I first discovered most of these beauties during my monthly forays into the wilds of Hollywood Blvd in downtown Los Angeles. There is a special section just east of Highland (approximately 10 city blocks long) that is filled with tattoo parlous, cheap souvenir shops, tired tourists that wandered too far from Grauman’s Chinese theater, and the absolute best exotic dance clothing and shoe shops on the planet.  Seriously, these places are amazing and the clothing runs from super cheap to super chic.  You can get custom made bikinis for 20 bucks or custom made boots with Swarovski crystals for $1000 and up.  I don’t buy g-strings from anywhere else.

However, there are a couple of online stores where you can procure my favorite pole dance attire as well, so for those of you that don’t have a shopping trip to the city of movie stars planned anytime soon, I’ll include links wherever I can.

1.  Body Strings

I could sing the praises of body strings to the world.  These dirt cheap stretchy lengths of nylon fabric are just the leftover ends of costumes that didn’t make it to the showroom floor.  But you can wrap your legs, arms, torso, or any other exposed body part for a beautiful criss crossing accent of every luscious curve. You can use them to hold up your hair and then seductively set it free during a performance.  I constantly use them to safely secure an annoying pair of platform heels and keep them from shifting during a dance (critical advice if you want to avoid flying stripper shoes, and you do!).  Make sure and get two of each color (they sell them in singles) to have an infinite combination of twisty sexy fun!

2.  Fabric Scarves

I have been using scarves in my pole dancing improvisation since I first started learning this beautiful movement over 6 years ago.  They have the ability to add so many different elements depending on what kind you like and how you use them.  First, just a basic soft silk scarf whether it is long or relatively short can add a splash of color & a flowing element instantly to any dance. I use it to accentuate movements to my audience or tickle my own skin with it’s liquid-like texture.   And of course, you can cover any exposed curves that you wish to use to tease your audience or yourself.  You can even spray it with your favorite perfume to create a deeper emotional connection to your memories through scent.

Oh, and if you ever feel the need to restrain your audience (during a lapdance where he refuses to sit on his hands for example) then the scarf is a perfect way to keep those wandering hands safely tucked away. I’ve even seen boas & neckties used in a similar manner when necessary.  Oh the joy of audience participation!

3.  Boots

Yes, these to me are not just an alternative for shoes.  Although some pole dancers use them during each and every practice session, I consider them a prop that adds an extra bit of sweet, sweet Ginger (my version of the naughty girl in all of us).  First, don’t just throw on a pair and hope that you can dance in them.  Boots require extra caution and plenty of practice to understand how to work with the layer of sticky pleather that can slow down your spins but rocket your climbs & inverts to the level of spiderwoman. I like shiny black thigh highs for nights when I’m feeling powerful and predatory, but a pair of red go-go boots can’t be beat for a stomping good time.

4.  Lace or Mesh CoverUp

If you want to discover the best piece of clothing that adds mystery while keeping the dancer cool and saucy, then pick up one of these. Although they don’t actually hide anything from view, they provide a saucy layer of fabric to slide your hands seductively over your curves and tug & remind your audience of your (lack of) clothing.  And if you choose one that has a silver or metallic thread, you’ll find your body sparkles like a starlet on the dimly lit dance floor.  Plus, you always have the option to remove them if they hamper your movement & toss them at your audience for added effect.

5.  Legwarmers

Alright, I have to admit that some people hate this leftover fashion statement from the Jane Fonda era of exercise, but I am truly a big fan.  Although it does take some extra practice to figure out how to climb and hold advanced inverts while wearing leg warmers, I believe it is worth the effort.  For me, I get the benefit of warm calves that look hot, without having to put on a pair of heels or boots.  Plus, these babies slide.  So all my floor work becomes more fluid, more streamlined, and just more sensual overall.  I feel that legwarmers give me more freedom to move and explore the different textures of dance. Maybe they can do the same for you.

6.  Masks

Ah, the power of anonymity.  I will tell you a secret that I’ve never spoken to a soul before; I have never felt more electric energy coursing through my body than during a masked performance.  Holding your audience in suspense, wondering if you’ll take off the mask and reveal your face (even if they know what you look like) is a invigorating experience that I believe every dancer should have at least once. And Halloween is the perfect chance.  Make sure to pick a mask that is comfortable but won’t fall apart while you slink and slide (venetian masks are perfect for this!).  I prefer ones that only cover my eyes and that tie in the back so I have the choice of exposing my true self or not.  And make sure you avoid masks with too many feathers or sharp corners so that you don’t accidentally catch yourself or distract from your deliciously hidden dance.

7.  Hats

Let me just say that I LOVE HATS.  I have seen hats transform my students from a rocker chick into a tantalizing tease, from a sensual siren into a Betty booty. Everybody dances different when they put on a hat….as long as you remember one little rule — keep the hat on your body or in your peripheral vision.  You want to keep your emotions and your audience focused on how you react to the hat. Does it make you feel flirty to cover you face & your lovely curves?  Does it make you feel strong to look out from underneath the brim and catch someones eye?  Or maybe it’s just one of those dances where you take off everything… Except for the hat!

Try one prop or try them all, and I’m sure you’ll find something that will change (or possibly revolutionize) your pole dancing practice.  Plus, you never know what will spark your creative fire.

Just remember…

YOU connect a series of movements into a dance.

YOU own the authentic mesmerizing sensuality.

YOU hold the key to a powerful expression of life in this moment.

…An accessory is just a little bit of frosting, but YOU take the cake.

PS – The subject & title of this post came from a tweet by the lovely miss Angela (@Angee514)

What’s your favorite pole dancing accessory? What store is your favorite guilty shopping pleasure? Share your ideas in the comment section!

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It makes you feel sexy

Your husband, fiance, boyfriend, ex-boyfriend, fuck buddy will do almost anything to get a private dance from you

You can learn how to sling your g-string across the room with your toes

What first convinced you to learn pole dancing? What is your favorite reason to maintain that pole passion and dance inspiration? Share your ideas in the comment section!

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Twirl, Swirl, and Fly!

In particular, if you’ve got a pair of shiny black GoGo boots that have been wasting away in a corner, find those sexy gems and put them on for your weekly flying session, meaning your pole dancing lessons, of course!

GoGo boots are amazing fun to dance in because they give you all the benefits of platform boots and none of the drawbacks.

GoGo Boots, just like platform boots, are usually made of pleather, that awesome shiny material that helps your feet and legs stick to the pole like glue.  They come in every color imaginable and in a variety of heel sizes, from 1 inch up to 3.5 or even 4 inches, so they make your legs look sexy and show off your curvy feminine thighs at the same time.

On the other hand, platform boots have a hard thick sole that can be difficult for balance, pivot turns, and stability when landing a fast spin (see, it IS a FLYING lesson   However, GoGo boots don’t have these drawbacks.  Because the sole of the GoGo boot is thin, you can easily point your toes during pivot turns and spin transitions, giving you the ability to control your landing and twirls into the next movement.  (I hope you’re using your abs too!)

It is so easy to maintain your balance while strutting your sexy walk or using your hips to imply naughty, naughty thoughts.

Check out my youtube video below and you’ll see how much fun I had dancing in GoGo boots.  They gave me the freedom to add in more sensual floorwork, while still giving me the grip I love for inverted pole dancing moves.

Have you ever pole danced in a pair of GoGo boots? How did it effect your movement & emotional response? Share your ideas in the comment section!

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Twirl, Swirl, and Fly!

So pick up a pair of tall platforms (with a cone heel if you’re a new pole dancer) or a pair of slick red thigh high boots (Thats HOT!) and strut your stuff.  Remember to practice walking in any new pair of shoes first.

Let the slow, sensual dancing begin!

PS, I’m still in love (hmm or lust ) with A Perfect Circle. So this weeks PoDaViAs is performed to “Hollow” & “Brena.”  You can check out the whole album below!

Do you prefer Heavy Heels, Light Heels, or no heels at all? Do shoes slow down your dancing? Share your ideas in the comment section!

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Last week I got to check out the beautiful AntixFitness studio in Redlands, CA.   The waiting room of AntixFitness is filled with shoes, clothes, and some of my favorite sexy toys.  I was like a kid in a candy store for at least half an hour.  OH MY! The studio itself has a brass pole for every student, a wall length mirror, plenty of yoga mats, exercise balls, and weights.  Beautiful wood floors and overhead lights with blue sky and clouds appliques make this a lively and inviting studio.

Mikey, the owner is super strong, playful, and an awesome instructor.  In a word she ROCKS!  She kicked my ass (meaning worked me out ) in her Simple Pole and Core’n'Sculpt classes.

She also gave me a sneak peak at the Better Than Cheesecake dancetroup performance coming up May 1. Its a Cinco De Mayo event called “Lady Banditas: Busted.” Check out the info site here.

Plus, I got invited to do a solo performance at midnight! So, if you’re in the area, you better come and check it out.  There’s no cover and its sure to be a great show.

Just in case you can’t make it, I’ll be posting a blow by blow after the event.  I can’t wait!

I was totally inspired by Mikey and her studio girls who always dance in shoes.  I rarely wear shoes to dance and found myself feeling a little clumsy as Mikey put me through my paces.  Yikes!  But I love a challenge, and decided to use this experience as the basis for my next PoDaViAs (pole dancing video assignment).

So, if you usually dance without shoes, here’s your chance to don a lovely pair of 5″ or 6″ Heel Platform Shoes.

Remember that you have to take special care to keep your abs nice and tight to protect your lower back.  Also remember to limit your shoe time or keep the heels below two inches.   If you are a beginner, keep the high heels at the 4 or 5 inch level and make sure they have straps.  A flying shoe really can put out your eye.  Ack!

Now, if you usually do dance with shoes, skip the shoes this week.  Get yourself a pair of professional FootUndeez to protect the balls of your feet and make it easier to turn and twirl.

I had alot of fun with this one, so check out the video below!

I found my dancing to be heavier and more grounded.  And I totally loved how easy it was to stretch into inversions and the Aysha with the weighty heels giving me that extra edge against gravity.

The song is Come Here Boy by Imogen Heap .  Its one of my favorites!

Do you wear shoes when you pole dance?  What kind of differences did you notice when you switched? Share your ideas in the comment section!

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