Comments on: Pole Dancing isn’t just about the tricks

By: Yannori

Yannori — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:35:22 +0000

I’m nodding my head too Fleur. I don’t believe pole dancing should be part of the Olympics. I don’t need it “legitimized” as a sport or anything else. Dance is Joy expressed as movement. xxo

By: Yannori

Yannori — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:33:50 +0000

I most certainly agree that teaching must be about the student and never the instructor. And for that reason, I am respectful of my student’s wishes. If she prefers less sensuality, less dance, and more athletic/gymnastic pole exercises, I happily send her to a Pole Trickster. Her safety & enjoyment is paramount.

But within my own life, dance must always come before pole.

By: Fleur

Fleur — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:57:53 +0000

I agree about dance being so much more than a series of tricks. This is one of the main reasons I have no interest in seeing pole dancing make it to the Olympics. It would no longer be dance. It would be sport. No thanks.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:08:25 +0000

Beautiful! It reminds me of my tirade a few months ago, but mine was not an eloquent blog. I think a huge part of this philosophy is competition vs non-competitive. My studio is non-competitive. We celebrate each and every one of us and have no desire to show off. I’m often asked to host other pole dancers and I always say no. They aren’t dancers to me, they are the tricksters who simply want to show-off to my students. I would rather celebrate the student who just perfected her basic spin with transitions. Pole students should all have the opportunity to have instructors like you who care more about their needs than about showing off your own beautiful skills.

By: Yannori

Yannori — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:35:30 +0000

I’m glad to hear that so many instructors are sharing the sensuality as well as the tricks. As teachers, it’s our job to provide the appropriate frame for our students, and help them find their own style. Let’s keep that going

By: Yannori

Yannori — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:32:52 +0000

I really like how you put that Maria…
“Love what you do, don’t just do the tricks…”

And I’m glad you listened to your own needs and chose the best instructor for you. Don’t worry too much about doing the really crazy advanced stuff too fast. If you let your strength build organically, you’ll find that your body is ready when your mind can wrap around the trick. There may still be hesitation, but not fear. xox

By: Maria

Maria — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:23:42 +0000

Hi Yannori
I absolutly agree with you! You know, I had a teacher that the only focus she had was to teach us all the right movements and tricks on the pole. When asked about the sensual part of pole dance, the answer was, always, “I’m not really into that sort of thing. I like to climb the pole, and make tricks. I’m not the sensual type”. I changed class. I don’t have the physical skills, yet, to perform those tricks, but I also know that I’m not in the Cirque du Soleil!! I will learn all that, but I do think that the sensual part of a dance should be “mandatory” on pole classes! Helas, we don’t have enough teachers to tell us that, that’s why when I read something so beautiful and touching like you did, I go awwww, that’s my kind of girl, my kind of teacher, my kind of person! Why don’t I get one of you to teach me??? I mean, love what you do, don’t just do the tricks…

By: Leela

Leela — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:15:13 +0000

Beautiful words Yannori…so eloquent and meaningful. As a teacher myself, I strive to help each woman find that connection with her sensual nature that you speak of. To see someone come alive and embrace who she is as a woman is pretty powerful, and to be a catalyst for that shift is an awesome responsibility I don’t take lightly. To assist her in becoming strong in body and spirit is a joy. I adore reading and relishing your work, it’s so inspiring. Thank you!

By: Yannori

Yannori — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:10:14 +0000

Exactly! A pole dancer follows her body, follows her breath. She doesn’t dictate each movement. She allows her sensual self the freedom to play & simply enjoys the ride.

By: Claire Griffin Sterrett

Claire Griffin Sterrett — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:06:04 +0000

Mmmmmm I feel like arching my back, dragging fingertips across the curve of my breasts and letting my hair fall across my face. You, Ms. Yanoori, are a delicious poet. And I could not agree with you more. It’s about the emotion in the movement, the story that our bodies tell, the sensuality, the erotic feminine. Thank you.

By: Yannori

Yannori — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:25:02 +0000

You have a lot of wonderful things to say about pole dancing too Kira. I’m glad to have your comments here.

By: Yannori

Yannori — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:23:05 +0000

Thanks Jennifer! I really appreciate your support of my dancing and this blog. xoxo

By: Kira Morris

Kira Morris — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:42:17 +0000

I couldn’t agree with you more. This was beautifully, if not poetically, written.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:14:06 +0000

You put things so beautifully, Yannori! And it is such a privilege to watch you dance!

P.S. I was beginning to think I was the only one who gets bored to tears sometimes when I am watching just one gymnastic feat after another on the pole.