The Basics

Something I see so many pole dancers rush through and not continue to work on in order to move on to the next level, next big trick, next floor move. Whether it be our very foundations of conditioning, basic spins, or the fundamentals of inverting or dance. But the thing is these elements are so important to all the things we want to do that are more advanced.

This used to be me. There was a time when I was just trying to get the next trick, fighting to get to this imaginary place I thought I should be it. When I began teaching beginner classes 4 years ago I rediscovered the value of the basics. When I started reworking on these basics the rest of my training improved by 100%. My fluidity got better, I got more creative with choreography and combos, my tricks improved and I'm sure more. They are now a regular part of my training and were fundamental in helping me come back to pole after pregnancy.

So don't forget about those basics. Use them as part of your warm up and/or conditioning. Use them to experiment with creating transitions. Go back to them when you find yourself in a plateau or pole rut. They might just be the key to unlocking something new and exciting, or making other things a little easier.

Thank you to @aradiafitnesscalgaryfor the post that inspired a conversation among friends and prompted me to write and share my thoughts.

Photo by Alloy Images