Feeling good after 2 amazing classes last night – and after posting yesterday, it only feels natural to do a quick re-cap.
Yesterday was one of those days I was wishing I could call B&P and whine that I wasn’t feeling great and go home a read. I was a little tight in my right calf muscle and have been HOT lately. The weather has been cooling down in the city – but I can’t seem to. This was leaving me tired and cranky.
But as blah as I was feeling – my new BlackMilk leggings motivated me enough to get my spandexed ass to the studio.
I started the evening with FLEXIBILITY TRAINING with Allison Wardwell. I really like the flow of Allison’s class. She starts out nice and slow “getting the crunchies out” with lots of circles, circles, circles. Circling the shoulders, the hips, the back. Luckily, these circles don’t make you dizzy, they just loosen up your body – and when we move into the tougher stuff – splits, backbends, handstands – my body says “Bring. It!”
I’ve been sloooowly improving and going a little farther into my stretches. Ouch. I was encouraged when Allison came around a couple times and said to me “Look at you Lizzy-poo!” Awe – *blush! There is still tons of room to improve, but there’s nothing like some good instructor encouragement to get you there!
where i am VS where i want to be! – with allison
Next up was my fave – SPINNY POLE – with Danielle Romano. Danielle was subbing for Ms. Stanek who is off being amazing in Stockholm for Pole Art. NBD.
I was so impressed with Danielle last night! I took a class with her a few weeks back – again a sub at the time – and she seems to have grown and really come into her own as an instructor. Note, the class before was not bad in any way – but Danielle did not seem as self-assured. She really brought it last night. Straight from the warm up I was so happy to be where I was. Danielle’s super positive personality was radiating and the energy in the room was fab.
She broke down a few combos for us. We worked on some pretty spins and did some “air-walking” before working on the big skill of the night. Chopper into an Inside Leg Hang – luckily I had worked on this on static the night before in Michelle’s class (ESPN!) – and then reaching back for the outside foot. This skill has a name, but I didn’t catch it.
At the end of class she demoed how we could put everything we had learned into one smooth sequence of combos. Loved it. I actually felt like a dancer for once.
I’m off the pole for a few days. Traveling back to Ohio for some fresh air, home cooked meals and *sigh time. Feeling great that my last classes were so good. I will miss the pole these next few days – but can’t wait to be back again.
It’s been a while since I’ve had the time to really sit and reflect on my pole life! It’s been well over a month since the last time I sat down to write so I had to back track and see where I left off.
I had just started my “lifestyle change” – eating a more natural diet and preparing the majority of my food at home and had talked about the addition of group exercise at Equinox Fitness for the first time.
I’m happy to say that I’ve been pretty darn good about keeping up with everything! I do admit to having an off-day – or weekend for that matter – here and there, but the idea of eating healty foods prepared at home is well on it’s way to the norm. It’s become easy – easier than I ever thought it would be – and it’s working for me.
My biggest pride and joy since the lifestyle change was the juicer I bought while visiting one of my besties from High School in Deleware. She had one and we juiced every morning. I love juices, but the price of them in my neighborhood is ridiculous. $8 – $10 for a medium juice. She took me to the store and I bought a cheapy one – $50! And tax free! Thanks Deleware! – to try it out, see if I would use it. Ever since, I’ve been juicing nearly every day. My faves are:
“Riley’s Juice,” a juice I used to order at New York Muffins in Williamburg almost daily: Spinach, Kale, Green Apple, Grapefruit and Pineapple. I usually have one of these with breakfast.
Some other faves that I have for snacks or with other meals are Carrot/Strawberry/Pineapple and a lot of Watermelon, with a little bit of another fruit I have laying around – usually strawberries, blueberries or mango.
The big challenge I still face is alcohol. I enjoy drinking socially and find it nice to have a drink with dinner or when I get home after a long day. If I’m famous for anything, it’s always having a bottle of champagne near to celebrate – and I celebrate the small things in life. This will be where the biggest challenge lays for me. I mean, how can I say no to a glass of wine with my girl Jal after a hard class?!
As far as group exercise, I have been maintaining at least 2 classes per week and sometimes up to 4. Most of these are power or cardio sculpting classes and I’ve noticed myself getting even stronger and having slightly more muscle definition in my stomach, arms and legs. I’m happy with my progress and have found a nice balance of gym workouts and pole.
On the pole front. Things are really exciting! I’m learning new skills, working on perfecting ones I have and have been having a great time with my amazing pole friends.
I made an attempt to add more level 3 and 3/4 pole classes into my weekly schedule. Sometimes this meant taking 2 pole classes back to back, and after trying it a couple times, my body was telling me it was too much. My shoulders and neck seemed sore all the time – so much so that it was even effecting my sleep. So even though those level 3 classes have been getting me new skills like JADE, which I can pull off in a freestyle now! And more attempts at Allegra! – I’m worried that I might be pushing myself too hard too fast.
After a week break due to a quick work-trip to LA, I had some time to thing about how things have been going and how I want to move forward with my practice.
I took a step back and vowed that from now until I leave for another 2-week trip in which I will be off the pole – I’m dedicating my time to the basics. I’m going to do as many level 2 classes as I can. I’m going to try to maintain one level 3 class per week to keep it exciting, but my focus will really be on perfecting the skills I have.
I’ve been working on Leg Hangs – trying to get both sides solid, with smooth transitions in out and POINTED TOES – STRAIGHT LEGS – and FLUIDITY. I’ve had a lot of opportunites to work on shoulder mounts and I’m excited to be getting closer and closer to getting up with no assistance! I’ve tried VERTICAL BALLET BAR at B&P and I’m loving the results in my toe point and body awareness. And I’ve been trying to stay flexy – working on my splits, back bends and head/handstands.
I’m happily finding a balance of pole and health that is changing my lifestyle, but working with my old one. Feeling so good and re-energized this week and – as always – looking forward to classes tonight!
With so many B&P instructors in LA for Pole Con, Polesque and AERA’s Chasing the Sun Performance, the past week or so of pole was a little different – but never the less fabulous! – and full of pole, flex and my very first P3 class with Nerijus Bagdonas.
The first thing I heard when I walked into B&P on Monday was “Speak of the devil!”It was Kat and Jal – Kat was wearing fluorescent pink leopard print, posing and saying “who am I?! who am 1?!… “Liz!” Bahaha. Nice one.
I was there for LEVEL 2 POLE DANCE instructed by Tiffany Chanelle. Tiffany is sassy as can be. Her class had some sass too – and my girl Jal and I had fun sharing a pole. So proud of Jal for trying – and getting – her first superman! Welcome to the world of bitch skin burn.
We also worked on leg hangs (GOAL!) and butterfly. I was able to work on my new favorite way of coming out of it (thanks Marlo!) Straddle. Boo-ya!
Tuesday LEVEL 2 FLUIDITY was being subbed by the diva-licious Lauren Goldstein. It was a treat, as Lauren’s policy is “Heels are always an option.” We were all excited as Lauren brought in the giant box of heels the studio keeps on stand by. We all swarmed the box and strapped ‘em on.
Lauren’s warm-ups are by far the hardest as some of it is done in shoes – which adds extra weight to all the crunching and leg lifting. I was dying before we even made it to the pole. We worked on a piece of choreo for most of the class and by the end I was literally drenched in sweat – but determined to flutter my legs in a violator. What up!
Since Lauren wanted to continue the choreo on Thursday in her usual DIVAs class, I was signed up in a flash. This time I brought my own shoes – the first time I got to wear my new hot pink heels!
Because of all the hard work, I decided to treat myself to a massage after class. It was truly a Diva Thursday!
Skipping back to Wednesday and FLEX being subbed by Olga Karmansky . Olga! Over splits and handstands and scorpions. Oh my! I’d been a while since I’ve taken “an Olga class.” Around the studio, we don’t even call it “Flex” it’s just simply “Olga.”
The class was intense, but after 3 classes with Olga in the last 2 weeks I’m starting to feel an addiction to the pain… err stretching – and new goals are formulating.
FLEX GOALS
1. Both sides splits – with my HIPS SQUARE and BACK LEG STRAIGHT! It’s not enough to have crotch to mat anymore.
2. Middle split. I want it by the end of the 2012. It’s been a goal for a while, but one I haven’t been attacking. It’s time to start fighting.
And 3. BONUS goal: Scorpion. I shall make my feet meet my head. Someday. I’m lacking back flexibility, control and core strength. I’m challenging myself to do at least 3 hands stands everyday. Even if I have to bust it out in my office with the door closed.
After FLEX, I stayed for SPINNY POLE with sub Brookelyn Suddel. Note to self. Never take Spinny after Olga. I was spent with no strength for spinning. For me Olga + Spinny = Martini (dirty) – which I enjoyed before passing out that night.
Saturday was a big day! I am finally free on Saturdays – I froze my restaurant gig for the summer – and can now take more classes offered at B&P. One I’ve been dying to try is P3!
It felt a little strange to be in a studio full of poles and not dancing – but there was no time to get hung up on that. After a quick demo of each “station” we were off for 3 sets, with only :10 of rest between each exercise and a minute or two between each set. Thoughts of poles were over shadowed by the concentration needed to work through the burn. By the end of class I was bright red and dripping in sweat. It felt AMAZING.
The best part of it all was the support and attitudes of everyone at the studio. There we were on a beautiful summer Saturday – we had forgone the beach, brunch and beer crawls to come to the studio and work on our bodies. After a rough emotional night on Friday, nothing could have made me feel better than the positive energy everyone brought with them to the studio Saturday.
So here’s to another week of pole. Can’t wait for FLUIDITY with Michelle Stanek tonight! Welcome back girl! BOOM!
Last week B&P was lucky to have Derick Peirson in NY and teaching a workshop at the studio. I was lucky enough to have him as a guest co-instructor in SPINNY POLE and (gasp!) my first LEVEL 3 POLE DANCE class both with Michelle Stanek.
Michelle and Derick together as a team was like having one spunky super- teacher. It was fun to see them having a blast and feeding off each other’s energy. It gave class a fun twist to have them alternate on the pole – one demonstrating – the other explaining. They each added their own flavor to the skills at hand and it was heartening to watch them inspire each other and encouraging to see the differences in the way they as individuals – tackle a skill that make it neither right nor wrong – just their own. A promising example as I try to find my own style in dance.
Thursday I popped my Level 3 cherry and – I survived! It was good for me to take it, if to only see what the next level felt like. I attempted everything and tried to not let myself get frustrated when I didn’t succeed. B&P-er Danielle Romano, who I had seen on Thursday morning, gave me some encouraging advice when I told her I was “scared shitless and tired and I don’t know if I can do it…” She said “You’re going to be fine. I promise, even if you only learn one little thing, it’s one little thing you didn’t know before and therefore a success.” Nice!
But even going in with that advice I was nervous and a bit reserved in the class. Comfortable in my “usual” classes I normally claim a “skinny” 45” pole. But I chose a back corner where I could hide, which happened to be a “fatty” 50” pole. I’ve been lectured to about practicing on both sizes so that when in this sort of situation you’re not stuck. But there I was, not only learning harder skills, but on a pole I wasn’t comfortable on. I was thankful for Michelle – who at this point has had me in class quite a few times – watch me attempt a new fan kick to no avail. She looked at me knowingly and asked “Would you feel better doing this on a 45?” I couldn’t’ mutter a simple “yes” because I was so flustered and just nodded. I tried on a skinny and came 80% closer to getting it. That was a pick me up. It was my friend Jenn’s pole and I timidly asked her if she would mind sharing for the remainder of class. “Of COURSE!” she exclaimed. That was the big game changer in the class. Not only was I more comfortable on the pole, but Jenn was a huge support system. I felt like she was my own personal cheerleader. Her spirit really helped me through class. Without her, I might not have survived. So, girl, if you’re reading – thank you!
The big highlight of was trying a Russian Split – on the ground! – for the first time. I got the basic idea down. It’s scary as sh*t – even on the ground! But even though it was a hot mess – and I expect nothing more from myself – I was proud to be trying a skill of this caliber. And that’s what this experience was all about We also practiced Allegras and chest rolls to the ground – both of which I was hopeless. Michelle gave me some modification exercises and advice on how to build up to these skills – so I didn’t leave class feeling like a failure. Baby steps.
To sign up for Level 3, I sadly, had to miss one of my faves – POLEOGRPHY with Tracee Kafer because the class times conflicted. She asked me to tape the choreo and I have admit, as I watched the class dance, I had a little twinge of sadness that I wasn’t one of the girls rocking out to some Tracee choreo.
Moving backwards to Wednesday – SPINNY POLE!
I’m not sure when or why the transition happened – but I finally came around. The class went from being my hardest and most dreaded class – to my favorite. I no longer get anxious – but can’t wait for Wednesdays to roll around! Last week I was excited enough to buy a cute fringe shirt I found at Forever 21, specifically for Spinny because I knew the fridge would whip around. Nerd alert.
We learned a new skill I hadn’t seen yet. I’m not sure of the name, but it started with a side climb up the pole. You then go into an armpit hold and let go with your hands – moving your arms gracefully. Your legs stay wrapped around the pole as they are in the side climb. The overall effect is beautiful. When Derick demonstrated – everyone in the room oohed and ached.
I can barely do a side climb on static so this was really tricky but I sloppily managed to get up the pole. Once up, I got into the armpit hold but could NOT figure out what to do with my arms – i was just sticking them out and flapping them like wings – and why when I was glanced in the mirror that I looked so odd and discombobulated! It didn’t look pretty at all.
I heard Tracee, (who was in class with me – yay, fun!) Derick and Michelle all yelling different things at me. That + looking at the hot mess in the mirror + all the spinning was too much so I climbed down to take in their advice.
Tracee told me tilt my head back – and stop looking at myself. Ha. Michelle explained I needed to get my hips in front of the pole and Derick helped me with the arm sitch. “It’s like your putting on gloves” he said as he demonstrated by stroking one arm with his opposite hand gracefully. Ohhhhh! I get it!
So back up I went. Sloppy side climb into the armpit hold, hips in front of the pole and I let go. I don’t know what it looked like because I stopped looking in the mirror to tilt my head back and put on my gloves.
“Yeaaaaa” I heard from below! I guess it couldn’t have been that bad.
And highlight of the class was finally getting into a superman from a leaned back seated straddle by snaking the leg through the hole between your high arm and leg. I barely got it and couldn’t hold on for long, but just knowing that I got it was fun.
I was so excited to try out new skills that I booked some private time at the studio to play around. Going in, I was so excited – even had on my new fringe shirt again. I had a song picked out and a little routine in my head that included all the new skills I had learned in class. Side climb into putting on gloves, straddle into superman etc. – yeah that was over ambitious. When I got on the pole –although my mind wanted to do everything – my body was was like “oh hell no.” I was so tired. I simply couldn’t manage any of the new skills. And on top of that, the song I had wanted to wasn’t on my damn ipod. I had forgotten to add it. I worked through some frustration and tried to make the best of it. And although nothing went as planned – I still managed to come up with another freestyle video I’m proud to share.
I found M.I.A. feat Timbaland “Come Around” on my ipod – a song when I first started poling I thought would be perfectl for spinny – and then had kind of forgotten about! And because I was so tired I didn’t push myself to do hard skills but stuck with a few that I’m comfortable with.
Disclaimers: My foot was still hurting and floor work was off limits – so it gets a little monotonous in-between skills. And I tried my new hand-stand dismount from a lay-out invert – eh. Oh and my rockstar spin at the end was a hot mess… But I’m done telling you how bad it is before you even watch – because with all that said I’m still pretty darn happy with this one.
My first-ever pole performance (omg!) was at the Body & Pole Open House on March 24th 2012. The event was held at Body & Pole’s new studio which opened in January. It’s a beautiful space and an incredible place to spend pretty much ALL of my free time. In anticipation of the Open House and performance, I started to realize just how much this place means to me. I’m so proud to have been a part of something so positive and exciting.
With dancer, B&P instructor and all-around hip chick Tracee & dancer, instructor, B&P owner and complete bad-ass Lian.
Back in December when I started poling, I NEVER would have imagined that in just a couple months – I would be performing in a room packed full of strangers and friends screaming and cheering me on. Gah! I’m grateful to B&P for giving me this opportunity. It’s pretty freakin’ cool that on top of giving free classes all day, they showcased some of the best dancers in the country – world! – again, for FREE – while giving students of all levels the chance to show off what the hell we’ve been doing with all the time we spend at the studio.
Once upon a time – about a month ago – a group of us decided we would love to perform a dance we had learned in Tracee Kafer’s Thursday Night POLEOGRAPHY class.
This particular dance was the first choreographed piece I had ever learned on pole. The song was “Lioness” by Sarah Fimm. I had never heard the artist or song before, but immediately loved it. The feel and beat of the song is so seductive and Tracee knew how to put movement to it that was just right amount of sexy.
My girls; Amanda, Christy, Jal, Kat, Marina and I worked really hard, staying late – sometimes til midnight -practicing the routine over and over again, figuring out “dear god what am I going to do during the freestyle section?!” Brainstorming costume ideas and giving constructive and positive advice about our individual performances. I feel like a better dancer after working with these girls.
We went all-out with costumes, deciding on a tribal theme and keeping a classic Tracee-ism in mind – “You are sexy jungle creatures!”
We all put our own interpretation into “tribal” and our costumes matched our personalities perfectly. As a group we looked like the most diverse group of sexy jungle creatures one could possibly come across.
I was inspired by two of my favorite Britney Spears performance costumes. The forever-famous MTV VMA ’99 “I’m a Slave for You” look and the “naked” look from the “Toxic” music video. I updated the look a bit by adding a bit of Ke$ha into the mix.
I found a simple top and bottom from American Apperal that provided the perfect nude canvas. Then, with help from my “personal stylist”, fashionista and DIY master @alwaysinstyle, I found feathers, gold chain and snake skin fur to make my new “skin.” meow!
I had a little help with the sewing of my wrist cuffs (thanks Alex!) and was pretty damn proud of myself for my costume creation! I had to put it to the test and send a pic to my “stylist”. When @alwyasinstyle doesn’t agree with something, she will tell you. But she approved! Success!
In the days leading up to the performance I listened to “Lioness” continuously on my ipod – seriously if you checked my itunes play count it would be over a hundred without a doubt. I would close my eyes on the subway and imagine doing the dance. I’m sure the people around me were a little bugged out by the girl – seductive expression on her face -moving her hips slightly while holding onto a subway pole.
Then suddenly – it was Saturday.
After a week or so of intense practice and extra hours on the pole – on top of my already hectic week of office life – I did what any girl would do and let myself sleep in! AMAZING.
Once I was up, it was down to business. I did a make-up run through, showered and got a quick mani. I was fortunate enough to have Isaac the elephant, teaching a flexibility class just a couple blocks from my BK apt. I got the full stretch out, warm-up and lots of positive reinforcement. Thanks Isaac!
Then it was back to my apt to quickly pull it all together. In record time, I feathered my hair, did the real-deal makeup and consumed a much needed martini to calm my nerves before I was off – butterflies in full effect!
On the train, I had no inhibitions about being “that girl” on the subway. I proudly wore my B&P hoodie, full tribal make up and went through the routine in my head – it was tough to hold myself back from doing a full-out run through.
The studios small private room served as the backstage area. It was an experience in itself. There were about 30 performers putting last minute touches on their costumes, doing hair and make-up, helping each other with nip-slip prevention, stretching, working out last minute routine kinks, and practicing the big pole trick one more time.
The Lionesses – that’s us! – were slotted to go second to last. I was grateful I wasn’t in the first group of pole performances. I was able to watch and enjoy all the first-round pole performances in the front studio – which were all fabulous – before the party moved to the back studio for the aerial performances.
During this time the Lionesses snuck on the poles in the front studio to go through our freestyles and work out last minutes adjustments one more time. I also had one last nerve calming shot of liquid courage Tequila with my girl Jal.
Afterwards, I heard the aerial performances were absolutely breath-taking and I’m upset I missed them.
I prb teased my hair about 50 times in nervous panic as the party moved back into the front studio for the final pole perforemances. Then – before I knew it – it was go time.
Those 3 minutes are kinda gone from my memory. I was on such an adrenaline-high all I could think was “omg I’m doing this right now, and it’s all working!” Oh I do remember at one point, hearing a big cheer during the freestyle. I later learned from the video – it was Christy tearing her shirt off and then diving into an elbow spin. Get it girl.
I just couldn’t keep my clothes on and my ass off the pole during the after-party. Amanda and I pole played – I gave @alwaysinstyle a lap dance – and I bugged Tracee to take a pic of my superman! I’ve been wanting a pic of my superman since I learned it – it’s still sloppy and not so pretty getting into it, but the cheese-tastic smile of my face perfectly sums up how I feel about the whole night.
Oh yeah… and here it is! My first – and hopefully not last – pole performance!
I’m still on an 80s-infused life-high from last nights’ SUPER 80s POLE’OGRAPHY class with Tracee Kafer at B&P.
Miss Tracee will be away getting hitched and honeymooned – so she decided to give her last class a fun 80s theme – which quickly turned into a pole bachelorette party!
From the moment I woke up I was excited for class. As I got ready for work I put on “Sweet Child O Mine” Pandora and started whipping my hair around in my bedroom – Yep – that happened. I had to tell myself to contain my excitement since I was pretty sure I was on a slippery slope towards throwing my neck out.
I rocked my hot pink jeans to work and continued to listen to 80s rock at the office. At one point “Pour Some Sugar on Me” came on and I started having a very Glee-esque office fantasy about jumping out of my office chair onto my desk. Lights dim. A pole appears. I’m in leopard print leotard… *Bing. Email. Must prep for meeting!
When the time FINALLY arrived and I made it to the studio – everyone was werkin’ their 80s style. For me – it was laughably tough – as I tend to always wear neon, leg warmers and over-sized tees to class. But if you give me a theme, I’m going to find a way to own it! So I busted out the hot pink, high-cut bikini bottoms I hadn’t had the guts to wear in class yet – and tucked the bottom of my shirt up into the neck totally 80s style. Rad! I was ready to start rolling around on the hood of a Jaguar a la Tawny Kitaen in “Here I go Again” music video. (Thanks Amanda, for the trivia!)
We did a super sexy 80s-aerobic-style warm-up with an ear friendly 80s mix – Guns N Roses, Madonna, Robert Palmer, Queen and more. We then moved on to our movement exercise which consisted of a lot of hair being whipped around the pole. Side note, I could use a lesson from Marina on this! We all said we’d be happy just workin’ the pole to 80s rock all night – but – the night climaxed with the choreography to – wait for it – “Pour Some Sugar on Me.” Fantasies DO come true!
I love Pole – and this class was the epitome of what Pole is all about! We were rockin’ out, having the best times of our lives -and burning a sh*t ton of calories! The proof is in my super sore neck today. WHIP LASH!
Today is a beautiful day in NYC. Spring is here. I was walking around this amazing city with a light feeling in my heart. I started thinking about how my week had started on a bad note. I had felt defeated with work, bills & heartbreak – but here I was strutting through the city feeling the best I have in weeks.
At this point, I had finally stopped the 80s rock playlist and had my ipod on shuffle. A song came on and I got this crazy-happy feeling in my gut. It might be cheesy. But I AM cheesy. I listen to Britney Spears. I love Glee. I think McDonald’s hot fudge sundaes are the bee knees. I say things like “the bees knees.” And *some people* may not find that suitable. But it suits me.
You can’t always get what you want No you can’t always get what you want But if you try sometime you’ll find You get what you need
Another amazing FLEXIBILITY TRAINING class with Isaac Pena at B&P this morning.
My morning was off to such a great start and it all began with me being responsible – for once! – last night. After a quick run I worked on my checklist. 1. Wax! 2. Shower and wash hair. 3. Get outfit ready and pack bag. 4. Curl up in bed to catch up on The Voice. 5. Pass out by midnight.
When my alarm went off this morning – 7:15! 45 later than last week, thanks to my checklist! – there was no headache and no “oh sh*t” moments. I was up, made my coffee, got dressed and was out the door. “ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo oooooooo GOOD MORNING!”
But of course, it was too easy. Things can’t just go that smoothly. Yup. I had a total blonde moment and spaced out on the train – missing my transfer! “Oh sh*t.” – Ah, there it is.
Luckly I noticed as soon as the door closed and I figured out my plan B. Praise smart phones and the MTA map that works underground! I had to jump off the J at Bowery, head above ground and find my way to the Grand Street stop to get back on the right path and “OH SHIT!”- I can’t see!! I don’t wear my contacts to flex. I only need to see about 2 feet in front of myself, and I know the way to the studio so well at this point I could do it blindfolded. So I just let my eyes rest and put them in after class.
So there I was in Chinatown, blindly looking for the Grand stop. I thought I found it once, but what I thought was the entrance, was actually just a ramp into a sketch-o park. “Sh*t!” I look around frantically. According to my map app, I’m right on it! So where is it?! Finally, I can just barely make out the Metro sign across the street. I dash for it and slam right into a guy carrying a box of fish. Gah! Sorry dude!
By some miracle the train is pulling in the station as I make my way down the stairs. Then the train gods align again as I’m able to transfer to the F immediately at West 4th. When I arrive at the 23rd street stop I sprint – literally SPRINT – up to 27th looking for the yellow awning that is right before the studio entrance – don’t see it – OH SH*T, I’m on 26th! REVERSE. I made it only 2 mins late and bless B&P for letting me sneak in. Laid down on the mat and ahhhhhh – Time to get bendy.
I was having a rough time of it. My hamstring is still really tight, from my injury about 3 weeks back. It’s really frustrating since my right side is normally my more flexible side. When Isaac instructed us to straighten our legs, my right one just stopped froggy style and I felt the pain and was really upset. I’ve been trying to take it easy for weeks now. Shouldn’t I be getting better?!
Isaac sensed my despair and asked why I was frowning. “It still hurts! It’s been 3 weeks!” He made me feel better by saying “3 weeks is nothing – especially since I’ve still been active. It’s going to take some time.” He advised heat and massaging it regularly. He asked what I’d been doing for it and all I could say was “Eating a ton of bananas.” Hey – It got a laugh out of him, but obvi it’s not doing much for the healing process. He also told me that the pain will fluctuate. There will be good days and bad days. Today was the most pain I’d felt in a while. Just last week I felt like I was nearing the end, but it’s back in full effect. So tonight, I’m going to take a break from SPINNY POLE (*sad face) and treat myself to a massage. I know, I know, poor me.
With all that said, I still had a great class. I noticed today that my back is getting much more flexible. I’m able to straighten my arms and legs in a back bend! I’ve never been able to do that – not even in my cheering days. So yay for improvements. Nothing could make a girl feel better.
First of all, can I get a hallelujah?! Spring is right around the corner. It’s 60 in NYC this week and I’m sitting by an open window as I write this. Feels damn good.
What doesn’t feel good? My inner thighs! Lian kicked our butts in LEVEL 2 POLE DANCE at B&P tonight.
Class started on a rough note for me. I hadn’t worked out or even stretched since classes on Thursday! I have been working 7 days a week for 8 weeks straight and I finally had a day off from my 2nd part time job on Sunday. I was so excited for a chance to go out that I went way too hard! Saturday started with some margaritas and ended with me crashing at 4 am. I was right back at it with a bloody mary over an over due brunch with a good friend on Sunday – which led to a beer, then and another bloody mary – and eventually ended with me munching wine and cheese. Gross! When I got to the studio I felt like a fatty blob. My energy was low and my brain wanted to turn off.
I pushed through and made a pact to myself to chill out on the drinking. It’s not that I’m going to never drink again – please note that as I write this I am sipping on a glass of white wine ha. Pole is HARD and it’s going to require some lifestyle changes. I just cannot drink all weekend and still expect to have a good class on Monday. So a good lesson learned; Just because I have a day off it doesn’t mean I have to go completely nuts. Everything is good in moderation.
So there I was struggling through spin and helicopter practice when suddenly Lian said “We’re going to work on the superman.” My heart jumped and I found myself clapping and bouncing up and down with a big smile of my face like a 4-year-old who was asked if they want a piece of Birthday cake. Nerd Alert! To redeem myself for admitting that, the first thing that went through my head was “SUPERMAN THAT HO!” and I’m pretty sure some of the silly bouncing turned into booty-shaking. And I know –er – HOPE – no 4-year-old starts singing that in their head when they get excited. But I mean come on! Superman just SOUNDS cool. It’s a skill I’ve been wanting and patiently waiting to learn.
We first worked on it coming out of an inside leg hook (See past post Ima hit you with that right hook!). Lian came around to spot me and I “got” it on my first try. I say “got” it, because – yes – I made it through the motions – but I was spotted and Lian was talking me through, step by step. Still, I was stoked. Lian asked me “Was that your first time trying that?” “Yes.” I replied. “I HATE you – you’re so annoying!” She said. Haha. When Lian says she hates me or that I’m annoying it’s because I’ve done something somewhat impressive. I find her annoying because she’s a beautiful dancer, she’s gorgeous, she has the best ass ever, and she left a well-paying job to follow her dream and open the studio – I’m JEALOUS – so we can just hate and annoy each other all day and night because it all comes from a good place.
I tried a few more on my own with no success – no need to hate on those ugly disasters – but each failed attempt was a learning experience, and I’m excited to be learning this skill.
We then moved on and worked on getting into the superman from a pike. A pike looks like you are lying on your back with your legs straight and folded over your body – only you’re on the pole so it’s as if you are doing that floating in the air. To do this you have to squeeze the pole with your inner thighs. When Lian was demonstrating she cracked a joke about how a pike always makes her shorts disappear. “It’s like HELL-O! So yeah, please shave before you come to class.”” she said I just looked down, turning red, because I’m in that awkward stage where I’m not quite ready for a wax -but I don’t want to shave – because then I can’t get a wax…! I KNOW you know what I’m talking about! I was even considerate and wore my longer shorts – you know – the ones that cover more than half my ass but it looks like there was going to be no hiding anything and then omg Lian comes walking towards me. “Lemme see” she says. And I’ve gotta go ass up, right into her face. I’m praying she doesn’t notice the state of my bikini line. I’ll never know because I “got” it again. She hated me again. Good. Note to self: When in between waxes, just nail everything!
I found it much easier to flip over into a superman from this position and I’ll be working hard in pole play to “SUPERMAN THAT HO!” all on my own.
Mizlizzle's Got Moves 