women. It’s no easy task, but with a little love and self-acceptance, I think we can do it.

UPDATE: The response to this article has been phenomenal. We are blown away by all your insightful comments, and a follow up piece is on it’s way. In the meantime, if you agree that we can treat both others and ourselves better than we do now, spread the word on this article with the hashtag #bodybashing and keep the conversation going.

Ali Berman is a writer/teacher/activist. She works as a humane educator for HEART teaching kids about issues affecting people, animals and the environment. She is also the senior editor for Ecorazzi.com and a fiction writer.

Image above via interesting article on men’s size preference in theage.com.au

Check out some more photos from Facebook below and then let me know what you think. Can't we all just get along? ;-)

Pole Candy: Maple Loo from Bobbi's Pole Studio - Malaysia

2012-01-20T12:58:00.000-08:00

In my continued adventures to discover the history of pole dance studios around the world, I recently interviewed Bobbi and Ness of Bobbi's Pole Studio Australia. They also have studios located in Malaysia and Singapore. Today we meet Maple of Bobbi's Pole Studio Malaysia.

You have an extensive dance background. Excluding pole dance, what is your favorite genre of dance?

My favorite has gotta be street dance. I love hip hop and can totally relate to street dancers best as I myself have never had any formal dance training. Pole dancing is really the only formal training I've ever received!

When did you first start pole dancing?

Started 2008. I discovered it while watching The May Lee Show on tv one morning and immediately knew it was the ultimate thing I was gonna do moving on from my the local dance scene (Malaysia). I I was also getting fat and miserable (hahahaha) since my dance career took the back seat when my restaurants/resorts business started to expand. Hence desperately needed an outlet.... Something I could do on my own, in my own time and at home.

What brought you to Australia to train with Bobbi's Pole Studio?

I've always been a huge fan of Bobbi.....She's the 'Madonna' in the pole world! From the moment I watched Bobbi on youtube I wished I had found her years earlier. And when I finally met her, I wasn't just pole-struck by her amazingly beautiful talent but I had alot of respect for her humility - she was very warm and had a great sense of humor. You see, when I first met Bobbi in Sydney with my training team (now Bobbi's Spore), I never thought I'd end up teaching seriously. In fact it was never something I pictured myself ever doing! I'm not the most patient human being, always preferred to only work with professional dancers and the stage was always my place not the classroom. But then pole is special. Pole dancing is a lifestyle. Everything changed when the golden opportunity came.... More than anything I just wanted to be a part of Bobbi's legacy.

When did you open Bobbi's Pole Studio in Malaysia?

March 2010. Despite the fast pace, the way things are moving with the studio since we opened, I still sometimes sit in my office in utter disbelief that Bobbi has chosen me to represent her in Malaysia... What an honor.

Do you participate in competitions?

No I don't like competitions but I love doing shows.

What kind of fitness routine do you follow on and off the pole?

I love Zumba and Dance-type classes at the gym (I really miss the sort of dancing I used to do over the last 20 years so this is the best I can get these days with my schedule). And I do compound exercises for the extra strength-training once a week or whenever I travel and dont get to pole, just so I keep the power:)

Do you prefer to dance barefoot or in shoes?

Oh gosh I don't think I can dance anymore without heels! And this is also the result of the Bobbi-fication hahahaha

What do you use to help you stick to the pole?

Shaving gel and tite grip!

What trick is your nemesis?

I guess it'll have to be this combo - from static V to brass monkey

Tell us something people would be surprised to hear?

That I'm a Tae-kwon Do black belt with 7 years of training, and a mega fan of martial arts movies. And my only ambition in life was to be a vet.

What does 2012 hold for you?

Bundling more business trips to Perth and Sydney so that i can go train with Bobbi and Kim more often;) Showdown 2012 (3rd season of the street dance reality tv competition in Malaysia which I'm judge); another hotel to open in Singapore; possibly a vacation in Vegas + LA!; very likely a few more doggies!

The Psoriasis-Humira Conundrum

2012-01-20T12:35:00.000-08:00

I've been watching too much Big Bang Theory. I freakin' love that show. I just ordered a bunch of books off Amazon to help me learn bigger, cooler, nerdier words. :-)

So I'm on here whining about my psoriasis about once a month, I guess. I first started Enbrel shots in late July. This was supposed to be the miracle drug. You shoot yourself up, suppress your own immune system, and VOILA! Clear skin! You can check out my two-week update which includes photos here:

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/08/enbrel-and-psoriasis-two-week-update.html

That wasn't working for me so my doctor then changed me to Humira. Let's see if we can make you even more tired and apt to catch colds....all in the name of beautiful skin! You can read that October post here:

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/10/psoriasis-and-humira.html

So now I am four months into the Humira shots. Sure, my skin is clear-er than it was. But its not completely clear. At my last appointment (barely two weeks ago), my doctor brought up the possibility of taking another step up and trying a drug that really has only been around for a couple of years. You can read about that here:

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2012/01/found-motivation.html

So basically, be an experimental rat. I'm thinking no thanks. You want to know when my skin was at its best? When I was thinner. So I am going to stick to this Paleo plan, the Twirly Tuff workout and probably just stop taking the medication altogether.

I am going to include a couple of recent photos. From the pictures, it looks pretty clear. But a lot of the skin is still rough and some days, its redder than others. I really have not had a break-out this bad since before my weight loss. So I have to believe that losing weight is the key -- not drugging myself up.

And here's a picture from June 2011:

Progress? Yes. Full victory? Not yet.

Sexuality versus Sensuality

2012-01-19T16:59:00.000-08:00

I have a hard time with these two words. Mostly because I consider them to be the same thing: something, although I'm not sure what, slightly naughty.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sensuality

sen·su·al·i·ty [sen-shoo-al-i-tee]

noun, plural -ties.

1. sensual nature: the sensuality of Keats's poetry.

2. unrestrained indulgence in sensual pleasures.

3. lewdness; unchastity.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sexuality

sex·u·al·i·ty [sek-shoo-al-i-tee or, especially Brit., seks-yoo-]

noun

1. sexual character; possession of the structural and functional traits of sex.

2. recognition of or emphasis upon sexual matters.

3. involvement in sexual activity.

4. an organism's preparedness for engaging in sexual activity.

When I think sensual, I think candles and a bubble bath. When I think sexual, I think hooker heels and a short skirt. I am still trying to figure it out but found this article and thought I would share. I am going to continue to think about this and in the meantime, after you read this article, let me know what you think.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bethany-st-james/sexuality-romance_b_1196610.html

Sexuality vs. Sensuality: The Steady Decline of Affection in America

Posted: 1/10/12 04:24 PM ET

I am a legal prostitute. A courtesan. A working girl. I am all of these adjectives and many more. I happily and proudly make my living working in a legal brothel. My blatant acknowledgement of this fact might cause your heart to race. Whether out of anger or excitement, the fact is that I accept payment in exchange for affection.

If you'll notice, I did not use the word "sex" when describing what I do. That's neither out of shame nor embarrassment, rather because sex is only a tiny percentage of what I do. I am proud of what I do, and I enjoy it immensely. I have had the honor and joy of entertaining men and women from all walks of life, professions and of various financial means. There is a misconception that those who seek the company of a paid companion are unable to find companionship on their own or that they are simply of amoral. That might be true in many instances, however, being one who practices the art of courtesanship, I can attest that my experiences have been much different.

Although assorted diversities, tastes and needs are typical, what has recently caught my attention is the American public's sudden desire for a GFE-style companionship. For those unfamiliar with GFE, allow me to explain. The acronym, so commonly used in my profession, stands for "Girl Friend Experience." In many déclassé forms of prostitution the definition of the girlfriend experience might mean that the lady offers kissing as part of her repertoire for an extra fee. A true courtesan offers herself in her entirety. The whole experience, whether a few moments or a few days, feels as though there is a deep connection of sensuality and warmth between the parties. The art of being a courtesan is perfected only with the exchange of affection and a desire for closeness, which comes from raw, unbridled passion. A true courtesan feels a genuine appreciation for her client.

Having been a professional paramour all my adult life, I was struck by the recent resurgence of requests for romantic interludes. I started to wonder: What has caused so many people to suddenly feel so alone and in need of an ear, a hand to hold, or casual dinner conversation? The answer is simple.

In my opinion, modern Americans have failed miserably when it comes to differentiating between the words "sex" and "sensuality." Our view of what is "sexy" has become so askew that many women and men don't even know what their own desires are anymore. With most contemporary portrayals of sexuality being outright promiscuity and tactless drunken debauchery, it's not surprising that women and men have lost sight of the joys and need for sensuality. Between this severely misguided view of human sexuality and the pressures of our everyday lives, the sex lives of most Americans have been stunted. Those involved in relationships, and even those who are battling through the "dating scene," are faced with the pressures to conform to what society is telling us sex should be.

There is a lack of appreciation for tenderness running rampant through our sexual society. Our porn has become boring and, in my opinion, it might have much to do with this unrealistic and unromanticized version of physical pleasure. Women seem to think that a quick, rough and raunchy screw is the definition of "sexy" for men. Men seem to think that a sweaty, all night, creatively impressive, position-fest is the answer. Although both have their place, that isn't the only way to give your partner the ultimate satisfaction. Taking the time to kiss, caress and hold one another is so important and the ability to really listen to one another is essential.
Allow me, a self-proclaimed expert in the field of pleasure, to be the one to tell you that the desire for pillow talk, kissing and tenderness has never been at such an all-time premium. My clients come from far and wide just to have the opportunity to let go, be romantic, take their time and just enjoy the company of another human. It might sound odd to take advice from a woman who is paid to pleasure the public, but I can assure you, the more you listen, the less the public will need my services.

Pole Girl Up: This is Cleo from Bobbi's Pole Studio!

2012-01-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

As we continue learning about our pole sisters from around the world, we welcome Cleo, The Hurricane! Cleo is Miss Pole Dance Australia 2012 and an instructor at Bobbi's Pole Studio in Sydney.

Do you have a non-pole dance background?

I did ballet and gymnastics as a kid. Quit ballet when I was a teenager coz I hated it and took up the drums and guitar..played music most of my teenage years and in my 20's. Also did Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art) for a few years then took up pole when I was 27..

When did you first start pole dancing?

In 2007

How did you find Bobbi's Pole Studio?

Since the beginning of my pole life I've always been a fan of Bobbi.. I found her on youtube and would always look at her videos as well as her teachers. I just thought they were in a league of their own and dreamed to be one of them!!! I had a private with Bobbi before my first competition and surprisingly I got through to the finals that year. After the competition I emailed her saying how much of an amazing experience it was and how awesome I thought the Bobbi's girls were and that I'd love to come to Sydney to train with them and she offered me a job shortly after that. I was so shocked.. I said Yes straight away, packed up my life and moved to sydney. Have not looked back since!

You won Miss Pole Dance Australia for 2012. I'm a rock chick and looooooooooooved your music choice. Your costume was off the hook as well. How do you prepare for competitions?

My music and theme are very important to me. I always try to use epic songs and build a theme based on a song. But it always changes, the song may change or the costume might develop into something totally different. This 'lightning bolt' theme started off as a Kiss theme, I wanted to use 'god of thunder' and have a Kiss inspired costume in black and silver with lightning bolts. Then I found out that someone else was doing Kiss for the same competition so I changed my music and altered the costume design to make it a more futuristic theme. As far as training I start working on tricks and combinations about 2 months prior, probably about 2 days a week and then another day on chorey. I would think about it all the time, go through combos in my head, go to sleep and dream about it... to be honest I probably think more about it than actually doing it.. Some of my training sessions I just listen to the song over and over again and do the tricks with my hands.. and maybe bust out a couple combos on the pole to see if it goes with the music. I probably only do the routine in full maybe twice before a comp. In saying all this I teach advanced classes at Bobbi's and we are always working on new stuff and I'm always teaching them new tricks/combo ideas..

Do you prefer competitions or showcases?

Definitely showcases. But I like the lead up to a comp, the excitement, the training, the planning.. the day of a comp is very stressful.

What kind of fitness routine do you follow on and off the pole?

I teach pole approx 15-20 hours a week and do shows regularly. Off the pole I don't do anything else really. 100% pole for fitness.

Do you prefer to dance barefoot or in shoes?

Definitely shoes. MASSIVE SEXY STRIPPER HEELS to be exact.

What do you use to help you stick to the pole?

Shaving cream, hair spray, dry hands, mighty grip.. whatever is there I guess!

What trick is your nemesis?

Anything that requires back flexibility

What are your favorite songs to dance to right now?

Anything by Steel Panther because they fuckin rock

Tell us something people would be surprised to hear?

I was born in Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean and moved to Australia when I was 11.

What does 2012 hold for you?

World finals, touring the states and Brazil. I also have a new boyfriend after 3 years of being single so that will be fun!

Thank you so much for being part of my blog. If you ever make it to the states, please let me know. I would love to meet you! Likewise, if I ever make it to Australia, I will be looking you up. :-)

I'll be there in May and June! xx

How going fat-free made us all fat

2012-01-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

The Year of the Viking is going well. I am fully committed to Doug's Twirly Tuff program. We meet twice a week at Twirly Girls to do exercises that will makes us stronger for pole dancing. I am still doing pilates reformer twice a week. I also come to pole class twice a week and have been trying to meet with Bel twice a week to learn more about being an instructor. I plan to get back to Forma to do yoga once or twice a week soon but have been so busy that I'm too tired to add anything else to my plate.

I am also super excited about The Primal Blueprint/Paleo diet that I started barely a week ago. I have lost five pounds in the last five days (from 257 pounds to 252...my lowest weight yet for 2012 and even during a PMS week!). When you're reading this book, everything clicks and it just makes so much more sense. The basics (as I am hopefully understanding it right) are cutting out processed foods, eating the good fats, limiting (but not necessarily cutting out completely) carbs. Basically, eat fruit, veggies and meat.

I know I've tried "diets" before and they don't work. I'm making this a lifestyle change. Make more of my own healthy foods and enjoy what I'm eating. I'm not forcing myself to eat foods I hate just in the name of losing some weight. At the same time, I have gained 50 pounds in the last few years and I keep making excuses for why its happening. I have always instructed gastric bypass patients to stay on top of weight gain. Take care of it when its 5 pounds -- not 10, 25, 50 or 100. But we so often ignore one pound of weight gain. "It's just one pound." I have it's-just-one-pounded myself into a 50 pound weight gain!! Granted, I'm still 100 pounds lighter than I used to be nine years ago, but this still isn't a healthy weight for me. And now I'm not playing around anymore.

I love the quote...life doesn't start five pounds from now. That is certainly true but I can definitely do more weighing five...ten...fifty pounds less than I do now. So I am not putting my life on hold while I lose weight but I am so excited for the additional things I will be able to do when I weigh less.

Catch up on my Lose the Lard Ass adventures (failures) from the past year or so:

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/11/operation-lose-lard-ass-three-month.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/04/win2lose-weight-two-month-update.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/05/gluten-sensitivity-and-psoriasis.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/05/blood-type-diet.html

It's like the harder I try, the fatter I get.

I keep thinking about going to Weight Watchers years and years ago. They had a fat and fiber plan (before points was so popular...actually, this is what probably lead to the points system being developed). You were supposed to eat under 10 grams of fat and least 10 grams of fiber per day. Well, okay...have you seen all the fat-free food options in the stores?? Do you know how they replace fat when they remove it from foods? They use sugar. So the calories may be the same or higher than your full-fat option. And its stock full of sugar. Yum. I could eat thousands of calories in a day and never go over 10 grams of fat. Weight Watchers, of course, had to start telling people, you still need to eat in moderation. But that program was probably their biggest failure. I know I failed on it.

So Mark Sisson, who wrote the Primal Blueprint has some great information on the carb-eating/over-exercising cycle. He calls us "sugar-burners." We eat shitloads of carbs...you know, because we need energy since we are athletes. Then we have to go work it off every single day. But our bodies only ever burn off the carbs and sugar we are eating -- never getting to the underlying fat that needs to be burned off.

Anyway, this is getting longer than I know most people want to read. I highly suggest Mark's books, or his website: Mark's Daily Apple. If you want to read about "why fat, not carbs is the preferred fuel for the human metabolism," check it out here: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/a-metabolic-paradigm-shift-fat-carbs-human-body-metabolism/#axzz1jppRjEXl

Here's another article that might state it a bit more simply: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-Sugar-Makes-Us-Fat&id=502642

I'm totally a poo-poo-er of diets and gimmicks (mostly because, even though they don't work over time, even for a short time, I'm usually too lazy to implement them). Everyone is telling me to try this or that and I'm always like, "Oh I got this!" I don't "got this." Doug made a great statement today. He said: "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." I was certain ready. And Doug and Bel have appeared to heal my fat and broken body.

I also really like that Mark Sisson gives us great information but also gets that you can't/won't do it 100% of the time. I hate the diets that tell you that you will never have a piece of cake again: "Do you want to be a lard ass or do you want to be thin and happy?" Well, can't I have a little of both??? I have certainly made myself a piece of toast twice in the last five days and still lost weight. I'm sure my increased activity is contributing a little bit to it. But when I was trying to lose weight before, I was working out twice a day and only losing an average of a pound a month. It took me about a year and a half to lose 22 pounds. So clearly my diet is more important than I have ever wanted to admit.

So the fun continues...I'm losing weight, feeling good and really looking forward to this year getting better and better!

The Pole Dancing Shop and BeSpun's Pole Show LA 2012

2012-01-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

I am extremely excited to announce that Rita, Andrew and I will be attending the Pole Show LA on behalf of The Pole Dancing Shop in just under two weeks. We will be taping interviews with some amazing pole stars and the videos will be uploaded to The Pole Dancing Shop's website.

There is already a list of the headliners on The Pole Dancing Shop's website. Keep an eye on this link for updates and videos!

http://www.thepoledancingshop.com/pole-show-la-2012/#.TxR1g_nZiSo

We are really excited and I will write more about our adventures when we return.

Is anyone else planning to attend? I'd love to meet up with some of my pole friends!

Pioneers of Pole: Bobbi's Pole Studio!

2012-01-13T15:38:00.000-08:00

I recently started researching the History of Pole Dance to do a post for The Pole Dancing Shop. While the history for the United States and Canada came up fairly easily, I was having a harder time finding out when pole dancing started moving mainstream in the rest of the world (maybe since I'm in the U.S., the Internet thought I didn't need to know about any other areas of the World?). I then saw that Bobbi of Bobbi's Pole Studio was named United Pole Artist's Pro-Poler of the year. I also saw an article from Australia about how Bobbi built her pole dancing empire. So I started doing some research. Of course, I'd heard the name before: I had heard people say that Felix Cane had danced at Bobbi's Pole Studio. And, of course Bobbi must be a Pioneer of Pole for Australia. So I decided that it was time to just go to the source...

Today we have the co-owners of Bobbi's Pole Studio, Bobbi and Vanessa ("Ness"), with us [check out their profiles HERE]. Bobbi's was first opened in Sydney, Australia in 2004 (now with three locations in Australia, one in Malaysia and one in Singapore).

You are pioneers of bringing pole dance to the masses. What made you decide to open your first studio?

Ness: I met Bobbi learning pole dancing in a strip club (for non strippers) and we stayed in contact. A lot of the girls from the original Strip club classes new that we were doing some projects together (DVD, coffee table book) and kept asking when we would open a school. In 2004 we opened “Sydney Pole Dancing School” (with 2 poles) in a “massage” parlor in Pitt St.

Eight weeks later with over a 100 students we moved to a new studio in Castlereagh St. and renamed it Bobbi’s Pole Studio (just in case we ever have another studio somewhere else, yeah right!)

In 2005 Miss Pole Dance Australia was born and Bobbi’s sister Kim opened a studio in Perth. Bobbi’s Babes started to handle all the bookings we were getting for Pole Dancers and Miss Pole Dance Australia just got bigger and bigger.

In 2010 we opened Bobbi’s Pole Studio Malaysia and Bobbi’s Pole Studio Singapore.

How did you choose Singapore and Malaysia as additional locations?

It was the people more than the countries, Linna and Jasmine (Singapore) and Maple (Malaysia) came over for a few weeks for private lessons with Bobbi and their ability and personalities just made it a good match to join the Bobbi's family

How do you feel about pole dancing going mainstream?

It's great that it's finally being accepted for what it is, 8 years ago we were having a lot of attitude from the press/sponsors of competitions, etc. But I kind of miss the "undergroundness" of it, I guess. It was exciting to be around when it was still surprising people.

What was your background in both pole dance and other classical forms of dance?

Ness: Bobbi's trained extensively in many forms of dance, I'm more the business side of the business.

Who are other pole pioneers that you admire?

Pantera and Fawnia Dietrich are the originals.

The new school of pioneers are Felix Cane, Alethea Austin and Jenyne Butterfly.

My favorite Bobbi's-taught pro competitor is Felix Cane. Who are other famous Bobbi's dancers?

Allegra, Cleo. Maple from Malaysia and Sparx are famous in their own right with pole dancing part of that famousness but probably Allegra and Cleo.

How did Miss Pole Dance Australia come about?

A guy from the Netherlands contacted us to put on the Australian chapter of his Miss Pole Dance competition and we agreed. We had a rocky relationship with him and we didn't end up being part of his larger competition but Miss Pole Dance Australia was born and we never looked
back

Tell us one thing about each of you you that people might be surprised to hear.

One thing that people might be surprised to hear? That's hard...I'm a bit
obsessed with survival skills (Ness) and Bobbi speaks fluent Japanese.

What does 2012 hold for each of you and Bobbi's Pole Studio?

The revamp of the Old and The Flexible on Bobbi TV, possibly another Inner Showgirl competition.

Thank you both so much for participating in my blog. In my wildest dreams, I will get to make a trip over to Australia to take a class with you someday! Much love to you both!

The "stripper" versus "pole dancer" debate

2012-01-13T10:03:00.000-08:00

So one of the questions I have asked in the past of my blog interviewees is what they think about the "stripper vs. pole fitness debate." It is clear that some people are very comfortable with pole dancing being associated with stripping and/or their sexuality (and sensuality?? I think I need to do a little soul searching to make sure I truly understand the difference between those words!!). It is also clear that some people are trying to distance themselves and talk about the fitness, acrobatic and strength side of pole fitness.

Does it mean that strippers or pole dancers aren't also into pole fitness?

Here are a couple of my past posts on the subject:

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/03/when-i-grow-up-i-wanna-be-stripper.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/02/strippers-get-breast-cancer-too.html

I feel like I have been caught with my pants down on occasion on this subject. Not because I haven't chosen a side, but because I don't HAVE a side. I have never stripped but I am not against strippers. However, at the same time, clearly society's negative view of stripping occasionally may creep into my words because some people have taken things I have written as negative comments against strippers.

Example: I wrote this blog for The Pole Dancing Shop: http://www.thepoledancingshop.com/pole-dancing-and-your-significant-other/#.TxBrtIHnuSo

The post is about presenting your decision to begin pole dancing to a partner who may be concerned or jealous. My comment was: "If they are stuck on the 'stripper thing,' try to move past it by saying that you have no intentions of becoming a stripper, and that this adventure is about you finding your sexy side and building your own confidence." One person ripped the post for being anti-stripper. I felt bad because that wasn't my intention but it is certainly true that a lot of people in society associate pole dancing with stripping and that can cause a problem in some relationships. I am not making a judgment about whether it is wrong or right, but it is what it is.

I tried to make amends by writing another post for The Pole Dancing Shop: http://www.thepoledancingshop.com/a-brief-history-of-pole-dance/#.TxBqJ4HnuSo

In it, I included my very favorite quote from Claire of The Pole Story: "If for some reason, the idea of your dancing being connected to the strip club scene is upsetting to you, if you desperately need to distance what you do from what those 'other girls' do, if you truly believe that you are doing this because it’s just a really good workout, then I strongly suggest you spend some time thinking about why you chose pole dancing. Because there are a million ways to get fit without putting on six inch stilettos, a bikini and swinging sensually around a pole." So then some of the anti-stripper people jumped in to comment that they were different from strippers because they didn't take their clothes off.

*sigh* I just can't win so I should stop while I'm ahead.

Then last night I read Michelle Shimmy's first blog post about having thick skin: http://shimmypolediary.blogspot.com/2012/01/first-blog-ever-thick-skin.html

One thing I took away from the post was that I cannot make everyone happy all of the time (of which I was aware but clearly needed to be reminded). But this quote in particular struck a chord in me: It's completely normal that not everyone will like what you do. As the pole movement gains momentum, and new skills are created, it's going to get harder and harder to impress people. People will become more discerning, and competitive. Sometimes, people will comment on other people's style of dance as a way of defining their own style. An example of this is a traditional "sexy" pole dancer saying she doesn't like contemporary pole, or a former ballerina saying she hates body rolls and hair flicks. What they're really saying is that they've adopted a particular style as their favourite way to pole dance, to the exclusion of other styles. That's ok too - there's room enough in the pole world for many different ways of pole dancing, and it's quite exciting to see new styles develop and change.

She's right! There is room for EVERY kind of style. You can be a pole dancer, an aerial artist, a pole fitness fanatic, or a stripper...whatever you want! You can love to dance to classical music or hard rock music. You can focus on amazing tricks or sexy floor work. You can do whatever you want because THAT is the beauty of ART. Dance is art. And you are the artist. Your art may not be beautiful to someone else, but as long as you're happy, that is all that matters.

Until next time, lovelies, happy twirling!

More curvy girls...who are fit and "fat"

2012-01-12T11:23:00.000-08:00

Get caught up on the fit and fat debate here (VERY popular posts, by the way)...

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/10/can-you-be-fat-and-fit.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/10/continuing-fat-and-fit-debate.html

http://lolorashel.blogspot.com/2011/12/more-on-being-fat-and-fit.html

Last night I saw this article and thought I'd share it...nope, nothing else to say. Just enjoy more nude pictures of normal chicks. :-)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2085226/PLUS-Model-Magazines-Katya-Zharkova-cover-highlights-body-image-fashion-industry.html

'Most runway models meet the BMI criteria for anorexia', claims plus-size magazine in powerful comment on body image in the fashion industry

By Tamara Abraham

Last updated at 12:08 PM on 12th January 2012

A magazine dedicated to plus-size fashion and models has sparked controversy with a feature claiming that most runway models meet the Body Mass Index criteria for anorexia.

Accompanied by a bold shoot that sees a nude plus-size model posing alongside a skinny 'straight-size' model, PLUS Model Magazine says it aims to encourage plus-size consumers to pressure retailers to better cater to them, and stop promoting a skinny ideal.

Size 12 (U.S.) model Katya Zharkova, 28, stars in the shoot, which has a powerful statistic accompanying each image.

Size matters: PLUS Model Magazine has shot size 12 Katya Zharkova pose with a 'straight-size' model to demonstrate the difference between them

One, printed alongside a photo of the Russian beauty holding a tape measure across her rear, reads: 'Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less.'

Another states: 'Ten years ago plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18. Today the need for size diversity within the plus-size modeling industry continues to be questioned.

'The majority of plus-size models on agency boards are between a size 6 and 14, while the customers continue to express their dissatisfaction.'

And finally, further highlighting how poorly the fashion world caters to plus-size women, the magazine tells us: '50% of women wear a size 14 or larger, but most standard clothing outlets cater to sizes 14 or smaller.'

Body image: The Russian beauty poses with a tape measure around her rear alongside a statistic that shows how different models are from real women

In an accompanying editorial, the magazine's editor-in-chief, Madeline Figueroa-Jones, explains that the feature is a response to a fashion and beauty industry which continues to endorse a skinny ideal that is not always healthy and alienates a huge percentage of the market.

She writes: 'We are bombarded with weight-loss ads every single day, multiple times a day because it’s a multi-billion dollar industry that preys on the fear of being fat.

'Not everyone is meant to be skinny, our bodies are beautiful and we are not talking about health here because not every skinny person is healthy.'

Ms Figueroa-Jones says consumers can no longer identify with models; the disparity between real woman and those that grace ad campaigns and the covers of magazines is to wide now.

Body image: The model proudly bares her U.S. size 12 curves in the magazine shoot

'Small women cannot be marketed to with pictures of plus-size women, why are we expected to respond to pictures of small size 6 and 8 women?' she asks.

The PLUS Model Magazine feature has generated a mixed response from its readers though.

While some have praised the statements the shoot makes, others believe that positively endorsing a fuller figure is as dangerous as advocating a skinny one.

Big deal: The magazine wants to encourage women to embrace their bodies as they are, and not strive to emulate an unrealistic ideal

One reader on the magazine's website comments: 'If this article is saying you should feel pretty at any size, fine. but don’t tell me you’re obese and healthy. We have a twisted sense of what healthy is in this country and an even more twisted sense of what people are allowed to say about it.'

Another adds: 'I don’t think the fashion world should support obesity, just as I don’t think it should support anorexia.'

The article has also generated an equal share of agreement, though. Reader Danae writes: 'We all women are brainwashed to believe that we are ugly and men will never look at us if we are not starving... We need more variety of healthy female body images.'

The January issue of PLUS Model Magazine is on sale now; plus-model-mag.com

Pioneer of Pole: Annemarie Davies!

2012-01-11T16:10:00.000-08:00

I have been so tickled to have some of the most amazing pioneers of pole dance respond to my request for an interview. Here is another one of our girls who has helped blaze the trails! This is Annemarie Davies of United Pole Artists!

You have been pole dancing since 2002, which makes you a pioneer of the industry! How do you feel about pole dancing going mainstream?

Pole dancing going mainstream is a blessing and a bit of a curse. Because it is mainstream, there is debate over whether or not we should censor ourselves. Originally, I began pole dancing because I was stripping, and the erotic side of pole dancing was a big reason why I loved it so much. However, I did feel unappreciated in the clubs, and have felt so much more love from an audience performing in mainstream settings. The road here has been a wonderful, arduous one. Loving every minute of it, but fighting my way through it.

Who are other pole pioneers that you admire?

I admire Fawnia Dietrich, Bobbi from Australia for always staying true to who they are. I also admire J.K. Aloia for being super amazing, staying out of the scene because for her it's just about pole and nothing else.

You won Entertainer of the Year at the Spearmint Rhino. When did you decide to leave the club and start teaching in a studio?

I knew that I wanted to leave the year that I won, which was in late 2005, crowned for '06. There was no way I could lose, in my head, because it was the only way I could exit. I did my tour, and ended in December of '06 and tried to quit. After a few weeks, I realized I was broke, with no experience in anything but "dancing", so I went back, but to a different club. That's where I met my now boyfriend, fell in love, and 6 months later, mid 2007, I quit cold turkey and had to find an alternative. That's when I found X-Polesititons and Jumbo's Clown Room, then later, Evolve. :)

How did the idea for United Pole Artists come about?

After we produced Pole Star Invitational in 2008, I got really depressed because I knew we wouldn't be doing again, and so much work went into it. There was a feeling that I had to do something, I just was unsure of what. The thought of a website came to mind, with no real idea of what I do or how I would do it. That developed over time. The idea came because all I do is think about pole dancing, so I figured a site where I could talk about it all the time would be a good start.

You also perform at Jumbo's Clown Room and teach at Evolve Dance Studio in Southern California. How do you feel your background in exotic dancing has enhanced your ability to perform and teach your students?

Because I was able to dance fully nude in front of people, I gained a confidence with my dancing, and felt like I could do just about anything in front of anyone. From being in several different types of situations on stage, there is a sense of comfort and control that I have when I'm up there, and that translates over when I'm teaching. I never feel frustrated, angry, scared or intimidated, and I believe that helps when I'm in a room with 8-20 other women who all have their own opinions and ideas. :)

Tell us one thing about you that people might be surprised to hear.

I often get nervous when performing a choreographed routine! Terribly nervous. Sweaty palms, butterflies in my tummy and a lot of pacing back and forth.

What does 2012 hold for you?

Already, there is a difference with this year. This will be the year that determines a lot of things for me and for United Pole Artists, which is my number one focus in life, besides my boyfriend and my family. I want to live this year as if the world is going to end as predicted. There will be no holding back, there will be an endless amount of work, and every opportunity to celebrate will be had!

Thank you for being part of my blog. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Thank you so much for asking me these questions! I will see you in Los Angeles for the Pole Show!

unitedpoleartists.com
poledancelife.com

Power of Pole for ME!

2012-01-09T12:53:00.000-08:00

I subject everyone else to my questions so I thought I would answer them too. :-)

How long have you been pole dancing?

I just passed the two year mark at Twirly Girls! I first tried a class at S Factor about three years ago but the distance was too far to travel on a weekly basis so I didn't start dancing on a regular basis until I found Twirly Girls in December 2009.

What first drew you to try it?

My first introduction to pole dancing for fitness was when OC Pole Fitness friended me on MYSPACE maybe four or five years ago (I canceled my MySpace account at least two years ago, and I was on there for awhile so I'm guessing it was over four years ago). I was intrigued but they were in Southern California (and I'm in Northern California), so I couldn't try it out. I then heard some girls from S Factor on the radio in San Francisco and decided it was something I wanted to try.

Where do you take classes?

Twirly Girls Pole Fitness in Pleasanton, California.

Do you have a pole at home?

I do although I don't have it up right now. It's in my front room and sometimes it gets too crowded. :-/

How often do you pole?

Currently, I am training to teach so I'm scheduled to be at the studio four days a week!

What else do you do to keep your body in shape to pole?

I'm using pilates reformer to work on strengthening my core. I am also doing the Twirly Tuff conditioning program twice a week. I need a little more cardio and should get a jog in there at least once a week but I'm lazy. I also try to hit yoga at least twice a week.

Do you like to dance in shoes or barefoot?

I have shoe envy. I love how shoes look but I can't walk in them very well so I look more natural when I dance barefoot.

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

Many dancers have suggested a couple of the Vaseline lotions (I use Vaseline Total Moisture as suggested by Natasha Wang). I have psoriasis on my elbows (its an autoimmune disease that causes skin to grow faster than normal in certain places, which leaves ugly dead skin). Skipping lotion on pole days just bums me out because then I feel all scaly and nasty. If I am putting lotion on in the morning and not poling until night time, I will put a tiny bit of the Vaseline lotion on my elbows. I will also put face lotion on but won't put lotion on any other part of my body. If I am poling in the morning, I just go without and suffer. My dry skin issue is the reason I ask everyone this question. :-)

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

I use Mighty Grip on occasion but usually try to just stick myself to the pole. I often use Dr. Bronner's soap in the shower to kind of give my skin a little stick without anything else.

Where do you buy your pole clothes?

I have a pair of Pole Skivvies shorts. I also have some Capezio dance shorts. For the most part, I just wear my Twirly Girls shirts and regular old sports bras.

What is your favorite song to dance to right now?

No favorite right now. I'm feeling a little discouraged because I felt like in December I was dancing so much better than I am in January. So when I'm in one of "those" moods, I have no favorite songs. :-)

How do you feel like pole has improved or changed your life?

Bel and Twiry Girls have completely changed my life. Even though my weight is higher than I'd like it to be, I can't imagine how much higher it would be if I didn't have pole in my life. I can't wait for Twirly Tuff to transform me so I can unveil the BODY THAT POLE BUILT. So many doors are being opened for me right now. It's a little surreal. I am very excited about the opportunities being presented to me through pole dancing and writing this blog. My blog is very close to 50,000 views. Thank you to every single person who has taken the time to read my posts. Pole Dancers Unite! You all rock my socks off!

Three months into pole dancing (Approx. January 2010)

Two years into pole dancing (Approx. September 2011)

*Day 30 of 30 day blogging challenge*

My blogging challenge is almost done

2012-01-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

So almost a month ago, I took the 30 day blogging challenge. The challenge was to actually have decent content every single day. I tried very hard not to make any of my interviews a qualifying blog, although I did end up doing it once on a super busy day. I know that some days, I do over-share by putting up multiple posts (usually when I have good interviews I really want to post). I also often skip weekends since most of my "clicks" seem to come on week days. For the most part, I only like to post things when I actually have things to post. So while the challenge was nice, I'm not sure I would take it again. Like I warned on my very first day of blogging, some days I might have a bunch of posts and some days I might have none. I like the freedom of that choice. Feeling like I HAD to post to meet some challenge was not really my style. So I have one more day of "forced" blogging...then its back to randomness as usual! See you tomorrow!

*Day 29 of 30 day blogging challenge*

Need more hours in the day...

2012-01-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

Or I need to learn how to survive off less sleep. I had Twirly Tuff this morning. Then pole class. Then I practiced my interviewing skills at Rita's. I have a list of things I need to get done today: Burlesque routines, write blogs, write interview questions for the pole dancers....blah blah blah. But all I want to want to do is take a nap. Its almost 5:30 p.m. I imagine a nap now would be pointless. But I suuuuuuuure do wish I could! Tomorrow is yoga and then meeting up with a friend I haven't seen in awhile. Oh yeah, then drag show. Then the work week is here again. Monday through Wednesday nights, I will be at the studio. Thursday is my only chance of having an evening off. Hopefully Friday too. Then the weekend will be here and that's when I try to catch up on all of my stuff again. Never ends. :-)

*Day 28 of 30 day blogging challenge*

Power of Pole: This is Naomi!

2012-01-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our circle, another pole sister from Facebook: NAOMI!

How long have you been pole dancing?

I started pole in July 2009. I took break at the end of 2010 for a bit over 6 months and got back into it again in May 2011.

What first drew you to try it?

It was one of those things that I thought would be fun to just have a go at – but not having a dance background or being at all sporty I never really had the gumption.

I saw a doco on TV in early 2009, “Best Undressed” about the 2008 Miss Nude Australia pageant and thought the name of one of the competitors, Miss Suzie Q, sounded familiar. Took a bit for the penny to drop that I had been going past signs for ‘Suzie Q Pole Studio’ for months, as it was only minutes from my house. With a studio only minutes from my house, how could I not give it a go? The rest is history!

Where do you take classes?

Suzie Q Pole Studio (www.suzieqpolestudio.com.au) once a week, near home, and Blush Dance School (www.blushdanceschool.com.au) once a week near work.

Do you have a pole at home?

Yes – the spare bedroom is now the ‘pole room’. We invested in a sofa bed for the spare room so that I could have the space for my pole!

How often do you pole?

Twice a week with lessons and then I try to get on the pole a couple of times a week at home also. If I have a comp or performance coming up I might end up poling every day.

What else do you do to keep your body in shape to pole?

Not enough!! There just never seems to be enough time in the day. I have committed to myself in the new year that I get to the gym to improve my overall fitness and strength – I’m getting to a point in my poling that my overall fitness is going to hinder my progression.

I’ve also started taking some casual jazz ballet classes at Sydney Dance Company to help with my overall dance technique.

Do you like to dance in shoes or barefoot?

Mostly bare foot, although I am trying to train myself to dance in shoes too. I have a couple of pairs of fabulous ‘stripper’ shoes but just haven’t trained enough in them to perform wearing shoes (yet!).

I need to get comfortable in shoes so that I can rock out my new ‘Glitter Heels’ – I am on love with my Glitter Heels!

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

I don’t tend to have too many issues with dry skin. I just use whatever moisturise might be in the house on off-pole days. On pole days, if my skin looks particularly scaly (sometimes my shins just look a bit dry!) I use Pole Physics lotion; you can’t use it immediately before poling, you do need to apply a couple of hours out, but it doesn’t leave you greasy or slippery.

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

Dry Hands! I get really sweaty hands and this is what works for me. I even put a bit on inner thighs & other key grip points on my legs to keep the slipperiness at bay!

Sometimes if I am on a brass pole I will use a bit of shaving foam on my legs for just a little ‘tack’.

Where do you buy your pole clothes?

All over the place. At the moment loving Cotton On (Aussie chain store) yoga shorts – they are the exact right length for pole and are high enough in the waist that I don’t end up flashing! I also really like 007 Heaven skorts – so cute!

What is your favorite song to dance to right now?

I don’t have a particular favourite; if I’m just mucking around at home, I just whack the iPod on shuffle and see what comes out.

How do you feel like pole has improved or changed your life?

I am far more confident in myself and my body – if two years ago someone had said that I would be OK with getting up on stage in front of a couple of hundred people in my bra & undies, I would have laughed at them!

My fitness is the best it’s been in my entire life – it’s very true what they say about finding exercise that you to do! I can hang upside down from one leg – for someone that has never in their lives been sporty or particularly fit, that’s really cool!

AND… Pole also keeps me sane. My job can be pretty high pressure and high stress; when I am in class my mind is on what I am doing and that’s it. Any work or other nonsense just doesn’t have a place in my head for that hour. Without pole I wouldn’t be nearly as happy as I am!

*Day 27 of 30 day blogging challenge*

Found: Motivation

2012-01-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

My motivation is no longer on the back of a milk carton. Last night, I found an old picture of me (from 2009). I'm all greasy, wearing my glasses and sweats, making cookies or something at Rita's house. But you can see how skinny I was. My tummy. My arms. My face. And I want to look like that again. I set the photo as the background and welcome screen as my phone. So every time I look at my phone, which is at least 147 times a day, I will be reminded of where I want to be again.

I started the Year of the Viking strong. Sunday, I did Twirly Tuff. Tuesday, I had pilates reformer and taught two classes at Twirly Girls. Last night, I had class at Twirly Girls. This morning, I had pilates reformer. Saturday, I have Twirly Tuff plus pole class at Twirly Girls. Sunday is yoga day. My Primal Blue Print 21 Day Total Body Transformation workbook showed up today. Yeah, I'm a bit nervous about being on a "diet." But I'm not calling it a diet. I'm calling it "eating like a regular person."

In case I needed any additional motivation, I had an appointment with my dermatologist today to see how the Humira is working for my psoriasis. I mean, my skin is better but it should be almost completely clear by now. I brought up my weight gain as a possible reason that I had such a bad psoriasis flare up in the first place. He didn't really address that but he did mention that the medication (which is a shot I give myself) isn't doled out based on weight so the heavier I am, the less the medication works since it has to cover more territory. He did mention going up another step if we aren't happy with the results in another three months (Humira is already the second step up...I started with Enbrel). However, this other medication only has a couple of years of research on it and I'm not sure I want to be a guinea pig. I think losing weight and letting my skin clear on its own is a better idea.

So I found my motivation. And it was in me the entire time (or, it was in my phone at least). I am looking forward to the help I'm going to be getting from people like Doug, Bel, Rita, Dave, Rob, Jessica and John, but I know that at the end of the day, the only person who can make this happen is....ME!

*Day 26 of 30 day blogging challenge*

Men on the Pole: Meet Joel!

2012-01-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

Joel was probably the first non-pro "man on the pole" that I saw hanging around YouTube and Facebook. Here is his story!

"Men on the Pole" has become a popular subject. How did you get interested in pole dancing/aerial arts?

Like so many others, I fell in love with pole dance on You-Tube. After many months of commenting on others routines, I uploaded a skit to You-Tube in which I joked about building a pole in the basement. I think I knew all along that I was going to build that pole for real. It was a genuine case of "life imitating art"--the skit became reality. That video is still up on my channel: Poledancefan's Wife Lays Down the Law.

What is your fitness background?

My first love has always been bike riding. I don't like cold weather riding, but from the months April to October, I ride almost every day. I have a few standard rides, including from my house to the Navy Pier Beer Garden for live music (34 miles roundtrip), the Prairie Path system, the Brookfield Zoo/Salt Creek Trail (25 miles roundtrip). I go to the the local LA Fitness for treadmilling and weight machines. At home I have a real mish-mash of rubber bands, therapy bands, a pull-up bar, and hand squeezers. I really like the Fitness Model "Zuzanna" of Charley James Fitness Channel and I sometimes follow along with her videos. Much of her material can be done on the floor or a mat with no equipment. My favorite floor exercise in the slow, twisty sit up. Just lie down completely stretched out, hands over head. Then sit-up slowly, hands still extended and bring your straight arms over to your left side on the ground. Then repeat, going to the OTHER side. It seems like a joke until you get to number 30! Don't weight down your feet--you see, the idea is to sit up S L O W L Y so your feet don't jerk up into the air. It forces you to avoid "momentum" and build core.

What aerial arts do you participate in besides pole dance?

I should say that Aerial is my ONLY activity now, because I lost my pole practice area to my son's return from college. Chicago still has no regularly offered pole classes for men. It's been a real source of frustration for me. Aerial classes, however, are co-ed and it's the ONLY outlet for me right now until some pole studio decides to allow men in class on a regular basis.

I take beginner's Aerial at the Actor's Gymnasium in Evanston, Illinois. That's right by Northwestern University. My instructor, Jill Heyser, is wonderful. She's an engineer, amateur astronomer, and talented theatre and performing artist. We work on trapeze, Spanish Web (which is a rope made of fire hose and stuffed with a soft fill and rigged with a leather loop and hand/foot harness for twirling), Lyra (aerial hoop), and the Silks (knotted or open).

It's been a real struggle for me. I am the only male in the class, the oldest, the least flexible, and the heaviest. But I have enjoyed every minute of it--including the chance to overcome my fears and my self doubt. At this point in my life--and given some of the distractions I have going on right now--I know that I probably won't excel in these things, but I have made a progress each session.

The best part of Aerial has been making new friends. One of my classmates, Amy, recognized me from a pole jam several years ago and was instrumental in encouraging me to keep returning to class when I got very discouraged. A few of us have lunch every Saturday after class, so there is a real social component to it also.

What is your fitness routine (on and off the pole/silks/lyra, etc.)?

Most days I go to the Health Club. But when I am busy at home, I have all of these little tricks to stay active. One day I took 50 pennies out of the penny jar, threw them down the basement stairs , and resolved to get each one back in the jar within 24 hours, one at a time. My chores and laundry got about 25 of them back up the stairs, but later that night I was sprinting up the stairs, one penny at a time!!! One day I stole (my wife) Laurie's egg timer and kept setting it to 30 minute intervals and did a floor exercise every time it beeped! A few days later she called me at work because she was baking a cake and couldn't find her timer!!!!

What kind of diet do you follow?

I eat mostly chicken and turkey for meat. I don't eat pork or shellfish at all--I gave them up in memory of Bob Marley's death in 1981. It's a long story-- I was a big fan! I do like beef and steak--I certainly won't turn down a hamburger or a steak on the grill if Laurie offers to cook them. But I avoid red meat during the week. My most common lunch meal is the Chicken Ceaser Salad or some variation at Panera's Deli. I would describe my wife as a typical all American cook, which means we are as likely to be eating Taco's as Curry Chicken, Spaghetti, or Pot Roast for dinner.

How do you describe your pole/aerial style?

"Beginner." I don't really dance, so I practice it more as a sport or an athletic activity.

Have you participated in any competitions? Do you have any title(s)?

No.

Where do you train? Do you have your own studio? Do you have a pole at home?

Right now, my basement pole room is "in flux." My son is finishing his college studies at home, so he lives down there next to the workout room. We have an "uneasy truce" and share that space for right now, so the pole is a bit lonely!

Do you have sponsors you'd like to acknowledge? (If applicable.)

I guess right now, my aerial inspiration has been my friend Amy. I had a real "crisis of pole" when I saw that circumstances in my life would make continuing to pole dance impossible for the time-being. When I first came to aerial class, I decided 15 minutes into class I was never coming back. It was too difficult! Well, she had a different idea about that and somehow talked me into sticking to it. I am very grateful to her for the faith she had in me.

What did you do before competing and/or opening your pole studio? (If applicable.)

I am still working as a nursing home inspector for the State of Illinois. It's a field job, I'm out in my car every day and not tied to a desk. I do everything from reviewing medical charts to chasing bed-bugs into a zip lock bag--there's never a dull moment! It's not glamorous or high paying, but it's a steady gig with a pension and lots of people contact. The elderly population is great to work with and I enjoy the time I spend at work with them.

I do think it would be fun to open a mixed apparatus aerial studio one day. I would love to see a studio appeal to men by adding the rock climbing and rappelling elements to aerial and to pole. We could get men into studios if there were multi-disciplinary elements in the class. In fact, I think it would be awesome for a Marine or a Special Forces soldier to come to a studio with some gear and teach some rope climbing skills as an adjunct to what we do. I hope someone steals this idea--seriously!!

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

I am a big Reggae fan and I just play stuff in the background. I can't say I really dance. I am very open minded when it comes to music----and now that I hang out with so many aerialists from Wisconsin who come to class here, I have even listened to a little bit of Industrial music!

Do you have any other upcoming events/competitions you'd like people to know about?

YES! I want to put in a word for Meagan Evanoff's and Diana Sekura's production Company "Ascend Pole Productions" which is planning a January Showcase in Chicago. And also, Crystal Harris and her Michigan Pole Dance Organization, which is planning a Spring showcase the weekend of March 24th in 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. I will be at both events..and....well, I have enough information about two of the acts that are going to be at each event to tell you NOT TO MISS IT!!

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

The pole community has changed my life for the better. I relish the social contacts it has brought, the pure beauty of this form of dance, the wonderfully off-beat nature of its adherents and fans. I've always been a bit off the beaten path and with pole I feel like I have come home!

Project 365: Days 189-203

2012-01-04T13:26:00.000-08:00

Day 189

Tuesday, December 20

Day 190

Wednesday, December 21

Day 191

Thursday, December 22

Day 192

Friday, December 23

Day 193

Saturday, December 24

Day 194

Sunday, December 25

Day 195

Monday, December 26

Day 196

Tuesday, December 27

Day 197

Wednesday, December 28

Day 198

Thursday, December 29

Day 199

Friday, December 30

Day 200

Saturday, December 31

Day 201

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Day 202

Monday, January 2

Day 203

Tuesday, January 3

I teached! I teached!!

2012-01-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

So Bel has been in the process of teaching some of the girls from Twirly Girls how to be a pole instructors. She approached me with the idea of doing a cardio burlesque class. I was really excited to start training this week. I mean, I've been coming to Twirly Girls for over two years but I've never really thought about it from the instructor's perspective. I'm really good at being bossy, so I figured teaching would be no big deal. I've been going to Jazzercise since I was a teenager and have been to step aerobics classes and Zumba classes, so I've got 8 counts down and can usually stick to the rhythm of a song. Bel suggested we train in January and start classes in February. I figured, I GOT THIS -- I have a whole month to train. We were supposed to have a training session on Monday but that got canceled. Then Bel was diagnosed with pneumonia and needed help with her regular classes yesterday. Grace handled her morning classes and so Bel asked me to teach two taster classes last night. By myself. AND I DID IT!

First off, Carmen showed up to give me moral support and she was great. I was really grateful that she was there. It made me feel more at ease and she helped me keep eyes on more people at once. She is much more advanced at pole than I am, so it was nice to have her give better examples at certain moves than I could. Although, these classes were just tasters, so only very basic moves were taught. I have those moves down pat and my form is pretty good.

The first class was five girls. Three were already friends. One girl had never taken formal classes but had a pole at home. It was a really great dynamic. We actually advanced pretty quickly and I was sweaty within a few minutes. The second group had four girls -- again three were already friends. One girl got the hang of things pretty quickly. The other three were a little self-conscious and shy, so we moved along a little more slowly than the first group. It wasn't a bad class by any means -- just different. We didn't end up learning quite as many moves. It was nice to see that different dynamics can create completely different classes and being able to go with the flow and not feel like I HAD to teach exactly the same lesson at both classes was an important lesson for me!

I woke up pretty sore and tired today. I had warmed up before the first class showed up so I ended up poling for about three hours yesterday. And I thought instructors were supposed to mostly watch!

Although I don't expect to be teaching pole on a regular basis quite yet (I feel like I need to be doing more advanced moves first), I definitely felt comfortable teaching a taster or beginner class. I could certainly at least sub a class for someone who was teaching the advanced moves. I understand the concept of inverts, even if I can't complete them myself. And I know how to be a good spotter.

So I am excited to continue this adventure -- learning to teach. And am looking forward to Femme Fatale being offered as a real class very soon! The Year of the Viking is starting off strong!

*Day 26 of 30 day blogging challenge*

The THIRD Annual Lovely Rita Fundraiser is in the planning stages...

2012-01-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, April 22, 2012

You know what that means...

We will be looking for performers, sponsors and donors for the raffle! Start thinking about it now. And if you have a studio, join us in a Day of Giving the Gift of Pole!

And here's me throwing this out to the universe with the hopes that someone will see it and be interested....any PROS interested in starring in our showcase?! :-D

Article:

http://poleforacause.com/2011/12/power/

Facebook group for Power of Pole - A Day of Giving The Gift of Pole:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/powerofpole/

The Lovely Rita on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TheLovelyRita

The Lovely Rita website:

https://sites.google.com/site/lovelyritafundraiser/

I will start hitting everyone up soon.

If you have a local business and have an item or service you would like to donate for the raffle, we will advertise for you and love you forever.

http://www.twirlygirlspolefitness.com/

My second month of aerial silks...

2012-01-03T13:14:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard about my aerial silks adventures, start HERE.

We just finished our second month of aerial silks. Although I feel a bit stronger, I am still having a hard time because I can't lift myself up and it hurts to put so much pressure on such tiny parts of your body (like doing a foot lock on your foot). Although I was a bit frustrated with my progress (or lack thereof), Sarah was always so positive and encouraging. After Bel asked me about teaching the burlesque class, I decided I would take a break from silks. If I am going to start coming in a couple of extra days each week to learn how to teach, then I don't want to continue getting home so late on Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, I've been doing pole from 6 to 7:30, then silks from 7:30 to 8:45. After chatting with people, I don't get out of there until 9 or later, then am not home until close to 10. I have to go straight to bed to get up for pilates reformer on Thursday mornings. I also pole Saturday mornings. And the new plan is to come to the studio on Mondays and Tuesdays to train. Plus, with Twirly Tuff starting, we'll be doing that Tuesdays and Saturdays. Lots and lots of Twirly Girls time! I haven't given up the aerial silks dream...but I do want to lose some weight and gain a little more strength before I start again. I need to be able to invert on the pole comfortably first. I want to thank Sarah for being a great teacher! I will miss class and am looking forward to when I'll be ready to start again!

*Day 25 of 30 day blogging challenge*

Split Personality

2012-01-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

So last week I finally did what I would almost never suggest to a client: I opened a second Facebook profile for my family members and some former co-workers. First off, this is against Facebook rules. They don't actually want people opening multiple accounts. They would prefer you create groups and try to navigate their confusing tools for excluding certain groups from posts (which fails often....so I usually say, don't say anything on Facebook that you don't want EVERYONE to know).

An attorney I used to work with recently added me on Facebook, so that was the catalyst to finally open a second account. I kicked most of my extended family off my page almost a year ago. I'm not embarrassed or hiding the fact that I pole dance. I just realize that its not for everyone and sometimes I don't feel like being the one who is providing information for these people to talk about me behind my back more than they do. I found out a few months ago that one of my uncles moved to Seattle or Portland or somewhere in another state. I had no idea. So I figured having a second "child"-friendly Facebook page would be the best answer to keeping in touch with friends and family who might not need to know about all of my pole dancing adventures.

I am still struggling with the decision. Part of me still thinks that people can take me or leave me -- ALL of me. Part of me just thinks this will be the easier answer and I should just get over it. What do you think?

*Day 24 of 30 day blogging challenge*