Pole Dance Classroom Etiquette

This is something I've been wanting to touch on for a while. To start I am not pointing any fingers at anyone, this is just something I've been wanting to share. I have to say that almost every class of mine has perfect students. But there are a few things to consider when taking a class. Know matter what type of class it is. Just because it's pole dancing, it should still receive the same amount of respect as any other class. First, when showing interest in a class contact the instructor if you are unable to attend. Other people could be waiting for your spot. Turn off your cell phones. Don't be obnoxious and disruptive. Be considerate of others at all times. Show up on time. Never show up 20 minutes late and expect to get in the class, it's disruptive, inconsiderate and can make other people uncomfortable. Not to mention it frazzles the instructor who's trying not to single you out when showing up late and trying to keep the flow of the class. Participate in the activity. If you don't feel like going to class don't go. My biggest pet peeve, refrain from bragging about other studios or lessons you may have taken in the past. For example "So and So calls that the blah blah spin" or "So and So does it this way and that's the right way". For one it's disrespectful and rude. Not just to the students that haven't taken "So and So's" class but to the instructor. There is no patent on names for any of the pole dancing moves out there. There is no legal or official structure of how a pole class should be taught. Pole dancing is free form art and will always be that way with individual instructors and individual styles. What I say is, try and challenge yourself to do something different. Something that's familiar and comfortable restricts us from growing. If you like the way someone teaches, stay with them because you may not be ready for the next challenge and that's ok. Keep an open mind. Whatever you do always be respectful because everyone can pick up on negative energy. Students come to class to shake off the day, destress and to feel connected. If your having a bad day maybe you shouldn't come to class. We all have bad day's but no reason to make everyone else have one. I've been teaching for several years now and I have had a few challenges as a teacher. I do the best that I can with the knowledge and skills I've gathered over the many years of my dancing and life experiences. I always try to accommodate and make everyone feel important. Please be kind to all sisters we come from all walks of life but share one thing in common, the desire to learn something new.

Different Styles of Pole Dancing

Wow, I can't believe how much pole dancing has touched so many people. Here are my thoughts for beginners wondering if they should do it. Yes! Try it at least once. There are so many classes out there where you can take a cheap intro class and see if you like the style of the instructor. Just remember there is no right or wrong way to dance exotic. Be respectful when visiting studios with they're own language. There are many styles of pole dancing. I teach the exotic style, meaning I focus on sensual dance movement and moves that I used to do as a stripper. That's right...that's how this whole thing started. One of my favorite gals Fawnia Monday, launched the movement back in the late 90's with her informative DVD and she has a unique style. She used to be a stripper, showgirl, performer, whatever you want to call it and shes always been an active fitness instructor and competitor. S Factor did not invent pole dancing. But what S Factor did was plant the seed for mom's and regular gals that had no plans for the stage. Awesome! You have to find a studio or instructor with some experience when shopping for classes. I live in Los Angeles so there are a variety of choices and most focus on the fitness part of pole dancing. That's great but my style is a bit different I let that sneak up on ya. Figure out what your goals are. How do you want to use your skills? Stage? Boyfriend? Getting in shape? Just for yourself? The right classes are out there. Like I said, try an intro class or private lesson first to see if you like it. Avoid contracts and people trying to hook you in for their profit. Pole dancing is an art form that is unique in it's desire for self expression not cookie cutter profit making.
If your interested in learning by DVD I highly recommend Jamilla Deville's series visit www.TheArtofPole.com. The most professional put together series out there that you can actually use.Way to go Jamilla!

Private Lesson

I love doing private lessons. They really help me learn about my teaching and I always learn something from them. I love how each and every girl has a unique style even if they don't know it yet. What's more rewarding is when they get excited that they are going to try to do something new on stage. I wish I could go see every single dancer dance so I can show my support. My heart is with them always just not my pocket book. haha. I don't do private lessons very often but today I had a huge flashback! I did a private lesson for a girl who is a current dancer at a local strip club and it was like looking in the mirror. It was awesome! I felt like I took a trip back to my early days. Her energy was so familiar I almost wanted to go work with her at the club. I loved her enthusiasm and her rebel attitude.  It was such a good workout we were both sweating. I was able to see her progress from when she first started dancing to now. Today was the first day I've worked with her, everything else she has done on her own which is how I learned. We didn't have classes. Most girls didn't want to give up their secrets in fear of competition. Totally understand that. I learned by watching and risking. I only had time to practice when it was slow at the club or if the guys weren't tipping. I got the hang of it quickly. Well I look forward to class tomorrow, a level one class with newbies and then a level 2-3 for my int-ad beginners. Lots of fun.
Thanks for everyone's support. xoxo

Motivation

If there is one thing that motivates me in my day it's dance. I think about it all the time. How I can come up with new costumes or new moves. I love it when I have a dream of some crazy new pole trick and get so excited about how cool it is then I wake up. I realize it's humanly (at least for me) impossible for that trick to happen. But a girl can dream right? My motivation for teaching comes from my students. It's a true sisterhood. I enjoy each and every class. I love to laugh while learning, why should it be so serious anyway? I hear horror stories from students that come to me from other studios and it makes me angry.  I want to create an experience for my girls as if they are coming over to my place to have some fun pole dancing time. Less tension more fun! It's kind of like meditation for me. I like being in that place where nothing matters except what we are doing in class. When I'm freestyling I go deep into my emotions and play. It's like splashing water or rolling around in something soft. These are some of the things I try to get my girls to tap into. It's not about tricks for me it's about expression of emotion. Tricks are rad but where is the connection. What are you connecting too and why? How does it make you feel when you accomplish an extreme trick? I know how it makes me feel, I want to shout out to the world "Hey, I'm a badass"! I love that part. But not all the time.
I hope here my students can give some feedback about their pole dancing experience and I want to know what motivates you.