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One of the best ways to engage the emotions is with the senses. Although often overlooked, the sense of smell can cause a deeply buried emotional response, usually related to a past memory. Before you dance, add a luscious or irresistible scent to the space around you by lighting a scented candle or wearing some of your favorite perfume.
Breathe deeply and accept any emotions or memories that arise. Let your
feelings mingle with the music; let your sensuous presence fill the
room; and then– let your body fly.
For this improvisation and all the attached videos, I used my favorite perfume BVLGARI. I love how it smells like a blooming exotic flower from a lover; full of life, hope, and the anticipation of more to come *wink*.
I posted an uncut intermediate video to youtube. Please enjoy!
Either way, check out the playlist for this Improv at Amazon.com.
Sometimes it can be uncomfortable learning to cherish your skin through touch. By using a scarf instead of using your hands you can add just enough separation to make the experience lavish and sensual. So take this chance to caress your curves with a silky or soft scarf and pay attention to the tingling sensations in your body as it moves over your clothes, over your skin, and through the air. Use the scarf playfully; dragging, caressing, or tossing it according to your whim. Engage all your senses and enjoy the truly feminine movement.
“What kind of safety equipment do you use for advanced inverts?”
–from J.A. in Washington
In case you haven’t noticed, safety is one of my favorite topics, so lets start with the general safety requirements for exotic aerial pole dancing.
1. Pole Safety Check.
Before every training session, you should check the setup and stability of your pole. Make sure that you are using a professional pole, like the ones they sell through LilMynx or Xpole and that it has been installed according to the manufacturers instructions. Also make sure the the humidity or room temperature hasn’t made the pole too sticky or to slippery. Use rubbing alcohol or grip aids if needed.
2. Always Warmup.
You must have a warmup before any exercise or training activity. Even if you are not going to be doing any advanced movements, a basic warmup, like I have included in my online classes or that you might do in your local aerobics class, is perfect. This ensures your core body temperature and muscles are warm enough to work through your full range of motion.
3. An Experienced Spotter.
If you can train with a friend, make sure and learn how to spot each other during inverts and other advanced movements. Find someone you trust, because spotting requires physical contact. A good spotter doesn’t just stand back and watch you while you try something for the first time. She should be able to help you during the trick execution and catch you or break your fall if you need to come down quickly.
4. A PoleCat Power Safety Mat.
Whether you have a spotter or not, a firm thick mat developed for heavy use during aerial pole training is one of the best ways to protect your body while learning a new trick (see picture above). I train with these mats and I absolutely use them in my local and private classes. They are tough enough to walk on with your high heels but have enough give to help protect you during a fall. You can purchase these through LilMynx or through the developer, UrbanFertilityDancer.
5. Always Cooldown.
A cooldown is absolutely essential to any exercise session, just like a warmup. A cooldown ensures that you give your body time to slow down and avoid serious injury from a rapid drop in blood pressure. A few minutes of easy standing movements plus stretching will keep you safe and help you enjoy all the great physical and emotional benefits of your training session.
6. Be A Smart Cookie.
Finally, the most important piece of safety equipment in aerial exotic pole dancing is you. You must listen to the small whispers and messages your body sends to you. Pay attention to your level of strength or fatigue and give yourself a rest if you need it. Its okay to change your plans and work on basic spins and transitions instead of inverts if you are too tired. Remember, the person most responsible for your safety is you.
How do your worries affect you? What techniques do you use to let go? Share your ideas in the comment section!
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