Session Two: First class in Introduction Course

Wednesday 22nd April 

First week of the course:

Design of session:

The instructor gave an overview of the course. 

Warm up:

Cardiovascular warm-up 

1. Run up and down the stairs
2.  x10 push ups (either on knees or on toes)
3. x10 stair jumps  

Stretches

1. Wrist rotatory stretches 
2. Wrist flexion stretches
3. Wrist extension stretches
4. Shoulder stretches
5. Chest stretches 

Below are two videos from the first session:

Video one: Back Hook Spin:

Learning the back hook spin (Frieden, 2014): 

1. Step with the outside leg and pivot lifting the inside leg. 
2. Turn your body towards the pole. 
3. Once you’re facing the pole you should grip the pole with your other hand at the level of your jaw. The hand should well wrapped around the pole and the elbow bent out towards the side. 
4. The inside leg with wrap around the pole at the behind the knee. It is good to think about lifting your foot as if you wanted to touch your heel with your bottom.
5.  As soon as you take off tilt your head and chest to the back and push forward the pelvis.

Video Two: Fireman's Spin  

Learning the fireman's spin (Grace, 2013)

1. Begin walking forward around the pole with your inside arm holding onto the pole.
2.  Use your outside leg to gain momentum, swing and and hook it around the front of the pole. 
3. As your inside leg leaves the floor, bring your outside arm to the pole. 
4. Cross your legs at the ankles as you slide down the pole.

Referencing: 

Frieden, C. (2014). Pole Dance - Step Around to Back Hook - Beginner [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9034MqI26DY

Grace. J. (2013). Beginner moves. Retrieved from poledancedictionary.com 

Statistics/detailed information collected 

• 1 hour practice session 
• Back hook spin: From the ten attempts, six where successfully completed 
• Back hook spin: From the four missed it was due to me not being able to get my hands into the correct position or not getting enough momentum, therefore got stuck on the pole. 
• Fireman's Spin: From the ten attempts, all ten where successfully completed. My placement of my lower leg and ankles needed improvement however I was spinning well around the pole. 

Reflection:

I found the back hook spin more difficult than the fireman's spin due to it needing more coordination. The pole started off cold and wasn't very slippery which was very off putting. It was also a bit nerve racking doing the moves in front of people I didn't know. I noticed that spinning around the pole hurt my back which was also off putting however I knew it was because I was using muscles I had never used before. I had a great deal of fun but I knew I had a lot of hard work ahead and so much to work on.