How to create your perfect Pole Passion Grading Routine - www.polepassion.com choreography

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

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