So you’ve bought a pole dance pole! And now you’re thinking – what now!?
I can picture the scene, you bought a pole dance pole after attending a couple of pole classes. You’re super excited to practice at home so you researched the best pole dance pole to buy for home, you shopped around for the best price and it’s been delivered. You’re both super excited and thinking how do I put it up, dare I use it, will it fall down, have I put it upright, will it hold my weight, how do I do anything that I learned in class?
Worry not these are pretty standard questions that someone asks themselves after they have bought a pole dancing pole for the first time.
It’s not exactly buyers remorse but more the honest truth that many people buy a pole and when it comes to poling at home they may be super cautious.
The best thing to do is get help, follow the manufacturers instructions on how to install, ask your boyfriend, ask your dad, ask your friend for help putting it up. If all else fails ring the manufacturers for help.
Next test the pole is up properly by gently pulling on it, kick it, pull it a bit harder and see if it falls down. I’m sure it won’t but these are some little tests you can use every time you come to use it. It will ease your fears that it isn’t up properly.
Next, simply pretend you are a total beginner, walk around it, do some filler moves like body waves etc. This will help build your confidence with the pole. Do floor moves. Next, try and stand on the pole, do an upright crucifix. After that climb a small way up the pole and slide back down. Repeat as many times as you like. Next, try a simple spin like a chair spin.
If you have forgotten everything that you learned in class – why not try out one of these great resources that teach you how to pole dance. They are all aimed at those polers learning at home. Also, a good tip is to take video’s in a class of the moves you learn so you can repeat them at home. As a matter of safety don;t attempt anything at home that you would use a spotter for in class.
You get the idea, gradually build up to doing more advanced beginner moves before you progress to anything intermediate or advanced.
If you are planning to do any inverts make sure that you invest in a good quality pole mat. Just because you are not at a studio doesn’t mean that accidents can’t happen.
Sophie Green has been pole dancing and aerial arts at home and in studios around the world for over 13 years. She’s taken a number of instructor courses in pole and aerial. Plus attended a course on rigging. She takes part in lots of exercise.