PADCS Photo Challenge Week One

Wednesday: A photo of my pole/hoop idol or bestie.
​Hashtag: #wcw

Clockwise from top: Miss Teresa (Broken Ballerina Studio); Barbell Dancer and Miss Teresa at PADCS Christmas Showcase 2018 (My own); Miss Teresa and Barbell Dancer during the 2017 ambassador finalists photoshoot (Broken Ballerina Studio).

It's day one of the @pole.divas #padcsphotochallenge! Today is #wcw, a photo of your fav pole idol or pole bestie.

For me, this was a no-brainer. The fabulous woman in these photos is Miss Teresa who has been my pole idol since I started at #padcs. Her strength, creativity and determined, fun-loving spirit have always inspired me, and she has always been there with an idea when I'm stuck for a routine or just need some creative advice in general. She is a true gem and her splits, both on and off the pole, are absolute GOALS!

I was doing a make-up Beginners class early in my pole days when I watched this woman pass Beginner Static. This sticks out in my memory because I'd never before seen anyone so strong and beautiful. Thank you for always inspiring me to do my best, Teresa.

Thursday: An 'oldie but a goodie' photo from my beginner pole days.
Hashtag: #tbt

Photos: Barbell Dancer, 2017. Images by EMC Photography.

Day Two of the @pole.divas #padcsphotochallenge. Today is #tbt, an oldie but a goodie from my beginner pole days.

These photos are from my Showtime 2017 solo, my first ever live solo, self-choreographed performance. I only used one pole, did only static tricks, and no inverts. But the photo of my amazing (aerial) diva pose has always been a favourite, the angle is unusual, but I love it! I also included a photo of some floor work from this routine because HAIR FLICK!

Sunday: Something new I learned in class this week.
​Hashtag: #sundayfunday

Day Three of the @pole.divas #padcsphotochallenge. Today is #sundayfunday, something fun I learned in class this week.

This term I am taking a break from Intermediate Static and doing eight weeks of Inversion Therapy to grow and challenge myself. This trick is called a Back Straddle Thread Through and, while it ain't pretty or graceful right now, it will be once I push through the fear. I once fell out of this trick and got concussion (never attempt new tricks without a spot!) and, while you can't see it in the video, I do have a crash mat underneath me for added safety.

The first video features Kristy Lee being being an incredible support and spotter; she says this is all me, but I'm not sure yet. The second video is me attempting to Back Straddle Thread Through on my own (the mat is still there, even though you can't see it), but failing and slipping down the pole. I was really slide-y yesterday, no matter how much grip I applied 

​Stay tuned for what's coming next week in the PADCS Photo Challenge!