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Merchandise Coming Soon! What's Hot This Week... Body & Pole Recently featured in AM NY, Lian Tal & Kyra Johannesen have partnered together to bring us Body & Pole - the newest pole fitness studio in Manhattan. With classes ranging from beginners pole to fluidity & style to cirque de pole, there’s a class for every level. If you want to work on your own moves at our own pace, check out Pole Play every Saturday and Sunday for $10 a session- perfect for someone who doesn’t have their own pole at home! With reasonable prices, accomplished instructors and a flexible class schedule, Body & Pole also happens be the only studio in Manhattan that currently offers co-ed pole classes! For more information, check out http://www.bodyandpole.com/.What's Hot This Week... International Pole and Exotic Dance Fitness Convention and Expo of 2010 This weekend, the Gaylord National Convention Center in Washington, DC will be taken over by pole dancers! The International Pole and Exotic Dance Fitness Convention and Expo will feature expo booths, lectures on various topics (including pole safety, stage fright, etc), and workshops with accomplished dancers such as Felix Cane. On Sunday afternoon, Lauren Goldstein and Michelle Stanek - performers from Pole Superstar presents Dreams and Fantasies - will take the stage for a can't miss duet! For more details, check out http://poleconvention.com.What's Hot This Week... MTV's Ryan Conklin Writes Memoir: "An Angel from Hell" One of the more "real" moments in recent reality television aired in March 2009 when Ryan Conklin of MTV’s "The Real World: Brooklyn" was caught on tape being notified of his involuntary return to active duty in Iraq by the US Army. His modern war memoir was written after returning from his first tour overseas in 2005-2006 and helped him readjust as a civilian. In January 2010, Conklin returned back from his second tour of duty and is currently touring nationwide in support of his book and speaking on behalf of US veterans.For more information on Ryan Conklin and his memoir, please log-on to http://www.anangelfromhell.com. What's Hot This Week... 2010 Detroit Music Awards On April 16th at The Fillmore, the Motor City Music Foundation will present the annual Detroit Music Awards honoring local and national Detroit area musicians for their achievements in the past year. Detroit is well known as the birthplace of Motown and techno music, and has introduced the world to some of music's most influential performers including Madonna, Stevie Wonder, The White Stripes and many more. The annual awards show always features electrifying performances by local and national artists with past performances by Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, and George Clinton & Parliament. We're looking forward to this year's show and seeing which nominees - Eminem, Uncle Kracker, Iggy Pop or Detroit's other phenomenal musicians - will win their categories!For more information, check out http://www.detroitmusicawards.net. What's Hot This Week... Knipschildt’s La Madeline au Truffe  Our office is obsessed with chocolate. We take our chocolate very seriously, so when we read about Knipschildt Chocolatier’s La Madeline au Truffe, we were thrown back. At $250 per truffle, it is the most expensive chocolate in the world according to Forbes Magazine. Not your everyday chocolate, each truffle is made to order and should be eaten within 7 days for the best experience. What chocoholic wouldn’t love to sink their teeth into one of these? For more information, check out http://www.knipschildt.com/. What's Hot This Week... Butt Lifting Workout! Start off by warming up 10 minutes on a bike or treadmill.Bike: RPM above 90, tough but solid level. 16-19+ MPH. Focus on engaging the back of your legs and sqeeeeeezzee your butt!!! Treadmill: Hill walk! Incline 10%, 3.0-4.0 speed. Again, you want to squeeze your butt really hard for the whole 10 minutes, push your pelvis forward so you don’t end up walking uphill with your butt disengaged sticking out behind you. After you’re warmed up: 1. Bridges – Lay down on a mat. Knees bent, feet on floor. Arms alongside or behind head. Squeeze your butt and push your pelvis to the ceiling. Hold for 20 seconds then proceed with 20 reps at your own pace.  2. Single Leg Bridge – Same as Bridge, but one leg straight up into the air, the other one on floor. 10-20 reps on each leg. 3. Hamstring Curls on a ball or roller – Still lying on a mat, use a Physio Ball or roller if you have one. If you don’t, put your feet on a towel on a sliding floor. With heels on ball, roller or towel, squeeze your butt, lift your pelvis to the ceiling and make a back plank. Then curl the ball/roller/towel in towards your butt while KEEP lifting your pelvis up to the ceiling! Your goal is to remain completely straight from shoulder to knee the whole time. The only joint that bends in this exercise is your knees.  4. Do a set of crunches and bicycles for active rest. As many as you can!!! Burnout! 5. Squat – Feet hip width apart. Squeeze your A$$! Sit back as far as you can. If your toes start lifting off the floor you know you are on the right track! DO NOT LET YOUR KNEES PASS IN FRONT/OVER YOUR TOES! Sit down till your knees hit a 90-degree angle, hold for 2 seconds then re-squeeze and straighten. No break on top, repeat 20 reps. Keep your knees aligned with your toes. They should not "fall" in or out to either side. 6. Single Leg Dead Lifts – Hold something heavy in one hand. Stand on the opposite foot and balance. Bend the leg slightly. This leg doesn't change in bent degree. Keep your back completely straight, squeeze your shoulder blades together, push your chest forward and bend in your hips. Aim to tap your standing leg toe with the heavy object in your opposite hand. Squeeze your butt and bring your back up in one solid straight line. 10-20 reps on each leg.  7. Pendulum Lunges – Just like squats, be aware that the angle from foot to knee to hip never exceeds 90 Degrees, and keep your knees aligned with toes on both legs. Step forward with one leg and subsequently PUSH off to step all the way to the back - a large step behind you. Keep going forward and backwards till you have counted 20 lunges altogether. Repeat on the other leg.  8. Do planks front, side, front side until you burn out! 9. Arabesque Kicks – Stand facing a wall, hands on the wall. Simply kick one leg behind you and put back to standing position. Repeat 50 times on both legs! 10. Ham Curls – Lying face down on the floor, bend both knees. Put any heavy object between your feet, ensuring it won’t slide out from between your feet! Now- SQUEEZE! Straighten your legs, then bend your legs.  11. Prone Butt – Face down, on your hands and knees with HANDS DIRECTLY UNDER SHOULDERS and KNEES DIRECTLY UNDER HIPS, extend one leg straight back. 15-30 straight leg kicks upwards. 15-30 bent knee heel kicks upwards. 15-30 full kicks bringing the knee in to your chest then kicking it out straight behind you. Repeat other side. You can add opposite arm to the last full kicks. Your elbow meets opposite knee in front of you and then they both reach out, arm in front leg to the back.  What's Hot This Week...  Front and center at Pole Superstar presents Dreams and Fantasies, Tinu made herself known, cheering on friend and fellow pole dancer Lauren Goldstein. Lauren was featured in Tinu’s “Wild Things” video and even tried to get the singer up on stage during the finale to showcase some moves! Making waves with her newest video “Shoeholic”, the sultry singer is getting airtime on MTV worldwide and hopes to hit 1 million views within 4 months on YouTube.com. With a passion for music, shoes and pole dancing, Tinu is certainly living her life to the fullest! Check out additional information at www.tinuonline.com, watch “Shoeholic” here and buy her album “Addicted” on iTunes. Music You can download an iTunes mix of the music used in Pole Superstar presents Dreams and Fantasies at The Imperial NYC 3/12/10. Download nowSongs included: Stay With Me (Unlikely) by Celldweller White Rabbit (Remastered) by Jefferson Airplane Bring Me to Life by Evanescence Comedown by Bush Boom by Anjulie Dream by Alice Smith A Dream by Faith Evans, Jay-Z & The Notorious B.I.G. Photographs by Rihanna & will.i.am Mad World by Michael Andrews & Gary Jules Selfish Nature (16Volt Remix) by The Rabid Whole Stand Up by The Prodigy Empire State of Mind (feat. Alicia Keys) by Jay-Z What's Hot This Week... US Pole Dance Federation Championship 2010The U.S. Pole Dance Federation is back for a second year presenting the 2010 Championship on Friday, March 19th in NYC! Organizers Wendy Traskos and Anna Grundstrom have a talent for spotting up-and-coming pole dancers while gathering the country's top pole performers to compete all under one roof. This year's competition has evolved to include different levels including Amateur and Pro Divisions. You can purchase tickets to watch the performance live at Symphony Space NYC on Friday March 19th at 7:30pm. For more information, visit http://uspoledance.com/competitions.php. Rebecca Butcher's “America’s Got Talent” Video We may be jumping the gun here, but this video is too good to not talk about. Pole Superstar's 2009 Competition audience had the opportunity of experiencing Ms. Butcher's outstanding pole dance and marital arts skills first-hand. Five months later, her skills have evolved from top-of-the-line to superhuman. Check out this Utah native's beautifully produced video featuring her audition piece for NBC's 'America's Got Talent' and you will be floored at how she contorts her body with the greatest of ease. We wish her the best of luck in making it on the show! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6La1XdJczM Kristina Skjelberg moved to New York City from Norway several years ago to continue studying dance. She earned her BA+ Teaching Certificate in Dance/Arts in Oslo and Professional Training Program/Teaching Certificate at The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance NY. While finishing up at the Graham School, Kristina got her Personal Training Certificate from ACE. She is currently dancing with BODYART Dance Company and working as a Personal Trainer in NYC. In order to increase her fitness levels and dance technique Kristina started pole dancing, which has now become one of her life passions. Super-Foods Want to shed some fat? No I didn't say pounds… I said fat! Fat loss will keep your arteries happy and healthy. Super Foods and exercise - together - will have you feeling better too. Here are 20 Super Foods to get you started with eating healthy:1. Whole Oats – Regulates bowel functions, weight control (keeps you feeling full longer), blood glucose control, and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. 2. Kale, Spinach, Leafy Greens - Fights many forms of cancer, detoxifies, lowers risk of cataracts, promotes lung health, supports immune system, keeps your brain sharp as you age, and a rich source of minerals. 3. Eggs - Lowers risk for developing cataracts, blood clots, stroke & heart attacks. Also high in protein and promotes healthy hair & nails. 4. Raw Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, Peanuts and Soy) - Lowers risk of heart disease, excellent source of protein, and rich in fiber & antioxidants. 5. Flaxseed - Grind a tablespoon into your oatmeal! Boosts metabolism and high in antioxidants. 6. Pumpkin/Sweet Potato – High in protein and anti-inflammatory compounds; rich in Vitamin A for proper eye health and many other vitamins & minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. 7. Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Chia Seeds, (Seeds in general) -Pumpkin seeds promote prostate health. Chia is rich in Omegas great for athletes because they promote hydration. Sesame prevents high blood pressure and protects from liver damage. 8. Whey – Builds and restores muscle. 9. Low-fat Plain Yogurt - Excellent source of protein, calcium, riboflavin and Vitamin B 12. Improves immune system and regulates the digestive system. 10. Cruciferous Vegetables (Broccoli, Broccolini, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Arugula, Watercress, Radish, Daikon, Wasabi, Mustards - Protects against cancer, controls appetite, and decreases the absorption of fats during the same meal. 11. Oranges - Loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and calcium. Promotes proper brain development, maintains blood pressure & cardiovascular system, converts food into energy, and helps with asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumonia, rheumatism, arthritis, preventing kidney stones & diabetes, and lowering cholesterol & blood pressure. 12. Green Tea – Helps to prevent cancer, heart attack, strokes, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, infection, and impaired immune function. 13. Salmon – Lowers risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and strokes. Reduces depression and slows Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline. 14. Lean White Meat/ Chicken – Source of protein containing cancer-protective B vitamin and niacin. Aids energy and cardiovascular health. 15. Berries – Source of vitamins and minerals essential for immune system and healthy vision. 16. Whole Grains, Kashi, Barely, Buckwheat, Bulgur, Millet, Brown, Wild Rice – High amounts of fiber is beneficial for metabolism and protects against cancer. 17. Quinoa – Promotes cardiovascular health and can prevent migraines. 18. Beans, Legumes, Lentils - Colored beans are best. Reduces degenerative diseases and risk of heart disease. Good source of vitamins, minerals and complex carbs. 19. Olive Oil/ Olives - Protects against heart disease. 20. Spices - Cayenne pepper and Tabasco increase metabolism and fat-burning ability. Ginger speeds metabolic rate and inhibits nausea & vomiting often caused by morning or motion sickness. Peppermint treats gastric and digestive disorders, tension and insomnia. Horseradish acts as a digestive stimulant. Cinnamon is a metabolism booster, and antidote for diarrhea and upset stomach. Allspice is an aromatic stimulant that relieves indigestion and gas. Regular consumption of garlic can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol, aid digestion, prevents flatulence, and benefits the treatment of diabetes. Turmeric protects against cancer.
The Pole Room, in Lahaina, Hawaii, is holding an event on February 19th, 2010 to benefit "Women Helping Women.” This local Hawaiian organization is a charity that raises awareness of and fights against domestic violence. If you’re in the Hawaii area (or are an East Coasters who just want to get away from all this snow!), be sure to check out this fantastic event! Ticket prices, $20 in advanced, $25 at the door. The studio address is: Body in Balance 142 Kupuohi Street #f2 Lahaina, HI www.thepoleroom.com
Ultra Violet by Paul White Exogenesis: Symphony, Part 2 by Muse Tear Away by Drowning Pool Russian Roulette by Rihanna What You Do To Me by Blakroc Feel by Marie Digby Goodnight From My Heart to My Lungs by Blowing Trees Just Like Heaven (Dizzy Mix) by The Cure Pieces by Chase & Status Personal Jesus by Marilyn Manson Waking Up In Vegas (Calvin Harris Extended Remix) by Katy Perry What's Hot This Week... Our friend Steve Grillo (Howard Stern show) introduced us to this funny and irreverent Internet based t-shirt company. SomeGuy offers t-shirts for everyone: men, women and even kids. They have a huge selection of designs, but for those budding artists out there, SomeGuy also has an option to create your own, where you select your colors and personalize it with your own statement. “Where our Tshirts are just some guy.” www.someguytshirt.com What's Hot This Week... Ris-K Lingerie, Exotic Dancer Supplies and Sensual Fitness Classes in Stroudsburg, PA is your one stop shop for everything Pole Dancing. Selling everything pole dance such as Pleaser shoes and a large assortment of sexy outfits from Body Zone, Hot Girl, Roma and more to fit every body and style. They also sell grip aids such as Dry Hands and Mighty Grip, to make you feel secure and comfortable learning those new pole tricks. Ris-k also carries professional poles and stages that can be purchased or rented for the day or weekend. Ryssa (who is appearing the upcoming Pole Superstar Showcase at The Imperial NYC) teaches classes at the shop to help the everyday woman learn to be an amazing pole dancer. Owned and run by women for women. To receive a 10% discount use the code “PoleSuperstarNYC” during checkout. www.Ris-KLingerie.com www.SensualFitnessClasses.com www.ExoticDancerSupplies.com Updates coming soon to the websites! Kristina Skjelberg moved to New York City from Norway several years ago to continue studying dance. She earned her BA+ Teaching Certificate in Dance/Arts in Oslo and Professional Training Program/Teaching Certificate at The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance NY. While finishing up at the Graham School, Kristina got her Personal Training Certificate from ACE. She is currently dancing with BODYART Dance Company and working as a Personal Trainer in NYC. In order to increase her fitness levels and dance technique Kristina started pole dancing, which has now become one of her life passions. Shoulder Stabilization and Shoulder Girdle Strength By Kristina Skjelberg In pole dancing we do a lot of stabilization of the shoulder joint and a lot of pull-ups. It's really important to strengthen the shoulder joint/girdle so one doesn’t get injured. It's far too easy to get a rotator cuff injury or an impingement around the shoulder. Once you have an injury it can be very hard to recover from it, so let’s look at some exercises to prevent an injury in the first place! Plank variations with scapula retraction/protraction, depression and elevation  Start in an elbow plank; face down, ball of the toes on the floor and elbows on the floor shoulder width apart, with palms face down OR interlace your fingers. In a correct plank your abdominals should be pulled in tightly and belly button should be pulled up and in towards the spine. Think of pushing your heart into the back between the shoulder blades. Just doing a correct plank works a lot of muscle groups that are very valuable to you as a pole dancer. Now, from the plank hold your abs super tight, and keep that corset ON! Now lower your upper back, let your shoulder blades meet behind you, or (another way of explaining it) sink your chest down towards your hands. This is scapula RETRACTION. From there push up again, spread your shoulder blades apart, or push away from the floor. This is scapula PROTRACTION!   Repeat this 10-15 times. If you are doing it correctly you will be tired after 10 reps. Keep your arms and legs pretty much where they are, however, your buttocks are going straight up into the ceiling! Pike it up baby! You will be going into a downward dog on your elbows (as opposed to your hands, which you would do in yoga). Now, slide down toward your head and this is scapula DEPRESSION. Push away towards your tail, almost like a shoulder shrug, this is scapula ELEVATION. Repeat this 10-15 times as well. And again, you should feel it after 10. Finally, when you have gotten very strong and can well handle 15 of each of the previous exercises move on the following.  From your "elbow downward dog" position, you are going to combine the two exercises we just did. Start by doing your scapula depression by sliding down towards your hands. Then, shift your whole body weight forward almost all the way until you get to a plank and go into your shoulder retraction. Now, do your shoulder protraction by pushing away from the floor. Finally, do your scapula elevation, slide back up do a downward dog/butt to the ceiling position and that’s your full combo exercise. Repeat 10 times and work your way up to 15. Next time I'll go deeper into an in-home workout that will blast the few extra pounds you might have gained in December right off! Until then, start stabilizing your shoulder and keep your core strong so you will handle the hardcore workouts with a strong, ready and stabilized body. What's Hot This Week... Everyone loves Guitar Hero, and there’s nothing more fun than Rock Band . . . but as a pole dancer, do you ever feel left out of the world of video games? Well, look no further, because the awesome people at Adult Swim have come out with the game just for you: Pole Dance Hero. Earn “cash” as your computerized dancer spins and twirls for the crowd. The game gets extra points from us for including realistic pole moves! Check it out FOR FREE here: http://games.adultswim.com/pole-dance-hero-twitchy-online-game.html?cid=EM_G_20100107_poledancehero AnniePStyle lives for fashion. A native of CT, she moved to NYC to pursue an education at FIT and her styling career. She has styled Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon, recording artists on Bad Boy records, and more. She was also a Fashion Editor at a teen & women’s fashion magazine, and continues to produce photo shoots. Email AnniePStyle here if you have a fashion question that you need answered! The Importance of Bra Fit By AnniePStyle I think a lot of ladies underestimate the importance of the proper bra size. But it is not to be misunderstood; a proper fitting bra makes all the difference in the world! Not wearing the correct size bra can result back pain, shoulder pain, poor posture, and an all around achy uncomfortable exhausted feeling. Statistics show that 80% of women do not wear the proper bra size. By taking your measurements and finding the correct size not only will you alleviate these things but it will also give you a more flattering shape and a slimmer profile. One of the common mistakes is not being aware of the fact that your bra size can fluctuate. You are likely not the same bra size you were 2 years ago. Factors like water retention, dieting, pregnancy, hormones all affect your bra size. The first step is measuring your band. It’s recommended to have someone measure for you to get the best results. All you need is a tape measure, and a good comfortable bra that is not padded or minimizing. Standing straight up with your arms down, place the tape measure directly under the bust (see below line 2) Take a breath and exhale, once you have completely emptied your lungs hold the measuring tape snug, parallel to ground. Take that number, add 4 and you will have your band size. If you add to an odd number, just round up one to the next even number. Measurement + 4 = Band size Next is the cup size. Standing straight, arms down place the tape measure again parallel to the floor at the fullest part of the bust (see below line 1) Exhale and take your measurement.  Now, just a simple equation. You now have 2 numbers: your band size, and your cup size. You take those two numbers and subtract them. For example… 36-34=2. Now just take that the number to the chart below and that will give you your cup size! Bust – 4 = Band size 
When you’re pole dancing, who wants to be constantly readjusting bra straps? A proper fitting bra will help you show your body to its full advantage. It will not only make you feel more comfortable, but more confident as well! No more hunching and slouching, this will improve your posture and make you look slimmer!
What's Hot This Week... On The Pole Story, Claire Griffin Sterrett discusses everything from feminism to mind-body connections, but never loses sight of one of her biggest passions–pole dancing. Based in Los Angeles (arguably the mecca of pole dancing!), the blog thoughtfully explores the world of pole and its relation to female sexuality. Claire offers a unique and intellectual perspective as both a pole student and a woman.  http://polestory.blogspot.com/
What's Hot This Week... Pumpsmag.com launched in April of 2009 as an online trade magazine to draw the curtain of exclusivity off the billion-dollar Gentleman’s Club industry. The first of its kind, Pumpsmag has grown into a largely respected information source, providing the premier digital community and lifestyle guide for purveyors of the sophisticated Gentleman’s Clubs, including industry insiders, exotic entertainers and the casual reader a one of a kind community. Highlighting the latest events and interviewing many of the top talent in the industry while also having Guest Bloggers share their opinions, allows the reader an all-in-one connection to the pulse of the industry. www.pumpsmag.com What's Hot This Week... On December 14th, Pole Superstar dancers will be performing at the Inked Holiday Bash at BLVD located at 199 Bowery in New York City. The party’s hosted by Evan Seinfeld of Biohazard with live music by :::KILLCODE::: and Natasha Komis. Entertainment will also include DJ Bagel, a tattoo art exhibit and the crowning of Miss Holiday. There’s also going to be a guitar raffle benefiting Built On Respect. If you’re in NYC, be sure to check the event out! $10 at the door.  Huffington Post Blog: Diane Passage  (click image to view the blog) Kristina Skjelberg moved to New York City from Norway several years ago to continue studying dance. She earned her BA+ Teaching Certificate in Dance/Arts in Oslo and Professional Training Program/Teaching Certificate at The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance NY. While finishing up at the Graham School, Kristina got her Personal Training Certificate from ACE. She is currently dancing with BODYART Dance Company and working as a Personal Trainer in NYC. In order to increase her fitness levels and dance technique Kristina started pole dancing, which has now become one of her life passions. 'Tis the season for overindulging By Kristina Skjelberg For all of you with a sweet tooth out there, the amazing desserts and sugary sweets are all over the place during the holidays. Covered in traditional wrappings that make you say "awww!” these treats are designed to make you a little emotional as they take you down memory lane, missing that warm and cozy feeling you got from family gatherings around the fireplace. Be aware of it and ask yourself when you are standing in the candy isle, “Am I hungry, thirsty or just emotional?” Especially now as we move towards the Christmas and Hanukkah season, the sweet temptations are endless. Ginger snaps, chocolate-mint bark, caramel popcorn- the list goes on. It's always in your face too! The thing is that sugar is really not good for the body. When you eat sugar you get a sudden blast of it in your system, and insulin is released to protect you from it. The insulin grabs all of the sugar and shoves it into the muscles (who doesn't like it), and then shuts off the Fatburn-switch and turns on the Fat Storage-switch. Since what the body thought was a major amount of food really turned out to be only a meek little candy bar, there is no surplus to handle after that initial blast of sugar ended, so you end up with an empty stomach and even lower blood sugar levels. Normally the body would compensate for this by tapping some stored fat, but the ever-helpful Mr. Insulin made sure to turn that switch off, so what does the body have left? Protein. More specifically it has MUSCLE protein. If you shudder as you start seeing what I'm getting at, it’s understandable. It’s a very scary concept. www.bodybuilding.com/fun/matt56.htm The good news is that the holiday season also comes with some really healthy foods, including sweet potato and pumpkin. They are packed with beta carotene, fiber, vitamins C and E. Pumpkin seeds are also great, since they are full of zinc and essential fatty acids. So when you choose your dessert, choose the sweet potato or pumpkin pie or have some sweet potato with a dash of Agave syrup. Mmm!   Still craving?
The Whatever Blog offers an honest and intellectual view of music, art and popular culture. Discussing today’s hottest up and coming bands (without neglecting the legends who inspire them), The Whatever Blog has their finger on the pulse of the modern rock scene. If you’re in the New York area, you must check out one of their incredible events. Past parties have included sets by Bottle Up and Go, Right On Dynamite and Drink Up Buttercup, so be sure to check their website often – you don’t want to miss one of The Whatever Blog’s amazing shows! wwwwhatever-amy.blogspot.com
Bad Kitty Exotic Wear carries a hot selection of clubwear, lingerie, swimwear, jewelry and more! Whether you’re looking for a teeny bikini, or a dress for a night out on the town, Bad Kitty has the sexy styles you’re looking for! Bad Kitty Exotic Wear is offering a 10% discount to friends of Pole Superstar! Just use the code polesuperstar when you check out. www.badkittyexoticwear.com |
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We love these shorts because they give you plenty of skin contact with the pole, without putting your entire backside on display! PoleSkivvies are made of sweat-wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfortable, and they won't gap in the crotch - not even during a
boomerang.
Special offer to Pole Superstars: Buy 2 pairs of shorts and type "I'm a pole superstar" during checkout to get the Zombie Quick Fix workbook free. Type "I'm a Pole Superstar" by clicking on a little blue line of text, right before you confirm during checkout - email
jennifer@poleskivvies.com if you can't find it! Offer ends 11/30/09.
http://poleskivvies.com/pole-dance-shorts/
What's Hot This Week...
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We love these gloves because they're especially designed and developed for the sport of Pole Dance and Pilates. The gloves provide the advantage and practicality that all participants can use from novice to expert.
Non-Tack Gloves are recommended for the Stationary Poles.
Mighty Grip is offering free shipping to Pole Superstar friends from Nov. 9th to Dec. 14th. Just click here and type the discount code PDG1 at the checkout.
www.mightygrip.info
Kristina Skjelberg moved to New York City from Norway several years ago to continue studying dance. She earned her BA+ Teaching Certificate in Dance/Arts in Oslo and Professional Training Program/Teaching Certificate at The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance NY. While finishing up at the Graham School, Kristina got her Personal Training Certificate from ACE. She is currently dancing with BODYART Dance Company and working as a Personal Trainer in NYC. In order to increase her fitness levels and dance technique Kristina started pole dancing, which has now become one of her life passions.
Pole Dancing and Your Core
By Kristina Skjelberg
Pole and fitness go hand in hand. It’s athletic gymnastics and dance rolled into one and can be used as a way of getting in shape and further increasing fitness levels of already strong people. Conversely, training in the gym can also help in pole dance. So what exactly works? Let's have a look at a few very important things:
Core
The core muscles are important in any kind of training. What are they and where are they? The term "core" seems a bit overused, so let's give it a more specific image...
Imagine yourself in a corset (that shouldn't be too hard for us pole dancing ladies!) Imagine it tightening and loosening. That's the action of the main core muscle called the transversus abdominis. It’s the muscle that wraps around your belly. The muscle that is activated and tightened when you laugh or cough. Try it! Put one hand on your belly under the belly button and LOL! That's right- laugh out loud or cough. Notice any action down there? Well then CONGRATULATIONS... you found your core!
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This transversus abdominis wraps around to your back and is therefore imperative to your back’s safety. If this muscle is not strong the chances of low back pain are quite high when putting your torso though strenuous exercise. Along with low back stretches, strengthening the core will help you in pretty much everything you do on the pole.
How to find and start strengthening the transversus abdominis
Sit with your legs crossed (Indian style) and your butt, back and head against a wall.
- Place your hands on your knees or below your belly button if you want to feel what's going on.
- Now inhale through your nose, allowing your belly and the corset expand.
- Then exhale through your mouth and tighten your corset and your belly will pull in.
- Do this a few times to get to know the muscle.
- Now inhale again but this time keep that corset TIGHT!! Continue your thorough breaths 30 times while keeping it tight.
- Repeat 3 times.
- The next step is to do small contractions or pulses with the corset muscle. Sit in the same position and exhale to a tightness level 5 on a scale from 1-10. With small quicker breaths exhale and pulse to a tightness level 10 back to 5- 10-5-10-5- and so on.
- Work your way to doing 100 pulses.
- Repeat 3 times.
Going forward in your pole work you should find this very helpful, as a hardcore core is essential to take it to the next level and avoid low back pain or injury from straining.
Bonus for girls!
As you can see on the images of the transversus abdominis, it runs all the way down to your pelvic bone and works together with your pelvic floor muscles. So as you can imagine, the benefits of strengthening the core and pelvic muscles (kegels) together will benefit you beyond your wildest dreams!
What's Hot This Week...
Dancing Light Candles
We love these candles because they're made by the loving hands of a Reiki Master! During each stage of the creation process a beautiful, nurturing energy is infused into the candle, offering a product that goes beyond any expectation. The wonderful, natural smelling scents and warm colors as well as the overall vibe take Dancing Light's customers on a journey of the senses. Whether it's for the home, business, a celebration or spiritual practice, a Dancing Light candle will gracefully integrate a sense of beauty and warmth into any environment.
www.DancingLightCandles.net
Music
Own Little World (Remorse Code Remix) Instrumental by Celldweller- used in the Pole Superstar promo video
Imma Star (Everywhere We Are) by Jeremih- danced to by Diane Passage, Noelle Wood and Stephanie Vera in the opening number
Chillin' (feat. Lady GaGa) by Wale- danced to by Diane Passage, Noelle Wood and Stephanie Vera in the opening number
Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap- danced to by Mina
Bloodsport by Sneaker Pimps- danced to by Mina
Rock On by David Essex- danced to by Alethea Austin
The Red by Chevelle- danced to by Alethea Austin
The Host of Seraphim by Dead Can Dance- danced to by Sarah Cretul
Blood is Pumpin' by Voodoo and Serano- danced to by Sarah Cretul
Faster Kill Pussycat by Paul Oakenfold (feat. Brittany Murphy)- danced to by Barbara Dial
Just a Car Crash Away by Marilyn Manson- danced to by Barbara Dial
60 Feet Tall by The Dead Weather- danced to by Marlo
Took the Night by Chelley- danced to by Marlo
I'm the Ish by DJ Class and Lil' Jon- danced to by Marlo
Ursa Minor (Electron Mix) by Celldweller- danced to by Becca Butcher
My Last Breath by Evanescence- danced to by Becca Butcher
Goblins by Blowing Trees
How To Avoid A Pole Dancing Scam & Protect Your Privacy
With pole dancing and pole dancing competitions becoming more popular, there are more and more people looking to promote the art, and even more who are looking to exploit it.Scams targeting performers are nothing new. I’ve personally been “scouted” three times by the same team of “modeling/acting agents” (usually at the mall) who in reality just want me to sign up for their classes and give them my hard earned cash. (I didn’t fall for their ploys, since they overlooked the fact that I’m 5’4”- not your typical runway material.) While the pole dance community is growing, there aren’t nearly as many avenues for expression as there are for other dance styles, which makes this genre an easy target. Dancers are eager to perform, but this sometimes comes at a very high cost.
Some of you may have heard about the World Pole Dance Federation Championship that was scheduled for March 2009 in Amsterdam, but was cancelled with less than 48 hours notice, leaving many competitors without proper hotel accommodations and all alone in a foreign city. The competitors were able to make the best of the situation, and bond over their love of pole dancing, despite the incredibly shady circumstances. Months later, the World Pole Dance Federation website is still under maintenance and there’s no word on whether or not these talented dancers will truly be given any refund.
Also, recently there has been buzz regarding a new pole dancing competition/show that appears to be a hoax, which is what prompted this article. In doing some quick research, I haven’t found any information on the company, other affiliations, etc. This very well may be a legitimate show, but a decided lack of information about the details concerns me.
The growth of studios and competitions is fantastic for the pole community. It gives dancers an outlet for their creativity and their art and allows them to be recognized for their amazing athletic abilities. However with scam artists and cons out there, we need to be even more aware of what we’re getting into with these types of programs. To avoid being taken by some of those unsavory characters, here are a few tips that can help keep you safe:
-Start with a Google search on the person or organization that is running the competition to get a feel for their reputation. If it’s a brand new competition or if you can’t find anything through an Internet search, then contact the organizers directly to ask questions. Keep in mind that they can tell you anything, so dig deeper if you want to, or just wait for next year to see how the inaugural competition plays out.
-Confirm any audition locations and be sure those places are legitimate studios or at least public spaces. Never, ever agree to meet anyone you don’t know in a private or secluded area.
-If possible, it’s safest to have someone come with you to auditions.
-Criteria for entering should be listed clearly in the legal language and rules for the competition.
-For some states, there are rules about travel for contests. It’s helpful to know your state’s law (or consult a lawyer) regarding contests and sweepstakes when entering any competition.
-Don’t give away too much personal information, and NEVER give away your social security or credit card number. If a competition or studio requires information, ask why they need it and what it will be used for. Competitions must have reasons for all information they request from you, and they’re required to tell you those reasons if you ask.
And finally, trust your instincts. If it feels wrong, definitely ask a close friend (or better yet, a fellow pole dancer!) for his or her insights and opinions.
AnniePStyle lives for fashion. A native of CT, she moved to NYC to pursue an education at FIT and her styling career. She has styled Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon, recording artists on Bad Boy records, and more. She was also a Fashion Editor at a teen & women’s fashion magazine, and continues to produce photo shoots.
Email AnniePStyle here if you have a fashion question that you need answered!
Welcome to our first Fashion story on Pole Superstar.com!
Perhaps you noticed the floor length blue fox fur coat with train?
A-Mazing! It’s worth over $100k, and it’s the only one in existence. Two designers named The Blonds created it, and every piece they make is to die for! All of their pieces are one-of-a-kind, knock-your-socks-off gorgeous! You have seen their corsets on everyone from Rihanna to Beyonce to Britney Spears. You can see some of their runway at http://www.theblondsnewyork.com/
Another piece I loved was the dress worn by Pole Superstar creator and founder Diane Passage, seen here.
This piece was custom-made for Diane by a young up-and-coming designer here in NYC named Nicole LaBorante. For those of you who loved this dress as much as I did you will have a chance to purchase your own through this website later this month.
photo credit: David X Prutting for Patrick McMullan
The Pole Superstar finalists were encouraged to be as creative as possible with their overall performances, including their costumes. Each competitor had a bit of her own flavor tossed in, touching on several different style sub-cultures. There was a bit of edge with capes and hoods, a moto-goth mechanical feel with pyramid studs and straps, a bit of garage-glamour with magenta ostrich feathers, and of course the rock & roll aesthetic with itsy bitsy bikinis and fishnets.
The exciting blend of fashion styles at Pole Superstar put me in style heaven, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next show!
Fashion Tip of the Month: For a stuck zipper, rub a dry bar of soap on the zipper. -Annie P.
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