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Thread: Newbie Q's: Pole Work

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    Tired Newbie Q's: Pole Work

    Been reading a lot on here (great forum - hi to y'all). Can't find an "insider's tip" on this one question I have:

    How do I stop my palms from getting too sweaty for pole work? I'm taking pole dancing lessons and this is a problem for me right now. Can't grip the pole without slipping to the floor in an uncontrolled embarassing heap! Wondering what veteran dancers do about wet slippery hands when doing pole?? My instructor gives me some chalk now and then but it doesn't last! At best she wants me to learn without it, but how am I going to really get a grip (excuse the pun) on even the most basic spins if my hands keep slipping!?

    Also (fyi) I haven't auditioned at any clubs yet, looking forward to making the leap!

    Thx

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    Default Re: Newbie Q's: Pole Work

    Quote Originally Posted by AnneC View Post
    At best she wants me to learn without it, but how am I going to really get a grip (excuse the pun) on even the most basic spins if my hands keep slipping!?
    Instructors like this annoy me. While the theory can be good for most people, it doesn't work for everyone. Some people naturally tend to have variances in body temperature or metabolism reactions, others have minor allergies which can cause them to sweat when they interact with certain things. You'll need what is called a "grip aid". There are tons of different types, Mighty Grip & Dry Hands being the most popular. I strongly prefer Dry Hands. Just don't use too much or you won't be able to spin, or you may get "pole burn" while spinning. Many of these products are used by golfers, so check sports stores. If you have to call to order some the owner at Dry Hands knows pole dancers use the product & is very friendly to us.
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    Default Re: Newbie Q's: Pole Work

    i normally have sweaty palms i often keep a towel sprayed with alcohol to wipe my hands or the pole with. I have hear of other dancers using grip aides such as itac or mightygrip but i personally have never used them i just stick with alcohol since it helps dry my hands out. Hope this helps you any.

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    Default Re: Newbie Q's: Pole Work

    A grip aid is nice for classes but keep in mind when you start working you won't be able to continuously apply more grip aid throughout your set, you might be able to twice: once before you go on stage and another time before you go on for your third song, and you won't be able to use any grip aids that are noticeable, like chalk. Using an aid is fine for while you're learning but you should progress to a point where you don't need the grip aid, and this is when you'll be able to do these tricks at the club, if a trick is at all inconsistent I wouldn't recomend trying it on stage. Most girls just wipe the pole with alcohol before their set (if they do anything to improve their grip at all). Pole work isn't neccessary at most clubs, but it is fun!

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    Default Re: Newbie Q's: Pole Work

    ^^^ I still use grip aides on-stage often, but normally only once per set or less. While my body doesn't tend to sweat much, I've often noticed a reaction to metals that cause it in excess. Some people never get over that. Anyhow, when I re-apply my make-up in the dressing room I'll apply grip aid if my palms feel a bit moist... which I generally do just before going on-stage.
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    Default Re: Newbie Q's: Pole Work

    Though grip aid has been strongly recommended I would like to point out that after a while your hands will 'toughen up'. My body chemistry has never been compatible with grip aid (it just makes everything worse. There are other alternatives, such as gloves specifically made for pole work--I've never used them(perhaps someone else here has and can give you more insight?) but they do look promising!

    .

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    Default Re: Newbie Q's: Pole Work

    I'm new to pole dancing, too. I started pole dancing in February and at first my hands would be very sweaty. For a while whenever I tried a new move I'd be nervous so my hands would sweat. When I try something new now I feel more confident and I don't really think about falling so my hands don't sweat. At least for me,the sweating can be contributed to me being nervous.

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    Default Re: Newbie Q's: Pole Work

    Quote Originally Posted by Kylea2 View Post
    Instructors like this annoy me. While the theory can be good for most people, it doesn't work for everyone. Some people naturally tend to have variances in body temperature or metabolism reactions, others have minor allergies which can cause them to sweat when they interact with certain things. You'll need what is called a "grip aid". There are tons of different types, Mighty Grip & Dry Hands being the most popular. I strongly prefer Dry Hands. Just don't use too much or you won't be able to spin, or you may get "pole burn" while spinning. Many of these products are used by golfers, so check sports stores. If you have to call to order some the owner at Dry Hands knows pole dancers use the product & is very friendly to us.
    Quote Originally Posted by lokikola View Post
    I'm new to pole dancing, too. I started pole dancing in February and at first my hands would be very sweaty. For a while whenever I tried a new move I'd be nervous so my hands would sweat. When I try something new now I feel more confident and I don't really think about falling so my hands don't sweat. At least for me,the sweating can be contributed to me being nervous.
    A lot of newbies complain about slipping, when it is a) nerves and b) grip strength
    The more you pole the more you get confident in the tricks you do all the time, and the better your grip strength and control becomes.

    Kylea you are right that some people do sweat uncontrollably and a grip aid is required - but I'd rather make sure it's not one of the above reasons first before they get dependent on a grip aid.

    Note that Mighty Grip and Dry Hands are for different types of grip issues.
    Dry Hands is alcohol with a suspended drying agent: good for sweaty hands
    Mighty Grip is a thermo plastic and STICKY. It will not dry out sweat.

    Article I wrote on Grip Aids: http://www.triagedesign.co.uk/wikipo...itle=Grip_Aids

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    Default Re: Newbie Q's: Pole Work

    Hi Ladies,

    Thanks so much for all the great feedback and suggestions!

    Bubble, I think you're right - in my case it's probably more likely a case of nerves & lack of grip strength right now. I'll keep at it and probably try alcohol first to begin with until I gain more confidence and strength.

    Last edited by AnneC; 06-15-2011 at 06:47 PM.

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    Default Re: Newbie Q's: Pole Work

    Please note though that when the weather is warmer the pole tends to heat up. On days like these (and when my friend comes over to pole) we are constantly on the pole (thus increasing heat). We have to take breaks and open the window (put on a fan) to get the pole to cool down. We also use grip aid, but not that often. I use the boring old "Prince's Grip Aid". You can get it at any old sports equipment store. I also clean the pole with window cleaner (or alcohol diluted with water). Just my 3.53 cents.

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