How to create your perfect Pole Passion Grading Routine
Combining your moves into a routine is a skill, it’s
choreography and this sometimes doesn’t come naturally to everyone. So if
even the thought of choreographing a routine frightens you then ask for
help. It may not be as daunting as you think when it broken down as below
1. KNOW YOUR MOVES
Make sure you know your syllabus well and
the names of all the moves
You should have been practicing these moves lots in your
class
Remember you can not do a move higher than your level – this
is always challenging if you have been poling a long while but only new to the
grading routines
2. MUSIC
Think about your music carefully – Feel it from within
It certainly shows if you don't - if in any doubt don't use
it. It's not the right choice of music if you have doubts - and never let
someone else pick your music (it's ok that they help and advise, but
ultimately it's your choice)
This can take a while for many people even the
professionals!! So give yourself plenty of time
Down load it to your phone or iPod ideally and again make sure this is done well in advance of the grading day
Down load it to your phone or iPod ideally and again make sure this is done well in advance of the grading day
3. YOUR ROUTINE
Think about your linking moves and style, the filler moves
and even some floor work! - Good
routines are made up of many different elements
It's not just about the tricks tricks tricks so concentrate
on those linking transitions too. Transitions in, out, around, up, down and
from pole to pole is
Just as important as your tricks !
Count in 4’S and 8’s in time to the music, the beat and the
flow – you can even choreograph to the words too. Try printing out the lyrics
of your song then write next to the words what moves you are going to do so its
more methodical
You can even draw pictures using stick men or symbols, if words
don’t work for you
4. CLOTHING
As crazy as it sounds do spend some time on this – At the
grading you can only use fitness clothing but it has to fit well and you need to
feel 100% comfortable wearing it and make sure its ready two days before so
there is no mad last minute panics
5. RELAX
This is easier than it sounds I know.
Enjoying
your performance is easier said than done But it is really over so quickly - if
your routine or 'story' doesn't warrant a smile then please add one in at
the end of your performance - when you bow and say your 'thank you's
for watching'
So many performers and competitors show their nerves, and
not their passion for dance and the pole - The assessors and audience need to
be wowed within the first 15 seconds of your performance if possible !!
6. POSTURE & ALIGNMENT
This one you will know!!
But please if this is a problem of yours, say it over and
over again in your head during your routine -
'POINT YOUR TOES Extend your limbs' including concentrate on
your fingers too!!
7. FLEXIBILITY &
STRETCH
Focus on your flexibility - This is such an important part
of modern pole routines. This means correct preparation warm ups and cool
downs, not only on the day of the completion but the weeks before and
weeks after!
You should be allowing at least 20 minutes preparation
stretch before it's your turn on the poles (many of the champions will be
warming and stretching for 2 hours prior!!)
8. EMOTION & EYE CONTACT
Engage with your audience and
assessors if possible
This is simple and can be done with eye contact, facial
expressions and hands reaching towards them pulling them back into your
body and your performance and emotion!!!
9. CONTROL YOUR BREATHING
Breathe!
An excellent performance not only leaves the performer
breathless but the assessors AND audience too
Give all the power and energy you have got even on the
shorter routines too
10. ATTENTION TO DETAIL
It's the little details that
matter too
Practice and get someone truthful to critique your
performance - get them to find 10 things for you to improve on !
11. MINDSET
Have fun and look at it as a performance not a
grading
Most importantly remember the qualities of an excellent
performer are very different to that of an excellent instructor or student
The skills and mindset are very different, MEDITATION AND
VISUALISATION ARE EXCELLENT preparation skills for a champion on the pole :)
12. MOST IMPORTANTLY
Check the website for the rules and
guidelines of the music an length of your routines and if in doubt speak with your instructor
and ask lots of questions
Enjoy yourself, Meet new people, Be safe, Train
Safe...remember every challenge is a growth step forward.
PRACTICE ~ PRACTICE ~ PRACTICE
Thank you for joining us at The Pole Passion Grading
Good Luck
Kay Penney
Pole Passion www.polepassion.com
