Pole Dancing Adventures (PDA) - The Original Pole Dance Webcomic Series

Feel the burn!

2013-05-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

One of those things I do on a weekly basis. I can do these moves pretty well! ;)

Titanic Fail

2013-05-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Like Rose, I'm always saying, "I won't let go!" right before that second panel. :/

In other news, here's my interview with Pole World News! Thank you for having me! And thanks to Aeriform Arts! You have a fantastic studio! I'm going to ignore the fact that I have post-workout face. I'll look icky for the sake of pole!

Woohoo! Pole time in Paris!

2013-05-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm in Paris for the artshow at Gallerie Arludik this week with Girls Drawin Girls! But, I hope you like this silly little touristy doodle! <3 I can be a little cheesy with a pole dancing twist, right? I want to thank you, so much, for supporting me and I'm excited to bring aerial art love into an art gallery! Your enthusiasm brings me much hope and appreciation for the pole-dancing community and I'm so honored to be a part of such a movement. I believe in celebrating the female body through pole dance and illustration so thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me see this dream through! To show my love, I've made a little "paper doll" of the above drawing for you to print out. :D

"La Lune" (One of three paintings on display at the show!)

If you're in Paris, COME TO THE SHOW!

Gallerie Arludik (http://www.arludik.com/)

12-14 rue St Louis en l'Ile 75004 Paris, France

from 5/7-5/18 with an opening reception on 5/9! I hope anyone in the area can come.

Rock Hard Abs!

2013-04-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Rock hard abs, the pole dancing way! Have you ever tried them like this? I love that they'll help us strengthen other parts at the same time. These are exercises I learned from an old pole dance teacher of mine, Swan W. <3

Inside the Pole Dancer's Brain

2013-04-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

And that's only the left side.

Janeiro Fail

2013-04-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

I mean, just LOOK at all these awesome people and tell me you don't wish your photo was among them! I'm so proud when I see my friends nail this move. It's incredible! :D

Good luck to all of your working on this one right now!

A little note, if you please! I'd like a little help from my readers if you can spare a moment.

Many of my readers approach me with requests for products and commissioned artwork and I’m just a one-woman team. Right now, I’m trying to do it all, but I realize now that I have to prioritize.

I’m truly flattered for the excitement over PDA and I want to continue to grow as a poler and as an artist. So, to provide PDA to everyone, I need to focus on balancing my time.

So, I created a poll for PDA products to help give me an idea on what the most popular products can be! That way, I can focus on creating quality designs and products while still having time to grow as a comic artist. I hope this will help and if you’d like to submit your vote, I’d be grateful!!Please visit this page to make your selections.

Don't you hate it when that happens?

2013-04-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Argh! I hate dreaming about painless stretching! I always wake up so disappointed. I know how necessary good splits can be for pole dancing. Just one day at a time, everyone! We will get 'em!

The Flag with No Wind...

2013-04-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Some days, you just don't get it. :(

This comic is dedicated to: Flying Spinner. <3

Pole Grips in Review!

2013-03-25T08:49:00.000-07:00

How many times have I cringed while watching a fellow student get the wrong grip then immediately try to settle into a pose? I suffer from tendonitis, so I try to stay aware of my hand grips before moving into a pose. I ask myself, can I support my weight? Do I feel like I'm going to slip? I take my time and if it feels good, then I commit.

PDA x BodyBinds Harness Giveaway!

2013-03-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Finding the right costume to wear is tough for a pole dancer... Bodybinds and Pole Dancing Adventures is proud to work together on this incredible giveaway! Enter for a chance to win this custom designed harness from the comic! If you've never heard of bodybinds, where have you been? This fun, elastic outfit doesn't get in the way of a pole dancer's routine but creates interesting lines and shapes when you dance.

This contest is open to everyone, everywhere! Visit everyday for multiple chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can't wait for the results and want to shop now? Use these special promo codes at the Bodybinds online store for a special discount!

PDA5: Spend $50 or more, get $5 off.
PDA10: Spend $100 or more, get $10 off.
PDA15: Spend $150 or more, get $15 off.
They expire on 4/1 at midnight PST.

Bodybinds Store: www.bodybinds.com
Facebook: www.facebook/com/bodybinds
Twitter: www.twitter.com/bodybinds
Instagram: bodybinds
Pinterest: bodybinds

Sizing: The elastic is very stretchy so one size looks great on most! Hip strap stretches to 40" Thigh straps stretch to 30" Butt straps stretch to 10.5"
Turnaround time: This custom harness may take up to a month to ship to ensure that it will have the perfect fit for the winner.

To lotion, or not to lotion?

2013-03-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's well known that lotion is a pole dancer's enemy. To keep your skin moisturized is a sure fire way to get yourself into trouble. You can slip, loose your grip, or just slide embarrassingly towards the floor while dancing. So, I cherish the days between practice where I can lather up in lotion. LOL

I hear rumors of this or that lotion that can won't cause us to slip but I have yet to see it work! So, the days before practice, I just accept the dry desert that is my dermis. :P

Art Show News & Commissions!

2013-03-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! A brief comic hiatus to show you one my second painting for an upcoming show I'll be in! Here's to bringing pole to an art gallery! <3 This one is titled, "La Lune," based after one of my favorite spins. If you follow me on Facebook, I've added the first one I created over there. It's nice to share something more elaborate with you guys. I'm all about painting strong and incredible women, so my pin-ups will definitely reflect that theme.

Onto more art! Below is a preview of the commissions I'm working on! When you guys send me photos of your poses, I feel inspired by your creativity and strength! Thank you!

I am privileged and honored that GirlsDrawinGirls will have an opportunity to show art in Paris this year at the esteemed Gallerie Arludik! Since 2006, GDG has been an outlet for women artists to express themselves artistically, and to express their own femininity and sexuality in a predominantly male dominated industry. We have worked long and hard for this opportunity, and this show in Paris is the push through the door to take our mission to the next level.

We have created a Paris Etsy store to offset some travel expenses to give artists participating in the show a chance to be a part of their amazing accomplishment. Please visit the store here if you would like to make a purchase. TONS of fun things on there that members donated, not just art, but yes, of course, there's art too.

Many of you have asked for CUSTOM PDA/pole drawings. Here's your chance!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/GirlsGoinToParis

Melissa of United Kingdom

Nikki of USA from Pole Ology of Hendersonville, TN & Harriet of UK from Newcastle University Pole Dancing Society

Are you stealing PDA?

2013-02-25T09:47:00.002-08:00

So, I'm hearing that there are people in other countries (namely, Mexico) selling clothing with my Pole Dancing Adventures artwork on it and saying that I gave permission for it. THAT IS FALSE!!

I have NEVER, NEVER, NEVER given permission for my work to be sold anywhere other than in my online store. (http://www.cafepress.com/poledancingadventures) If you see someone profiting from my work, please notify me.

TELL THEM TO STOP and DON'T BUY IT!

My work is legally copyrighted so it is ILLEGAL to steal it! It's a shame that there are people out there who are so dishonest to do such a thing.

I create this comic because I love it. I make a little bit of money from print and merch sales. And I am motivated to keep going when I hear your enthusiasm! But when I hear of someone doing something so dirty as stealing my work, I may as well just shut this down.

You think it's no big deal... I spend hours of LOVE on this. I'm so upset at whoever is doing this...

Thanks for letting me rant.
- Leen

Spanish version below...

Por lo tanto, estoy escuchando que hay gente de otros países (es decir, México) venta de ropa con mi Pole Dancing Aventuras obra en él y diciendo que me dio permiso para ello. Eso es falso!

Nunca, NUNCA, NUNCA dado permiso para que mi trabajo sea vendido en cualquier lugar que no sea en mi tienda en línea. (http://www.cafepress.com/poledancingadventures) Si ves a alguien sacar provecho de mi trabajo, por favor notifique a mí. Dígales PARA DETENER O NO LO COMPRE!

Mi trabajo está legalmente derechos de autor por lo que es ilegal para robar! Es una pena que haya gente por ahí que son tan deshonesto a hacer tal cosa.

Puedo crear este cómic porque me encanta. Hago un poco de dinero de la venta de impresos y merchandising. Y yo estoy motivado para seguir adelante cuando escucho tu entusiasmo! Pero cuando escucho a alguien hacer algo tan sucio como el robo de mi trabajo, puedo también acaba de cerrar todo esto abajo. ¿Crees que no es gran cosa ... Me paso horas de amor en esto. Estoy muy molesto con el que está haciendo esto ...

We need to talk...

2013-02-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

There comes a point in every poler's life when they realize that they're spending more time with their pole family than their own. I admit. I see my pole friends more than my my non-pole friends.

It's good to come off the metal rod once in a while and go spend time with those who miss you. Aww, look at all my sad fur babies. :(

If you don't get it the reference, then you haven't seen "How I Met Your Mother." tee hee

Whip it good.

2013-02-18T09:00:00.001-08:00

Another comic to serve as a little reminder for myself and anyone who needs it. I'm pretty stiff in the neck when I dance. Let's add a little flair next time, hm?

Get your custom PDA drawings here!

2013-02-12T10:26:00.001-08:00

IMPORTANT POLE DANCING ADVENTURES NEWS!

Many of you have asked for CUSTOM PDA/pole drawings. Here's your chance!

I'm helping Girls Drawin' Girls with their fundraiser for an amazing art show coming up in May in Paris, France! (I'll be in it, too!) If you'd like to help out AND get a drawing from me, now's the time! I'll only have 100 for sale. Details at the jump!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/123381422/custom-black-and-white-pin-up-sketch

If you're a non-US citizen and wish to make a purchase, please click the link that says "contact the shop owner" on the listing to make an inquiry.

To My Pole Cupids

2013-02-11T08:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

This just about marks my 1st year anniversary doing Pole Dancing Adventures and I'm really touched with the overwhelming support and laughter I've shared with you all. I'm glad we're all in this together... no matter what you look like, where you're from or what level you are. We can all share the love for this unique sport with each other.

Consider this my little love letter to you all! <3

- Leen Isabel

Shop for other Limited Edition PDA prints in the shop.
Read other pole dancing bloggers on the theme of love this month!

Keep Calm and Pole Dance - A Poleitical Clothing Giveaway!

2013-02-04T21:23:00.003-08:00

The lovely Danielle of Poleitical Blog and her colleague, Courtney Rheuban are back again with another Poleitical Clothing giveaway!

One lucky winner will recieve:

1 - Poleitical Clothing Sweatshirt

1 - Poleitical Clothing Shorts

Each article of clothing features the witty phrase: "Keep Calm and Pole Dance!" This contest is open to international entries, so everyone is included! :D

Contest ends at 12:01 a.m. on 2/18/13

Learn more about Danielle's blog and shop at these links!

Poleitical Diaries - www.poleitical.com
Etsy shop - www.etsy.com/shop/poleiticalclothing
Facebook - www.facebook.com/poleiticalclothing
Twitter - www.twitter.com/poleiticalcloth

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The sweatshirt has a wide neck, allowing for a little bit of sexy skin showing through. You can take it a little off the shoulder, or have it as more of a scoop neck - either way, it's flattering! It's slightly fitted, making it even cuter! With a kangaroo pocket to keep your hands warm and raw edges on the pocket & the neckline, this sweatshirt has all the right details to make it a favorite!

The shorts are made from breathable, very stretchy cotton with a tiny bit of spandex, these shorts move with you, enabling you to rock your hottest trick while still providing excellent coverage. They're machine washable, too!

With built-in side scrunch panels and an easy-slide release, you have the option of keeping your shorts more modest or making them a little bit cheeky! Our logo appears on the front left side, and the KEEP CALM artwork is on the back of your right hip/cheek. Photos show our shorts with and without scrunched sides, as well as close ups of all of the printed artwork and the scrunches!

_{Please note: The sizing available for the sweatshirts is S-XL, and the shorts are XS-XL. Top range would be a size 12-14.
Poleitical Clothing does not offer Men's sizes at this time but will be expanding their line to accomodate these sizes in the future. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
Winner will be notified after giveaway closes to choose their size from what is currently offered.
US and International entries are OK! Please allow up to 2 weeks before shipment to allow for preparation time.
Contest ends at 12:01 a.m. on 2/18/13.}

A Ship's... What?!

2013-02-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

The first time my teacher told me the name of this move, I probably blushed a little. I can be a prude when around teachers, bosses, relatives and the like. It's the Asian in me.

But after some thought, (and knowing the more polite name for this pose), I thought it was a lovely association. Figureheads are truly majestic sculptures. And you should feel that way when you're in it. :)

PDA on Redefines Sexy on HuffPost Live!

2013-02-01T15:54:00.002-08:00

Hey everyone! I'm going to be a guest on the "Redefines Sexy" segment on HuffPost Live tonight at 4:30 p.m. PST to talk about POLE DANCING ADVENTURES with Sheila Kelley!

If you missed it, the stream is still available. I got to banter and chat w/ Ms. Kelley and the other guests a bit. What an experience! Watch online here!

And there's my face... and my huge glasses. :)

A Quick Guide to Healing Bruises.

2013-01-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

We're always trying to think of ways to fix those bruises. Especially as a beginner, nothing is more horrifying than coming home and looking... well, like her.

I've heard of some natural remedies from fellow pole dancers and I've listed them here. I'm not a medical professional so I do suggest visiting your doctor to find out how to treat bruises if they really bother you that much. Just tell them you do "Aerial Arts" if you're embarrassed. haha! (But why should you be?)

Shoulder Mount Adventures

2013-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

One 2013 goal accomplished! IT TOOK ME TWO YEARS to develop an aerial shoulder mount! And I still remember how IMPOSSIBLE it felt the first time.

As I write this, I've been able to do two aerial shoulder mounts in a row without coming down to the ground. Each practice, I'm going to keep training this.

Right now, I'm "froggy legging" up. How about straight legs by December!? Let's accomplish those pole goals!

How high do you dare?

2013-01-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

I still get cold feet any higher than 10 feet. Maybe 1 out of 10 times, I actually have the guts to fearlessly dance up in the 8-16 foot range. Just going to keep training my moves at the comfortable ground level until I feel strong enough to face my fears up in the stratosphere!

Facebook Contest - PDACalendar Winner is Gia Domina!
Thank you for entering! The winner was randomly selected.
Follow PDA on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/LeenIsabelArtist
Want a calendar? It's for sale here: http://www.cafepress.com/poledancingadventures.725454954

A Bit of Advice

2013-01-07T07:57:00.000-08:00

This comic is cross-posted over at Live It Up Pole Fitness. Maggie asked me what ONE advice would I give to fellow dancers and this would be it. Also listed at her blog is advice from Natasha Wang, Joel Lessing, Alethea Austin, Karol Helms, Anh Le (dirdy birdy), Julie Brand(veena),and Aerial Amy! So, please check out her link and see what everyone has to say. :D

Don't forget the way it makes you feel. The initial reason why you started dancing. For me, I was having so much fun in the joy and confidence it brought me. That feeling keeps me motivated!

With the pole world changing these days, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the competitions, advanced tricks and impossible contortion poses. It's easy to feel left behind, slow and just plain frustrated.

So, when I feel that way, I just take myself back to that day when I accomplished my first spin. When I didn't know anyone and it was just me and the pole and my own challenges. And ta-dah! I find the motivation to keep on going.

My 2013 Pole Dance Goals

2012-12-31T08:54:00.000-08:00

This is my pole dance checklist. I thought hard about the moves I REALLY need to master and I know the superman, aysha and shoulder mount invert are all fantastic ones that will help me transition into stronger, more dynamic combos. Then I can get those routines I fantasize about into reality.

These goals are realistic to me -- I'm sure of that. These are all moves I've managed to hit on a sporadic basis, but I don't feel confident 100% of the time. And it's that 100% I'm going to strive for.

I'm going to be like, "Oh, you want a shoulder mount invert? No problem!" And be all BOOM, I got it. Here you go. Done. Signed and Delivered.

Yes. :) I'm going to have to prove it through the year by taping more practice sessions. Who's with me? What are your pole goals?
This is posted on the January 2013 Pole Dance Bloggers Blog Hop!