Pole Dance Passion

Made it to the finals

2010-05-12T18:04:00.010+08:00

Holla! It's the time of the year again, Pole Stars Malaysia! Coming right up on May 22, 2010 on a very lovely Saturday.

The usual, panic slowly starts to set in due to insufficient preparation so far with a full time job to deal with so many students, yes, I am a lecturer now; and part time job at certain nights of the week, yes, I am also officially a pole instructor! Only Beginner instructor though. And many thanks for Viva Vertical leaders for the never ending support during the process.

So, by me obtaining the 1st prize from last year's competition in the amateur FitPole category, it has push me to face greater challenge this year -- Professional category, which obviously I am pretty much not ready as I still have lots to learn in terms of skills and showmanship. By having said that, it is actually a great chance to expose myself among these excellent pole dancers and to learn from them. And I hope from within, I could improve myself to be a more all-rounded pole dancer-instructor. "You actually learn more through the experience of performing" quoted Sam -- my ever caring instructor. She is competing in the same category as well, go Sam!

Anyhow, I am advised to blog about my thoughts and experience of the journey to Pole Stars, so finally I manage to get myself to blog today as I was busy with students' project assessment in college, glad it is almost over, just a little bits left to complete, but you know, things always turn up and I will be away and busy again this weekend, and and.. Oh well, it never ends so enough babbling, here is my little clip of the submission video..

Those who do not already know about this competition, you can check it out at www.mypolestars.com And if you wish to attend this event, either to support me or to just enjoy the night full of tentalizing art performances, you may contact me here by May 18, 2010, and I shall help you submit your name with payment of RM20 early bird discounts. Besides, this year we have the beautiful Davina Goh to perform as well to raise donation and it will go to a selected charity.

I will try my best to keep ya'll posted on my progress shall there be time for me to blog ya.

Pole love & care,
Olly

Photo #3

2009-06-13T11:50:00.005+08:00

Waking up relax, finally don't have to rush anywhere this weekend. But I was expecting my mom, sis and nephews to be around but it was such a rush so they can't make it to KL. And so I missed all the fun with my family, now that I have 4 nephews, more hands are needed, to stop them from bringing down the house, hehe..

Today will be another session of chiropractor-ing, hope this time will fully heal what's left behind of the injury. Maybe I'll learn it one day, for myself and to help others. You can hardly find people being good at it and I can feel that this amazing profession is slowing losing its ground here. And I'm glad I found this lady to help me with injuries of such and no western doctors can help without pumping "chemical" pills in you; even with that, it might not help.

Alrighty, here's the third batch of photos, no news of the video yet but I'm hoping to see it soon =)

Me & my goodie prize

Me checking out my goodie prize, thinking what can I do with it..

We're totally obsess with shooting

Since there ain't any trophy, this cert is valuable as memory of such event

And I share this cert with my lovely supportive friends

Finally got the guys in the picture! But where's my boo & Charles?

Photo #2

2009-06-10T12:15:00.011+08:00

Finally feel much better from the nerves problem at my left arm, though movement still not normal but it is good progress. Here are the second batch of photos (before or during the event) that I've collected from facebook.

The curl, captured by Marianne during morning rehearsal TAKE #1

Let go, captured by Marianne during the morning rehearsal TAKE #2

Let loose, captured by Marianne during morning rehearsal TAKE #3

Me & Kerry Ann posing with our grand prize *huge grin*

Part of my choreo where I do the hang back and curl myself up a bit to express the music/ song
Thanks to Arthur for this lovely shot

Me & the pretty Shammy, a skillful make up artist who did a stunning make up on me

Me & the funny Audrey W, we're both sticky from the humidity of the bar but still lovely in white

Me & the sleepy-look-alike Arica. I can tell it was Audrey B's fingers at the back of our heads.

Me & the cheeky Audrey B, I knew you would place ur fingers at the back of our heads.

Me & the quiet Alice, must be missing her boo

Photo #1

2009-06-09T22:18:00.026+08:00

Receiving the grand prize from Vee & Lola, so honoured

Chunky Monkey (Jon Ti), me, Trinity (Kerry Ann) & Milan (Liyana)

Me chatting & laughing away with Kerry Ann

Me & my ever lovable supportive instructor, Samantha

I actually forgotten my steps here ;p (Group's solo routine)

This is me before I fall while changing to a different leg to hook on pole, lol (Group's solo routine)

The beginning of my solo routine

Coincident shot taken by Lolita's (Tesa) friend during my solo routine

Me & my lovely supportive friends TAKE #1

From left : Shammy (my make up artist), Audrey B, Arica, Audrey W & Alice

Me & my lovely supportive friends TAKE #2 at the pole

Me & my shy boo (he needs a hair cut)

Finally home after the event but make up is still fresh, thanks for Shammy's stunning make up!

Me & Tesa during the morning rehearsal (clearly we both need more good sleep)

Recovery..

2009-06-09T16:58:00.007+08:00

Hope you guys are doing well and good.

I went to see my usual chinese massage guru (chiropractor) yesterday. Excrutiating pain but still bearable. Apparently, I have injured my entire left arm, probably from the fall that causes some nerves problems, but the pain didn't come till Sunday when she's closed. She just smirk when she saw me and said, knowing my behaviour, I'll sprain it again and unfortunately, this time, slightly more serious than normal, but at least I have not have the fever yet and gain something from the competition.

So guys, if you feel like parts of you ain't feeling or working right, go fix it right away to prevent bigger problems, nerves problems ain't a joke! Now my entire left arm is retarded in just 1 night, can't even twist open a water bottle cap normally, feel useless. I'm grateful that my boo are there to help me with daily stuff and house chores, he's the best (besides my family and friends of course)!

Oh well, there ain't gonna be any pole class for me till I'm fully recovered, hopefully I'll be able to resume class next week, wouldn't want to miss Sam till she goes off for 2 weeks.

I'll see you guys soon!

PS : Sorry for the pics, I'll start serious editing later and my friends who took pics that night too, please email me, thankies!

xoxo

Unexpected achievement and many thanks

2009-06-07T22:44:00.005+08:00

It was a blast event and I actually feel young again, not that I'm really old now, it's just the feeling of being young, brave and just out there to have fun!

Winning the Fitpole category was unexpected and unbelievable but I have to admit it gives me a sense of achievement and assurance, that I'm good at this sport and what I love doing.

When they announced Chunky Monkey to be the runner up, I already believed that I won't stand a chance. Why? 1. I fell during the Semi Final but I got through and that's probably luck. 2. I slipped again at the end of my solo for Grand Final. 3. I repeated a technique twice cause I forgot my steps. 4. All these mistakes ain't suppose to take place in a competition. 5. I was already disappointed for those mistakes, what's more the judges. Most of all, 6. the others showcased more advance techniques than I do.

Hence, when they are about to announce the winner, I was just sitting back, chit chatting with my friends whom came to support. I didn't even hear my name until they repeatedly call my name. The first thought was "What!?! I slipped with an unsatisfied ending (pose) and I'm the winner???" Then you know, went up to receive the prize from Vee and Lola, they looked absolutely stunning!

I was still in shock and only feel the excitement of winning today. It's unbelievable and I'm still trying to rationalise what makes me deserve this honourable title after all the mistakes I did. I wish there would be an evaluation time with the judges to understand my strengths and weakness, that's how one can improve.

On top of it all, I would like to share this moment with my team mates : Lolita, Jenny, Mona, Kylie, Chunky Monkey, and the Exotic team for giving them a good show and proves to ourselves that we can do it!

Also many thanks to my friends who attended the event, Shammy (for the stunning make up), Weei Boon, Alice, Arica, Audrey(s), Kenji, Christina, Wat Boon, Ee Leng (for the skirt), William, Charles and most importantly, my boo! For those who can't make it to the event, thanks for the moral support after all this while. And my instructor, Samantha who believes in me and keep ensuring me of my capability. Muahh to you guys! This is the biggest award apart from the title!

This won't be the end of me but maybe a little less active since nothing big is gonna happen later, just back to usual work and pole classes.

For polers out there, keep rocking!

PS : There will be loads of pics published here soon, will keep you guys posted.

Final thoughts

2009-06-05T14:21:00.001+08:00

Exhausted? Yes.. I've been hardcore poling, sprained my left forearm a little last night and can feel the tenseness of the muscle, definitely need a break.
Nervous? H*ll yea.. To showcase in front of public! The last time I did it was in high school when I was young, brave and care less; now I'm a olddd chicken.
Excited? Yes.. Definitely, to be able to perform an art form again, that brings back memories (whether I'll do it well is another matter)
Scared? Yes.. Of my left forearm, if it doesn't allow me to execute my routine then and sweaty palms that would fail everything else.
Fun? Yes.. Despite all concerns and pressure, it's definitely a fun interactive experience and a chance to push myself to the limit by understanding my own capabilities better.

Last words?
This is the last day till the Semi Final/ Grand Finale (tomorrow!). I won't be doing much today except for working during the day and just chill at night. As for practice, my body says "Enough, time for a break to recharge and recover from all the sores for tomorrow". I would not say it's been a perfect training so far, at least for me, but this is the best I can do and the limits of how much the body can take, wouldn't want the imaginary break down to come true.

I had another hardcore session of training last night and made full use of the time I have left. I met Kerry Ann there and I believe she's an experience dancer (at least looks like one); though fresh in pole dance but I'm sure she'll do just fine. At the end of the training, I figured, there are rounds that I can do it well but there are rounds that I can't complete it; and it all depends on the emotions and nerves, pretty much hard to control I would say, for not being nervous. Will just have to recover and compromise and hopefully I won't go brain dead when that happens. Again, easy said and done.

For someone who only just had 3 months of pole lessons, I'm honoured to be part of this showcase/ competition but also contradicting myself of my own standards to actually be in this. Whatever it is, many thanks to you out there who has been encouraging me all along and those who are attending the event to show support, I'll give me very best to be the best pole dancer out of myself and most of all, to give you guys a good show!

Oh by the way, there will celebrities performing to raise funds for WWF and WOA, how cool is that! And some of the instructors and students will be performing as well! So this event is going to be a blast!

LAST group training

2009-06-04T11:15:00.007+08:00

It's been hardcore practice for the past 2 days. It was the usual class on Tues and Sam allowed me to practice my own stuff towards the end of the class. Thankful as I get to practice the routine for the group solo as well as own solo, but will I make it to the Grand Final? It's still a BIG question mark. But I learnt there is no point of panic as it's only gonna make things worst and best would be to TRY to stay calm and give my best! Blahh.. easy said than done. This is me comforting myself.

I had a great fun during Tues's class, very interactive I would say among my pole mates. Kylie too, was there for replacement class as she was ill last week, so we exchanged opinions about poling and most of all, the competition. Undeniably, we're worried, HA HA!

Learnt this last week, thanks Sam! Finally undertsand this "Bow & Arrow" technique better and get to do it more comfortably this time compared to the first. *Sorry, photo turnt out to be more purple than I thought*

Oh we made great progress during our LAST group training last night - completed the routine for the whole song! I guess when it comes to desperate measures, you're forced to make progress, it's always the hard way eh. Since I've missed 2 group trainings, unintentionally of course, I'm doing my best to keep up with what the others have choreographed and make as little mistakes as I can, aicks! For now, the challenge would be doing a few rounds at site, we all still need to plant that routine deeper in our heads.

Tired yet excited, either of fear or of thrill, I can't believe it's happening in 2 days time *faint*

I wish myself all the best as well as to others! Bottom line, let's give them people a good show!

Hardcore pole practice

2009-06-02T16:41:00.001+08:00

I guess after days of not working out and not having much food intake during the recovering period, it takes more strength to get into the poling zone again, body requires more energy and mind requires more focus. Some of us fall sick, we really have to take care, not being fit is the last thing we want for this point of time. And I suppose other mates wish to have more time as much as I do too, but the fact is, WE DON'T! Oh brother~ We gotta pull ourselves together seriously.

It was a hardcore pole practice last night, without proper clothes and shorts, haha.. Only received a sms in the late afternoon that class was cancelled and we were welcome for access and I didn't bring along any comfy clothes for poling. But after talking to Lolita, met her there and Kylie too, I decided to practice. Unfortunately, or should I say luckily, there are no photos of what I was wearing, I look silly having the almost knee-length shorts pulled as high as it can go up my thighs but still a challenge to do certain techniques, especially the sit. Hence, I guess wearing a skirt is not a good idea to perform after all?

Though uncomfortable, I managed to figure out the portion that I've missed out for the solo routine so at least some progress. Other than that, was just repeating the routine until I'm comfortable and familiar with it but still room for adjustment. And not forgetting the solo in the group routine too, I had roughly do it but haven't really do it, so I shall do it during tonight's class. Haha.. confusing statement, losing my mind. And I should pay more attention to this than the solo routine right, as if I'm heading for the Grand Final already, blahhh~

4 days to go, sooo nerve wrecking and driving me nuts! With such lack of practice, how am I suppose to at least give a good performance??? What ever concern there is, this event definitely gets my full best! Our full best I trust! Go go go!!!

Slowly back on my feet

2009-05-31T23:15:00.002+08:00

I finally feel more relax, I guess the "poison" has left me, most of it at least. I managed to drag myself to the gym this morning to do some work out since I have not have the energy to move much for the past few days.

So exercise and stretching was good, still little old at the bones, haha.. But I'm fine. It was also the weekly cleaning day, that was another work out too, sweat does make you feel good~ Then off I went for lunch. It was the 1st time I had rice since Thurs! I gotta get more carbs and protein in me, need energy for the upcoming week!

Yvonne was kind enough to invite me to her place for pole practice, Jacklyn was there too. I managed to do a few rounds but after an hour or so, sweaty palms finally got in the way, maybe I'm still not fit enough, or I'm just plain nervous, or it could be the weather too, hmm.. However, at least there are some progress done. Did a few recordings to spot any mistakes that needs to be improved and with their help by giving constructive comments, helps a lot, thanks a bunch guys! I appreciate that.

Next practice, I'll implement some new ideas in, can't wait!

VV Pole Stars Grand Finale Exclusive Invitation

2009-05-29T23:02:00.006+08:00

VV Pole Stars Grand Finale Exclusive Invitation..

So mates, if you're interested of attending this event, I'm delighted to invite you and what you need to do is just let me know by 1st June, Monday morning, either through here or FB or mobile, so I can book you an entry as my guests.

The newspaper

2009-05-29T21:49:00.002+08:00

I finally managed to eat something proper for dinner but the tummy is still not itself. Sucha wrong timing, I missed my chance for pole access yesterday and tomorrow suppose to be a full pole-day: pole practice in the morning (Thanks Yvonne, for offering), group training in the afternoon and in-house showcase later. I guess I can't make it..

Just read the news in The Star, page 20, about the accident. Sadly, the little girl did not survive, reported to pass away on the spot, I just do not know what to say..

But I guess I should put myself together and get back on my feet soon. Sorry guys for all these sulky news but I just need to let it out.

Have a good weekend ya'll!

Group training #4

2009-05-29T11:06:00.011+08:00

Good morning everyone! It's a weak morning for me but I hope all is well..

Here are some pictures taken with the mates during the group training on Wednesday night

And here is a compilation video recorded by Lola, edited by Vee

Regrets..

2009-05-28T23:32:00.004+08:00

Received a bad news from Lola last night about Jenny being admitted to the hospital due to appendicitis, oh dear, I hope she recovers well. I have no experience of such but I heard about how painful the recovering period is and I hope hers ain't too severe.

Being physically and mentally drained before, I'm feeling weak today, seen the doctor and claimed to be food poisoning, oh brother~ Not to mention, the time of month old symptoms (not even having it yet) and lightheaded. On top of it all, I would like to share my regrets about something so bad that I never wish it would fall upon someone, just right before my eyes.

Just as I came out from the clinic near my office (I was at work this morning but feeling not quite right after a while), I heard a loud bang, undoubtedly the sound of 2 cars knocking into each other. When my eyes meet the source of the sound, I saw a car at a parking slot, in a reversed position, with most of the back portion was already up to the divider. The woman in the car looks clueless, figuring it was embarassing that she could not even park properly, and still is after she got out of the car to check the damage of the car she knocked next to hers.

Something caught my eyes - a little figure underneath the car, to be exact, in between the driver's side tyre and the divider. The next thing I heard, a guy nearby shouted "Baby!" and that's when I confirmed myself that what I saw is true, it's a little girl! And that's also when the woman notice that it's her daughter (so I figured), she started screaming while I rush to car to see what I can help and other 8-10 men, they lift the car and someone move the little girl away from there.

My view was blocked by the men so I didn't see the condition of the little girl. I notice everyone was stunned and I quickly ran back to the clinic to ask them to call the ambulance and I was suggested to get someone to drive her straight to the hospital. I ran out and asked a man to get a car or if knows anyone who has a car nearby to help but all they ever said to me is that "She's not moving anymore and probably won't make it, that accident probably crush her skull". I ran back to the clinic trying to comprehend what to do next, the doctor was reporting the accident via phone, to the hospital I reckoned. I told her that I couldn't get any help, she kept asking me to find help cause the ambulance probably will take a while to arrive. I ran out again asking for help but all the people standing/ lingering around the area, about 5 of them are calling the ambulance, no one offers help. I was devastated and spiritually drained. I stood there as helplessly as the woman did, kneeling at the side of her daughter, crying and screaming away.

I walked away, back to the office few blocks away, feeling tired from my physical condition and numb from what I just encountered. I briefly told my boss what happened and I packed my stuff to head home to rest, that should already be 30mins after the encounter. I passed 1 street away from the accident site, the usual way to get out of my working area, and I saw that the ambulance just arrived.

I can't describe how I feel but I definitely regret for not being strong will enough to overcome the pain that I'm having and get my car to drive them to the hospital, the little girl could have been saved, 1 min makes a lot of difference whether the victim could make it, what's more 30mins.

When I got home, I finally able to nap to overcome the physical pain but I'm emotionally troubled by the accident that it's even playing in my head while I nap. I woke up in tears feeling worst than ever as though I'm in the woman's shoes, I should have, I could have.. I'm sorry. All I hope now that the little girl still has the chance to survive and I keep wondering what's her condition and the woman (the mother), she must feel.. devastated, that's even a word understated.

Not sure how well I can overcome this "trauma" and regrets.. Hoping for nothing else but the best for her..

Rewind..

2009-05-27T13:43:00.011+08:00

I gotta say that I haven't stop moving ever since I got back. Touch down on Monday late afternoon, working already the next day, usual class at night and today, group training #4! It's draining me. I've missed #3 on Saturday, not sure what has been accomplished by other mates but I'm sure there's something =) Oh here's the video of group training #2, nothing much but I gotta admit I made some mistakes, sorry mates, I'll be more focus!

Photos taken during my trip are still in the process of editing, will post some significant ones soon and IF I have the time to do so, seems pretty much packed with stuff to do nowadays.

Since I was away, I didn't get the chance to practice until the usual class last night. I was playing the song in my head while putting the choreo into real action, mostly trying to see how well I can transit from one move to another. Oh man~ Much adjustment has to be made. I've gotten some useful opinions from my mates and Sam for techniques correction. Hmm.. Less than 2 weeks, maybe about another 3 times of practice? Will that be sufficient? I really do hope so.. And thanks Sam for ensuring me that all are still possible.

But wait! Outfit and make-up, ahhh~ Not what I'm good at, being the least material girl that I am with limited range of clothing and no use of any make-up, that's another big challenge. Hope my friends can help but I'll have to figure out my concept of outfit in accordance to the concept of my choreo before hand. Geez.. I have no idea there are so many preparation to do.. And heels, I sort of wrecked my other heels last night, I gotta admit that it is still better with proper dancing shoes BUT I don't have one and I'm not a big spender neither to have the luxury to be one! Sigh. Last resort, I'll go barefoot.

All these little challenges pretty much making me a little blank and uncertain, but stay calm Curtney, plan one by one, inhale exhale, inhale exhale..

I'm back

2009-05-25T22:39:00.010+08:00

Hallo!

I'm back from the beautiful Pulau Weh in Aceh! I was hoping that I could stay longer for the little trip but timing doesn't allow me to, gotta get back to work and last but not least, preparation for the Semi Final/ Grand Finale.

Just got home few hours back and unpacking and dinner bla bla bla.. so I'm just gonna make it short and update ya'll with more details later, maybe not details, just stuff =) Exhausted, in a good way though, the extreme hiking and climbing and walking and swimming during the trip, plus the hectic-ness of work and pole training before I left, which all accumulated, body seems to tell you that you.. need.. to.. slow down.. Arghhh.. I need to be fitter for the game~

Today's already 25 May!!! Geez, time sure flies ain't it? Still haven't have my full practice for the competition nor the upcoming showcase and it is freaking me out! And not forgetting the time of the month is coming, can already feel the tingling uneasiness at the tummy, oh brother~ That ain't gonna help. But whatever so, I'll give my 110%, at least 101%, or 91% depending on how much my body can cope. Okay, babbling is also a sign of needing more rest.

So alrighty, time to hit the sack. It's been a long day, already awake 6ish to have the last stroll and look at the beach and the sunset, oh my~ Just simply lovely! I'll post them pictures when they are ready aite. For now, one for ya'll..

Gute Nacht und schlaft gut!

Group training #2

2009-05-21T21:49:00.003+08:00

Oh how I hope today's a Sun without having to wake up early. If I have the chance, I would probably hibernate for days, can hardly open my eyes fully, more like Garfield now, haha..

Feeling as crushed as yesterday. The usual class, group training, own training and work is becoming too much to handle as all requires full energy and attention; plus the hot weather! Blah! System starts acting up too, feeling the strain at my old back injury area, and tiredness making me hard to focus at work at times; sorry boss, it’ll soon be over ;)

I was 12minutes late for last night’s training, sorry guys, was at work till a little late and went to a friend’s place along the way to save more videos for ideas. I’m glad that the videos are useful and helped us making our beginning phase of choreography more solid together with the input from others. Lotsa opinions being given, discussion being carried out, that's a good team work! The main element for this stage I suppose, other than each of us having to do our 1 minute solo showing our execution of techniques.

And we also welcome Jenny, our new team mate! I feel bad for her to have to travel all the way from Seremban and to drive home after night training. Hope this is a good experience nonetheless for her and that she feels comfortable with us =)

Anyways, despite of the tiredness, we all manage to finally come up with choreography for the beginning phase as a team and it’s been a good process so far, well done to all of us! The video is on the way of editing, hope it’s of good quality (recorded using phone) since all of us didn’t bring a camera. It will be published here after I get back or at other team members’ blog too so watch out! ;)

The others will continue with brain storming for 2nd phase on Sat, which I won’t be able to join. Hope being away from the city and everything else could be of a good break to refresh myself; otherwise I won’t be able to keep up.

I won’t be able to write till I return on Monday afternoon, unless I'm not lazy to get online, so I’ll see you guys then and have a good weekend!

And I have not finish packing yet! Ahhh!!!

Usual class..

2009-05-20T11:19:00.007+08:00

Gosh waking up feeling crushed, gotta take it easy with work out and practice. But can’t wait for the group training tonight, and hope me and the mates are be able to combine our thoughts together to come up with some choreography, at least for this week, fingers cross, and toes too ;p Too bad I can’t join them this weekend as I’ll be away on a trip from Friday till Monday, which I’m looking forward to as well =)

Oh before I go any further, maybe I should recap of what’s going on here, for those who don’t really know about the cause of this blog. This blog is created in the event of Viva Vertical Pole Stars 2009, see link http://vvpolestars.wordpress.com/ Click on “Pole Stars Personal Blogs” and you’ll see all the finalists (me will be “Olly” for FitPole category) and the details of the competition.

Me and other 5 semi finalists are to create a blog to share our progress or thoughts about this sport or the competition and to get your support by you leaving comments or to be a “Followers” (I would prefer the word supporters though). I’ll try to make this blog as interesting as possible, and so if you wish to support me, you know what to do ;)

So continue with my progress. I had a great class last night and gotten good guidance on a technique, as shown in the photo below. That was my first few attempts and will do better in terms of getting the form much nicer =) Also tried out pole routine with heels, oh hell yea I need better heels, so will try on the other one tonight during training. Wearing heels does make the legs look much leaner and sort of exaggerate the muscle profile, nice.. But it also takes more strength control at the ankle and has to be more careful while doing certain techniques/ moves.

Not forgetting getting new bruises at the biceps on top of the old already fading ones, LOL, I could be easily be mistaken of an abused victim. Luckily no sore at the waist yet from trying the Scorpio or Gemini but it’ll come soon. For now, I wouldn’t wanna break anything, in me, LOL.

Okie dokie, will be off now, hope I can update ya’ll with some progress on tonight’s group training tomorrow.

Ordinary night..

2009-05-18T21:02:00.004+08:00

Pheww.. Returning home after work on a Monday always feel extra relief.

First day of the week is always little tiring than usual with the post-weekend-laziness.

Nothing out of the norm except for having to go to a site to meet a client to discuss the interior work of his house. Oh man~ this client might be a tricky one as he likes his brother's house that just been "architecturally" completed (few blocks away from his house) and it ain't a lovely house at all. So me and my boss are changing his mindset of design, strategically step by step.

Anyways, shall not blah too much about it.

So no practice today except for "acting out" the choreography in my head while I'm driving, been out most of the day, the warm weather ain't helping at all. Getting more familiar with the routine but still lotsa space for adjustment, after all I still need to do few takes on full practice with a pole before getting it right. Geez I need a pole to practice!!!

Well, at least I get to try something out during tomorrow's class, yeah!!!

Although this is a competition but I strongly think that the people deserve a good enjoyable show and we ought to give them a good one, whether winning or losing. "Competition is not a way to judge or measure your ability" I happily quoted this, by my instructor.

Hope you guys get to loosen up a bit on a Monday night, I shall be continuing with my Little Britain that undoubtedly, always manage to give me some good laughs =)

"Yea but no but yea but no but.. Shut up I can't believe you just said that.." Those who watched Little Britain would know, those who have not, should try ;)

Self training on a Sunday morning

2009-05-17T14:40:00.013+08:00

Hot Sunday morning..
After the whole night of "feeling" and "developing" emotions to the song, it's time to put my rough mind-choreography into practice.
So had breakfast and down I go to the gym for its full length mirrors.

Starting with stretching. Oh dear.. my bones are getting too old for my age though still young, have to remember not to push my back too hard, really bad back injury in my teens during volleyball training.

Anyways, so starts the practice, it'll be so much better to have a pole to practice fully. For now, it's just working out the choreography and collaborating it with the song, and keep on going till I'm familiarize with it. Darn I need to fix my heels or try other better ones too.

This is a collage of me during practice, nothing spectacular but thought it's nice to share something ;) Hope you guys like it.

After feeling satisfied for today, off I go for lunch. Well, main reason was tummy was crying for food so had to stop, haha.. Yea I know, me pig, oink oink~ Oh speaking of food, you guys gotta try this stall in Jalan Alor, the Hakka Mee is sooo good and the "Siew Yok" is crisp and tender at the same time, mmm mmmm.. I'll take a pic of the stall just in case you guys thought of checking it out.

Alrighty mates, off I go now to rest my mind a bit. Little Britain will make a good Sunday snack-show ;)

You guys enjoy the rest of the weekend aite!

Group training #1

2009-05-16T12:29:00.005+08:00

Waking up on a Saturday morning feeling.. weird but in a good way.
Can't stop myself from thinking about poling and the competition, or shall I say worrying?
It's exactly 3 weeks ONLY to go until the Grand Finale, WHAT THE !?!?!

We met up last night at the studio for #1 group training. Unfortunately, we didn't get the music yet. Lola is cracking her head mixing songs and stuff, poor dear, I understand how tough it is to choose the right song, what's more songs and mix them into one. Hence, I hope the songs and suggestions I email her this morning could be of some help to her in some ways =)

Technically we didn't do much last night other than practicing and sharing our personal poling experience. Nothing major but it's really nice to discuss how certain spins or techniques are executed, and chatting to get to know each other.

Of course we also take the chance to at least try to roughly coordinate our own solo routine. I think we're all worry about the tight time frame to practice the group routine, what's more own solo routine since most do not have a pole at home to practice as often as possible. 3 weeks! You kidding me!?!? Well I'm sure the organizers ain't ;)

I hope our next training will be a productive one, not just talking and noise since unexpectedly 2 boys came to the studio, which I guess outsiders are allowed, yes no?

Alrighty guys, I'll talk to you guys again tomorrow! Till then, ya'll keep well aite!

Let's do this!

Where the journey starts

2009-05-14T12:47:00.012+08:00

I made it! At least for the Preliminary.
At the bottom is my video (1st video ever recorded) that I submitted for the Preliminary, actually it was my 2nd recording.

A little insight from the beginning.
I did my 1st recording and wasn't satisfied with it, so I reselected a new genre of song and started to choreograph new routine in my mind, expressing the song yet incorporating the routine from the pre-choreographed video given.
When I finally get to put the routine in my mind into practice, the blister I got from previous practice burst and I couldn't perform even a simple spin, what's more making a single recording.
I was devastated cause I don't have a good video to submit though I already had the 1st recording, not satisfied.
To speed up the recovery of the blister, I've open up the "bubble" and pour antiseptic liquid for wounds in it so it dries faster. Ooh.. darn it hurts.

Then comes the weekend and I book myself a spot for pole access. There I meet Kenny aka Flipper again and we did the recording together, and also met Jon Ti aka Chunky Monkey. They are all great and have taught me a thing or two.
Having to bear with still, some slight pain at the blister area, I manage to make my 2nd recording, pheww.. Though not perfect but I feel more attached to the routine and the song.
I've shown it to my instructor and some friends for opinions and all have given me very constructive comments. Finally, I've chosen to submit the 2nd video.

And here I am, given good chance to join other good pole dancers for Semi Finals, which we'll be practicing a group routine together for the weeks to come and perform during the Grand Finale, 6th June 2009. So girls! Oh and guy too, let's train hard together and give them all a good performance.

And watch out for what comes next ;)

The ending counts but the journey matters more.

The beginning

2009-05-14T11:20:00.008+08:00

Hey guys,

This blog is created for you all in the event of Viva Vertical Pole Stars.
Here, you will be able to see my progress during training sessions until the Grand Finale.
I'll be sharing my thoughts and hope to get as much feedback as possible from you, yes, you there ;)
So stay tuned and hope you enjoy it!