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

Post a Comment

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

First online class

I've arrived a little late at the party on this one :-). Many online live classes have already launched in the past few weeks, as well as a wealth of resources for learning pole from home. However, ill for the first two weeks of lockdown and recovering the third, I took a little more time to get there and I am grateful to my students for their patience! Yesterday, I got to teach my regular Sunday class, from my own living room! I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with this group and we had a lot of fun. The difficulties included finding the right distance away from my computer when demonstrating, to be in full view, but audible, as well as making sure the participants muted their mics to avoid background noice and echo. For next time, I want to try to find a setup using a better camera and I might use my Britney mic if necessary. Surprisingly though, the class went very smoothly. I gave explanations and demonstrations for each move or combo and then watched my screen as the girls t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Opening Momentum Pole Sport

I've been a little quiet these past few weeks. In fact, I've been working hard to find a suitable studio in which to launch my very own pole school! After a few visits that unfortunately were unsuccessful, as it so happened I heard of an availability in the right place at the right time. So from September, I will open classes in Schaerbeek, Brussels, 3 evenings a week. I have designed a schedule of levelled classes from beginner to advanced, as well as detailed programs. Choosing a name for the school was tough! A lot of pole schools are starting to use a pole move in the title. I wanted to go with something a bit crazy. "Rainbow Iguana" was in the running. But eventually, Momentum sounded neat and fits pole sports very well. Why my own school? Since I started to teach pole, I discovered a new dimension to my passion for this sport and art form. I love to teach, the only drawback being the late evenings, which I'm hoping I will get used to! Completing the ...
Post a Comment
Read more