tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40640274865351755742024-03-05T14:08:05.983-08:00Shimmy's Pole DiaryReflections, thoughts and shenanigans of a professional pole dancer. www.michelleshimmy.comShimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-2946812704691141492014-02-09T09:50:00.000-08:002014-02-09T11:34:40.996-08:00Choreographing for Criteria: Painting by Numbers, or a Formula for Success? Part 2: The Cleaning Up of Pole Competitions<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cleaning Up of Pole Dance Competitions </span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part 2: Choreographing for Criteria: Painting by Numbers, or a Formula for Success?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been a competitor in many, many pole competitions, from dodgy pub competitions, to national championships, and all the way to the international stage. Some competitions are well-oiled machines that run without a hitch, and others are so terribly organised that in the end, I've regretted entering them. Some competition organisers treat their competitors with respect and consideration, and some treat competitors with such disregard that it becomes clear very quickly what the main motivation for running the competition is. I’ve been competing in pole comps for about six years now, and over the years, I've noticed that a lot has changed in that time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This blog is the second part of a two-part series of blogs discussing how pole competitions have changed over the years. In Part 1 of this blog, "<a href="http://shimmypolediary.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-proliferation-professionalisation.html" target="_blank">The Proliferation, Professionalisation and Sanitisation of Pole Competitions</a>," I wrote about what I see as a trend towards the sanitisation of pole competitions, to eliminate the sexy side of pole and make pole more acceptable as a sport or an art form, and make it appear more legitimate to the mainstream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In this blog, I want to discuss the development and use of judging criteria in competitions, and what this means for pole competitors and the pole dance industry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pole dance competition criteria: read the manual </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This much is obvious: a competitor who wishes to win a competition must understand the judging criteria, and prepare their routine based on those criteria. That kind of goes without saying. If you want to be in the running for a trophy or a sash, you need to at least tick all the boxes, and then hopefully have that extra special something to put you in the lead. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used to hate the idea of sitting down and reading a PDF of someone else's (often confusing) vision of what a winning routine should look like, and then prepare my entry based on that. For me, I used to think that it took all the fun, spontaneity and individuality out of a routine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since having had the honour and responsibility of judging a couple of competitions myself, I've come to understand that it really is extremely difficult to judge pole dance competitions. Pole dancers are so creative, so passionate and so talented that the performances they come up with are as varied as the individuals themselves. How do you compare apples and oranges? How do you compare a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Yj43RPM4Y" target="_blank">naughty ballerina</a> with an <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aWbAAJ0iVg" target="_blank">ass-shaking grandma</a>, and how do you compare either of those with a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oMqGlTo0uQ" target="_blank">dancer performing amongst white roses falling like snow</a>, or a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C2GKVGwEVU" target="_blank">comical Day of the Dead Catarina risen from the dead to pole dance for her audience</a>? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Striking the right balance</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Judges need criteria, otherwise judges feel uncertain of themselves and their decision-making process, and competitors feel let down by the competition. Without clear and publicly available criteria, competitors have no guidelines and no understanding of the methodology used to judge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But in the pursuit of objectivity in judging, some questions arise. How do we know if the competition organisers have struck the right balance in writing their criteria, so that in following the criteria, the judges will be sure to select the right winner? How do you weight the different elements? Is technical execution more important than level of difficulty? How do we know that those writing the criteria fully understand level of difficulty issues? How do you compare level of difficulty in executing a Rainbow Marchenko versus a series of fonjis? Do you have to have been a high-level competitor to be qualified to write criteria? These are just some of the questions that come to mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have no doubt that writing criteria is a difficult and largely thankless task. Not only is it often thankless, but those responsible for setting criteria and the judges themselves are often attacked in the aftermath of a competition. In my view, this is not fair. I have no problem with competitors making legitimate comments and criticisms about the way a competition is run, in fact, I think it’s healthy and constructive, and something we should encourage. But there are better ways to go about providing feedback for improvement than to attack the judges and competition-organisers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tick-the-box performance</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main question I want to address about criteria is this: at what point do we decide that a competition's criteria have become overly prescriptive? At what point do we say, well heck, we've got so many boxes to tick, we might as well just give them all exactly the same routine to perform, and just judge them on how well they do it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overly-prescriptive criteria has the effect of forcing all performers to become jacks-of-all-trades onstage, and often it is their own personal style of dance that is compromised as a result. There are some pole performers who are famous for their stunning flexibility and graceful movement. Watching those performers execute fonjis or shoulder mount flags doesn’t seem to sit comfortably with their usual dance style. Similarly, performers usually known for their dynamism and strength (but not necessarily their flexibility) are required to perform moves to demonstrate extreme flexibility. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a spectator at a competition, I love to watch Anastasia and Marion fly around the pole and slip in and out of insane contortion-esque poses, and if I want to see stunning dynamism and strength, I’ll watch Hanka or Oona work their magic. I’m not saying that these women should be shoe-boxed in to one category of dance, but I am saying that competition criteria makes performers include moves and tricks in their choreography that don’t always seem to fit their personal style as a performer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, the counter-argument is that a champion should be good at everything, and that’s a fair point. But as a spectator at a competition, I find that tick-the-box performances are more likely to produce awkward, jarring transitions, and less likely to produce those moments of performance magic where the performer is in total synergy with their music, their dance, and their audience. Those rare moments of magic are what I find inspirational in watching pole competitions. But that’s just my opinion – I know not everyone will agree with me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personally, as a competitor, choreographing for criteria is something that I just can't bring myself to do. As a performer at a competition, for me, criteria can feel restrictive. Choreographing for criteria takes all the joy and the excitement out of creating a performance for a competition. I don't want to be given a list of compulsory moves, and then have to try to differentiate myself from my competitors by the manner in which I join the dots between them. At the same time though, I'm very aware that I may never actually win a competition with this approach... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong - in preparing for a competition, I read the criteria. I try to incorporate them where possible. However, for me, when it comes to choosing between something I should put in for the sake of the criteria, and something I want to put in because I think it's cool, original or fun - you know which way I will go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In it to win it, or in it for the love of pole??</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I should point out that I take this approach because my aims in entering a competition aren’t limited taking out first place. I'm not just in it to win it. Some people are. For some people, the idea of entering a competition without the intention of winning is just silly. And I accept that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I know how hard it is to win a pole competition, and how disappointing it is to not place when you really felt you deserved to. After a lot of soul-searching in the aftermath of post-competition disappointment, I've reached the conclusion that for me, it can't be all about winning. And so these days when I enter a competition, it's for more than one reason. I enter because I love to perform, I love to be on stage, I love to showcase moves and combinations I've been creating, and I love the opportunity to bring my own particular style to an audience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When deciding for yourself how to create your routines, you just need to decide what your main hope/motivation for entering is. There is nothing wrong with wanting to win, working out what kind of a champion you think the competition wants, and setting out to construct your performance based on that goal. Just be prepared that if you don't win, you may feel like you created a routine based on someone else's ideas, and then all you'll have is a video of you performing someone else’s dance. Equally, there is nothing wrong with creating a performance based on how you want to dance – just be aware that you are unlikely to win! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And of course, to be clear, I'm not saying you should ever try to disobey the rules of a competition in creating your performance. It's just disrespectful. There are so many competitions now that you can choose which ones to enter based on your own performance preferences. If you don't agree with the criteria or the rules, don't enter. Simple as that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NB: the only exception to the above principle that I can think of is when a competition has tried to ban strippers/adult entertainers from the competition. Go ahead and enter, and cause a stir if you get disqualified. Competition organisers don’t have the right to judge you for how you earn a living. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dance your way</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The industry has evolved an extraordinary amount over the past four years, and it’s still growing. We are lucky that these days there are so many competitions to choose from. If you want to focus on the athleticism and sport side of pole, you have <a href="http://www.polesports.org/" target="_blank">World Pole Sports</a>. If you love the artistry of pole, there’s <a href="http://www.poleart.org/" target="_blank">Pole Art</a>. If you love a combination of the two, take a look at <a href="http://www.polechampionship.com/" target="_blank">IPC</a>. If you love sexy pole, come join us in Sydney for the wild and unrestrained sexiness of <a href="http://www.poledanceacademy.com.au/" target="_blank">Dance Filthy</a>. And if you just love it all, check out <a href="http://www.poletheatresydney.com/" target="_blank">Pole Theatre</a>, which brings together Pole Drama, Pole Comedy, Pole Art and Pole Classique. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These days, there’s a competition to cater for every taste. And as we continue to grow as an industry, my hope is that the new competitions will force the more established ones to become fairer. We all know of rumours of competition-rigging and favouritism surrounding certain competitions. In my view, it’s up to the competitors and the ticket-buying audience members to become more discerning about the types of competitions they will support. There should be no place for rigging, bullying, influencing and interfering with the results of the judges. But that’s the subject of another blog…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tick the boxes, or dance your way? Whichever way you go, there can only be one winner on the night. And after you have poured your heart out onstage, make sure that you managed to get something out of the process of preparing for the competition that makes you feel like you won something anyway. Compete for a reason – it’s up to you to decide what the reason is. But make sure you have one. Otherwise you’ll be left with nothing but the post-competition blues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So: to answer the question posed by this blog - is choreographing for criteria painting by numbers, or a formula for success? My answer is... You decide. You're the performer, the competitor, the artist. You decide what the competition means to you. Decide what motivates you, and dance your way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shimmy xxx</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Find me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shimmypoledancer?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </span><br />
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Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-34614335917607889132013-07-26T01:30:00.001-07:002014-02-09T09:33:15.078-08:00The Proliferation, Professionalisation and Sanitisation of Pole Competitions: Part 1 The Cleaning Up of Pole Competitions<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Cleaning Up of Pole Dance Competitions – Professionalism or Sterilisation??</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve been competing in pole competitions for about six years now. I have been a competitor in all kinds of pole competitions, from dodgy pub competitions, to national championships, and all the way to the international stage. Some competitions are well-oiled machines that run without a hitch, and others are so terribly organised that in the end, I've regretted entering them. Some competition organisers treat their competitors with respect and consideration, and some... well, some don’t. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Proliferation of Competitions</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the 6 years that I’ve been competing, a lot has happened in the pole industry. The competition circuit has exploded, with dozens of new competitions appearing every year. As the pole industry grows larger, competition amongst competitions also increases. New competitions make big promises, and try to differentiate themselves from the others on the scene. Dissatisfaction with the way some competitions are run is often the reason why new comps appear, as the organisers try to do a better job than their predecessors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These days, competitions are becoming more professional and streamlined. Gone are the days when it was a common occurrence that the pole would fall down, a competitor would arrive drunk, that the judging panel would be the comp organiser's boyfriend/hairdresser/spraytanner, or that an audience member would try to climb on stage and gyrate against the competitor. These days, many competitions are so professional and efficiently run that they are almost corporate-like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've noticed two changes in the competition scene over the past couple of years. The first is that the judging criteria are becoming more refined, and demanding. Competitors are expected to be all-rounders, and to satisfy all elements of the criteria in their routines. Generally speaking, competitors must demonstrate strength, flexibility, dynamism, athleticism, grace, dance skill, acrobatic skill, and of course, pole skill. This topic will be the subject of a future blog post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second change I've noticed (and the topic of today’s blog post) is that in an effort to make pole dance competitions seem more serious, and more legitimate, the rules and regulations governing participation in the various competitions have multiplied to the point where a competitor really needs to sit down with a glass of wine and dinner to be able to make it through reading everything they need to know about the competition. (**Unless of course it's one of those competitions that bans wine-drinking and food-eating during the perusal of the rules and regulations.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sanitisation of pole competitions</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve noticed a common theme as I’ve been travelling around Europe visiting studios and teaching workshops. At the end of my Signature Tricks & Combos workshop, I usually finish by teaching a small piece of choreography, using one of the combos taught in the workshop, and in my style of dance. On this tour, the choreography I taught was slow, sensual and sexy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often, after having finished the choreography and the workshops, students chat to me about pole dance in their country, and how it differs from what they've just learnt with me. On numerous occasions, I heard the same complaints and frustrations voiced. Students complained about the strictness (even puritanism) of their national championships, particularly with respect to costuming, and the outright banning of any sensual or sexual style of performance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rules I most often hear pole dancers complain about are:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being disqualified for an accidental costume malfunction;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being required to cover the “gluteal crease” (?);</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being required to cover cleavage; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being strictly forbidden from touching their own bodies in any way that hints at sensuality;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Banning of shoes; and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Banning of music containing swear words.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To me, the above rules seem to go beyond what is necessary for a respectable competition. I would just like to point out that the following video of a small child dancing is exactly the kind of performance that would not be permitted in many national/international pole dance championships. Note the boots, the costume, the hair flicks, the booty popping... Banned by many pole competitions. Yet there is nothing offensive about this child's awesomeness. If she is a child, and we are adults, why are we forbidden to dance this way in so many competitions, if we should decide we want to?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is sexy pole dance a legitimate and artistic style of dance?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those of you that know me, and my style of dance, will probably assume they know what my stance on this issue is. However, I want to make it clear that I see both sides of the debate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I understand that there are some very active individuals in the pole community who are trying to promote pole dance as a fitness activity or as an art form – one that has no links whatsoever to the sex industry or to strip clubs. They seek public and mainstream acceptance of the legitimacy of pole dance, which they believe will come from severing all ties with its origins. I understand that a lot of pole dancers want to see their favourite activity recognised for what it is: a complex and challenging form of physical exertion, which more often than not has absolutely zero to do with strip clubs and stripping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the other hand… We are all adults, and we have all chosen to participate in pole dance for different reasons. Many pole dancers took their first class because they were attracted to the “sexy” side. I know I did. As a fully grown (if not 100% mature at all times) consenting adult, I resent being told how to dress and how to perform. Especially when the unspoken message is that there is something wrong or dirty with the way I like to dance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sexy means different things to different people, but</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> whether it be slow and sensual, fast and aggressive, badass and full of swagger, or however you choose to interpret "sexy" - it's almost always banned by the big, important competitions</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my opinion, the crux of the issue is this: the problem with the “sanitisation” of pole competitions is that it creates a tiered level of what world-class or elite pole dancing should look like, and excludes performers who prefer the “sexy” style of pole dance (for want of a better term). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m not saying that this is done intentionally by competition organisers. I believe that pole competition organisers are genuinely doing their best to have pole taken more "seriously". However, by implication at least, the rules of many international and national competitions seem to suggest that if you are not the kind of pole performer that shuns sensual dancing, high heels, bikinis and black eyeliner, then you are not an artistic/serious/legitimate performer, and therefore you can’t compete for the chance to call yourself a world class, champion pole dancer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love to watch pretty much all styles of pole dance. I have been an Alethea Austin fan since the first time I saw her freestyle YouTube videos years ago, but at the same time I love watching Natalia Tatarintseva’s rhythmic gymnast flexibility and grace. I think Alessandra Marchetti is a stunning performer and athlete, and her wining performance at the World Pole Sports this year thrilled me. Anne-Marie Davies is a dynamite and electrifying performer, and Lolo Hilsum is mesmorising to watch on the ground and in the air. Michelle Stanek is fierce and commanding on stage, and Natasha Wang is pure elegance and poetry on the pole. As for Felix Cane – well, I love Felix Cane bare foot, in high heels, heck – I even love her in ugg boots!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Similarly, when performing, sometimes I dance in heels, and sometimes I dance barefoot. Last year, I competed in Miss Pole Dance Australia with a booty-shaking, shoe-banging, body-rolling, drop-splitting routine, telling the story of a prima ballerina turned wild. MPDA is one of the few national competitions that permit booty-shaking, shoe-banging, body-rolling and drop-splitting. In fact, at MPDA, it is compulsory to wear heels, which is unusual these days.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ironically, coming second in MPDA earned me an invitation to compete at the 2013 World Pole Sports, a competition that bans booty-shaking, shoe-banging, body-rolling and drop-splitting (unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take part in the World Pole Sports this year, as it conflicted with my tour schedule, but I loved watching the live stream online). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently, I also competed in the Australian Pole Fitness Championships earlier this year (which bans shoes, sensuality, swear words, skimpy costumes, etc). I abided by the competition rules, and danced barefoot and demure. I was happy and honoured to place third. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve competed at the Australian Pole Championships, where you can choose to dance barefoot or in heels, and in that competition, I chose to dance barefoot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I free dance, alone, in my own studio, it's usually in heels, in the semi-darkness, to a slow and sensual song - just me, my music and my dance. That's when I really feel like I'm dancing for myself - true to my own style, without having to please anyone. And sometimes late at night, I'll lock the studio, make sure no one's around, crank up some crazy music and run wild in the studio dancing barefoot like a crazy monkey on too much sugar (but I do not record these sessions!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So you see, I’m not a die-hard stripper heel addict, and I genuinely love pretty much all styles of pole dance. However, I freely admit that the main reason I started pole dance is because I loved the freedom and the sensuality of it, and that’s what keeps me coming back for more. To me, the sexy style of pole dance is as much an art form as any other, and a legitimate form of expression. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But sometimes I wonder if those of us who remain faithful to the origins of pole dance, and want see them celebrated onstage, are a dying breed…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion?</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think that the fact that pole dancers now have dozens of competitions to choose from is a good thing. Pole dance means many things to many people. As the industry grows, no doubt particular dance styles will develop and move in different directions. In the same way that hip-hop as a genre encompasses the sub-categories of breaking, popping, locking, turfing, jerkin’ and krumping (at least, that’s what Wikipedia tells me – I have no idea about hip hop!), pole dance may well be on its way to becoming the banner term for a variety of sub-categories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pole dancers who wish to dance barefoot against other barefoot competitors can do so. Pole dancers who wish to go full glitz and compete in heels and sequins can. Pole dancers who consider it a sport can compete against other like-minded individuals. In my eyes, all these styles are valid and legitimate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The only issue that concerns me is that with the way most competitions are headed, pole dancers who wish to be taken seriously in the industry, and have their achievements recognised at an international competition level, may end up feeling pressured to dance a particular way. One of the most beautiful characteristics of the pole community is that it is so diverse, and so accepting. I’ve shared poles with mums, uni students, strippers, men (gay and straight), transgender pole dancers, dancers with disabilities, big dancers, tiny dancers – in short – all walks of humanity. I would hate to see our industry lose its acceptance and appreciation of the artistry and beauty of sensual, sexy pole dance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To put it plainly, I want to see more sexy pole dance at an elite level. I want to see more elite level competitions support the sexy side of pole dance. I want the particular brand of artistic expression that is sexy/sensual pole dance to be recognised as such, at an elite level. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what can we do about it, when the overwhelming trend seems to be the removal of any and all elements of sensuality or sexuality from international/national pole dance competitions?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take your sexy dancing to the stage!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Pole Dance Academy, we are doing our bit to support and provide opportunities for sexy pole dancers to compete. This year we launched Dance Filthy, which is an Amateur and Professional competition that celebrates the sexy side of pole dance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On 15 September 2013, we will hold the first ever <a href="http://www.poletheatresydney.com/" target="_blank">Pole Theatre</a>, a competition requiring competitors to enter one of four categories: Pole Art, Pole Drama, Pole Comedy, and Pole Classique. In contrast to many other competitions, Pole Theatre seeks to impose a bare minimum of rules and restrictions on competitors. Competitors are encouraged to express themselves and their creativity onstage, with a focus on performance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, we do insist on two slightly unusual rules in one of the categories. In the category of Pole Classique, competitors are required to wear heels for part of their performance, and they also are required to remove at least one item of clothing (and they are permitted to strip all the way down to a g-string and pasties, if they wish). In Pole Classique, we want to showcase sexy pole dance as an art form, and we want to create a platform for dancers who prefer this style of dance to perform and compete, at an elite level. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">United Pole Artists just finished another successful Bringing Sexy Back, for the second year. This is a two-week celebration of sexy pole dance, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">UPA encourages pole dancers to post and tag their sexy pole videos.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This event is </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sponsored and massively promoted by <a href="http://www.badkitty.com/" target="_blank">Bad Kitty</a>. As a Bad Kitty Brand Ambassador, I absolutely love that Bad Kitty embraces both the fitness AND the sexy side of pole. In addition to all the fun and sexy pole related gear on their website, they are the makers of PoleFit, a brand of pole wear that is sporty, fun, with a touch of sexy. After all, as Jack Gaffney himself says (one of the Head Cats at Bad Kitty), "</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are Bad Kitty, not good kitty, after all =^.^=".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love the time of year that is Bringing Sexy Back - it's amazing to see all the sexy pole dancers emerging from the shadows to proudly post their sexy style pole videos! But at the same time, I don’t want to see sexy pole dance relegated to studio freestyles and nightclub performances. It deserves a place on the big stage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a member of the pole community, I do my bit to support good competitions and their competitors – no matter what the style. I support clear judging criteria and professionally-run competitions, but I feel like some competitions are imposing unnecessary restrictions on competitors’ creativity, and are letting down some would-be competitors by failing to create space for their style of dance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why do we care so much about stripping the sexuality away from pole (if you’ll pardon the pun)? Is acceptance of pole dance by the general public really so important? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don’t know. I kind of think that it’s time that we stopped trying to seek acceptance by the mainstream, and started making more room for pole dancers to dance how they want to dance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dance your way! Shimmy xxx</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS "X-Pole My Way" is part of <a href="http://dance4me.com.au/" target="_blank">X-Pole Australia's </a>campaign - and one of the many reasons I'm so proud to be an X-Pole Ambassador. I love the words on the poster below - "Create your own pole style. X-Pole. Your pole, your way." Words to live by :-)</span><br />
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Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-83348417277146033682013-01-27T20:44:00.001-08:002013-01-27T21:03:33.656-08:00Set Your Freestyle Free...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I want to write about freestyling, or free dancing, as some call it. I love to freestyle, and I try to do it as often as I can. It's something that comes really naturally to me now, and it gives me such a wonderful feeling of freedom. There's nothing quite like being alone in the studio with your music, your pole and your body, expressing yourself, dancing out your emotions, and creating your art.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It sounds easy - right? Freestyling - seems like something you just do automatically. Just press play and off you go. Wheeeee! Right? Um, no. I will happily admit that there was a time when I really struggled to just let go, and dance. I felt embarrassed, and silly, even when no one was in the room. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got to thinking about the art of freestyling a few weeks ago, because I was about to teach a workshop on Freestyle Techniques. This is because at the Pole Dance Academy, we recently ran an <a href="http://www.poledanceacademy.com.au/Intensive-Summer-School.html" target="_blank">Intensive Summer School Program</a>. It was a crazy 7 days worth of intensive workshops and classes catering to a range of really specific pole-related skills (handstands, sexy basics, lyrical pole dance, contemporary pole dance, how to flick your hair properly, how to dance in heels, basic acrobatics, striptease, boot camp, dirty sexy floor work, acro-lap dance - just to name a few!). The idea was that we wanted to create time to really hone the skills that you need to be a well-rounded pole dancer - and focus on all the stuff you don't always get time to work on in class. It was an awesome week of fun in the studio, and on the beach, with plenty of free time. I know I'm spruiking a little bit now, but it was so much fun and we're running it again next year too so keep an eye out for more info ;-) </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach Acro at Pole Dance Academy's Summer School</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I was planning out my workshop, figuring out ways I could help my students improve their freestyles with some skills and techniques to make them feel more comfortable and at ease with their dancing. Halfway through, it struck me that it seemed a little bit of a paradox to talk about preparing for a freestyle. Isn't "freestyle preparation" an oxymoron? Can you really prepare for something that is supposed to be spontaneous and improvised? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The answer is yes, you can. And you should. Preparing to freestyle will make you feel more comfortable in your own skin (and stilettos). And that will improve the quality of the freestyle you do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here are some of my tips from my workshop. I hope they help you to feel at ease with yourself, and eventually, to set your freestyle free. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take yourself seriously</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the first and most important point. By taking yourself seriously I do not mean that you have to stare intensely into the camera, furrow your brow and pound the floor passionately with your fist (although if that's your thing, by all means go ahead and do it - it's your freestyle!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I mean is that you need to take yourself seriously enough that you are able to give yourself permission to dance. A lot of pole students seem to think that they are only entitled to freestyle once they've reached a certain level. This is just plain crazy talk - you don't need approval or permission from anyone to dance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just yesterday, we were lucky enough to have the fabulous choreographer and pole dancer Kelly Yvonne teach a workshop at the Pole Dance Academy. During the class, one of the girls was asked to perform her choreography for the rest of the students. Reluctantly, the student agreed. Before Kelly could play the music, the student began to apologise in advance for the mistakes she felt she was bound to make. Outraged, Kelly stopped her, crying "<i>No! Never apologise for your movement! Never apologise for your dancing!</i>" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sneakily, I got out my notebook and wrote that down for my blog. It fit so perfectly with what I wanted to say. So if I can take Kelly's words and mix them with my own, it would go like this: you don't need permission from anyone but yourself to dance however you like, and you certainly don't need to apologise for the dance your body creates when you finally allow it to do what it wants to do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You might even surprise yourself once you finally let go - the student in Kelly's workshop went on to give an incredibly beautiful mini-performance, and she had the class mesmerised. You've probably fallen in love with pole dance because you love the way it helps you to express yourself and the emotions you feel. So go ahead and express them. Don't laugh at yourself. Don't tell yourself that you're lame. Don't sigh in exasperation at any mistakes that you make. Just keep dancing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are so many excuses to not freestyle... <i>I'm too uncoordinated. I'm not flexible. I have no dance background. I look silly. I'm too old. I'm too out of shape. I'm not good enough. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just try to remember that pretty much every single pole dancer started out inflexible, uncoordinated, out of shape and silly-looking. I know I certainly did. So refuse to accept your own excuses and GET ON THAT POLE. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take yourself seriously. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charlie Sky knows that pole dance is serious business.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let yourself be carried by the music</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choose a song that you respond to on an emotional level, on that day and at that time. I have a freestyle playlist in my iPhone, and on the day I pick the one that resonates most with me at that particular time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dance to the music. Try to find ways to build your movement as the music builds, and bring it down when there's a quiet or softer part of your song. Don't just run through every single trick you ever learnt, try to create a flow between tricks and floor work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCC8R2yY4xKwB4pS5Vkg0i_2_57mOVRrnNa52zV1bYUqSD4lGJVQS2ZgpTIMEnFLr23Op1E8rEbdb5dMmjTCBHSJkLtvA-V7IQDmqErVsdohJcpBUQFjUHCXdZkzpjHKMceBmRF-WwzK3i/s1600/552864_10151509842505436_209825701_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCC8R2yY4xKwB4pS5Vkg0i_2_57mOVRrnNa52zV1bYUqSD4lGJVQS2ZgpTIMEnFLr23Op1E8rEbdb5dMmjTCBHSJkLtvA-V7IQDmqErVsdohJcpBUQFjUHCXdZkzpjHKMceBmRF-WwzK3i/s320/552864_10151509842505436_209825701_n-1.jpg" title="Set Your Freestyle Free" width="208" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lose yourself in the music </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Get off the pole!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's right. You heard me. Step away from the pole. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During a freestyle, you need some downtime away from the pole, or you'll exhaust yourself. Another great reason to learn to love floorwork is that it will make your freestyles more interesting for others to watch. I often find that the freestyles I enjoy the most are the ones that have a lot of creative floorwork. Everyone knows I love a big old power move, but I also love to watch a dancer who can move confidently away from the pole (possibly because I'm still not 100% comfortable away from the pole myself). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So if your brain explodes at the mere thought of dancing away from the pole, let's make it sound less threatening: just try to learn how to do some things with your arms and legs away from the pole. Experiment with striking and holding poses. Change levels - go from standing to kneeling, get all the way down on the floor, and then work out how to get back up again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And remember - floorwork is not just walking around the pole in circles over and over again. Although of course, if that's all you can think of to do in the moment, do that. It's better than stopping in despair and staring mournfully at yourself in the mirror or banging your head against the pole repeatedly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w6o_zkfI5CATMzXAtGQ_zYniVfG_Jeb0asTiXxGAZ1UleS0guuEU71927e-HjSvlStkmlatqfGwPbgyowpqQqEUvBqBK_nvsq30YFrcwp_qocnTStLhmLWNuAUzqsFlaRZ1W6wVEQZq0/s1600/APC+chest+stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0w6o_zkfI5CATMzXAtGQ_zYniVfG_Jeb0asTiXxGAZ1UleS0guuEU71927e-HjSvlStkmlatqfGwPbgyowpqQqEUvBqBK_nvsq30YFrcwp_qocnTStLhmLWNuAUzqsFlaRZ1W6wVEQZq0/s320/APC+chest+stand.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's plenty to do off the pole - don't be scared!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Film yourself. And watch yourself. And don't squirm uncomfortably inside while you watch yourself.</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Filming yourself and then playing it back is without question THE BEST WAY TO IMPROVE. Even if you hate watching yourself, do it. Try to be a fair critic of your performance. By that I mean be as objective as you can, and recognise the good things you did, as well as the bad. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that when watching yourself, you will always spot the flexed foot, the bent leg or the awkward landing, but try not to focus too much just on the mistakes. Look for what you like, and try to replicate it in your next freestyle. And try to avoid making same the mistakes you've just made. </span><br />
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iXVhBEOHsh1Wha20tI7jztY3PaHIkEjinaHtfN5ptWaYnP7VUVyFZi-LU26-JMKnQAjPM_k2WJ1IBggnCn3P0cOqvMD8QtwBShlunsm-4h6L3b-epNNe1M5HM-GUiHmF25uqiD55bYO3/s1600/Watching+your+own+freestyles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iXVhBEOHsh1Wha20tI7jztY3PaHIkEjinaHtfN5ptWaYnP7VUVyFZi-LU26-JMKnQAjPM_k2WJ1IBggnCn3P0cOqvMD8QtwBShlunsm-4h6L3b-epNNe1M5HM-GUiHmF25uqiD55bYO3/s400/Watching+your+own+freestyles.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching your own freestyle can be a rollercoaster of emotions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't stop. Whatever you do, just don't stop.</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You're 2 minutes and 45 seconds into your song, and you stuff something up. Everything was going so well, and then you stumbled. It feels like the whole freestyle is now lost and completely irretrievable. So you stop dancing and throw yourself down on the studio floor and say "This is so stupid! I suck! I'm going back to yoga."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Noooooo! Don't stop! Don't go back to yoga! Keep going! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have to keep going, for 3 reasons: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Your freestyle will never be perfect, so stop thinking it has to be perfect. You're allowed to make a couple of little mistakes (or even big ones). The purpose of the freestyle is not to create a perfect piece, but rather to practice dancing without choreography. So don't let yourself be put off. Keep going. Dance through it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Another excellent reason for not stopping is stamina and endurance building. It's really hard to pole dance non-stop for 3 or 4 minutes, and you will never be able to do unless you actually do it. So keep dancing, and get stronger. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. The third, and perhaps more persuasive reason is this: I can't even begin to count the number of times I have disobeyed the above golden rule, and stopped halfway through a freestyle. Then, when I've gone to watch to video afterwards, I've found that the massive and inexcusable error was actually nothing more than a nano-second of a wobble. Sometimes, I've actually groaned out loud watching the video because what felt like a mistake was actually what looks like a really cool and interesting transition, and I'd abandoned the freestyle for no reason. Some of the best tricks were the result of a fall into an awkward position that turned out to be an awesome move... So you never know! Keep dancing and hope for the best.</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a couple of tricks up your sleeve</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't think that you need to go into your freestyle with zero clue as to what you're going to do next. It's not cheating to know that you want to showcase one or two particular moves in your freestyle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I usually have an idea of a few combos or tricks that I want to use, and then what happens in between is the freestyle. </span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't rush</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4064027486535175574" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take your time. Be sure that you finish off each move, each gesture and extension before you move on to the next trick. Time may feel like it's dragging, but force yourself to hold poses for slightly longer than you want to. It gives the audience (or your video camera) a chance to admire what you're doing.</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Haters gonna hate</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You might just keep your freestyles all to yourself, or maybe you'll share them with friends, your partner, your mum, or maybe you'll throw them out there to cyberspace and see what happens. If you do choose to make them public, you have to be prepared for the wild, weird, sometimes wonderful, sometimes hateful world of youtube and Facebook comments. People can be really supportive and generous, but they can also be really cruel (and sometimes random, like the guy who inexplicably wrote the comment below on one of my videos). Don't let the negative comments get you down. If they do, check out my <a href="http://shimmypolediary.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/first-blog-ever-thick-skin.html">blog post on the topic</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloS_lkLaUQU9VHvOtDlDLGFLLQpMSYIPaUwZs6abN5c4nRT4NFr0MxISTj9zj-dBZKzN5sHVqtM7GZC8R_F0TFo2qnUypM-KgfqBJbNEznPJ_E8sMy9sQzseIVQdPWq389Tgr3Ljvzcto/s1600/74896_10152437631900436_1961490109_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloS_lkLaUQU9VHvOtDlDLGFLLQpMSYIPaUwZs6abN5c4nRT4NFr0MxISTj9zj-dBZKzN5sHVqtM7GZC8R_F0TFo2qnUypM-KgfqBJbNEznPJ_E8sMy9sQzseIVQdPWq389Tgr3Ljvzcto/s320/74896_10152437631900436_1961490109_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whatever, weirdo.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And remember - practice makes perfect</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make time to freestyle as often as you can. I would say at least every week. The more you do it, the less awkward it feels, and the more accustomed you will come to moving without knowing where you're going. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to get some input from other pole dancers, to see what they thought. So I reached out to Natasha Wang, because she is an amazing and poetic performer, and also because she's sitting right behind me as I write this in my living room, so it was convenient :-). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natasha says:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The more often you free dance, the more easily you will be able to let yourself move to the music and improve the flow you create. You need to do it all the time - it's a skill like anything else, and you'll lose it if you don't practice it." </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For some inspiration, below are two videos. The first is a recent freestyle, one that I'm quite happy with. I have other videos that are more tricks-based, but I chose this one specifically because there is a lot of posing away from the pole and floor work, as well as pole tricks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below it is an old freestyle, from when I first opened the Pole Dance Academy and really began to freestyle regularly. It's funny watching an old video of myself, I think there's a big difference (I hope you do too!), and I think the difference comes from practising freestyling. I mean, obviously over the course of three years I have improved in terms of strength, flexibility and tricks, but the flow and confidence of the freestyle only comes with practice. Watch the second one closely - something goes quite wrong for me at one point, but like a good little freestyler I kept going! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See if you can spot what it was ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recent freestyle: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jTTh0CzpwiM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/mschonstein/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image012.png" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old freestyle: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jrHf2P0KTbQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="file:///Users/mschonstein/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_image014.png" /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look closely at 2 minutes 10 seconds. I actually hit my head on the ceiling beam, but in keeping with the golden rule of freestyle, I didn't stop. Did you notice that I'd whacked my head??</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have a right to dance! So go on. Let yourself dance. Give yourself permission to move to music with purpose and passion. It's ok to make mistakes and to feel silly and awkward. It gets better, and eventually, it will feel less like pulling teeth and more like freedom :-). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So now you know what you gotta do. You gotta fight. For your right. To freeeeestyle! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shimmy xxx</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS One final but random tip. I like to freestyle with clean hair. It swishes better that way. So I always wash it the morning of a potential freestyle day. This is my last random tip for you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-80008006193855135692012-11-14T22:47:00.000-08:002012-11-19T18:16:15.734-08:00A Foreigner's Guide to Australian Pole Dancing<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Over the past month or so, Australia has been lucky
enough to welcome to our sunny shores some fabulous international pole talent.
There have been (and continue to be) a number of fantastic pole camps,
including the Australian Summer Pole Camp on the Gold Coast, the upcoming WA
Pole Camp and the East Coast Pole Cruise (which will take place onboard a cruise
ship – with waterslides! I’m VERY excited about that). We have also had Miss
Pole Dance Australia, and the Australian Pole Championships. It’s been a
massive month or two for Australian pole dance. We’ve had Michelle Stanek,
Marion Crampe, Josiah Badazz Grant, Anastasia and Evgeny, Laura Martin, and we
will soon be seeing Natasha Wang, Kelly Yvonne, Sergia Louise Anderson, Venessa
Clack, Nadia Shariff and probably many more pole stars.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sydney has crazy real estate/rental
prices, so having the luxury of a spare room is quite rare. But I have one! So
I’ve had the good fortune to be able to host many of the inspirational and
talented pole dancers who arrive in Sydney. After many conversations with
international pole stars about pole dancing, we inevitably get around to the
topic of why Australian pole dance is so different from international styles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And it's true that we do things a little differently Down Under... I mean, we are perfectly capable of arty, pretty, contemporary routines. A lot of us perform like that regularly. But every now and again, we like to bust out some crazy, Aussie-style pole shows, the likes of which don't seem to really occur elsewhere in the world. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So it strikes me as important for international pole
relations to draft a document that sets out some important principles behind
the way we do things round here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">1. The Weather</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It gets hot in Australia in the summer time. Really
hot. In the winter time, it gets cold. This may seem easy enough to
understand. However, Australians live in complete denial about the fact that it
gets cold in Australia in winter (especially Sydney-siders). We really do
believe that it’s warm all year round, and that the cold weather is an
aberration. When it’s not summer, we all act like the cold weather is strange
and unusual (even though the same thing happens every single year).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I believe that part of this strange denial stems
from the fact that Australians don’t like to wear a lot of clothes. In the
summer, people walk around in public pretty much half naked. We love it. It’s
just how we roll. We sunbake topless at the beach. We wear shorts so short you
can see where leg becomes bum. We wear Daisy Dukes that are pretty much just
denim underpants. Bikini tops and monokinis are fine to wear to a nightclub
(provided of course that you have your denim underpants on as well).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_mlAIFI8o0vrNWHwhF3PNgdJ4KCStYtUGF1t4WaWk4xzOoJ7bLZ0vAOPXQRi9q3Wb28IcsJL0B5vHHz7cX9Awq4gzTeV677Thz1DlyRrrbk6GvHkEUSy8M-5aUgboEdb4H02AkxRsFMK/s1600/68138_10150337500030436_2178661_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_mlAIFI8o0vrNWHwhF3PNgdJ4KCStYtUGF1t4WaWk4xzOoJ7bLZ0vAOPXQRi9q3Wb28IcsJL0B5vHHz7cX9Awq4gzTeV677Thz1DlyRrrbk6GvHkEUSy8M-5aUgboEdb4H02AkxRsFMK/s320/68138_10150337500030436_2178661_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So as you can see, for most Aussies (and again,
Sydney-siders in particular), being half-naked in public is a non-issue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Which means that it’s only natural that Aussie pole
dancers have to go a bit further to shock and awe. Which brings me to my next
point.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2. She wore an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny…</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Aussie pole dancers are renowned for wearing pole
outfits so tiny that the audience spends most of their time wondering how on
earth the pole dancer’s costume is staying in place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbILIZJ_-rZw6buCufq5-zUHEnBTgXM7B0mjSgAyRmL6_MYfnwoRpEOXYzQNe76CmeIo3VHACCDUfION-VjIJ9_enJ1WZtsAnudcgMkCvsfV2x0DYifktCLWs6Vg6enQc48iDA2JFLsLy/s1600/Shimmy+tabletop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbILIZJ_-rZw6buCufq5-zUHEnBTgXM7B0mjSgAyRmL6_MYfnwoRpEOXYzQNe76CmeIo3VHACCDUfION-VjIJ9_enJ1WZtsAnudcgMkCvsfV2x0DYifktCLWs6Vg6enQc48iDA2JFLsLy/s400/Shimmy+tabletop.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I recently stumbled upon a conversation thread on
Facebook that made me laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sZjGbg7nQFn2tJdTREqwwWYbfAmAJ_AVxvoApEJOhWcTbWoKuewjtfk0JDOGUqXMLSqda_JtH1_n1cwedZQ4FE9er3PwYULg05f_CsOtmdDa7rHxJ3RbMevFZkFpTxKiye3QOKWsTjyC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-11-15+at+1.53.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sZjGbg7nQFn2tJdTREqwwWYbfAmAJ_AVxvoApEJOhWcTbWoKuewjtfk0JDOGUqXMLSqda_JtH1_n1cwedZQ4FE9er3PwYULg05f_CsOtmdDa7rHxJ3RbMevFZkFpTxKiye3QOKWsTjyC/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-11-15+at+1.53.41+PM.png" width="539" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tips for keeping everything in place...</span></h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Now, I don’t want to give away my Aussie sisters’
secrets… But here are a few tips.</span></div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Have faith. </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">In my experience, paranoia tells you
your knickers have moved when they have not. Further more, if you’re up on
stage, no one can really see anyway. So just relax.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Double bag it. </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Wear two pairs of knickers, or a
g-string under your costume. I personally prefer to wear a pair of knickers
that match the cut of my costume, rather than a g-string.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Double sided tape on your bum cheeks. </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Look, you can
of course use tape if you want to, but my preference is not to use it. This is
because I once did, and it didn’t hold. And then not only did the audience see
my butt cheeks (which is fine by me), they also saw two pieces of sticky tape
covered in costume fluff stuck on my butt (which I am not ok with). Although some people use it with success - I was able to lend a hand to the lovely Miss Filly in a crotch emergency once. I gave her a couple of strips of double sided tape to keep her itsy bitsy silver bikini in place - and it worked (only just!).</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Hairspray on your bum cheeks. </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Never tried this - I don’t think it would withstand any kind of power pole move, but just for the sake of completeness I’m including it.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Strapping tape right down the middle of your Hoo Ha. </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">You need to be a brave woman to go down this path… and a waxed/lasered woman
too! I have never done this, but Aussie pole stars Jedda J Jordan and Fontaine swear by it. Jedda says “If your
costume moves, no one sees anything – just like a Barbie!!” NB: Having a drink or
two before attempting to remove the tape is recommended…</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRSpkyLNKFKO9ttlNpb2L_pxeY78i7hwR1n0DDpqulVVhvlURuF_XJ0vtPdS0qXNQKzt40BQ8md4ebQB-MVVRWFIJqxy3Zkq0JuPewJOr4qYQaof-xr68DgfEeb2DdUnGTEc3yUTj1XRa/s1600/Foni+Fanny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRSpkyLNKFKO9ttlNpb2L_pxeY78i7hwR1n0DDpqulVVhvlURuF_XJ0vtPdS0qXNQKzt40BQ8md4ebQB-MVVRWFIJqxy3Zkq0JuPewJOr4qYQaof-xr68DgfEeb2DdUnGTEc3yUTj1XRa/s400/Foni+Fanny.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Foni Fanny, named after it's inventor, Fontaine (left).<br />
Not telling you who is modelling the Foni Fanny on the right!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And of course, sometimes, in spite of your best
efforts, your costume might move a bit… you may not even notice! Hopefully the
audience doesn’t notice either. And with a bit of luck, there will be no photos
on Facebook to record the incident. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Hmm, I wonder who this poor girl is?? I've blurred her face out so no one will recognise her... Right?? Except maybe my boyfriend. I mean her boyfriend! Oops ;-)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkack5HQDIrtEptFQAK4mUmXA_Shk3o0k1mMJt_8DM9oRLfZGoJO_-8zfqxDyxHKAC0GgNZuVuq6oxw2ptpOKlhikpy0qXp6qaoqJaD5o7SOOBiZNbItS09j3hpm-NpUM92010x0pT-Ezw/s1600/196696_431568323552486_744797683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkack5HQDIrtEptFQAK4mUmXA_Shk3o0k1mMJt_8DM9oRLfZGoJO_-8zfqxDyxHKAC0GgNZuVuq6oxw2ptpOKlhikpy0qXp6qaoqJaD5o7SOOBiZNbItS09j3hpm-NpUM92010x0pT-Ezw/s320/196696_431568323552486_744797683_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">3. Pole SPECTACULARS!!!</span></h3>
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you have ever been to an Australian pole dance
competition, you might notice a few key differences. I have compiled a list of
key features that are common to many Australian pole dance competitor’s shows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h3>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A. At least one costume change onstage. Possibly more.</span></h3>
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The general rule is to start big, and go small. Amber
Ray is the queen of the massive costume, which is stripped away to reveal a
very tiny costume underneath. Fontaine broke with tradition this year at Miss
Pole Dance Australia, and actually went the other way – she started small and
then PUT CLOTHES ON! Wild. No one knew what to think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6cnDD8AfPnr0r9mqvcdHZTxD14zn5betoNc5TZqvr8-BZsD9C3xl88PdRgrSQSlzvp1T-a28RSQmqdxwnyNUL7mPNzwuR4WA4bqidACaeE1wAsBCboQg-QJPlkQFYqBpJhlgJx71Lqcy/s1600/ARAY+costume+change.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6cnDD8AfPnr0r9mqvcdHZTxD14zn5betoNc5TZqvr8-BZsD9C3xl88PdRgrSQSlzvp1T-a28RSQmqdxwnyNUL7mPNzwuR4WA4bqidACaeE1wAsBCboQg-QJPlkQFYqBpJhlgJx71Lqcy/s400/ARAY+costume+change.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber Ray follows the traditional Aussie formula:<br />
Massive costume to tiny costume.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Some tips on costume removal onstage: if something can
go wrong, it will. If it is possible for laces to knot, or hooks to get stuck,
THEY WILL. Taking clothes off onstage gracefully is way harder than it looks.
Take note: VELCRO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Check out my sister Maddie rocking the velcro at 0:45.</span></div>
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<h3>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">B. Music Mega Mixes</span></h3>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In Australia, one song is never enough. Heck, two
songs aren’t even enough! We love the mega mix here. Not only can we pole
dance, we can all mix music like pro DJs (well, ok, maybe amateur DJs). At the
MPDA heats last year, I used 5 songs in my mega mix. Yes. Five. And I did 3 costume changes. Three. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We also like voice overs. I’ve done them (check out my video below), Suzie Q has
done them, Cleo has done them, my sister Maddie has done them, the list goes
on. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Here is an example of a voice over - my Earthquake routine from MPDA NSW this year. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Speaking of voice overs, Amber Ray once did a live voice over. In the middle of a cheerleader themed
routine, she actually belted out a cheer. It was amazing. Check it out:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold;">C. Pyrotechnics, smoke machines, fog machines, sharks
with frickin laser beams…</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you’ve ever watched a Miss Pole Dance Australia
opening number, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Pyrotechnics are a must, no
matter what the cost. This year, MC Maxi Shields suffered singed eyelashes and
a melted wig when she was caught in a blast of flames onstage. But the show
must go on.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-I1ZjUuQw2dl1yTvLWVxqVXD0UYraBU3DVX7wSwczI2mn9ACvSTquHQNldpPx7-Wi9f4_MfdjpnTjXSmwyCmkp_AJy0j2KZcjkREzpsm8d9BPWu0RKCKtv4KspwerBq3kV_DQakLQJkP/s1600/Laser+beam+montage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-I1ZjUuQw2dl1yTvLWVxqVXD0UYraBU3DVX7wSwczI2mn9ACvSTquHQNldpPx7-Wi9f4_MfdjpnTjXSmwyCmkp_AJy0j2KZcjkREzpsm8d9BPWu0RKCKtv4KspwerBq3kV_DQakLQJkP/s400/Laser+beam+montage.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LASER BEAMS!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And who could forget Summer’s fireworks from her
shoes? I don’t think anyone was expecting that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUC_6S-CT4Sc0QbcNEWIi387tIj_i9WrvdiO6-8gaHX8V-VFUMJfVnLjKaa2Gi3CX6Qkoq0BlsP2eFmFabOz8eiPNWbVPTwQBYdtT_TKbCf8RVtD1VLoBdx8vG9x9sQOe1bkwMCxKBdXjd/s1600/Summer+fireworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUC_6S-CT4Sc0QbcNEWIi387tIj_i9WrvdiO6-8gaHX8V-VFUMJfVnLjKaa2Gi3CX6Qkoq0BlsP2eFmFabOz8eiPNWbVPTwQBYdtT_TKbCf8RVtD1VLoBdx8vG9x9sQOe1bkwMCxKBdXjd/s400/Summer+fireworks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was even more amazing in real life. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">D. Over the top themes reminiscent of drag shows</span></h3>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We are not known for our subtlety. We like our themes, and we like them big, bold, and often, just plain weird. Some noteworthy themes in recent
years:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">- Oompa Loompa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">- Beverley Hills 90210<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">- Grid Iron Football Player<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">- Disney characters (Little Mermaid, Princess Jasmine,
Cinderella, Poison Ivy)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">- Miss Universe Beauty Pageant contestant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">- And so on</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Below is a photo montage of some typically fabulous, crazy and wild Aussie pole dancer costumes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXUMZ2H5aa2w5gFrR7gc3VAlf2KhM7URfNZNJk_Ojr2ABT0owqTEe8VPdgspMbBqOf9OtGoSGFLlzVQg7ueKAKjwH5N-MNH8MYbYPKv9zLVRmBbdUYUDnRFjj7clmcePeOWm_j4-7TWtX/s1600/Final+Costume+montage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXUMZ2H5aa2w5gFrR7gc3VAlf2KhM7URfNZNJk_Ojr2ABT0owqTEe8VPdgspMbBqOf9OtGoSGFLlzVQg7ueKAKjwH5N-MNH8MYbYPKv9zLVRmBbdUYUDnRFjj7clmcePeOWm_j4-7TWtX/s640/Final+Costume+montage.png" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There were so many good ones I had to do another montage.... I could easily do a third...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfyTGCwHndeHKwUCWZhwHjbG8YvEIT7gTQGoVRaVQUrDHDn5KeUU8V_vL7ZbvEAnOEL_KVrgxpGtM0mSD0GjCy9OrU6e2qk1Qx7taQpQjRJRSYbC-JHZYg9qQDbYlA_B8XpmjGbmsGSlO/s1600/Final+2nd+Costume+Montage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfyTGCwHndeHKwUCWZhwHjbG8YvEIT7gTQGoVRaVQUrDHDn5KeUU8V_vL7ZbvEAnOEL_KVrgxpGtM0mSD0GjCy9OrU6e2qk1Qx7taQpQjRJRSYbC-JHZYg9qQDbYlA_B8XpmjGbmsGSlO/s640/Final+2nd+Costume+Montage.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Justine McLucas is kind of a bit of a faux-Aussie Pole Dancer, seeing as how she ditched us for London... But technically, I guess it's ok for me to include her... Just goes to show that you can take the pole dancer out Australia, but you can't take the Australia out of the pole dancer!</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">E. Miscellaneous features</span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">In case you hadn't noticed, we like to do the splits a lot. We also feel quite comfortable in our stripper heels, and some of us are perfectly happy to perform acrobatics such as cartwheels, backflips, backward walkovers and handstand drop splits in them (yes Chelle and Summer, I'm talking to you ladies). </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at MPDA this year, about to do a backward walkover drop split. Boom.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">And you might have noticed that we're all a bit partial to a well-executed hair flick...</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">A warning to all foreigners venturing Down Under...</span></span></h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px;">I wanted to finish off this guide with a cautionary tale to foreigners planning a pole adventure in Australia. Strange things can happen to you once you arrive... You may find that you lose your inhibitions, and start doing things you might not otherwise have done... The Aussie spirit really is contagious, so make sure you're fully prepared for what might happen to you! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">And just remember... What happens Down Under, stays on Facebook... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">FOREVER!! Muahahahaha....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">Shimmy xxx</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">PS A thank you to Brad Edwards, Chris Misztur, Matt Granger for the photos, and thanks to the pole dancers for letting me post pics of you!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px;">PPS What's your favourite thing about Australian pole dancers??? Keep it clean please ;-)</span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-62023398923631183562012-09-12T17:32:00.001-07:002012-09-12T17:32:52.544-07:00My life is so weird sometimes...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My life has changed a lot since I became a professional pole dancer. By now, I'm getting used to some of the stranger things that are just part and parcel of the the daily grind of the pro pole dancer's life. But every now and again, something happens that makes me sit back and think, wow, now <i>that</i> was weird. Here are a few recent examples. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Topless Waiter Emergency!</span></h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the weekend, we had an emergency at the Pole Dance Academy. A serious emergency. The topless waiter/life drawing model we had booked for a hen's/bachelorette party we were hosting at the studio went MIA on us. Just didn't show up. How unprofessional! I mean, I understand that topless waiting and posing nude for tipsy hens is probably not his life goal, but at the same time, if you commit to something, either do it properly or don't do it at all. Whether it be driving a taxi, extracting teeth, mowing lawns, herding sheep or getting your willy out for a bunch of shrieking women, take pride in your work!</span><br />
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Anyway, so Mr No-Show really left us in a bind. We had eleven women waiting for the naked man they had been promised. My sister Maddie and I weren't sure what to do. So we sat down on the couch, and rang our regular and trusted topless waiter agency, Topless Events (who we should have stuck with, instead of trying a new agency!). No luck. So we tried some others. No good either. No one could help.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was all we needed. Too much to ask for???</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next step: we got out our mobile phones and called every single guy we knew who we thought might be up for it. None of them were available. However, they did give us phone numbers of people who might be game. So, armed with the phone numbers of a few poor unsuspecting Sydney men, we began cold calling them. The conversations went along these lines:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: "Oh hi there. My name is Shimmy. Ah, I mean, Michelle. So, we don't actually know each other, but I got your number from Yvette, who works for us." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sean: "Oh yeah, I know Yvette. What can I do for you?" </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: "Well, don't be offended, but, um, we have something of an emergency here... We really need a man who would be happy to serve some drinks topless, and then get naked for 10 or so women to draw him. Yvette thought you might be up for it." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sean: "Ahh, no, sorry, I can't." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: "Um, ok. Would it make a difference if we paid cash?" </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sean: "Nope." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: "Ok, I understand. Well, have a nice afternoon." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sean: "Wait - I have a mate who might do it..." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: "Great! Can I have his number?"</span></blockquote>
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I passed the phone on to Maddie at this point. She made the next call.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maddie: "Hi, is this Nick?" </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick: "Yes. Who is this?" </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maddie: "My name is Maddie, and I hope this doesn't sound weird, but we really need a man who would be happy to serve some drinks topless, and then get naked for a bunch of women to draw him. We got your number from Sean." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick: "From Sean? You know Sean?" </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maddie: "No, we don't actually know Sean, but we just spoke to him on the phone, and he said you might be interested."</span></blockquote>
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[Some confusion followed. As it turned out, Nick was Dutch, and didn't speak English very well. Maddie had to repeat to him a few times exactly what it was that we wanted. Eventually, Nick got the drift.]</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick: "But I have never done this before." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maddie: "No worries at all! It's easy! You just sit there, and the girls draw! You'll love it." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick: "Can I keep my boxers on?" </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maddie: "No, unfortunately not." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick: "Well, I don't know." </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maddie: "Please? You'd be doing us a massive favour!" </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nick: "Well, ok, I guess. What's the address?"</span></blockquote>
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Maddie got off the phone and looked at me. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I feel so bad!" She said. "I've just convinced him in 5 minutes to make a big decision about becoming a stripper!" </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"No time to worry about that," I said. "We have to hurry. Those hens will be getting angry if they don't see a naked man soon! Anyway, it's life modelling, not stripping. It's all for the sake of art. He'll be fine."</span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
So we jumped in the car and raced to the studio, hoping to get there before Nick, so we could brief him on how to get brief-less. </span><br />
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We got there just in time. Nick arrived, straight from Bondi Beach, where he'd been relaxing on the sand when he got our random phone call. Nick was nervous. Particularly because, as he explained to me, when he got nervous: "it gets smaller". I told him not to worry about that and ushered him into the room, praying that the girls would be gentle with him. </span><br />
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As it turned out, Nick had a great time. Not only did he enjoy being a "life model", the girls were also obviously quite happy with what they saw, because Nick scored a phone number off one of the girls. He even offered us his services again should we have another such emergency. So all's well that ends well. </span><br />
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But still, cold calling random men to ask them to come get naked for you is a little weird. Like, very weird. I was just surprised at how hard it was to find one who would do it!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9u-rb_o7Np9fAN4W_goQbQoWo4ymY89HKOV_lfuUNDTWzKVVfWuRpNcjq2Dk2OyQYWPgyFz4-zzU9Y7IrQYdcikVQCrCCRAeF9NXEXAcSAbZiMxeC5YhR3Gw0J5O5GsLTTjOmMnyXKoS/s1600/IMG_9302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9u-rb_o7Np9fAN4W_goQbQoWo4ymY89HKOV_lfuUNDTWzKVVfWuRpNcjq2Dk2OyQYWPgyFz4-zzU9Y7IrQYdcikVQCrCCRAeF9NXEXAcSAbZiMxeC5YhR3Gw0J5O5GsLTTjOmMnyXKoS/s320/IMG_9302.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I put this in black and white because, as everyone knows that if it's black and white, it's art.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Famous on TV</span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the fun things about this job is you never know what each day is going to bring. One day, I got an email from a casting agent asking if the Pole Dance Academy girls would be interested in auditioning for a television commercial for a big sportswear brand. The product was a new type of shoe that is supposed to give you a better bum (I think we all know how gullible you would have to be to believe that, but anyway). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sister and I were both free, so we packed a bag with some sequin bikinis and stripper shoes, and set off. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we got to the audition, we were told that unfortunately they hadn't been able to organise a pole. My sister and I exchanged glances.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: "So if there's no pole, how do you want us to pole dance for you?" </span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Casting agent: "Well, we've cleared a space in the middle of the room, so if you can just sort of show us what you've got, without a pole, that would be great."</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: "OK. I guess we can just do some floor work or something. Where can I plug my iPod in?"</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Casting agent: "Yeah, so unfortunately we don't actually have any music capability here." </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: "No music?"</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Casting agent: "No." </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: "So you want us to pole dance for you with no pole, and no music?"</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Casting agent: "Yeah, that's right." </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me: (rolls eyes) </span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The audition itself was one of the most awkward things I've ever done. Picture a small room with no windows, two female casting agents operating a camera, me in a bikini "pole dancing without a pole", and no sound other than the hum of fluorescent lights and my own breathing. AWKWARD. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We didn't even get the job. Possibly because the consumer watchdog got on to them about making false claims about the butt-lifting effects of their sneakers... Or possibly because they found someone else who could pole dance without a pole better than we could. Sigh. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pole gigs can be such a drag... </span></h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my boyfriend's friends was about to turn 40, and he wanted to celebrate in style. So he hired the penthouse floor of the fanciest nightclub in Sydney, and invited a hundred or so of his closest friends. He had a whole swag of entertainment acts for the night, including Maddie, Yvette and me. He told us that his favourite singers were Madonna and George Michael, and gave us a list of his favourite songs.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got a bit carried away, and choreographed a massive mega-mix medley of Madonna and George Michael songs, which of course included a re-enactment of George's arrest for having sex in a public toilet. I have to say that even though at first it felt a little strange pole dancing in chaps whilst rocking a moustache and chest hair.... um, I kinda liked it... Plus I think I made a great man. What do you think?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me as George Michael</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Michael being taken in by Constables Yvette and Maddie</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fact, the more I think I about it, the more I'm beginning to think we should have ditched Nick and used me for the topless waiter emergency! I mean, it's not like I have boobs or anything... hahaha maybe not.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me teach you how to be sexy...</span></h3>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got asked to do a hens party for a lovely bunch of girls, who had hired a suite in a city hotel for their celebrations. They didn't have the hotel's permission to put up the pole, so we said we'd teach them some burlesque basics and lap dance moves instead. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The girls were very enthusiastic, particularly the hen. She was very interested in learning how to do a sexy chair dance for her future husband. Now, I pride myself on my chair dance and lap dance skills. It's something that I consider to be a real art form, and I take it very seriously. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So imagine my distress when, halfway through teaching the hen a very sexy back bend off the lap of her lucky man, I suddenly found myself flat on my back on the floor, legs akimbo with the chair on top of me. The girls all shrieked, and began fussing over me to make sure I was ok.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever the professional, I tried to act all nonchalant about it. </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Girls, I'm fine. I was just trying to demonstrate to you how not to do it, and some of the things that can go wrong when you're attempting a lap dance. You can really hurt yourself, so you have to be careful. And yes, as you see from my back, carpet burn is a real risk."</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEoAT-u_3DwRoRbaA4B0-mZa0246kQGGALE9KyKTQXkkGgz7TW8yake1oFU0_ixuzKd8f_QMLVMqTYz2wTUsV200n2N3l8Tuu11h2b7lSTad2mscnA4cBIIRxQE2dWv1ijS9ccsGxkMIb/s1600/justin+kneeling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEoAT-u_3DwRoRbaA4B0-mZa0246kQGGALE9KyKTQXkkGgz7TW8yake1oFU0_ixuzKd8f_QMLVMqTYz2wTUsV200n2N3l8Tuu11h2b7lSTad2mscnA4cBIIRxQE2dWv1ijS9ccsGxkMIb/s320/justin+kneeling.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How it's meant to look.</td></tr>
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<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cries for help </span></h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ah, Facebook. The best way to link in with people who can help you to master the life skills you need to survive in your world. In a moment of cyber-serendipity, as I was writing this blog, I received a desperate plea for guidance from one of my facebook friends:</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey Shimmy,<br />I thought I would ask you this as I have been practising my Booty skills since your workshop. You know the stance you had us in where we are standing, holding the pole and with our feet flat on the ground, you get us to stick our butts out and shake our knees in & out? Is that the right movement? I feel as though I am shaking my knees left & right rather quickly and feeling the reverberation in my butt...</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The whole point of this is to make my butt cheeks & backs of thighs look like they are vibrating??</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, been practising pinching each butt cheek individually. This is where you had us sit on the floor with our legs spread and get us to clench each butt cheek.<br />I find when I do this move, I can feel my knees popping as I clench each side...is this still clenching the butt muscles? Can be kind of hard to see in the mirror sometimes...</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is this the right way to go about it? Is this something that needs practising to be able to see the butt muscles move?<br />Thanks so much, Shimmy!~</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> To which I reply:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi there! </span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes that's right, but make sure you keep your legs straight and your knees locked, and it should look like your butt cheeks are almost clapping.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the butt "clenching", it's not in your knees, its in your thighs and butt cheeks.<br />Keep it up!!</span></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PS I'm writing a blog about the funny things that happen in a pole dancer's life, and it strikes me that getting messages like this is pretty funny. Would you give me permission to copy and paste your message?<br />xxx</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(She did).</span><br />
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></h3>
<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the moral of the story is...</span></h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That even though my life is crazy and weird, that's exactly how I like it and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm a very happy pole dancer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Shimmy xxx</span><br />
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Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-41699528120079061672012-06-10T21:37:00.002-07:002012-06-11T00:20:45.064-07:00Pop Pole Quiz! What kind of pole student are you?I have been teaching pole dance now for a while. I've noticed over the years that there are several distinct categories of pole students. So I have designed this little list of pole student categories, for you to determine what type of pole student you are. Study this guide carefully and make your decision.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG1T8-34_kmTo8dOunhsDMy2DF89mnRBnKW6LUguTogoxrSDHcTednD5ENYPNCN5PVBKGZpaOJKrOk7KBKM6JZrwmnIsnRNW6dgFWlilrnoXV9008GhDm8f_D3OLF6_WIetIxpAChh82o/s1600/JTP_3528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG1T8-34_kmTo8dOunhsDMy2DF89mnRBnKW6LUguTogoxrSDHcTednD5ENYPNCN5PVBKGZpaOJKrOk7KBKM6JZrwmnIsnRNW6dgFWlilrnoXV9008GhDm8f_D3OLF6_WIetIxpAChh82o/s320/JTP_3528.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddie studying hard at the Pole Dance Academy.</td></tr>
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<h3>
The Kamikaze</h3>
The Kamikaze strikes fear in a pole teacher's heart. The Kamikaze appears unconcerned by the concept of gravity. The Kamikaze has no regard to the fundamental rule of pole: that failure to have the pole wedged firmly into some crevice of your body will mean that you will likely plunge to the ground.<br />
<br />
The Kamikaze will nod and agree while the teacher gives firm, clear instructions on how to avoid falling off the pole when attempting a new move. Then, once the teacher steps away, the Kamikaze throws herself gleefully and with reckless abandon at the pole, caring not for her own safety nor that of innocent bystanders.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, Kamikaze pole students also seem to be blessed with an uncanny knack for somehow managing to save themselves from face-planting at the last minute. And so they live to Kamikaze pole dance another day.<br />
<br />
These students are what Public Liability Insurance was invented for.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip:</b> Try to avoid giving your teacher a heart attack by always having <u>at least</u> one arm or leg on the pole at a time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_CyLQgSxGQ5qnrbbfvNMO2ZiFkBgx229X4HsCJaUcz_uLLhyM1ooxsVGtdT3o5WE4LRcGAoLSlM0RPaEgMKvK0qSonhlvBy9awxjyFOb4nSsxa-eU4yqwROXA9pZP4raKOV5eqTMQB9z/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_CyLQgSxGQ5qnrbbfvNMO2ZiFkBgx229X4HsCJaUcz_uLLhyM1ooxsVGtdT3o5WE4LRcGAoLSlM0RPaEgMKvK0qSonhlvBy9awxjyFOb4nSsxa-eU4yqwROXA9pZP4raKOV5eqTMQB9z/s320/photo-1.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My artistic interpretation of a Kamikaze.<br />
You will note that she has only one hand on<br />
the pole, and both her legs are nowhere near<br />
the pole. Not recommended. </td></tr>
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<h3>
The Former Jazz Dancer</h3>
The Former Jazz Dancer knows that there is dance magic in mathematics. She loves nothing better than a well-counted routine, where each move falls neatly into an 8 count. If you look closely, you can see her mouth moving ever so slightly as she dances, "ONE, two, three, four, FIVE, six, seven, eight..."<br />
<br />
Nothing frustrates the Former Jazz Dancer more than a pole teacher who can't count properly. You can spot the Former Jazz Dancer by the exasperated expression on her face at the end of this conversation with her teacher:<br />
<br />
Student: "So do we step on 3, or 5?"<br />
Teacher: "Ummm, I don't know... What did I just do?"<br />
Student: "You stepped on 3."<br />
Teacher: "Ok, 3 then."<br />
Student: "But before that, you stepped on 5."<br />
Teacher: "Right... Well, let's just see what happens this time. Ok class, let's take it from the top!"<br />
Student: "Grrrr"<br />
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<b>Tip:</b> If you need to count, count! Dance to your own beat. And if your beat is right, and everyone else's is wrong... who cares! Remember that pole dancers usually aren't classically trained, so be patient with them :-)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amber Ray<br />
It is thanks to Amber that I now know how to count.<br />
Sometimes. Sort of. </td></tr>
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<h3>
The Self Taught Pole Dancer</h3>
The Self Taught Pole Dancer is the student who began her pole journey at home, in her living room, running between her X-Pole and her laptop. She is a YouTube and Facebook aficionado, and managed to progress to an impressive level all by herself at home, until eventually succumbing to the pull of her local pole studio.<br />
<br />
The Self Taught Pole Dancer is a little overwhelmed in class. She calls all the moves by a different name. She uses her left leg when everyone else uses their right leg. She's a little freaked out by the noise and craziness of a pole class with 10 other girls, but she loves it!<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Tip: </b>Get to a class at least every now and again if you can - you'll be amazed at how much easier that tricky moves becomes once you've had someone break it down for you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqw3VzxBt_7OYj6d5IRgcHkxqU2jnu7O9rYlMMCqrTAUcw5pO4gRZGuFZs6ZbB6fe_Yx-E2higqM77KE6fUHQo9Sg4wKHHweLoIXhCBFMNj7_XvsAb1bcmqtyXxaqy__IaFQM_C6ZHeT0/s1600/Shelle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqw3VzxBt_7OYj6d5IRgcHkxqU2jnu7O9rYlMMCqrTAUcw5pO4gRZGuFZs6ZbB6fe_Yx-E2higqM77KE6fUHQo9Sg4wKHHweLoIXhCBFMNj7_XvsAb1bcmqtyXxaqy__IaFQM_C6ZHeT0/s320/Shelle.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelle, from Melbourne, getting some tips<br />
from her Facebook pole buddies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<h3>
The Overly Trusting Student</h3>
This student has complete and utter faith in her pole dance teacher. She knows her that her teacher will always be there for her, and will catch her when she falls. But not in the supportive, metaphorical sense. In the literal sense. This student will drop suddenly and without warning, usually out of a painful pole combo, and fully expect to be caught by her teacher.<br />
<br />
A good pole teacher will prepare herself for this student by taking off her stripper shoes, getting a mat ready, and adopting a brace position every time the student attempts a painful move.<br />
<br />
In Australia, we also call these students Drop Bears.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip: </b>Try to give some warning that you are about to drop. Please!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg5Yz9uNWsOO6oc2PL4W4REM-CysnNoHemgrHHDdVcFs8FPaK-d9BEYNMN5vCbq9Rhh8FaJsITks7I4q5pUmZLPtL7Xjvt0IXMcSW2Hgm7zmau5EwxObRTgxGPBXXEan1kXsSyAmVwe7S/s1600/drop+bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhg5Yz9uNWsOO6oc2PL4W4REM-CysnNoHemgrHHDdVcFs8FPaK-d9BEYNMN5vCbq9Rhh8FaJsITks7I4q5pUmZLPtL7Xjvt0IXMcSW2Hgm7zmau5EwxObRTgxGPBXXEan1kXsSyAmVwe7S/s320/drop+bear.jpg" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Drop Bear after attempting a superman <br />
for the first time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
The Prodigy</h3>
This pole student is a natural born thriller. She gets every new move on her first or second attempt. She feels no pain, and has no fear. Her teachers are simultaneously awe-struck by her ability, and unerved at how quickly she is catching up to them.<br />
<br />
This is the student everyone loves to hate. But don't be a hater - love her! She can't help being awesome, and besides, if you're nice to her, she might give you a few tips about that tricky combo you've been working on ;-)<br />
<br />
<b>Tip: </b>Keep on being great - and try to stay humble...<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Battler</h3>
The Battler is not naturally adept at pole dancing. But she absolutely frickin loves it, and it shows. She is dedicated, hard-working, and though her progress is slow, each hard-won victory is a celebration for her and for her teacher. She has repeated every level at least twice, but she is slowly and steadily getting stronger and more flexible, and is making new discoveries about what she is capable of every day. She may never make it to advanced, but she is going to work as hard as she can to be the very best damn pole dancer she can be.<br />
<br />
I'm going to put it out there and nominate the Battler as one of my favourite types of student. Go girl!<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Tip: </b>Keep at it!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkXdIHwBWQjGDmARtAAjZfVezS1oAo3VUEbtqjKwPbN1a10uTCdUR083Geoll05rDAHwbI_KYJrEVmEL4i_9LPxoGiBJVtnbVsHSny11eY7TG1iol0huwVQBG0utzPu7h6qCN_os1memJ/s1600/myPic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzkXdIHwBWQjGDmARtAAjZfVezS1oAo3VUEbtqjKwPbN1a10uTCdUR083Geoll05rDAHwbI_KYJrEVmEL4i_9LPxoGiBJVtnbVsHSny11eY7TG1iol0huwVQBG0utzPu7h6qCN_os1memJ/s320/myPic.png" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battler at the top of one of the many<br />
hills she has conquered.<br />
Note her expression of grim determination<br />
(it was meant to be a smile but I'm not<br />
a great drawer)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b><br />
<h3>
The "I Can't" Student</h3>
This student is firmly convinced that there is something fundamentally different about her body, and believes that the difference makes her physically incapable of certain moves. This belief usually stems from an off-hand comment some doctor or physio made to her a few years ago, which the I Can't Student has taken to heart as gospel. Something like "you know, your hip flexors are tighter than most peoples." As a result, the I Can't Student refuses to accept that anything can be done to change her destiny as the Girl With The Tight Hip Flexors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As her teacher approaches her, the I Can't Student will grip the pole and say firmly, "I can't do this move." Even if she hasn't even tried it yet. However, with gentle and patient persuasion, the I Can't Student can usually be convinced that she should try at least to refrain from saying "I can't do this move," in favour of saying, "I can't do this move... YET."<br />
<br />
<b>Tip:</b> Stay positive - don't create limitations for yourself :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<h3>
The Scaredy Cat</h3>
The Scaredy Cat is a variation of the Can't Student. The Scaredy Cat refuses to try a new move until she has watched every single other student in the class attempt it and survive it, without plunging to their death. The Scaredy Cat requires a lot of convincing, cajoling, coaxing and bribing from her teacher in order to get her up the pole. Even then, she does it unwilling, with big, fearful eyes.<br />
<br />
It is a mystery to everyone why the Scaredy Cat loves pole so much when she seems to spend the entire class in abject terror of her impending doom. But she's there every week, ready to be frightened up the pole again.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip: </b>Have the firemen on speed dial. They're excellent at getting frightened pussycats out of trees, and they know their way around a pole as well ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRn3BBS7smy71tYtW-ExkfhS6Bf_he5TfBXdXXL0ZV4cAA1hqNbq6OiCVXO6ky0c8hGL_BNd1pil6zI40wb-gWm_fZowcrqLDmur1ZkPIclS40xlArHnfGUmKbez_fVnYTMCO37HlbMq1/s1600/scaredy+cat.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRn3BBS7smy71tYtW-ExkfhS6Bf_he5TfBXdXXL0ZV4cAA1hqNbq6OiCVXO6ky0c8hGL_BNd1pil6zI40wb-gWm_fZowcrqLDmur1ZkPIclS40xlArHnfGUmKbez_fVnYTMCO37HlbMq1/s320/scaredy+cat.png" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Scaredy Cat's worst fears coming true. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Athlete</h3>
The Athlete is the student who has played every sport under the sun. She is strong, flexible, fast, and coordinated. But she cannot for the life of her point her toes, extend her limbs, arch her back or stick her boobs out. She is a little baffled to discover that pole dance may be the one thing she is not a natural at.<br />
<br />
You can spot the Athlete because she arrives at her first class wearing trainers and knee-length running shorts. She says couldn't possibly pole dance in heels because she can't even walk in them, let alone dance. In fact, she's not even sure whether she owns a pair.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip: </b>Practice working on your sexy at home in front of a mirror when no one is watching.<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
The Good Girl Gone Bad</h3>
This is the student who keeps her pole habit a secret from everyone she knows. She can hardly believe she dared to enrol in pole. She's the quiet one up the back, and is too shy to talk to anyone. She arrives to the studio dressed neatly in a twin set and skirt, and then changes into the cheekiest hot pants in class.<br />
<br />
You can tell a Good Girl Gone Bad by the fact that she keeps giggling to herself in class and muttering under her breath "I can't believe I'm actually doing this!" She's a lady on the street and a freak on the pole.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Tip:</b> Keep it up - I love it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCNBDec7Roj4IZ8C_fcLs0_UQA-l6bF0SQPYUWaZaxa9yhQy64nMc1vDL9toqBeLdIOARGfQRPu3Nn7jWF9iG7PWzTVa7nOSrrODO2Xw9JbS3RxLichN-xK8_g0eF2fgF2BqUrXfGQhDs/s1600/Good+Girl+Gone+Bad.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCNBDec7Roj4IZ8C_fcLs0_UQA-l6bF0SQPYUWaZaxa9yhQy64nMc1vDL9toqBeLdIOARGfQRPu3Nn7jWF9iG7PWzTVa7nOSrrODO2Xw9JbS3RxLichN-xK8_g0eF2fgF2BqUrXfGQhDs/s320/Good+Girl+Gone+Bad.png" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Bunni Lambada. The sweetest pole siren you<br />
ever did meet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<h3>
The Desperate Housewife</h3>
<div>
The Desperate Housewife is the happily married yummy mummy who is as devoted to pole dance as she is to her husband and children. That is, of course, until her husband and children try to come between her and her beloved pole. Unfortunately, husbands and children are usually horrified by the fact that their wife and mum is a pole dancer. But they quickly learn not to say anything about it, because when the Desperate Housewife feels threatened, things at home take a turn for the worse. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Remember, pole husbands: happy wife, happy life.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip: </b>Don't show off your pole tricks at your kids' birthday parties. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1mmOEjQBRt2ecx-0hVBvtHftYfeJeIua7mXvCLgHTTo7tBpLgRTrKVe4MLbcLjtjtgNNAmIL0UfMx8XvnhywZ7njnUi5mwtq2_wOE6zXnJXg9_1M_AsxYHKYU6xhR7RQwblPQwnJAJUf/s1600/33750_477156142603_1697778_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1mmOEjQBRt2ecx-0hVBvtHftYfeJeIua7mXvCLgHTTo7tBpLgRTrKVe4MLbcLjtjtgNNAmIL0UfMx8XvnhywZ7njnUi5mwtq2_wOE6zXnJXg9_1M_AsxYHKYU6xhR7RQwblPQwnJAJUf/s320/33750_477156142603_1697778_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely Yvette doing some housework before pole class.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<h3>
The Motor Skills Challenged Student</h3>
This student is not the boss of her own body. In fact, it seems that her body has a mind of its own, and she has little to no control over what her body will do next. In her brain, she understands that she needs to hook her right leg around the pole, but something happens to the brain signals as they travel from her head to her leg, and she ends up grasping desperately at the pole with her left arm instead. She is capable of unintentionally tying herself into such complex knots around the pole that she needs someone to help unravel her.<br />
<br />
The Motor Skills Challenged Student is often unable to distinguish left from right. To overcome this difficulty, the teacher might consider writing a big 'R' and 'L' on the Motor Skills Challenged Student's hands (careful not to let her do it herself, or, if she does, make sure you check that she got it the right way around).<br />
<br />
This student also has difficulty working out which way is forwards and backwards, up and down, and inside and outside. In my experience, the best way to help the Motor Skills Challenged Student is to physically manipulate her into the desired position, and then tell her to try to memorise how the position feels. A plus side can be that sometimes in her confusion the Motor Skills Challenged Student will accidentally create a new and interesting combo - and a good teacher will pay close attention to what this student is doing, because the Motor Skills Challenged Student is unlikely to be able to replicate it once she's disentangled herself from the pole.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip: </b>You'll get there! It will get easier as your muscle memory develops :-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfqfY-AuT12ypiiVxRlUm0crv5y4NpTMHX6glS2yvhxXlHyWVTz6o1r08trdT1bVbKB6UREVP41ydVtG5pTmySc95ZP5LR1fBPbbrOJy6haeg7xjDCmyLJquUZr8Hnz0wVSHRgMVGlIww/s1600/Photo+40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfqfY-AuT12ypiiVxRlUm0crv5y4NpTMHX6glS2yvhxXlHyWVTz6o1r08trdT1bVbKB6UREVP41ydVtG5pTmySc95ZP5LR1fBPbbrOJy6haeg7xjDCmyLJquUZr8Hnz0wVSHRgMVGlIww/s320/Photo+40.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing to be ashamed of. The old right from left<br />
can be a bit tricky when you're upside down. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
The Born Again Pole Dancer (aka the Evangelist)</h3>
The Born Again Pole Dancer considers the date of her first pole class to be the anniversary of when life really began for her. She now devotes her life to two main tasks: as much pole training as she can possibly fit in, and preaching the benefits of pole worship to everyone she comes across. She cannot imagine life without pole, and she now wonders what on earth she did with her time (and money) before she discovered pole.<br />
<br />
Pole is not just a hobby for the Born Again Pole Dancer. Pole is a way of life.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip: </b>As a Born Again Pole Dancer myself, I try really hard to not talk about pole too much to my non-pole friends. But it's hard. Really hard. That's kind of why I started this blog ;-)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mnVCC8Rd8J9osMEkmIMvtxT4ljRw96sbz3S5C3mKdh1YYKMSvfsQW7lhDIqhfThrrYFiwKbsbqaj91u-Q8LVEwGwOC5muIwLWT_xtIJsv-1cm8Xz4hP4Sm1q7Z8EAbrhzad0Dw7gDLNx/s1600/262817_10150743984320436_211550_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mnVCC8Rd8J9osMEkmIMvtxT4ljRw96sbz3S5C3mKdh1YYKMSvfsQW7lhDIqhfThrrYFiwKbsbqaj91u-Q8LVEwGwOC5muIwLWT_xtIJsv-1cm8Xz4hP4Sm1q7Z8EAbrhzad0Dw7gDLNx/s320/262817_10150743984320436_211550_n.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love you pole and I will never let you go. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
The Boys...</h2>
Of course, I know that an increasing number of men are getting involved in pole. This blog is obviously directed towards the majority, but boys, so you don't feel left out, here is a quick shout out to some of my wonderful male students, who fit into these categories.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The "I'm so gay I can barely function and pole dance is a natural expression of that" Student</h3>
A common feature at most pole studios. Characteristics of this student:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>wears 8 inch stripper heels to class even though he is already 6 feet tall and as a result can only climb once before hitting his head on the ceiling;</li>
<li>goes into paroxysms of pleasure at the sight of sequin hot pants; </li>
<li>is not shy about telling his female classmates that he thinks he looks better in sequin hot pants than they do; and</li>
<li>is the fiercest performer at the studio amateur night, where one performance contains at least 8 costume changes, glitter, LED lights, special effects, and a megamix of 5 different Top 50 pop singles.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4FJy0glEdUQEIjouu4sqwzyQj6DSDdj40UkUX1Bmd61SKnCKZTTWNJHkEPnngfWdRgse2V6v6yZe72Pg8IGGkjY2lm4ZjuKKfpBryQaxxGhoiC3lPL1Lrk-H3FJ7FEsC9ed0iraRy-T5/s1600/154801_10150326348280344_5779794_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4FJy0glEdUQEIjouu4sqwzyQj6DSDdj40UkUX1Bmd61SKnCKZTTWNJHkEPnngfWdRgse2V6v6yZe72Pg8IGGkjY2lm4ZjuKKfpBryQaxxGhoiC3lPL1Lrk-H3FJ7FEsC9ed0iraRy-T5/s320/154801_10150326348280344_5779794_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fabulous Candy Cane doing his thing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
The "I may be gay, but nonetheless I do not want to dance like a girl"Student</h3>
<div>
This student loves his pole, but feels silly when it comes to routine time. He does not wish to booty pop and body roll. So he stands aside, a little awkwardly, and waits for the silliness of floor work to end so that he can get back to what he likes best: pole tricks. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
The "I'm straight, but I'm here to learn pole, not to perve!!" Student </h3>
<div>
Studio owners need to be careful of this breed of pole student. You really need to suss out their intentions. All jokes aside, a pole studio is primarily a place where women go to work out and feel good about themselves, and to have fun while doing so. The straight male student who is permitted to participate in classes has a special place of trust, and should be careful not to jeopardise that! Some studios don't allow male students at all, for this very reason. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the Pole Dance Academy, we have one straight male student, Benji. He loves the pole. And his pole dancing girlfriend Pepper, a teacher at Pole Dance Academy. And every single girl in the studio has a mega crush on him! There are definitely some perks to being the only straight male in a pole student... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIUoNBVUdSJmVVinNTr3brg1HCWo92XygF70C0nys45auAx7RjdTZ-fhN8jFs581d3YmYdZ8xDpl-M3j7N0e9bYgm1AdrXiXT3Xy9ye87pz72UAwd3ji6KdH-a5h0LuYR9hYEP2YBs4PI/s1600/429932_289292087800660_1399759900_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIUoNBVUdSJmVVinNTr3brg1HCWo92XygF70C0nys45auAx7RjdTZ-fhN8jFs581d3YmYdZ8xDpl-M3j7N0e9bYgm1AdrXiXT3Xy9ye87pz72UAwd3ji6KdH-a5h0LuYR9hYEP2YBs4PI/s320/429932_289292087800660_1399759900_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benji. We all have to be careful to make sure we don't<br />
end up sexually harassing him in pole class. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
The Chinese Pole Artist </h3>
<div>
The Chinese Pole Artist has probably only recently discovered the pole dance community, and is a little bemused but pleased to discover that there is a little micro-cosmos jam-packed with women who genuinely understand and are impressed by his particular skill set. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, the Chinese Pole Artist is not 100% certain that his artistic integrity as a circus performer will not be compromised by mingling with pole dancers. For this reason, the Chinese Pole Artist may be a little reticent at first about dipping his toe into the crazy waters of the pole dance world, but as they seem to keep coming back for more, we can only assume that they find it at least a little bit fun ;-)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0IFxJhEBydnrSuJ3ChqgYGB-yhXbs7O3BphYeRTakBAUTX_qH7-ERJyvzXuZIbrZx3NnQV37SqOuakwTlA61X3CHVMi4ZkhBtlrE3EPYFFWnUG2TpNKBSO8WhcNY0wTbImbr66HNCBcD/s1600/264787_215992015110119_1911145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0IFxJhEBydnrSuJ3ChqgYGB-yhXbs7O3BphYeRTakBAUTX_qH7-ERJyvzXuZIbrZx3NnQV37SqOuakwTlA61X3CHVMi4ZkhBtlrE3EPYFFWnUG2TpNKBSO8WhcNY0wTbImbr66HNCBcD/s320/264787_215992015110119_1911145_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese pole artist, Duncan West, contemplating how<br />
on earth he wound up onstage at a pole dance<br />
competition. </td></tr>
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<h2>
Conclusion</h2>
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<div>
Wow, this blog ended up being a lot longer than I intended... But I still can't say that it's an exhaustive list! I guess it goes to show that there are all types of pole students in this wonderful world of pole dance. As a teacher, I love helping them all to discover the amazing things their bodies can do.<br />
<br />
Knowing what kind of pole student you are might help you to overcome the challenges you meet along the way... or you might just have a good old laugh at yourself ;-)</div>
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<br />
Thanks to Brad Edwards, Justin Tran and Ron Clarke for some of the photos used in this blog :-)<br />
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Shimmy xxx<br />
<br />
PS I'm about to jet off to go to the US, France, England, Ireland and Spain over June, July and August. My next blog will have more details of my travels. Go to www.michelleshimmy.com for workshop dates and locations if you want to take a class with me :-)</div>Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-52647125693281025522012-05-15T18:20:00.000-07:002012-05-15T18:46:15.657-07:00Pole Dancer Problems - Support is here!<br />
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I'm not one to complain. I know that life as a professional pole dancer is awesome. I love my job, and there's certainly never a dull moment. But as with all jobs, there are a few aspects of a pole dancer’s working life that require a bit of forbearance. The life of a pole dancer isn't always sunshine and roses, or even sequins and feathers, for that matter. Here is a list of a few of the ignominies we as pole dancers are required to endure in the name of our chosen profession.</div>
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<strong>Carpet burn</strong></h3>
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Oh God. This is one of the worst. When you see a fully-grown adult woman with carpet burn on her knees and elbows, most people assume there is only one logical explanation for it. I'm suffering from a bit of it at the moment, after a performance at a pub recently on a carpeted stage. </div>
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I see non-pole dancing members of society looking at my knees and elbows curiously, and then politely look away. It makes me want to exclaim loudly, no people! The scabs on my elbows and knees are not from wild sexual rampages (ha - I wish)! They're from too much floor-work on carpeted surfaces. But the problem is, when you explain to non-pole dancers (let's call them civilians) that your carpet burn is not the result of a sexual orgy but from a pole dance performance on carpet in a pub, it probably won't really reassure them that you are an upstanding member of the community... Sigh...</div>
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Goodbye boobs, hello pecs</h3>
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Those who know me via facebook will know that the loss of my bosoms is something I still mourn. Overall, I welcome the improved muscle tone that has come with pole, but I can’t deny that I often spend time looking at old photos of my boobs in a bikini and grieve. RIP, Shimmy’s bosoms. RIP. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #141414; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Check out my before and after shots.</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Tailored clothing </span></div>
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I still have my tailored shirts, jackets and dresses hanging up in my closet, even though I know for a fact that there is no way in hell I could possibly squeeze my bulging biceps into the sleeves of these elegant garments anymore. </div>
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Every now and again I make the mistake of taking a non stretch item away with me somewhere, and then have to wear it because I didn’t pack anything else. I spend the rest of the day feeling like the Hulk, worrying that every time I move my clothes will shred and my true rippling green monster self will emerge. Rahhhh!!</div>
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It’s all about lycra these days. Head to toe lycra. I should be sponsored by Supre. </div>
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Hungry. All. The. Time. </h3>
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Being in training for a big competition makes me feel like some kind of wild hunting jungle cat. Sometimes after the end of a training session, I’m so ravenous I can’t even think or speak until I’ve refueled. Be warned – if I have food in my hand after a training session and you ask for a bite, I’m likely to bite you. And growl. </div>
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And then there’s the shaky hands and the pumped forearm, which make it impossible to get food from your hand to your face without spilling it all over yourself (which I do all the time – and Bailey Hart I know you do too – the stains on your ugg boots are a dead giveaway).</div>
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Bruises</h3>
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We all know about the bruises. We’ve all been there, we all know about it - it’s a similar problem to the carpet burn issue. </div>
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In my opinion, it’s the bruises on the inside of your upper arms, your hips and your thighs that are the hardest to explain to civilians. Of course, you can dress to hide your bruises. But as we all know, pole dancers are secretly proud of their bruises, which means that rather than hiding them, the pole dancer will wear them with pride, and even boast about them. </div>
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But take note – civilians do not understand the rationale behind Bruise Pride. For a civilian, a bruise is the result of an embarrassing tumble or some kind of painful accident. Civilians think Bruise Pride is strange. </div>
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Recently, I was getting a coffee with my boyfriend in a café when a policewoman walked in. I was wearing a top that revealed the bruises on my upper arm and hip. I caught the policewoman looking at them. For a moment, just for a laugh, I considered eyeballing my boyfriend and then mouthing the word “HELP” to her, but then I thought better of it. My boyfriend would not have been amused by that. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Experiencing intense Bruise Pride</td></tr>
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Random injuries</h3>
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One of the joys of pole dancing is discovering new muscles you never knew you had. One of the downsides of pole dancing is that sometimes you discover these new muscles as a result of injury. Pole dancing injuries often occur in complex muscle groups that can make daily life activities challenging. </div>
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Some of the regular life activities made more difficult by common pole injuries include:</div>
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-Trying to drive a manual car with hip flexor issues</div>
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-Taking off a t-shirt with rotator cuff issues</div>
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-Stiff neck from too many head rolls/hair flicks</div>
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-Sprained ankle from rolling your ankle in stripper shoes</div>
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-Sharp, stabbing pain in your side when sneezing, coughing or laughing from ribs that have been knocked out of place. It is not uncommon to hear a pole dancer say when laughing “Hahahaha no wait stop hahaha don’t make me laugh hahaha owww my ribs stop hahaha OWWWW….!!!”</div>
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When worlds collide</h3>
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Unless you are a full-time pole dancer with no other income-generating side activities, chances are you will at times feel obliged to keep quiet about your pole activities in certain social settings. If you have a professional job in the conservative corporate world, you might even feel like you lead a double life sometimes (I know I did, back in the day).</div>
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But in spite of your best efforts, sometimes worlds collide and your secret will be revealed. Some common examples of how this can happen include: </div>
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<li>You end up drinking too much at a work function, which can result in inappropriate splits and backbends in front of your colleagues;</li>
<li>You run into your boss as you come off-stage at a local pub’s amateur pole competition;</li>
<li>A video of one of your pole performances on youtube goes viral in the office, without your knowledge</li>
<li>You get over-excited about something and inadvertently let slip: “This one time, at pole camp…”</li>
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YouTube</h3>
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Murphy’s Pole Dancing Law: the worst performance you’ve ever given in your entire life will be the one that has the most hits on YouTube. Guaranteed. </div>
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Family members</h3>
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Proud Parents vs Embarrassed Parents - which is worse? The embarrassed parent will try to hide your pole dancing activities from other family members and friends. The proud parent shares your pole dancing pics on their facebook page and pulls up your youtube videos at family gatherings – seemingly oblivious to the awkwardness that ensues. </div>
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My parents fall into the proud parent category. A while back, a local newspaper did a story on me and my pole studio (the Pole Dance Academy). After the article went to print, I got a phone call from my dad. This was our conversation. </div>
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Me: “Hi dad! What’s up?”</div>
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Dad: “Great article in the paper!”</div>
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Me: “Thanks!”</div>
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Dad: “I showed it to some of my mates at work, but geez, people can be strange sometimes.”</div>
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Me: “What makes you say that, dad?”</div>
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Dad: “Well, a couple of them said, doesn’t it bother you, to see your daughter in the paper wearing only her underwear?”</div>
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Me: “Oh.”</div>
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Dad: “How narrow-minded is that! They just don’t get it, do they? Idiots.”</div>
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Me: “You’re awesome, dad.”</div>
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I was reminded of this conversation when I read Aerial Amy's blog about her parents' reaction to her awesome booty shaking tutorial (check it out <a href="http://aerialamy.com/blog/2012/04/18/2-minutes-of-fame/" target="_blank">here</a>).</div>
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My grandmother is also a great supporter and promoter of my pole dancing. She’s quite a tech-savvy grandmother, and whenever she comes to watch one of my shows, and always records them on her digicam, to play back for me later. She takes photos too, and then emails the photos and videos to her elderly cousins and relatives in Switzerland, boasting about her granddaughter the pole dancer and lawyer. I’m sure that my unknown Swiss relatives are quite bemused by the emails they get from Down Under. </div>
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And of course, in every family there is the problem of the weird uncle who is overly interested in your pole dancing pursuits and wishes to discuss them with you in detail at every opportunity. </div>
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<h3 style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.4;">
Personal grooming</h3>
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Getting halfway through a pole performance and being struck by the sudden realization that you did not tend to you lady garden that morning is horrifying. All I can say on this topic is: laser hair removal. A God send for us pole dancers. Expensive, yes, but think of it as an investment in your sanity. </div>
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<h3 style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.4;">
Hitting the dance floor</h3>
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I cannot join other civilians dancing at family or kid-friendly events anymore. I stand shyly against the wall and watch longingly while everyone else carves it up on the dance floor. This is because a side-effect of pole dancing is that you become so immune to sexy dancing that you’re no longer sure what’s appropriate. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.4; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWK2lw-CKlEh747hlmQEal16gcONVZLc-2dhLGS4aUhNnlycvMaedBSnfAgX6z_-qgFHYneG35Mrn6D2cnSmxo5fo6CS9l8dmmDDjTGuSOmRKBr3Sk4ZmVJaWIOUDDUQ9wdtIGLeNuDmw5/s1600/472841_10151714025165154_601265153_24611973_479821217_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWK2lw-CKlEh747hlmQEal16gcONVZLc-2dhLGS4aUhNnlycvMaedBSnfAgX6z_-qgFHYneG35Mrn6D2cnSmxo5fo6CS9l8dmmDDjTGuSOmRKBr3Sk4ZmVJaWIOUDDUQ9wdtIGLeNuDmw5/s320/472841_10151714025165154_601265153_24611973_479821217_o.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of inappropriate dance floor <br />
behaviour at civilian gatherings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.4;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3 style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.4;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">The problem of not knowing how to dance like a civilian is particularly obvious at weddings and birthday parties, when booty shaking, fish flops and splits on the dancer floor aren’t acceptable. Really – they’re not. Don’t argue with me on this one. Just take my word for it.</span></h3>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuaCiF6tS4ITPeVfr-EuYdxx8bcTgMBhJFlX2aoQIM-EprZ9pR1J5y7oHMtMUPfu39h-DaSJ6pCHpDDI5UGvZcg1x4WIPb4UVjSKxFbtOQgHKvUEC2Nj1gYEC8Yg8qN_k_mOHMfs-K_l0/s1600/216140_10150160431319226_508484225_7068563_3072554_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuaCiF6tS4ITPeVfr-EuYdxx8bcTgMBhJFlX2aoQIM-EprZ9pR1J5y7oHMtMUPfu39h-DaSJ6pCHpDDI5UGvZcg1x4WIPb4UVjSKxFbtOQgHKvUEC2Nj1gYEC8Yg8qN_k_mOHMfs-K_l0/s400/216140_10150160431319226_508484225_7068563_3072554_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided to stop dancing at weddings after I saw this photo. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<h3 style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.4;">
Rough skin</h3>
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I once went to brush the hair out of my eyes with my hand and scratched the skin of my face with the callouses on the palm of my hand. I’m not kidding. There was blood, and it hurt. </div>
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Other side-effects of callouses:</div>
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<ul>
<li>any massage you give is less of a sensual experience for the recipient and more of an exfoliation;</li>
<li>you put ladders in your stockings as soon as you put them on, but you can’t be sure if the ladders are from the callouses on your hands, the back of your knees, or the inside of your thighs;</li>
<li>people give you funny looks when you shake hands for the first time (unless the other person is also a pole dancer, in which case the feeling of a callous on a callous becomes almost like a secret society handshake).</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuQgYmZmInXZ53Ejw1QtxTGiIPQ5B-GU7DhGDQwtU_S77UD7oc3giLWfZ92x4NMY_nDUOEQjYDug1axKiYjwA9rpkBGW89O5Cjk1dAf7Whvt6lv0rlpAHsTj9FGqlKY0lX2v4V0HE9UL9/s1600/208974_10150482953310436_762190435_18028815_315540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuQgYmZmInXZ53Ejw1QtxTGiIPQ5B-GU7DhGDQwtU_S77UD7oc3giLWfZ92x4NMY_nDUOEQjYDug1axKiYjwA9rpkBGW89O5Cjk1dAf7Whvt6lv0rlpAHsTj9FGqlKY0lX2v4V0HE9UL9/s320/208974_10150482953310436_762190435_18028815_315540_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.4;">
Miscellaneous problems</h3>
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<ul>
<li>Being allergic to chrome. Imagine what this must be like for a pole teacher! It’s like being allergic to your office desk. Lou Landers can tell you all about it – but take heart - she doesn’t let it hold her back, and neither should you. </li>
<li>Waking up every day feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck until you’ve had a long hot shower to coax your muscles into cooperation. </li>
<li>Say goodbye to prettily pedicured toes. Pole dancing ruins pedicures. Unless you do as I have done in the below pic.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTHmnNScwoioHfqcFaHnn0m07pGWKn8Kqcvrs3erYKuklhgXsDSO86GGOTip6bIde6QPqW0F02_76YWCJJXaPtGNOWS3GclgTNpcXbt4tZM05z9OHUsssjOEtxCMjWXqtOPLDMrAatjcq/s1600/36951_10150218823615436_762190435_13566342_750080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTHmnNScwoioHfqcFaHnn0m07pGWKn8Kqcvrs3erYKuklhgXsDSO86GGOTip6bIde6QPqW0F02_76YWCJJXaPtGNOWS3GclgTNpcXbt4tZM05z9OHUsssjOEtxCMjWXqtOPLDMrAatjcq/s200/36951_10150218823615436_762190435_13566342_750080_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.4;">
Conclusion</h3>
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So there you have a list of pole dancer problems. It’s not an easy life. I think it’s important for us to all support each other through the travails of our profession. Remember that you are not alone in the daily struggles you face. </div>
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But who am I kidding, right? All of the above just adds to the fun of it.</div>
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I FREAKIN LOVE POLE DANCING!!!!</div>
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Shimmy xx</div>
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www.michelleshimmy.com<br />
<br />
PS Feel free to add your "Pole Dancer Problems" below :-)</div>
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</div>Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-80040368767864863952012-04-23T22:12:00.003-07:002012-04-23T22:41:31.153-07:00A Survivor's Guide to Pole Competitions<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Everything you need to know to survive a pole competition... (and maybe even enjoy it)</span></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why am I doing this to myself??</span></b><br />
<a href="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkfitaiBbK1qa70eyo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkfitaiBbK1qa70eyo1_500.jpg" width="254" /></a>You're sitting backstage in your sequinned bikini, waiting for your name to be called. You've broken out in a cold sweat all over your body - except for your palms, which are hot and sweaty. You apply another coat of Dry Hands. Now your hands are slimy. You wish they were as dry as your mouth, which is causing you problems swallowing.<br />
<br />
You take a deep breath, realising that you are close to hyperventilating. You want to throw up. You start to question your sanity. You wonder whether your decision to enter a pole competition is actually a symptom of latent sado-masochism. Perhaps you should seek professional treatment. You wonder why in God's name you are putting yourself through this.<br />
<br />
Then your name is called. You step onstage in to the bright lights, and hear the crowd roar. You hope that your muscle memory will carry you through the next 3-5 minutes, because you're pretty sure your brain won't be much use. You can hear the crowd cheering your name. You're doing it!<br />
<br />
Then it's all over in a flash. You step off stage gasping for breath, staggering in your stripper heels, reaching for water as you collapse on the floor... You did it! And more than that - you want to go again!<br />
<br />
Welcome to the roller coaster of emotions that is competitive pole dancing. It's pretty addictive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Taking the plunge... Entering your first competition</span> </b><br />
<a href="http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/upload/yuiupload/1557067461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/upload/yuiupload/1557067461.jpg" width="320" /></a>I remember in vivid detail the first time I entered a pole comp. I thought long and hard about it before entering. Was I ready? Would people laugh? Would my costume fall off? After a fair bit of agonising, I decided to do it.<br />
<br />
It was Miss Pier Hotel, Amateur Division. I had a pink and leopard print bikini, some false eyelashes and my shoes (this was back in the old days when no one dreamed of performing pole barefoot). I packed my bag with everything I needed, shanghai-ed my friend Laura in to coming along to support me, and drove to the Pier Hotel.<br />
<br />
As soon as we parked the car I began to experience heart palpitations, which only worsened when I walked in the door of the hotel. All I could see was a blur of fluorescent road-worker vests.<br />
<br />
For those of you unfamiliar with the illustrious Miss Pier Hotel comp, let me explain. The venue is not the sort of place a self-respecting lady would usually go for a drink. Its customers are usually salt of the earth, bearded, tattooed, hard-drinking, hard-living characters. I was absolutely terrified. I turned around so fast I nearly knocked my friend Laura over. But Laura stood firm - both literally and figuratively - she would not let me back out of the comp. She wanted to see me do my stuff.<br />
<br />
So, I agreed, in spite of my rising anxiety at the thought of performing in front of this particular crowd. Here's a photo to give you an idea of how classy this venue is - check out the guys in the background. I should probably point out that this photo was not taken at my first comp - as you can see, by the time this pic was taken, I'd grown more comfortable in this environment ;-).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvPKiTaQWFM4_D4St3lX0XAxeZH2Q8soEUmukaf3qZ9HnPVHO0BESqHi46T0z7mWs6tuO4V6WoDseGUAfZmuXDGRCNdnwrHPfrNCmUL6lmaEayWB7-BKIOFOLGAibT7b0EaBHmosoREg8/s1600/205612_10150153791766174_700146173_6958856_1614533_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvPKiTaQWFM4_D4St3lX0XAxeZH2Q8soEUmukaf3qZ9HnPVHO0BESqHi46T0z7mWs6tuO4V6WoDseGUAfZmuXDGRCNdnwrHPfrNCmUL6lmaEayWB7-BKIOFOLGAibT7b0EaBHmosoREg8/s400/205612_10150153791766174_700146173_6958856_1614533_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anyway, I was absolutely terrified. But it was great. I had a blast. It all went just fine - the crowd loved it and I ended up winning my division. And I became addicted to competing from that moment on.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Competition Tips</span></b><br />
<b>1. Make a list </b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0n76N5MQ9aloHnr8OkMfo_7C9vhk1qpF7dsS6YebLsbauyraio8O7Pw5Zt2C4ZzdoDBLne5KkLAfn4DbGp6JxI8ASwd4S4QcO7R91osSG1FwhpLturIaGVBVa67MMNqr_3aBNGRX6L1o/s400/list1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0n76N5MQ9aloHnr8OkMfo_7C9vhk1qpF7dsS6YebLsbauyraio8O7Pw5Zt2C4ZzdoDBLne5KkLAfn4DbGp6JxI8ASwd4S4QcO7R91osSG1FwhpLturIaGVBVa67MMNqr_3aBNGRX6L1o/s320/list1.jpg" width="320" /></a>In the weeks building up to the competition, make a list of all the things you think you might need on the day. Some essentials are:<br />
- grip aids (put your name on them to avoid confusion backstage)<br />
- costume (both pieces - top and bottom - seriously, double check that you have both pieces!)<br />
- DOUBLE SIDED TAPE! Essential. The last thing you want to be worried about is whether you're giving the audience more than they paid for.<br />
- music (check whether you need it on CD or iPod. If CD, bring two copies, with your name on them - just in case)<br />
- stripper shoes if you're wearing them, and if not, a pair of thongs (or flip-flops for the Americans) to keep your feet clean before you go onstage if you're dancing barefoot<br />
- baby wipes (to clean your feet, and wipe yourself down if you get a bit sweaty)<br />
- make up for touch ups<br />
- bottle of water and snacks<br />
- a wheelie bag to put all your stuff in, maybe with a lock on it, if you're performing somewhere without a secure backstage area. That way you can throw everything in your bag at the end of the night, lock it, and put it somewhere safe so you can go dance and celebrate the end of the competition.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>2. Backstage étiquette</b><br />
<a href="http://www.mojodojo.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/bitch-fight-466x302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://www.mojodojo.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/bitch-fight-466x302.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Try to avoid at all costs:<br />
- Diva behaviour. That means no tantrums, no sulking, no hysterics - even if you have a disastrous performance and your costume falls off.<br />
- Fighting with other contestants. Not cool.<br />
- Attempts at "psyching out" other contestants by talking about how amazing your routine is. By the same token, don't lie and say you haven't rehearsed at all, and then bust out a phenomenal performance.<br />
- Do not walk off-stage after your show and announce "THE POLE IS SO SLIPPERY!! WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!"<br />
- Ignoring other contestants when they try to talk to you.<br />
<br />
Good behaviour:<br />
- Being friendly, warm and respectful to other contestants.<br />
- Sharing. If someone is in a panic and has forgotten their Dry Hands, offer to share yours.<br />
- Wishing contestants good luck, and asking them how they went when they come off stage.<br />
<br />
You're all in it together, so you may as well try to have as much fun as you can together on the night.<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Announcements and Prize Giving</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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And now for the moment everyone has been waiting for... You're holding your breath, hoping your name will be called.<br />
<br />
If it is called, be gracious in victory. You might want to avoid:<br />
- fist pumping;<br />
- hooting and hollering;<br />
- show boating;<br />
- over the top displays of excitement.<br />
<br />
Even though you are justifiably over the moon at having won, be sensitive to the fact the other contestants onstage are probably feeling very disappointed. All your hard work has paid off, but all the others (who have probably worked just as hard) have just had their dreams crushed.<br />
<br />
If you lose, take it with dignity. Don't be a sore loser. And wait til you get home before you start ranting about how you were robbed - even if you, your friends, your mum and your dad are all certain that you were ;-)<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some tips from the Pro's</span></b><br />
I asked around a bit for some tips and helpful suggestions from some seasoned competitors. Here's what they had to say.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
Amber Ray:</div>
"Get some extra classes in before the comp in dance and gymnastics, don't just stick to pole. And practise your game face in front of a mirror, that alone can make or break a performance."<br />
<br />
<b>Hanka Venselaar</b><br />
"Training is important...but it's even more important to listen to your body and take enough rest.... I found out the hard way..." (Hanka fell ill after training too hard for a competition).<br />
<br />
<b>Natasha Wang</b><br />
"Finalize your routine choreography AT LEAST 3 weeks before the competition date so you can spend the last weeks running your routine over and over and over, with the last week in costume. These last few weeks are when you start baking in those important nuances, like facial expressions, emotion, storytelling, and when you perfect details such as making sure tricks are angled correctly to the audience, floor passes start and end on the correct parts of the stage, etc."<br />
<br />
<b>Marlo Fisken</b><br />
"Make sure to choreograph time to just "be" in your routine. Moments of nothing are often the most beautiful, and many routines are too jam packed to let the natural flow come out.<br />
Being on stage will often make you rush, so practice...."<br />
<br />
<b>Lolo Hilsum</b><br />
<br />
"My advice is to do your choreography alone. Because the dance is one identity, some feelings, one personality. And it is very important to make a story. When I build my choreo, I have a lot of images in my mind and each movement has a meaning. I was alone when I started pole dancing and I really do it for myself. So I didn't wish anything except to live my passion."<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And my tips... </span></b><b>(even though I admit that unfortunately I'm not always enough in control of my nerves to follow my own advice!)</b><br />
I try to treat each competition like a performance, and to forget that there will be winners and losers at the end of the night. I figure that really, you're only competing with yourself, and I take each competition as an opportunity to train my bottom off. I'm always amazed at how much stronger and more flexible I feel after a competition, and that's why I do them.<br />
<br />
When conceptualising and choreographing a routine, stay true to yourself and your own style. If you try to create a routine based on what you think the judges want, there's no guarantee that you'll win, and then you'll just have a performance that you didn't really believe in. Challenge yourself with a difficult routine, but if a move's not working, ditch it. Try to rest the day before the comp.<br />
<br />
On the night, stretch really well before your performance. The adrenaline will make you feel stronger and more flexible, but you can still injure yourself if you don't warm up properly. When you're onstage, keep your facial expressions alive - don't go on robotic autopilot - and finish off every move before attempting the next one. In my experience, you have to put 150% effort in onstage for it to look like you're giving it 60%, so you really have to put your all in to it.<br />
<br />
And finally... Enjoy it! You've worked so hard, you should take a second before you go on to congratulate yourself for all the effort you've put in. It's your moment - let yourself have some fun onstage!<br />
<div style="font-weight: bold;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And to finish...</span></b></div>
<div>
Lastly, I wanted to share something that pole artist Timber Brown wrote. I think it accurately describes a competitor's final seconds before stepping onstage.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>"The lights are warm. My hands tremble. I pray that they will do the same thing that they have done in the countless rehearsals that have depicted this moment so many times before. There are no guarantees. Will harmony find it's way into my life right now? That perfect place that is the crux of mind, body, and every external factor in between. I use my final two seconds to prepare for my five minutes of fame..." </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gulp. Take a deep breath. It's your time to shine. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Shimmy xx</div>Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-83683458585041873842012-04-05T20:34:00.002-07:002012-04-05T20:37:34.724-07:00The War is Over! Make peace with your body.I love my body. It's awesome. It does some amazing things. It's strong, bendy, and transports me wherever I need to go. Amazingly, it even heals itself, given enough time. There are a couple of things I would like it to do better, but I know that if I'm patient with it, feed it the right stuff, take care of it and treat it right, my body will improve on the things I want it to. I have a strong respect for my body, and a huge amount of gratitude that it lets me do so many of the crazy things I want it to.<br />
<br />
These days, although there are definitely some things I would like to improve, I feel like my body is an old friend. I know everything about it, its strengths and weaknesses, and I love it the way it is. I feel like we've come so far together that anything else would be nothing more than disloyalty. I'm working on improving the things I want to change, but I don't beat myself up when I don't get the results that I wanted.<br />
<br />
I know that it might seem easy for me to say these things. After all, I'm a professional pole dancer, and I train pretty much every single day. But I think that everyone accepts that for most women, there's pretty much no link between how your body looks and how you feel about it. It's always the women who seem to have it all who are the most insecure, right? It's easy to be harsher on yourself than you would ever be to anyone else. In fact, if you overheard a stranger saying out loud to another woman the things that you say to yourself about your own body, you'd be horrified. You'd probably even leap to the poor woman's defence. But I'm guessing you have no problem berating yourself for all your body's shortcomings, real or imaginary.<br />
<br />
There's nothing wrong with setting goals and working towards them. I'm not talking about giving up on self-improvement altogether. Maybe you do need to lose weight, gain weight, exercise more, exercise less, or change your eating habits. I'm talking about curbing the self-hatred and disgust that we women seem to heap upon ourselves so readily. I'm talking about learning to respect and love your body for what it can do for you, and to begin taking care of it in the way it deserves.<br />
<br />
As a pole instructor, I come into contact with women from all walks of life. When I first began teaching pole, one thing that surprised me was that the women who I thought were in great shape were the ones who were most likely to be unjustifiably mean to themselves. These are the women who refuse point-blank to wear shorts, because, they joke, they wouldn't want to inflict such a sight on the other women in the class. Then they begin to list all the things that are wrong with their bodies. Even though they're making jokes about it, I can always sense the pain and shame they feel. It makes me so sad.<br />
<br />
But one of the most beautiful (even miraculous) things about pole is the liberating effect it has on women. I don't know what it is - the all-female environment, the support and encouragement of fellow classmates, the gradual strengthening of previously unknown muscles, the joyous discovery that you are capable of flipping yourself upside down and hanging from one leg in ways you haven't done since you were a kid in the playground - or maybe it's a combination of all of the above?<br />
<br />
Whatever it is, it works. I've seen women come to their first pole class in ankle length leggings; women who swear blind that they would never dare to wear shorts. Then, as term progresses, gradually the leggings get shorter. Eventually, they will come up to the front desk and ask shyly about the price of our booty shorts. When they put them on and head back into class, I always play it cool, but on the inside I'm cheering, and I feel so proud I think I might burst.<br />
<br />
Our bodies are nothing to be ashamed of. They are marvellous instruments. It's ok to want to work on your body, to be the best that you can be, but it shouldn't involve the degree of self-loathing and disgust that so many women inflict upon themselves.<br />
<br />
Take a look at your body right now. You're probably sitting down. Look at your legs. They're just hanging out, waiting for you to tell them where to go next, so they can do exactly as you ask, no problem. Look at your arms. They might be a bit wobbly when you wave to someone as they leave, but they can also carry you up the pole and support your entire body weight (it's true - whether or not you've had the joy of learning that yet). Look at your tummy. It might be squishier than you want it to be. Maybe that's because you've popped out a couple of little ones, in which case it's the amazing cubby house that kept your babies safe while at their most vulnerable. And now look over your whole body - while you're sitting there, thinking terrible things about it, it's just ticking away, doing all the work it needs to do to keep you alive, without you even asking it to. It's an extraordinary machine.<br />
<br />
Pole dance taught me to love my body. It wasn't always so. As a teenager in high school, like many other girls my age, I developed what I guess was a borderline eating disorder. It was never full blown anorexia, but I became obsessed with controlling and restricting the food that I ate. I remember so well all the horrible feelings that went along with it. The secrecy, the anger, the self-loathing, the inability to escape my obsession. It stayed with me well into my twenties, on and off. I thought I would never truly be rid of it. I knew so many other girls who were exactly the same as me, whether they admitted it or not, so I came to think it was normal.<br />
<br />
Pole dance set me free. It gave me new confidence and an appreciation of my body's capabilities. I stopped dieting. I learnt to stop being suspicious of my body, and began to listen to it, and trust it. Nowadays, I eat when I'm hungry, and I eat real food, not processed "fat-free" or "sugar-free" stuff that's made from who knows what. I'm no longer ashamed of my body. I'm proud of it and all the things it can do. I don't pole dance to stay in shape. I don't even think about that anymore. I just love pole and the feeling of strength and freedom that it brings me.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying that to be happy with yourself you need to dance around a pole in your underwear (although it sure worked for me!). I guess I'm just saying that I hope that more women can find a way to un-learn the bad habits we pick up in our teenage years. You and your body are a great team. Especially if you can work together to achieve your goals, rather than on opposite sides of the battle field.<br />
<br />
We came into this world with no sense that there was anything shameful or wrong with our bodies. Somewhere along the way we lost that. But that doesn't mean we can't try to get it back.<br />
<br />
So. I propose the following. Write a love letter to your own body. Tell it how you feel. Tell it all the things it needs to hear, and if there are a few relationship issues you need to work through, be as subtle and gentle about it as you would with your lover. Here, I'll show you mine to get you started...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Dear Shimmy's Body,<br /><br />Have I told you lately that I love you? That I really, really appreciate all that you do for me? Like how you just keep on with the breathing and the heart-beating even when I'm not telling you to. And how the more we work at it, the stronger and more flexible you get, even though I know that sometimes it hurts you to do so. I promise I won't push you beyond your capabilities (but let's see if we can go just a little bit further, hey?).<br /><br />I know I've had some views in the past about the small boobs issue, but heck, who cares. I just want you to know that it's not really a big deal. And when I joke about having man arms, I hope you don't take it personally. I guess I'm just a bit self-conscious about them sometimes.<br /><br />I'm sorry about all the nonsense you had to put up with over the years. I feel like now we're at a really good place, and I promise to keep working hard to respect you and treat you right.<br /><br />Keep up the good work!<br /><br />Love,</i><br />
<i>Shimmy xxx </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And here is one from my sister Maddie:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.22em;">
<i>Dear Maddie's body,</i></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.22em;">
<i><br style="line-height: 1.22em;" /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.22em;">
<i>I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate everything you do for me. I love that you love the splits and are helping me again rather then fighting about it every time. I promise I will be more gentle in future. I love you very much and hope that together we can get much much stronger. I promise to take you to the doctor again so we can sort out my sore head and fix the migraines. I just want you to know that even if we never get any stronger or any more flexible I will always love you and am proud of everything we have done together. </i></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.22em;">
<i><br style="line-height: 1.22em;" /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.22em;">
<i>I will try to stop filling you with alcohol (after this Sunday) and eat better food so you don't feel tired.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.22em;">
<i><br style="line-height: 1.22em;" /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.22em;">
<i>xx</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Maddie</span> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have fun writing yours!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Shimmy xxx</div>Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-41890118963390073892012-03-01T01:24:00.000-08:002012-03-01T01:24:34.912-08:00A Useful Guide to Understanding Your Friendly Pole DancerThere have been a few of those Shit Pole Dancers Say videos going around lately (including <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Ib6JgNUNI" target="_blank">one we made</a> at the <a href="http://www.poledanceacademy.com.au/" target="_blank">Pole Dance Academy</a>). It got me thinking about how united we are worldwide in our weird pole dancer quirks. So I thought I would put together a little guide of essentials to understanding the ins and outs of pole dancers. Enjoy :-)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>Tip 1: Must Love Cats</b></span><br />
It seems that every second pole dancing clip on YouTube features a kitty cat swirling in between the ankles of her pole dancing mum. The pole dancer's kitty is usually staunchly opposed to pole dancing, especially when it steals attention away from more pressing demands, such as tending to the kitty's needs. More proactive kitties also engage the "pounce and attack" technique while mum is mid-swing through the air, in an attempt by the kitty to redirect attention away from the pole and back to its furry little self. NB: if this is a technique your kitty uses, take advantage of it by blaming the kitteh for your failure to make your phoenix. Miaow.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>Tip 2: Must be on Facebook/Youtube</b></span><br />
If a pole dancer deadlifts and no one on Facebook sees it, does she make a sound? Who knows, who cares - what's important is that if you don't post about it or boast about it on Facebook, it never happened.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>Tip 2: The Polegasm </b></span><br />
Polegasm (noun): a series of intensely pleasurable waves throughout the entire body that a pole dancer experiences when achieving a difficult move for the first time. Multiple polegasms are known to occur if the move is new, or if a group of pole dancers are present to witness the event. The best way to prolong the polegasm experience is to post about it on Facebook (see Tip 2).<br />
<br />
This term I believe was originally coined by Ms Billie of Sydney, Australia, and we thank her for so succinctly describing what we have all experienced.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>Tip 3: The Pole Crush</b></span><br />
The Pole Crush is a phenomenon commonly experienced by most, if not all, pole dancers. It consists of unreasoning devotion bordering on stalker-like behaviour, and is a typical reaction to close contact with any of the following pole dancer specimens:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Jenyne Butterfly</li>
<li>Felix Cane</li>
<li>Alethea Austin</li>
<li>Zoraya Judd</li>
<li>Oona Kivela</li>
<li>Natasha Wang</li>
<li>Anastasia Skukhtorova</li>
<li>Alesia Vazmitsel</li>
<li>Jamilla Deville</li>
<li>Amber Ray</li>
<li>Marlo Fisken</li>
<li>Pantera</li>
<li>Fawnia Dietrich</li>
<li>And so on.</li>
</ul>
<div>
The list of potential Pole Crush Objects is longer than that set out above, and highly individual. Symptoms of Pole Crush include: inane and uncontrollable giggling, blushing, tendency to say stupid things (or, worse, complete inability to say or do anything at all, other than dumbstruck goldfish-like gawping), insistence on being photographed with the Pole Crush Object (no matter how sweaty and dishevelled you look after a long workshop), paying ridiculous amounts of money for the privilege of looking uncoordinated in workshops with the Pole Crush, dying of happiness when the Pole Crush likes one of your facebook posts... and many more. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To date, no known cure is available for the Pole Crush. </div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>Tip 4: Must Have Highly Developed Stalker Abilities</b></span><br />
Your average pole dancer knows more about other pole dancers living in other countries than s/he knows about their next door neighbour. Pole dancers have stalking abilities that would impress an FBI agent. I bet you can pass the following quiz easily, without even having to check:<br />
<ol>
<li>Alethea Austin's favourite drink?</li>
<li>Felix Cane's signature tattoo?</li>
<li>Jenyne Butterfly's city of residence?</li>
<li>Zoraya Judd's husband's name?</li>
<li>The name of your Pole Crush's pet? </li>
</ol>
<div>
Tip 4 is essential in satisfying your obligations under Tip 3. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Tip 5: Must Have an Encyclopaedic Knowledge of Every Pole Move Performed Since the Dawn of Time</span></b></div>
<div>
I bet you can remember who first performed the Spatchcock, and who is responsible for the Deville/Jade split, even if you have trouble remembering your own phone number or your dad's birthday.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Tip 6: Fiercely held Pole Principles</span></b></div>
<div>
The pole dancer has his/her beliefs, and will stick to them, no matter how persuasive your arguments. These include:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Pole dancing should ALWAYS be done in stripper shoes.</li>
<li>Pole dancing should NEVER be done in stripper shoes.</li>
<li>Gymnastics has no place in pole dance. </li>
<li>Contemporary dance has no place in pole dance. </li>
<li>Stripper style dance is superior.</li>
<li>Stripper style dance is the history of pole dance. Contemporary pole is the future. </li>
<li>You're not a "real dancer" if you only have pole training. </li>
<li>Pole should be in the Olympics.</li>
<li>Pole should NEVER be in the Olympics!</li>
<li>Boys should be welcomed. </li>
<li>NO BOYS!!! Well, maybe only gay boys. Maybe. If they behave. </li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
So on some topics, we're as conflicted as we are united on others. Fortunately, it seems we're all ok with agreeing to disagree. For now. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Tip 7: A Rose by Any Other Name...</span></b></div>
<div>
Pole dancers experience a sense of smug satisfaction when they discover what their pole friends' real names are... Wait, you mean to say that her mother didn't have the foresight to actually name her Crystal Light Rainflower?? Her real name is Gertrude Richardson?? Wow. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Tip 8: Irrational distrust of all other forms of exercise</span></b></div>
<div>
By and large, pole dancers tend to resist fiercely all other forms of exercise, including running, going to the gym, and anything that involves cardio, really. But that's only because all forms of physical exertion other than pole dance are well known to be inferior and not worthy of our time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Tip 9: The Pole Nemesis</span></b></div>
<div>
The Pole Nemesis is the antithesis to the Pole Crush. The Pole Nemesis is that one pole dancer in your studio, a different studio, or even in a different country, who just bugs you for no apparent reason. If great care is not taken, the pole dancer can become convinced that everything the Pole Nemesis does is intentionally done just to bug the pole dancer. There is no rational foundation for this condition, and as with Tip 3, there is no known cure. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Tip 10: Drunk pole dancing in public </span></b></div>
<div>
While sober, pole dancers will try to eliminate the possibility of drunken pole dancing in public ("alcopoling") by employing one of the following strategies while dressing for a night out:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>wearing stockings;</li>
<li>wearing long pants;</li>
<li>wearing a g-string so skimpy that even when drunk the pole dancer will be less inclined to invert publicly;</li>
<li>publicly stating that certain venues with poles are off-limits.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Of course, after a few drinks are consumed, stockings/pants come off, full briefs are borrowed from friends, and prior statements retracted - woohoo let's climb those poles, biatchezzzz!!! Yeeeehaaaa!!</div>
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Drunk pole dancing in public is always followed by a bout of Public Pole Dancer's Remorse the next day. Unfortunately the intensity of the remorse is never sufficient to prevent future incidents of Drunk Pole Dancing in Public.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b>Miscellaneous Tips</b></span><br />
Your pole dancer is also likely to:<br />
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<li>be intensely proud of his/her bruises;</li>
<li>want to climb street signs and be photographed doing so;</li>
<li>challenge boys in bars to push up contests;</li>
<li>have the disgusting habit of peeling callouses in public;</li>
<li>own a large collection of dress shorts;</li>
<li>shudder when s/he estimates how much of his/her income is spent on pole dancing;</li>
<li>justify that it's much better to spend money on pole dancing than on alcohol and drugs;</li>
<li>know exactly what s/he is looking for in the crotch of a pair of knickers; and</li>
<li>plan significant life events and holidays around important dates in the pole calendar; and</li>
<li>be able to walk, dance and run in stripper heels, but struggle to stay upright in regular high heels. </li>
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So there you have it - a few tips on understanding the Pole Dancer. Please feel free to add your own below :-)</div>
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Shimmy xx</div>Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-32892776848533683622012-02-13T18:19:00.000-08:002016-09-18T17:04:54.970-07:00On being a feminist and a pole dancer<br />
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I am a feminist. And a pole dancer. To many people, this statement may seem to be a contradiction in terms, but it's not. It may be a little tricky to explain, and a little different from the standard views of what feminism is all about, but nonetheless, it is possible to be a feminist pole dancer. It's a topic I've dwelt on for a long time now, and I think I'm finally ready to share my views. Deep breath. </div>
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I first began to think about the happy coexistence of my feminism and pole dancing about a year ago, when a local newspaper did a story on my studio. The article focused on a competition I was about to compete in, and on how pole dance was becoming more popular as a form of fitness. The article was accompanied by photos of me doing my thing on the pole. A few weeks later, there was an article in another newspaper about a Lynx publicity stunt involving bikini-clad girls in hot tubs in the city (or something like that). Under the article, there was the following reader comment:</div>
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"ah yes...objecting to women's being objectifed because we're 'just jealous'.</div>
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Just the other week there was an article in the Wenworth Courier about a woman named Michelle Shimmy who teaches pole dancing and has recently won a competition in this art. There were numerous pictures of her in a skimpy costume performing some fairly graphic moves on a pole.</div>
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The article also stated that she was a full time lawyer when not teaching or performing pole dancing.</div>
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I just don't know what to think about this. I am so confused, and for some reason I could not just let it go, it;s been bugging me....of course, because I am a lawyer too, friends said I had problems with it because I can't also turn men on and am not a pretty girl doing crazy sexy pole dancing, "Just jealous", If she had been doing those same moves in a gynmastics competition in a leotard I think I would have been utterly awestruck but somehow, seeing her in a sequin bikini and the whole 'I'm a lawyer too!' thing seemed impossibly cheap and nasty, despite the skill involved. Whether you like it or not pole dancing's origins are in the sexual titilation field. Anyway I admit to having been very conflicted over this piece of news.</div>
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<strong style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">woman</strong> | "</div>
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Reading this comment surprised me for a number of reasons. Firstly, because the writer uses me as an example to back up her arguments about what "objectification of women" means, in her view. Even though she's never taken one of my classes, never been to one of my shows, or even met me (as far as I'm aware). </div>
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The next thing that struck me about her comment was her obvious confusion and inability to process what she sees as two conflicting and mutually exclusive types of people: the lawyer and the pole dancer. In other words, lawyer = good, moral person, pole dancer = bad, immoral person. How can the two possibly coexist in one single being? Reading her comment, you can almost hear her brain straining as she tries to imagine such an oxymoron. </div>
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The writer of the comment obviously found the sequined bikini offensive. Which made me wonder which part was more offensive, the sequins, or the bikini? She says that if I had have been wearing a gymnastics leotard, it would have been ok, and she would have been "awestruck." As rhythmic gymnasts' leotards are often sparkly and sequined, I assume that she must be ok with that. So is it the bikini? I wonder, how does she feel about female competitors in beach volleyball, or triathlons, or even female tennis players on hot days? Maybe it's the combination of the sparkles and the bikini that was too much for her. I hope she doesn't live near Bondi Beach. Or Oxford Street. And for God's sake, keep her away from the streets of Rio de Janeiro at Carneval time! </div>
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The next thing I found interesting was this: </div>
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seeing her in a sequin bikini and the whole 'I'm a lawyer too!' thing seemed impossibly cheap and nasty, despite the skill involved.</div>
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Ouch... I still wince when I read that. At first, I wanted to interpret that to mean that in her view, the fact that I'm a lawyer had cheapened the otherwise beautiful display of dance and art for her. But I know that it was the other way around. In her eyes, pole dancers are cheap and nasty, but lawyers aren't (even though I'm sure many people out there would disagree with that!).<br />
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Ahem. Lawyers vs pole dancers. Let me put it this way: over the years I have met many pole dancers, male and female (but mostly female), who have inspired me with their dedication, support for each other, strength, passion, grace, beauty and plain old commitment to hard work, in spite of the pain and the injuries. I can't say the same for most of the lawyers I have met (no offence to the good ones I know!). </div>
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Finally, her comment that:</div>
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Whether you like it or not pole dancing's origins are in the sexual titilation field. Anyway I admit to having been very conflicted over this piece of news.</div>
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As a matter of fact, I do like it that the origins of pole dancing are in the "sexual titilation field" (sic). I have no problem with the sensuality or even sexuality common to many pole dance performances, for the same reason I don't see a problem with belly dance, tango, samba, salsa, zouk, contemporary dance, burlesque etc. They are all expressions of human emotion and feeling, and as a lover of dance and performance, I love it all. I think if anyone were to suggest that tango was disgusting because of its origins, or because of its blatant sensuality, they would be laughed at. I have always wondered, would pole dance be less offensive to its decriers if the same moves were performed by a man and a woman together, as in adagio? Or a man on his own? If so, is the real reason why it makes some people so uncomfortable is that it's a woman expressing sensuality on her own? </div>
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It would probably surprise the writer of the comment to learn that the overwhelming majority of attendees at pole dance competitions and performances are women. The men who are there are usually the partners of the women coming to watch. Of course, some men go on their own or with their mates, either out of interest, or to enjoy watching a woman dance on a pole in a skimpy outfit. But, writer of the comment, before you cry <i>"A-ha! I knew it! See, men enjoy watching pole dancing, therefore it must objectify women and be bad!"</i>, let me point out that no one tries to use that argument about trapeze artists, gymnasts, contortionists, or contemporary dancers. A recent Sydney Dance Company production had its performers dancing in skin-coloured costumes that made them look naked. You didn't see the audience shuffling in from a dimly lit side entrance, embarrassed to look at each other. In that context, it seems it's perfectly fine to admit that you enjoy watching a toned and sculpted body dance onstage for your pleasure. Because it's art. So that makes it ok to look, and to admit that you like what you see. </div>
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The fact that heterosexual men may enjoy watching a pole dance performance I give for its sex factor doesn't bother me. Same as it hasn't bothered me when I've performed for a lesbian crowd. I don't think there is anything wrong with human sexuality or sensuality, and there is nothing wrong with enjoying watching expressions of human sexuality and sensuality on stage. No one is forcing me or my fellow pole dancers to do what we do - we enjoy it and we enjoy the fact that other people enjoy it. In any event, after pretty well every single performance I have ever done, the comments I've received afterwards from male members of the audience are mostly about how much strength we pole dancers must have to be able to do what we do (mostly ;-) ).</div>
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But sensual pole dance is only one style of pole dance. There are many others - circus, acro, tricks based, contemporary, lyrical, theatrical... you are limited only by your imagination (which is quite limiting for some people, it seems). </div>
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As for her claim that pole dancing objectifies women and therefore women should not pole dance, this is not the first time that I've been confronted with this argument. I've given it a fair amount of thought, to try to identify more clearly why it is that this argument bothers me so much.<br />
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And I've finally figured it out: if you can't watch a display of athleticism, strength, flexibility and sensuality without perceiving the dancer as an object, then you're the one with the problem, not us. We don't need to stop what we're doing because it makes you face your own views of what "good girls" should and shouldn't do, or because it makes you feel uncomfortable. If you don't like it, don't watch it. That's fine. But if you haven't watched it or tried it, then maybe you shouldn't be judging it, or us.<br />
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For me, feminism is about empowering women to be free in our choices of what we want to do with our lives, and how we want to express ourselves. It's not about telling other women what they can and can't do. There may well be situations where for some women, pole dance is inextricably linked with stripping, which for them is oppressive. However, there are plenty of women who pole dance and even strip out of their own free will, and enjoy it. We should be focusing our efforts fighting the agents that create situations of oppression for women, rather than an activity that many people healthily enjoy for many different reasons. </div>
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A final comment: it is very rare for female strength to be celebrated. Most girls and women just want to be thin, and think that that is the only way to be attractive. Pole dance requires a phenomenal amount of strength, flexibility, stamina and endurance. Let's recognise pole dancers for their skill and ability, and stop putting them down. It's pretty clear to me that the people who claim to have moral objections to pole dance need to examine more closely their own hang-ups and views about what women should and shouldn't do.<br />
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Rant over. Ahhhh..... That feels better :-)<br />
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Shimmy xx</div>
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Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-19508101974342776352012-02-02T02:43:00.000-08:002012-02-02T02:43:26.470-08:00Engagement parties, weddings, baby showers and pole dancingEngagement parties, weddings, baby showers and international pole dancing competitions... one of these things is definitely not like the others.<br />
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There are certain events that occur in most people's lives that are traditionally celebrated as important milestones. Significant birthdays, engagements, weddings, baby showers, the baby's arrival, the christening, first birthday, wedding anniversaries etc. I'm at the age when most of my (non-pole dancing) friends have either already ticked off a number of these milestones, or are well on their way to doing so. Whenever I go to one of these events to celebrate a life achievement with one of my friends, I always think of that episode of Sex and the City, where Carrie's shoes go missing at a friend's party.<br />
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<i>(In case you haven't seen it, here's a quick synopsis - when leaving the party at her friend's house, Carrie is devastated to find her expensive shoes are not where she left them. After much hinting on Carrie's part, the friend reluctantly offers to replace them, but then baulks when Carrie tells her how much they cost. The friend shames Carrie for spending so much money on the shoes. Carrie sits down and calculates how much she has spent on gift-giving over the years to celebrate the friend's life choices, and realises it is a small fortune. Carrie decides to announce she is engaged to herself, and sends the friend her bridal registry - with one item only on it: the shoes she lost. The friend, taking Carrie's point, obliges. Carrie is happy).</i><br />
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I'm reminded of this episode because sometimes I feel a bit like Carrie at these sorts of celebrations. So far, I've resisted the urge to travel down the well-trodden path of betrothal and procreation. Even though I've been with my partner for 8 years now, we remain unmarried and baby-free (much to my grandmother's sorrow). It's not that I'm opposed to marriage and babies, quite the opposite in fact - I'm the first to cry at weddings and I adore children and can't wait to be asked to babysit my friends' rug-rats. I don't know that I will ever get married, but one day in the more distant future I probably will have kids (but I'm not making any definitive statements - after all, motherhood is often only one careless boozy night away...).<br />
<br />
But back to the title of this blog post. Being an unwedded non-breeder has started to make me feel like a bit of a black sheep in certain social settings, particularly when people ask me what I've been up to lately. I've noticed that my announcements (<i>"I'm going to the World Pole Championships! We came third! I'm going to the IPC in Hong Kong! I did a fun show at a gay and lesbian nightclub the other night with one of my male pole dancer friends - and we rocked it!</i>) seem to make some people feel a bit uncomfortable. More often than not, the reaction seems to be a few awkward sideways glances, a tight smile, and a change of subject.<br />
<br />
Certainly, you can't compare the significance of the arrival of new life on this planet with a pole competition or performance. And publicly announcing that you are tying your life and fortunes to your loved one in marriage is also a big deal (but I will point out that in the time I've been with my boyfriend, I've seen relationships begin, marriages take place, and divorce papers filed, so... ummm.... ahem).<br />
<br />
I just want to say that even though I don't have any rings on my fingers, bells on my toes or buns in the oven, things still happen to me that are important to me. When my friends say to me <i>"We're getting married!", </i>I reply <i>"Oh my goodness! That's wonderful!"</i>, and dammit - I want the same reaction when I announce <i>"</i><i>I came second in a competition for my booty shaking pole show!" </i>(after all, I'm sure anyone who's tried both will tell you booty shaking combined with pole is a LOT harder than getting knocked up).<br />
<br />
Or maybe I'm just taking the wrong approach. Maybe what I need to do is to take a leaf out of Carrie's book, and start throwing myself afternoon tea parties or cocktail soirees every time something I consider to be a significant milestone event for me occurs. I'm laughing to myself now even as I think about the invitations:<br />
<br />
<i>Fiona and David would be delighted to have the pleasure of your company to celebrate their daughter Shimmy's winning of the Miss Pier Hotel competition, for her spectacularly saucy performance to Lithium by Nirvana. The crowd went wild and so will you when she does a repeat performance for you. RSVP essential. Dress: Cocktail. Registry details are available at David Jones. </i><br />
<br />
I wonder if anyone would come???<br />
<br />
Shimmy xx<br />
<br />
PS Lou Lou I know you and Dee would come. Love you xxxShimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-22570305840235651222012-01-23T17:57:00.000-08:002012-01-23T17:57:33.449-08:00Your boyfriend must love it that you're a pole dancer...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If I had a dollar for every time someone has said "<i>your boyfriend must LOVE it that you're a pole dancer</i>," I'd have.... well, probably only around 80 bucks, but that's still enough to put it up there as one of the most common things people say to pole dancers, along with the time-honoured classic "<i>hey baby, you can dance on my pole!</i>"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm sure people imagine that going out with a pole dancer guarantees you wild, contortionist sex and private dances on demand. Maybe it is like that for some pole dancers. Maybe other pole dancers don't drag themselves through the front door after a class or performance, limping, smelling a little sweaty, make up smudged, false eyelashes a bit wonky, and either demand a deep tissue massage or go straight to the freezer for an ice pack. Maybe other pole dancers come home and put their cute pole costumes to good use, by pouncing on their partner in a frenzy of sexual pole dancer energy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But I'm going to come clean here, in the interest of honest blogging, and put it out there: my boyfriend hates pole dancing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It's not that he's against what I do. He's very happy that I'm so happy doing what I love. And it's not a jealousy thing either. I honestly can't believe how lucky I am to have a boyfriend who lets me perform the way I do in public, and never hassles me for being too, umm... provocative in my performances. He has one rule: no stripping (as in, taking clothes off is fine, so long as I at least keep a top and bottom on at all times, no matter how small). Which is fine because I have no need or desire to strip anyway.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I think that in the beginning, he was pretty into the idea of his girlfriend being a pole dancer. But his interest has definitely waned over the past five years of coming to watch my shows, being made to watch clips of me performing variations of moves that only a trained eye would know were different from each other, listening to pole-itical discussions about who should have won which competition, and having to sit through hours of pole analysis every time a pole dancer comes to stay at my house. Now, the second someone mentions the word pole, his eyes glaze over.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To be really honest, the whole issue of pole has at times been a real source of conflict in our relationship. I guess it's because I want him to love it as much as I do, but at the end of the day he just doesn't. For me, pole dance is the most inspirational, sensual, beautiful, athletic display of strength, flexibility and emotion. For him, it's a bunch of people jumping around a pole in their undies.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I've asked myself many times over the years, why doesn't my boyfriend appreciate pole? I think about whether or not I could handle watching endless football games if he were a professional football player. Although I hate watching football, I think that if he were playing, I would learn to appreciate it. But then maybe I wouldn't (I really do hate football).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I can freely admit that pole dance is not just my passion, but also my obsession. I think that obsession can be a double-edged sword - it provides you with the drive you need to achieve your dreams, but at the same time, it can isolate and frustrate you. Being in a relationship with a non-pole dancer means you have to make a real effort to avoid being swallowed by your obsession, or else risk having nothing at all to talk about with normal people. As a pole instructor, I've actually seen the topic of pole dance cause relationship break-ups amongst my students. It's almost like their partners no longer recognise their new, confident, pole dancing girlfriends - and some of them decide they don't like what they see.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It's not just female pole dancers who deal with this issue. One of my male students (and incredible performer) David Helman has a partner who is not a pole dancer. David says: </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i>It
was particularly hard when we first met, because he didn't understand why pole
came first, and why if I didn't do it I would get cranky/sad/mad. He's gotten better and he’s now more supportive, but he still
feels left out if I'm with a group of pole people and we talk about tricks and
moves and performances etc. </i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;">He still finds it difficult to understand that I’d rather spin on a pole than go out to a party.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i>Also it doesn't help that sometimes he’s scared to touch me because I'm always in pain in some way! Especially when I dislocated my
shoulder.</i>”</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To make it fair, I called David's partner, Steven, to get his view. Steven says:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #262626;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262626;">"I
appreciate the sport and his love for it, and I love that he loves it so much,
but it definitely impacts on our relationship. If we’re out with a group of
pole people, and they’re talking about pole, the conversation is often on a
completely different level and I can’t understand a thing. They’ll be talking
about pole tricks, and I’m thinking what the hell is a phoenix? Some kind of
bird move? I don’t always want to ask what they’re talking about because then I
feel like a kid sitting at the adult’s dinner table. Sometimes can deal with it,
but other times I’ll throw a tanty and go home. David wants me to be involved, and
I try, but I can’t always do it. It’s hard, but we find ways to make it work." </span></span></i></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On this topic, my sister Maddie has a pretty good perspective, I think. She says that just because you love two things doesn't mean that if you combine them they will work well together. She says there's nothing wrong with keeping your loves separate. I think she's right about that. But obviously, it can be hard when you want to share your excitement with the person you love, only to find them staring blankly at you as though you were speaking a different language (which possibly we are). </span><br />
<br />
And then there's the Holy Grail of pole love - two pole dancers in love, training, performing, competing and instructing together... Can such a thing exist? It can, and it does, in Suzie Q and Toby J. Those of you who have seen their doubles pole or trapeze performances know what I'm talking about - it's so beautiful to see the trust, love and magic that they put in to every one of their performances. No doubt there's a lot of yelling and shouting that goes into their training sessions, but it must be worth it to share that thrilling moment onstage together when the crowd goes wild after a performance.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Suzie Q says: "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I've dated pole dancers, and non-pole dancers. I definitely appreciate the fact that another </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">pole dancer really "gets" what I do - because he does it too!"</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">And Toby J adds: "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">I like sharing performances together - I also think it enhances the trust levels in our relationship. Plus it makes for some cool party tricks when the two of us bust out something acrobatic!"</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But if your boyfriend or girlfriend would sooner have their teeth extracted un-anaesthetised than consider performing on a pole in public, you're going to have to find some other way of making sure pole doesn't become the third wheel in your relationship. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In the world beyond pole, it's often the case that women get a bit of a social status boost from the success of the</span>ir husbands. In the UK and in Australia, cricket/football WAGs (the wives and girlfriends of cricket/football players) have their own status and celebrity, which they derive solely from how nice they look sitting on the sidelines while their other halves chase a ball around for large amounts of money. Although unfortunately it doesn't really work the other way around, I think pole boyfriends and husbands deserve their own title, just like the WAGs. Let's call them Polar-BAHs.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When I was at Worlds in 2011, I had a fair amount of time backstage to do nothing but stretch and wait. During this time, I had a bit of a chat to Nic Judd, Zoraya's partner, who is possibly one of the most supportive Polar-BAHS in the pole industry (along with Suzie Q's partner Toby J, Jenyne's partner Andrew Ball, and probably a few others I don't know about). I asked him if he got sick of all the pole events he has had to go to. He surprised me by saying something along the lines of: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"<i>I don't care about pole dance. It's not my thing. It's her (Zoraya's) thing. But she's my passion, and pole dance is her passion, so I make it my thing</i>."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I can't tell you how much what Nic said affected me. All I could think was, my God, I wish my boyfriend felt that way. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But since then, I've come to realise that what works for others doesn't always work for everyone. My boyfriend doesn't enjoy attending pole dancing events, and I'm coming to accept that I can't, and shouldn't, try to force him. He may not love pole dance <i>per se</i>, but he's supportive of me, and he comes to all the big competitions to be there for me. Whenever he does compliment me on a performance, I know it means that I've really killed it, because he wouldn't say so otherwise. I remind myself that if he tried to drag me along to football games every weekend, I would probably explode. And I'm pretty certain that his aversion to pole dancing means I'll never bust him going to strip clubs with his boys. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, until the day comes when Polar-BAHs have their own special status as the privileged partners of pole dancers, I guess I will just have to accept that the reality of being a Polar-BAH is probably a bit of a drag for most of them, or at least my boyfriend. Having to share your lady with an inanimate metal rod must be pretty tough. Especially if he suspects that, judging by the amount of time she spends embracing it, she may be more devoted to the pole than she is to him!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">To my boyfriend: I love you and thank you for the support you show me in my pole pursuits. I get that you don't get pole. That's ok. But darling, can't you just fake it a little bit from time to time? For me??? ;-)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Shimmy xx</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">PS As you can probably tell from this post, I'm still trying to work this topic out for myself. I'd be really interested in hearing how your Polar-BAHs cope with your love of pole - so please feel free to comment and share your own story/advice :-)</span>Shimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-43601879031643028542012-01-16T15:27:00.000-08:002012-01-16T15:27:51.545-08:00From corporate suits to hotpants...I'm a pole dancer and a lawyer. There are a surprising number of pole dancer/lawyers around (I've had two working for me at the Pole Dance Academy so far, and many more train with us). It seems to be the case that the more boring and conservative a girl's regular life is, the more of a wildcat she is once she ditches the suit and gets on the pole. It's almost as though the raunchiness of your body rolls and back arches is directly proportional to the amount of tedious paperwork you've had to do before you get to class. One thing that never fails to make me smile is watching my students arrive for class dressed neatly in their jackets, blouses and knee length skirts, only to wriggle out of their clothes and go crazy on the pole. Then at the end, they get dressed, smooth their hair and head out the door, and no one would suspect a thing (if it weren't for the tell-tale bruises, that is).<br />
<br />
Recently I've done a couple of interviews for other blogs and youtube videos, and people always ask me how I got started with pole. My standard line is that I took a class 5 years ago and was hooked instantly, and then I usually make a joke about working in a law firm to put myself through pole school. The full story is actually a little more involved. And seeing as how this is my blog and I can write whatever I like, I'm going to write the story of how I went from being a corporate lawyer at a big city firm to being a pole dancer.<br />
<br />
Although it had a couple of good moments, overall I hated working in a corporate environment. It was so restrictive, and I always felt like I was pretending to be someone I wasn't. I was taking pole classes in the evening after work, and sometimes even running to the studio on my lunch break for practice time. Pole dance was such a release for me, and it felt like a secret I carried around with me, a reminder that I still had something interesting going on in my life outside the office. All the while, I was terrified that people at work would find out about my secret hobby, so I never told a soul.<br />
<br />
In 2008, I went to watch Miss Pole Dance Australia. Sitting in the audience, I thought to myself, I would love to be up on that stage one day, dancing with those amazing women. Immediately, another thought followed - don't be ridiculous. Imagine what would happen at work if people saw photos in the newspaper of your half-naked body wrapped around a pole onstage at the Enmore Theatre. But then I thought - why is it that I'm afraid to pursue something I love, in order to ensure I can keep doing something I hate? It didn't seem to make much sense at all.<br />
<br />
Six months later, it was time for my performance review at work, and I was sitting in the office of one of the partners. She was in the middle of telling me that people were questioning whether or not I was 110% committed to working at the firm, because of my attitude. I thought back to the 12 to 14 hour days I'd been working, and the weekends spent at the office. I thought to myself, "You're quite right. I am not 110% committed to working here. Screw you guys - I'm opening a pole studio."<br />
<br />
So I resigned. I found another job with better hours at an amazing community legal centre that offers free legal advice to disadvantaged people (where I still work part-time). I convinced my sister that opening a pole studio together was a brilliant idea. We found a space, and with a lot of hard work, turned it into the beautiful Pole Dance Academy. I love teaching pole, and I'm so happy that I took the plunge and did it. A lot of people have since said to me that it must have taken courage to turn my back on a career as a corporate lawyer to become a professional pole dancer. But it wasn't courage. It was simply that I was so unhappy that I had no choice but to do something drastic. It's entirely possible that if I hadn't been so miserable, I would have kept on keeping on for a lot longer, and turned into one of the people I worked for.<br />
<br />
Although I now work longer hours than ever (what with my part-time job at the legal centre, teaching pole, training, doing studio admin, competing, organising amateur competitions etc), I couldn't be happier. I work with my sister (also my best friend) Maddie, and a bunch of incredibly talented girls that I'm lucky enough to call my staff of teachers. And don't get me started on my students - they're the best part of going to work. Watching them grow as dancers (and seeing their confidence and self-esteem increase at the same rate as their muscles and flexibility) is just so much more rewarding than advising companies on corporate takeovers.<br />
<br />
I had another moment of truth a couple of months ago. My sister Maddie and I had been booked to do a show at a 50th birthday party (the guy's girlfriend booked us - what an cool girlfriend!). I was setting up the X-Stage when I noticed the stage needed adjusting. I turned to the lady standing next to me and said "Excuse me, would you mind holding my pole for a moment?' She looked a little familiar, but I couldn't place her, so I didn't give it another thought.<br />
<br />
It was only when I was in my red sequin bikini and stripper heels, about to head out into the middle of the party to do my thing on the pole, that I suddenly realised who she was. She was the former head partner at the law firm I used to work at. Oh God. The old me wanted to grab my clothes and hustle my ass outta there like my pants were on fire. But the new me just smiled, took a deep breath, and strutted on out there to bust out some awesome moves on the pole.<br />
<br />
I figured she would understand - I'm just a much better pole dancer than I am a corporate lawyer. <br />
<br />
Shimmy xxShimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4064027486535175574.post-33082531418457213552012-01-11T15:38:00.000-08:002012-01-11T22:54:03.767-08:00First Blog Ever: Thick SkinI've been wanting to create a blog about pole dance for a long time now, but I've been so busy with training and the studio that I've been putting it off. But now it's the new year, and so no more excuses. Blog time.<br />
<br />
The first thing I want to write about is: Developing A Thick Skin. And I'm not talking about callouses (although I could - and I know we all have them - and not just on our hands... personally I think the back of the left knee is the worst place to have that calloused elephant skin ugghh). But back to the point. Developing a thick skin is something that all performers have to put a little effort into, sooner or later. As a dancer and a performer, you put everything into your performances. All your heart, emotion and energy. The thrill you get from a wildly applauding and appreciative audience is like nourishment for your soul - and part of the reason why performing is so addictive.<br />
<br />
The flip side is of course the fact that not everybody will go wild for your performances. Some people may be left feeling nonplussed, and some may even go out of their way to let you know how much they disliked it. And let's not forget that although pole dance has come a long way in recent times and become more acceptable in polite society, it's still a fringe activity (part of the appeal, right?). Watching a pole performance can be very confronting for some people, especially if they don't feel comfortable with the sexual element of a pole performance.<br />
<br />
I recently did a solo and a doubles performance with Matty Shields, my dance partner, in Dubbo at a festival. It was a family affair, and so I made sure to keep my show strictly G-rated and more acrobatic/circus style. After the show, we had kids asking us for our autographs (well, to be honest - they were asking Matty, after all, he's the Australia's Got Talent star - they only asked me because I was standing next to him!). A whole bunch of people approached us to tell us how awesome they thought the show was, and how surprised they were to learn that pole was so acrobatic and strength-based. All this positive feedback made us really happy, until I found out that after the show a couple of women had complained that my performance was inappropriate and shouldn't have been allowed. No one complained about Matty's performance. Double standard, maybe?<br />
<br />
Similarly, a couple of friends of mine were recently very upset to find some extremely derogatory comments made about one of their doubles performances on Facebook. Now, most people understand that a performance is a performance, and that just because you dress up like a pirate or a monkey onstage doesn't mean that in real life you carry on like a pirate or a monkey. But people don't always get that when it comes to a sexy pole performance. To be clear - there was nothing vulgar or dirty about their doubles performance. It was an impressive doubles performance that saw them place in the competition. But someone posted on the video that it was "slutty". Pretty harsh, and very uncalled for.<br />
<br />
All the more reason to retreat into our happy, loving, pole community, right? Maybe not. I've noticed over the years that pole dancers are becoming more critical of each other. But I don't necessarily see criticism as a bad thing in itself. As more styles of pole dance develop, people will have different views on what they like and what they don't like. That's fine. So long as people take care to express their views in a way that won't make the pole dancer in question want to cry and hang up her stilettos for good.<br />
<br />
But you can't control what people say or think. And you can't please everyone. And nor should you try to. Think of your favourite pole dancer - the one from whom you draw inspiration and motivation. The one who sends your heart aflutter whenever she posts a new video. I bet you can name at least one or two of your pole friends who don't like her style at all. But that doesn't change the fact that you think she's amazing. Or the fact that she is amazing.<br />
<br />
Which is where the Thick Skin comes in. 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.<br />
<br />
So: whenever you cop an insult or a bit of negativity, just try to suck it up and remember all the gasps and smiles that you've drawn from your audience in the past - even if your only audience is your cat or your mum ;-). Don't let a snide comment or backhanded compliment ruin your passion for the pole. If you're like me, pole means way too much for you to let yourself be put off by anything.<br />
<br />
Remember that what we do as pole dancers is exceptional. There's not many people you pass in the street who can lift their entire body weight over their head and hang from one leg. So keep at it. Shrug off the useless negativity, or if you can, take valid criticism constructively and learn from it. And surround yourself with pole dancers you respect and admire, because there's loads of them around. At the end of the day, one thing we pole dancers all have in common is that we are a pretty amazing bunch, in my view :-)<br />
<br />
Shimmy xxShimmy: www.michelleshimmy.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830568746708335760noreply@blogger.com6