Skip to main content

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 training new figures and thinking about competitions. I set myself a challenge to add to the IPSF “crack the code” catalogue and have already submitted two videos. I have learned new figures this week and they are already feeling comfortable! I think that it is definitely a sign that I am gaining strength, but also that I know which figures I am ready to try and that I have the confidence to attempt different entries or even variations until I find what works for me.


IPSF figure videos

Next up, I need to start thinking more seriously about my competition routine for October, including music and costume choice. I want to integrate more dance and expression into my routine and I’m considering developing one of the choreographies that I have already created these past weeks. As long as lockdown continues, I have enough projects to keep me busy 😊.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Discovering the world of PSO

Not one to dwell too long on my disappointment (see my posts about IPSF and the decision to cancel/postpone the 2020 season), I felt the need to refocus my training efforts. I had already looked into the PSO (Pole Sports Organization) in the past, but hadn't wanted to add pressure to my IPSF preparation timeline with a second competition. The PSO exists mainly in the States and serves as a national competition, complete with a final. In Europe, it is also possible to take part in competitions, but each one is a stand-alone entity. Like the IPSF, there is an age category for me (over 40), which is an important consideration. There were a few competitions in Europe coming up: Lausanne in July, which I felt was a bit soon to be sure that it would be held. Then Lisbon in September and Manchester in October. I went for Manchester, as I know it is an easy journey from Brussels and I wanted to experience a competition in the UK. The next task in the application process is choosing a c...

Second Lockdown November - December 2020

Sports classes have been closed since 26th October in Belgium and the past month has been tough. I haven't felt like blogging and to be fair I probably haven't had time to focus on expressing my feelings regarding the current situation. I'm someone who always looks for the positive; my theory is that events are always leading me to where I should be and I try to look for opportunities along the journey to benefit from my experiences. The last lockdown was long and full of disappointments, for example cancellation of competitions, which were to be my focal point of 2020, however if it were not for these roadblocks I would not have launched Momentum Pole Sport this year. This time, it is the cancellation of my classes at Momentum at the source of my concern. I initially hoped to reschedule the classes and in the meantime I launched online videos and challenges to keep my students interested and motivated. I feel like a community was created during the two months that I was ab...

Creating Momentum Pole Sport

 I haven't really had time to update this blog recently, as I've been pouring all of my time and effort into the creation of my pole sport school. On top of that have been holidays, family time, as well as teaching regular classes (3 evenings per week and the occasional private lesson). Perhaps this blog, created out of a need during lockdown, will become more occasional from now on. I will try to add more videos to the stocks, all the same :-). Finally finding a studio for my classes was a huge step, but only the start. Next, I began writing the status for the creation of my association (ASBL) and I created a website. A graphic designer friend kindly created an amazing logo for the studio and it all started falling into place.  Since the creation of the ASBL, I have been able to take out insurance and open a bank account. Of course, there were also the poles to buy! Now I'm just waiting for the last elements; bank card details, delivery of the last pole and confirmation of...