Photo Julia Kubak Fotografia
Overcome a Plateau
Pole dancing is a unique and challenging form of dance that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. For many pole dancers, the initial excitement and passion for the dance can eventually fade, leaving them feeling frustrated and stuck in a rut. This feeling of being stuck, or reaching a plateau, is something that most pole dancers experience at some point in their journey. In this blog post, we'll discuss some strategies for overcoming a plateau in pole dancing and reigniting your passion for this incredible art form.
Photo Anna Reimus
Shift Your Focus
One of the main reasons why many pole dancers reach a plateau is because they become too focused on their progress and not on the process. When we start pole dancing, we are often driven by a desire to improve and learn new moves. However, as we progress and become more advanced, it can be easy to lose sight of the joy of dancing itself. To overcome a plateau, it can be helpful to shift your focus from progress to the joy of moving your body to music. This shift in perspective can help you to rediscover your love for pole dancing and re-ignite your passion.
Work on Technique
One way to overcome a plateau is to focus on your technique. Even if you feel like you're not progressing in terms of new moves or tricks, you can still work on perfecting your technique and form. This focus on technique can help to make your movements more efficient and graceful, which can enhance your overall performance.
For me big plus of the pandemic (If there's any) is the fact that it's now easier to find lessons online so you can learn from your favorite pole dancers. I highly recommend checking those below:
- Alethea Austin The Chrome Bar
- Arlene Caffrey IPDA
- Marlo Fisken Flow Movement
- Sarah Blackmilk
- Tia Jax
- Pole Dance Academy Online by Maddie Sparlke and Mishelle Shimmy
I personally tried them all and they really helped me go through pandemic as well as whenever I felt like I need to shift my focus. With the variety of lessons to choose from now you are sure to find ones that will help you find your mojo!
Photo Anna Reimus
Set Realistic Goals
Another common reason why pole dancers reach a plateau is because they set unrealistic goals for themselves. While it's great to have aspirations and aim high, setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and frustration. Instead, set realistic and achievable goals that you can work towards. This can help to boost your confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment when you reach those goals.
Me living my best life making friends with the poler that inspired me to start pole dancing - Alethea Austin in the world famous The Chrome Bar.
Connect with Other Dancers
Finally, one of the best ways to overcome a plateau is to connect with other pole dancers. This can help to create a sense of community and support, which can be incredibly motivating. You can learn from other dancers and share your experiences, as well as get tips and advice on how to overcome a plateau.
Even the shortest vacay can give you new perspective and re-inspire you to pole.
Take a Break
Sometimes, the best way to overcome a plateau is to take a break from pole dancing altogether. This break can help to give your body and mind a rest, and allow you to come back to pole dancing with renewed energy and enthusiasm. It would be even better if you could take a break from your everyday life by taking at least weekend off to visit new city, go on the hike or finally accept the invitation from your friend that you were postponing far to long now! During this break, you can also explore other forms of movement or exercise that can complement your pole dancing practice of get inspired by change of the scenery to create your next pole act!
One of my favorite hobby outside pole dancing is gardening and knitting. This jumper I made myself and you can see how happy it made me :D!
Connect with Other Interests
In addition to connecting with other pole dancers, it can also be helpful to connect with other interests and passions outside of pole dancing. Engaging in activities such as gardening, cooking, knitting, or reading history books can help to provide a sense of balance and fulfillment in your life. These activities can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a creative outlet that can enhance your overall well-being. By connecting with other interests and passions, you can bring a new sense of inspiration and creativity to your pole dancing practice. Who knows, you might even find ways to incorporate elements of these activities into your pole dance routines!
Furry mindfulness with Nutka and Skarpetka
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
In addition to connecting with other interests, practicing mindfulness and meditation can also help to overcome a plateau in pole dancing. Mindfulness involves being fully present and aware of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the moment. Meditation is a practice that can help to cultivate mindfulness and bring a sense of calm and clarity to your mind. By practicing mindfulness and meditation, you can learn to connect with yourself on a deeper level and develop a greater sense of self-awareness. This can help to enhance your pole dancing practice by allowing you to be more in tune with your body, emotions, and movements. Try incorporating a few minutes of mindfulness or meditation into your daily routine, and see how it can help you overcome your plateau in pole dancing. For me it's really helpful to be present when I spend my time with my cats giving them my full uninterrupted attention every single day. In those little pockets of time I feel present and really relaxed. They soft warm fur and happy purr is undoubtedly a big bonus ;)
Photo Oliwia Gracz
In conclusion, reaching a plateau in pole dancing is a common experience for many dancers. However, by shifting your focus, setting realistic goals, taking a break, focusing on technique, and connecting with other dancers, you can overcome this plateau and reignite your passion for this incredible art form. Remember to be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey – the progress will come naturally as you continue to dance with joy and dedication.
Yours,
Agata