Skip to main content

Leaning into lockdown extension

The announcement came on Wednesday afternoon; lockdown until 3rd May. And after that? We will find out next Wednesday.

I'm a bit late in offering online classes. I think that there was more enthusiasm to follow these in the initial weeks of lockdown, when everything was feeling a bit more novel and everyone was figuring out how they wanted to live their confinement experience. Now, 5 weeks in, a routine has set in, with less spontaneity and increasing disappointment. Unfortunately, I took a few weeks to catch up, being ill at the start, and so here I am with my ideas and enthusiasm!

I hesitated before planning these classes. Maybe we would have our normal classes again in a couple of weeks anyway. Was the hassle worth it? What if people didn't sign up? How would I take that? With all these big names and top-level pole dancers offering online classes, what can I offer of interest? Weighing up the options, I felt it was worth a try. My philosophy is to try to see an opportunity for new experiences when faced with a difficult situation.

What is different about these classes? I have worked on creating choreography and combos that are not technically or dangerously difficult, but that are interesting and fun. The aim is to reach a variety of levels, offering something that is accessible and not too complicated to teach by instruction alone. Experimenting and building these sequences has pushed me to work on the dance aspect of pole choreography, enriching my own practice. I believe that this is a real opportunity to revisit the often neglected, but nonetheless beautiful, basics!

Once I had planned and prepared the classes, I needed students! Promoting the classes was a bit of trial and error :-). I'm trying to learn how to use social media for promotion, but it doesn't come naturally. It took me a few days to realise that I could set up events on Facebook that could be shared :-). I'm all open to tips and ideas!

So why take a class with me? I'm not the best pole dancer. I'm not a top level pole dancer. Some of my students have almost my level. I don't pretend to be anything that I'm not. I'm still learning and I know my strengths and my weaknesses. But, I am a very positive person and I genuinely want to help my students. I have a good eye for spotting what's not right and correcting technique. I have discovered a real passion and enthusiasm to promote this sport and be a part of the community. I am committed to developing my teaching skills and knowledge and have been taking various courses to help with this.

Starting today, I have a class planned every day this week. It's the most I can manage, considering the preparation and also the fact that I am giving these classes from home. I am motivated and ready for the challenge. And eternally grateful to the lovely students who have put their trust in me and signed up!

Here's the start of my class choreography of this morning <3

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Mid-May Pole Lockdown: Online classes, choreography & technique work

This month, I have been focusing on developing my online classes, which have been very successful so far. The preparation is challenging, as there is a greater range of level amongst the students taking part than in studio classes. The students must be able to follow my instructions alone, without a partner or physical help, so breaking down moves and giving verbal instructions and demonstrations from multiple angles are key to an enjoyable class, rather than a frustrating one. Step by step instructions, with some tips for en easier entry! Working on choreography for a weekly class is one challenge that I’m pleased to have set for myself. I am gaining confidence in my ability to move, dance and create an artistic performance. Practising these routines adds an interesting variety to my training sessions, which have been getting quite long! In addition to preparing classes and working on choreography, during the past week I have been finding a little time to get back to...

End of Confinement De-Brief (in brief :-))

Since I started this blog during confinement, with the time that was freed up initally when I was ill, it seemed essential to me to write a proper post at this moment of deconfinement in Belgium. On Monday 8th June, I taught my first studio classes since early March! I'm pleased to say that it really was amazing to be back, taking in the exciting atmosphere of long-awaited reunions, not to mention having a full 3 metres of pole to train on, without nearby walls or a tiny stage to restrict me :-). The new hygiene rules will take some adjusting to, but it looks a lot more onerous on paper than it feels in reality. Really, these are common sense and I hope that many of these habits will be adopted long-term in pole classes. Back on a studio pole, at Brussels Art & Pole <3 My daughter also went back to school the same day and my husband is starting to venture into the office a few days a week, so there is quite a shift taking place. The following day, I was able to go b...

Launching Momentum Pole Sport

Picking up from my last post, so much has happened in the past 4 weeks. My initiation classes took place successfully on 30th August and I enjoyed every minute. Almost all of the participants signed up for regular classes and my groups are now complete (with waiting list for the two beginners' classes!). Smiling faces after the first initiation class! On Monday, the first lessons took place, in a happy, relaxed and positive atmosphere. Everything I was hoping to create in this venture! With systems now in place for arrival of students, installation and storage of the poles, communication with the groups, general rules and Covid policy, I hope that things will continue to run smoothly. One thing I can say with confidence is that running this type of business is a lot more work than it may seem on the outside. I have created this ASBL from scratch by myself, developed the ideas, the website, promoted my activity, enrolled students, taken care of policies and insurance, managed the ac...