Express The Sensual

Alright, so you all know how much I love pole dancing.  Its my first and favorite sensual exercise and the best way I know to let some of that feminine fire fly.  But when you first start, it can seem a daunting task to figure out how to choose a new pole.  Follow my advice and don’t let information overload get you down.  Your perfect pole awaits!

A Quality Pole

First off, lets get you excited, meaning all hot and bothered, about buying that 8 foot tall (or more!) floor to ceiling shiny metal pole.  Believe me, the first time you wrap your hands around the perfect circumference of polished metal with the knowledge that it’s yours and your alone, you’ll absolutely understand why I’ve got three poles at home.

A pole is an investment in your health and fitness, as well as an outlet for your sensuality, so take some time browsing the different types of materials, sizes, surface finishes and spinning or static versions.  And always buy from a professional pole manufacturer that uses high quality materials and manufacturing methods.  Although you may find these to be a little more expensive than the cheap “toy” poles (avoid the Electra Pole and the Peek A Boo Pole), the reputable manufacturers listed below also have good customer service to keep your new baby in perfect working order.

Titanium, Brass, and Steel… Oh My!

Yes ladies, you’ve got your pick of materials.  Depending on the manufacturer, you’ll find poles made of three different materials.

• Stainless Steel has a lovely polished silver sheen but a slightly slippery grip when new (see my pole FAQ article for tips to work in your pole).
• Chrome has a great ready to use surface right out of the box. They are both easy to clean and usually the cheapest option available.
• Titanium Gold (TG) comes in a beautiful dusty gold finish and a grip worth raving about, but you have to be a little careful when you clean it and it’s definitely on the more pricey side.
• Brass, when new, looks like (you guessed it) brass.  Give it a month of two of good use though, and you’ll start to see it’s surface tarnished from skin oils.  Brass is moderately expensive, and must be cleaned often to keep it hygienically clean, but it provides the perfect grip surface once its worked in.  This is why it is the original material used for poles in most Strip Clubs.

I can hear you crying, “Which one do I choose?”  Most beginners and advanced enthusiasts alike find that either stainless steel or chrome is really the best bang for your buck.  It’s the best way to ensure that, after training on your home pole, you’ll be comfortable spinning on any pole you find in the Sensual Girl’s Wilderness of dance clubs, pole dancing studios, and the occasional date with a Fireman (Thats Hot!).

A Painted Pole

Once you start perusing, you’ll might discover that some pole manufacturers offer a painted pole option.  Believe it or not, your pole can arrive painted in the mysterious shade of flat black, the playful shade of pink, the vamp shade of red, and, for the truly adventurous…faux-flames. (yes, really!)  In fact, you can even work with the manufacturer for any custom paint job.  Although many notable ladies of pole have started with painted poles, very few find this option to be optimal.  The paint does increase the grip, but I’ve found them to be a little too kitschy for me. And any small scratch can cause a serious problem later, whether its flaking paint or a painful metal gouge you can’t buff out, leaving your pole unusable (boo, hiss, cry).

The All Important Issue of Girth

The standard diameter size of most poles is 50mm or approximately 2 inches.  However, since every woman is different, pole manufacturers realized that they have to provide an option for those ladies with smaller hands.  And the 45mm (~1.5 inches) diameter pole was born.  Here’s the short of it, if you’ve got tiny hands and the only pole you plan on using is the one at home, consider buying the 45mm option.

To Spin or Not To Spin

Goodness, there’s still more to say about poles (I could truly type all day, but I know you want to get on with buying one!).  Your standard static pole is just like a pipe that runs from floor to ceiling.  You’ll be twirling around it, but the pole never rotates.  However, some manufacturers sell poles with static and spinning options.  That means that the pole is mounted on a special smooth rotation mount inside the pole, and the outer pole can spin freely (clockwise or counter clockwise) once the locking pin is released.

Personally, I’m a static pole girl, but I love having the spinning pole option when I need a day of true centrifugal acceleration (that what creates the force you feel pulling you away from the center when you spin round and round).

Follow Your Feelings

So, there are three major pole manufacturers out there, and they all offer some variation of the pole materials, sizes, surfaces, and spin options I’ve listed.  Peruse all three (they are linked below) just to get a feel for things and pay attention to which features thrill and excite you more than the others.

• Do you love the silver surface of the stainless steel or the smaller diameter size? – Choose the LilMynx Standard
• Do you want a static pole & one that rotates like a fabulous spinning top? – Choose the Chrome or Titanium Xpole
  
• Do you want a flaming pipe to twirl on in your guest bedroom? – Choose the custom painted LilMynx
• Do you want a brass pole for the best grip on the planet? – Choose a PoleDanzer Brass Pole
  

Just listen for your amorous heart to call out for one of them.

When I took this step, I started with the basic Lil Mynx (a good beginner’s pole), but quickly upgraded to the Standard 50mm Xpole .  It gave me all the options; static or spinning with the turn of two screws, the best grip surface right out of the box, portability, and easy height variations.  They also have great customer service and a warranty.  In fact, I love this pole so much, I have three! (two stainless and one titanium).

Remember, a little risque goes a long way!

So, which one did you choose and why? Share your ideas in the comment section.

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Twirl, Swirl, and Fly!

Sometimes it’s important to shake up your daily routine to give yourself a reason to excel and develop your skills in a new situation.  This week, carve out some improvisational dance time that’s different than your normal schedule.  If you’re a night dancer (like me), find some time in the morning or early afternoon when the sun is high and give your sparkling pole a twirl.  If you’re a morning dancer, schedule a late night date with your pole and fly with the moon instead of the sun.

Initially, when I thought this one up, I wasn’t sure if I could actually do it, but I gave myself the challenge and gave it a try.  I found that I my movement was slower and more about the detail of each pelvic circle.  I loved how the slightly higher temperature of the room changed the texture of the pole and gave me a completely different grip sensation.  And I really enjoyed play in the sunshine streaming through the windows.  This one was a great reminder for me that Life really is Just a Dance in the Sunshine.

Here’s the playlist….

Or Check out the iMix here.. Different as Night & Day

How did it affect you?

Do you remember what happened to that old college sweater, or when you last wore those bell bottom pants? How long has it been since you pulled out those shoes from years past? Take a few minutes to travel through all the memories trapped in your closet in the form of old clothes, old shoes, and old jewelry. Maybe you’re ready to let go of some memories and maybe there’s a few you’d still like to keep. Either way, choose one item filled with memories of the past and wear it for your dance.

As you begin your improvisation, notice how much you have changed since you last wore the item; how much you’ve grown, how much you’ve learned, and how much more you understand your inner self. Then, as the music draws you into movement, allow yourself to pull and tug at the item. Remove the item completely if you feel the impulse. Throughout the song, pay attention to how simple it is to separate the item from your body. Know that you are not limited by the past and can let it go, shedding it as easily as an old sweater.

For this challenge, I found a thick red Spun Silk Ribbed Turtleneck
I wore during my undergraduate years in college. I used to wear it to my early morning physics exams when I was afraid to fail and just wanted to hide away. Although it still has a comforting warmth, as I danced, I found that I just didn’t want to hide anymore. By shedding its false comfort and memory I was able to let go of that fear of failure from the past. What memory did you shed during your dance?

Here is the bonus video clip of my training session with this challenge…

And here’s this weeks playlist of songs to help you shed your past…

Or download the songs directly from itunes. Clean Out Your Closet