A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend Marion Crampe's Tricks workshop, and it was of course a great chance to widen the performance repertoire. Here is a video of her recent performance at L.A. Pole Convention 2012, to put a face to the name:
Although not as knowledgeable as Jenyne Butterfly in the technicalities of pole, Marion conveyed an air of high energy, lots of passion, and was very clear in her teaching. I did feel a bit rushed/ignored at some points as the workshop seemed over capacity. Built much like Jenyne, Marion looks strong and flexible. Her style of pole dancing is graceful and well-practiced, but I truly did love Jenyne's exaggerated slow-motion movements that seem to be her signature. Marion led us through an awesome warm up that triggered and strengthened all the right muscles for pole, yet was balanced enough to get us going without tiring us out. I did message her afterwards regarding this warm up, and I hope she will one day create a video and share it with the community.
In 1.5 hours we learned 4 tricks, one of which was her signature Janeiro.
It feels good to learn new tricks, as you trigger muscles that you don't usually use. I was sore for at least two days after her workshop.
The one big thing I took away from this workshop is the fact that working on trusting yourself, especially when it comes to acrobatics, is easier said than done. Marion commented on my strength, but noted that I hold back too much due to fear. She ran around my pole, throwing away my safety crash mats saying in her classic french accent, "We do not need crash mats because we never fall!" Words to live by.
Tantra Fitness is really hitting it hard on getting some great pole athletes in for workshops! Love it!
There are three kinds of poles that are currently available on the market:
Permanently mounted poles
Removable tension mounted poles
Stand Alone poles that come with their own base, and hence have maximum portability.
All the above come in multiple finishes, the most common of which are (in ascending grip properties) polished chrome, X-Pole's TG coated chrome, and brass. Also, the poles can be static, or spinning from the base, and 1.5", 1.75", or 2.0" in diameter.
I'm planning to give more insight on each pole with time, but recently I've had a quiet unfortunate run in with Stand Alone poles. As the pole is not attached to anything at its top, one can easily imagine how this pole is quiet wobbly when any weight is applied to it, and especially when it is put through rigorous moves of pole athletes who are trying to impress. As a leisurely pole, it is really not so bad, and supports surprisingly well most moves in the beginner to intermediate levels. But I cringe at its use in competitions, or for any serious training. It absolutely ruins the aesthetic appeal of the sport, as stillness is very difficult, or sometimes impossible, to achieve. It is hard to balance on this pole as well; shoulder-mounts and handstands would practically need to be relearned by the amateur athlete, and especially for someone tall, as the equilibrium is easier lost at a higher height. The instability issue is only multiplied when softer, yet more grippy, metals like brass are introduced, and the pole can then only be used at a max height of ~8 ft.
Take a look at the video below, that compares Platinum Stages and X-Pole Stand Alones. The difference between the two products is immense. How Platinum Stages can even sell their version, is beyond me. They must have some good lawyers.
Before I begin, I would like to officially announce that I made it into the amateur division of the BC Pole Fitness Association championships coming up September 15th, in Campbell River, BC. The Canadian Finals will be in October in Vancouver. This will be my first real competition.
I've been injured for the past month, and only last week started back at the studio, with a new training schedule. I now only train 3 times a week for 1.5-2 hours, with extensive stretching and controlled warm ups/cool downs. The new rule is: no pole two days in a row. I've also hit yoga pretty hard, and am increasingly becoming interested in Ashtanga Yoga. I have a hip and back opening routine I do every morning, a yoga inspired warm up, and various Power Vinyasa routines I do throughout the day on my off days. Below are the links to the videos (no instructors so far). All in all, they make me feel stronger, my range of motion is increasing every day, and it is great for keeping a clear head (as well as increasing creativity)!
My Daily Morning Yoga (25 minutes)
Morning Yoga straight from bed with Tara Stiles
Open Hips Routine with Tara Stiles
Open Back Routine
Warm Up Stretches
Combined with some light dance warm up moves, I basically shorten this routine to 20 seconds per move, and turn it into more of a Vinyasa type, to create a very effective warm up before practice.
Power Vinyasa Yoga Routines
I do all or a selection of these one at a time at random throughout the day (on my off days) if I'm tight on time, or I put them back to back for a longer session.
Intermediate Yoga Routine with Aaron Hicks
Release and Uproot
Balance in a State of Flux
Sweet Embrace
Weekend Hatha Sessions
Below are some relaxing, longer sessions I do on the weekends to help me further with my flexibility issues. These are hard for me to do, as not only are they painful, but they are boring (considering I function at higher RPMs than most people).
Hip Opening Class
Yoga for the Spine
I also try to get a cardio session in on the weekends. Due to my chronic knee problem from track, I am now averse to running. Since it's sunny right now, I'm rollerblading more. Once the weather goes, I'm going to start playing some Volleyball again, and get on the rowing machine (20 minutes). Improve Your Splits Routine
I haven't tried this one yet, but I'm very excited to have found it and can't wait to see if it works! Judging by the comments, it is a good one. Did you know that in Yoga-Talk, the split pose is called Hanumanasana, and translates into "Monkey Pose". If I think of it this way, maybe it will become easier (or at least, funnier).
I also have a whole line up of routines I haven't tried yet, including the 7 Chakras by Guru Havar, some beginner Ashtanga Yoga routines, and more Vinyasa Power flows.
On a more frustrating note: as usual, the poles at competition will be horrible, slippery X-poles, on rickety stages, and only 10 feet (minus the stage height, so really 9.5 ft or so...). Curse you X-pole, your stinginess and Chinese products! You are lucky you operate in an industry with little standards and athletes who have no other choice but to use your crappy poles!
