Weekly Classes and Levels

I had the idea of centralising my pole classes with photos and videos to follow along at home. This goes hand in hand with another project I had in mind of distance learning, which I plan to put into place as soon as possible. Every week, you can find content at different levels, with tips and tutorials, as well as occasional workshops.

If you are interested in joining my online classes for group or private sessions, please check out my Facebook page, where you can also contact me. Here is a catalogue of the online classes I have taught so far!

While it's not possible to include everything, here's a rough key to the progression through various levels:

Beginner (link to video library): first 15 hours of practice.
- static spins
- some first spins on spinning pole
- basic sit
- learning to climb
- learning to invert in open V and inverted crucifix
- standing crucifix
- cross knee release
- headstands

Intermediate 1 (link to video library): 15-30+ hours of practice.
- combinations of static spins with momentum
- combinations of spins on spinning pole
- leg hangs
- basic figures, such as viva, butterfly, scorpio flatline, cupid. 2-3 points of contact.
- hip holds
- underarm hold (sleepwalker)
- cross ankle release
- handstands

Intermediate 2 (link to video library)
- brass monkey
- shoulder mount
- extended butterfly
- aerial invert
- iguana
- longer combinations

Intermediate 3+ (link to video library)
- ayesha
- bridges on the pole
- aerial invert on spin
- aerial shoulder mount
- figures with fewer points of contact
- elbow holds
- planks
- challenging transitions

Comments

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...

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...

IPSF

In early 2019, I discovered the IPSF. This was a huge event in my pole journey, and one that has helped me to focus and develop my own practice. The IPSF is a highly structured organisation (which suits me down to the ground :-)), that has already encouraged federations to be opened in 30-40 countries worldwide. Their aim is to bring Pole Sports to the Olympics, and it is not an empty goal; they are actively working towards this aim and taking the appropriate steps, one by one. Pole Sports within the International Pole Sports Federation, adheres to a 150-page code of points, for which I have already passed an exam to attest to my knowledge. Competition participants must demonstrate strength, flexibility and the ability to perform spins on both the static and spinning pole. The rules provide a structure to preparing for a competiton and an important point of reference; on the other hand the realisation of a competition routine can be tricky when trying to adhere to all the rules! This...

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