Saturday, January 21, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Studio Update
Hey Fans PLEASE don't get discouraged about classes being Full. For all of our regular clients, this will soon pass. The 1st LivingSocial Vouchers expire 2/18/12, and they are all trying to use them at the last minute. So please be patient. Spaces will open up. We have added 3 classes on Saturday. We are so glad that people LOVE our classes, and want to keep you all happy!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Feedback from LivingSocial 5 Class Voucher
Best class ever. Looking forward to returning!
Fun and a different type of workout!
The instructor was very compassionate and professional. Although my muscles were achy, I enjoyed the workout...
this is a total kick butt class. I did not go in expecting it to be easy, but HOLY COW!!! Brianna was awesome, though slightly scary at some times :) Looking forward to next classes, assuming I can move by then!
The workout was great and more than expected! Staff was quite friendly and professional. Looking forward to returning
Fun and a different type of workout!
The instructor was very compassionate and professional. Although my muscles were achy, I enjoyed the workout...
this is a total kick butt class. I did not go in expecting it to be easy, but HOLY COW!!! Brianna was awesome, though slightly scary at some times :) Looking forward to next classes, assuming I can move by then!
The workout was great and more than expected! Staff was quite friendly and professional. Looking forward to returning
Why so close-minded?
As I write this blog entry, I wonder how to talk with people about Poling without offending anyone. Ever since I can remember, I have always been attracted to the intimidating aspects of life. I was always called the Rebel, the bad girl, the one that wanted to start trouble. I never saw myself that way and still don’t. I believe in doing what makes you happy, and most of the time it’s in the unsafe. Life is about growing, trying new things, and exploring, and you just can’t do that without going against the grain. 10 years ago, Yoga was saw as taboo, people always asked; “What’s it about?” “Is it a religion?” “Can I still believe in god?” funny now to think about some of the questions, but it happened. In my years of training to be a Vinyasa instructor, I met some beautiful people, and not so beautiful people, some downright ugly folks. But I kept going, I kept pushing doors open, that were nailed shut, and now Yoga is in every club, at the supermarket, on every other commercial, and completely watered down. So it’s hard to believe that now that I’m into Pole Dancing, that the first question people seemed to ask is, “Are you a stripper?” I’m always shocked at how someone that doesn’t know you at all has the balls to ask something like that. Or just plain assume that they are better than you because you like a Pole. I’ve realized that more women are closed minded to new ideas of fitness. What is wrong with being sexy, and keeping in touch with your femininity, while working up a sweat?
Pole Dancing has taught me things I would have never learned elsewhere. I am aware of everything on my body, from the dimples in thighs, to the scares on my knees, to the way my toes curl when I climb, and it make me smile. I sweat more dancing than I have ever done running. Poling has taught me to be okay with me. That I do not have to compare myself to some idealized version of someone else. If you look around in the Pole Industry, (of course the US is behind) we are all so different. Even in any given class, there are some many different varieties of women. In our dance backgrounds, our fitness backgrounds, our reason of starting, our styles of poling, our careers, but we all share a common goal; to show ourselves that we can do it. Poling is an art form. It takes talent, and more than that patience to get better. To have your body hang from a solid piece of metal and then only thing that is controlling you is yourself, is sheer amazing. I knew I was strong, but I didn’t know I was sexy. It took me time, to actually look at myself in the mirror, and be okay with what I saw. To say, Damn you sexy! To learn something new about you can only be a good thing. I want more women to challenge themselves into trying new things. It doesn’t have to be Pole, maybe it’s that new food, or that movie, a new language, or talking to that lady that just seems different from you. Do something! Stop living in your box, you’ve created to keep yourself safe. Safe is boring! And who wants to live in a boring place? Life is short, and it’s even shorter when we tie ourselves to a stunted leash. If I have learned one thing from my life of ridicule, it’s that: I DON’T LIVE FOR ANYONE BUT ME! But I do like being around things that make me happy, and accept me for who I am; and I have to say the Pole Loves me.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
And another
Pole Vigor:
Cardio, pole and strength combine to give you an invigorating workout that will keep you coming back for more! With a new format every week, your body will be in the finest form yet! This class is not for the delicate!
Cardio, pole and strength combine to give you an invigorating workout that will keep you coming back for more! With a new format every week, your body will be in the finest form yet! This class is not for the delicate!
Another One.
Another NEW CLASS:
Feisty Ballet involves postural and alignment work with flexibility to define and lengthen the muscles. This class incorporates moves from various disciplines in basic ballet, contemporary dance, and yoga
Feisty Ballet involves postural and alignment work with flexibility to define and lengthen the muscles. This class incorporates moves from various disciplines in basic ballet, contemporary dance, and yoga
New Class!!!
Just 1 of the NEW CLASSES we are adding to the schedule, starting January.
Expressive Dance Fusion encourages you to break through boundaries and explore the sensual nature of freedom in movement and offers you a deeper, richer body knowledge and sense of liberating movement in space. Great class for learning Choreography.
Expressive Dance Fusion encourages you to break through boundaries and explore the sensual nature of freedom in movement and offers you a deeper, richer body knowledge and sense of liberating movement in space. Great class for learning Choreography.
New Schedule Starts Jan 9!!!!
Mondays:
5:30 - 6:30pm Pole Dance Level 1
6:30 - 7:30pm Pole Vigor
7:45 - 8:35pm Pole Dance Intro
8:45 - 9:45pm Chair Dance
Tuesdays:
5:15 - 6:15pm Pole Dance Intro
6:30 - 7:30pm Pole Dance Level 1
7:30 - 8:45pm Pole Dance Level 2
8:55 - 10pm Pole Dance Level 3
Wednesdays:
5:30 - 6:30pm Pole Conditioning Core
6:45 - 7:30pm Pole Dance Intro
7:45 - 8:35pm Caribbean Breeze Dance
8:45 - 9:45pm Pole Dance Level 1
Thursdays:
10 - 11am Pole Condtioning Core
5:15 - 6:15pm Feisty Ballet Stretch
6:30 - 7:15pm Expressive Dance Fusion
7:30 - 8:30pm Pole Dance Level 1
8:45 - 10pm Pole Dance Level 2
Fridays:
5:30 - 6:15pm Sweat Dance
6:30 - 7:45pm Pole Dance Level 2
Saturdays:
9:30 - 10:30am Belly Dance
11 - 12pm Pole Dance Intro
Special Classes:
4th Fridays: 8 - 9pm Make It Clap
1st Saturdays: 6:45 - 8:30pm Lovers Moves
5:30 - 6:30pm Pole Dance Level 1
6:30 - 7:30pm Pole Vigor
7:45 - 8:35pm Pole Dance Intro
8:45 - 9:45pm Chair Dance
Tuesdays:
5:15 - 6:15pm Pole Dance Intro
6:30 - 7:30pm Pole Dance Level 1
7:30 - 8:45pm Pole Dance Level 2
8:55 - 10pm Pole Dance Level 3
Wednesdays:
5:30 - 6:30pm Pole Conditioning Core
6:45 - 7:30pm Pole Dance Intro
7:45 - 8:35pm Caribbean Breeze Dance
8:45 - 9:45pm Pole Dance Level 1
Thursdays:
10 - 11am Pole Condtioning Core
5:15 - 6:15pm Feisty Ballet Stretch
6:30 - 7:15pm Expressive Dance Fusion
7:30 - 8:30pm Pole Dance Level 1
8:45 - 10pm Pole Dance Level 2
Fridays:
5:30 - 6:15pm Sweat Dance
6:30 - 7:45pm Pole Dance Level 2
Saturdays:
9:30 - 10:30am Belly Dance
11 - 12pm Pole Dance Intro
Special Classes:
4th Fridays: 8 - 9pm Make It Clap
1st Saturdays: 6:45 - 8:30pm Lovers Moves
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
LEVEL 2 AUDITIONS
To all our Beautiful ladies that take POLE DANCE - LEVEL 2 is getting ready to start! That 8 week session, will teach 5 new spins, & new Strip tease moves. You'll learn how to Spin in your heels, put together routines, and more. Interested in moving up??? To move up, you must SHOW off your skills to the LSF Instructors. We are holding LEVEL 2 auditions on NOV 3, 2011 @ 6:45pm & 8:45pm. To get more of the low down, visit our blog!
Below you will find what the LSF Staff will be looking for, and what to expect. We want to make sure our clients are safe, and ready to move on in their Pole Practice, so this is the way to make it happen. If you can execute all the LEVEL 1 SPINS, and the routine you learned in class, we will all know (including yourself) that you are ready.
Below you will find what the LSF Staff will be looking for, and what to expect. We want to make sure our clients are safe, and ready to move on in their Pole Practice, so this is the way to make it happen. If you can execute all the LEVEL 1 SPINS, and the routine you learned in class, we will all know (including yourself) that you are ready.
Level I Advance to Level II Class
Goal: Demonstrate ability to execute:
· basic spins
· smooth transitions
· fluid, confident walk
· strong core
· beginner arm strength
· proper hand & body placement
· confidence
In order to advance to Level II, student will present a fluid, smooth freestyle routine for approx. 2-3 minutes (<1 song). This will be done with the presence of LSF Instructor trained with, and two other LSF Instructors.
· Routine must contain the following spins:
o Fireman (open leg)
o Martini
o Stag
o Front hook
o Back hook
· Routine must contain 1 floor move with recovery (example, back slide, floor crawl, leg kicks (floor), etc.)
· Routine must consists of smooth transitions between moves
· Student must demonstrate at least 1 spin 1-handed
· Student must demonstrate proper turn, step turn, pirouette, and/or toe spin from walk to demonstrate spins on BOTH hands (left & right) during routine *note – all spins do not have to be shown with both hands; you can do 2 spins on right, 2 on left
· Student must demonstrate proper form for entire routine (strong core, shoulders back, proper hand placement)
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
BELLY DANCE-HALL
This is our 1st Belly dance class at LSF. It will be a test class to see if our clients LOVE it and want it to STAY on the schedule. This class will teach you to work your belly in a seductive way that hypnotizes. Dance to traditional Belly Dance Music & some Reggae... Just $5.00 for this class. Time: 5:45pm - 6:30pm Date: October 25, 2011 Where: Little Secret Fitness, 3500 Kensington Ave Ste B2 Space is limited. Only 15 people can attend, and you must book at www.timecenter.com/lsf  |
Friday, September 30, 2011
Extended Review of Pole Shorts......
I'd like to start off by stating that when I review a product that has been sent to me as a sample or purchased by me, I do so with full honesty. I am never paid to review anything by anyone and all opinions are mine.
That being said, the first thing I noticed when I was reading the reviews of the Mika Yogawear's Mikaela Shorts was that they were reviewed by Amber Richard (American Pole Fitness Championships Pole Artist of the Year 2009, and actually wearing Mika Yogawear brand in the linked video) and Zoraya Judd (American Pole Fitness Championships, 2nd place champion, women's division and Pole Athlete of the Year 2010). These shorts were included in the gift bag that all competitors received at USPDF Nationals. After reading that, I had a feeling this is the brand that the pro's wore. Call me crazy--why would I think that? I listed them on my initial pole dance shorts blog post, so scroll down and find it!
I contacted Mika Yogawear to see if I could test them out myself and give you all a full-on, honest to goodness extended review of the product.
I got two pairs--the Mikaela Shorts and the Betty Shorts. I got the Mikaela in XS (since the S/M was sold out due to high demand!!!!!!) and the Betty in S/M. The first thing I'll say is this: I have a big booty. Its not bubbly, its wide and flat (working on making it more bubble), and it has a habit of eating shorts and undies. Constant wedgies, I have 'em. (Told you I was gonna be honest)
I have NO IDEA how this woman (Laura Costa, owner) has managed to make a product that DOESN'T go up the crack when moving and bending, doing the splits and flying. This put me in immediate joyous shock. I wore the Mikaela to teach Pole Intro, Pole 1, and Pole Conditioning AND I wore them on a 5 mile jog and I think I had one wedgie the whole time. These shorts, both styles, stay put when you put them on. In addition, they are soft at the waist line and do not give you a muffin top. Muffin top is my nemesis and the Mikaela and the Betty conquered. Due to the size of my thighs, I probably would look best in a S/M for the Mikaela, but the XS still works out just fine. I could stand to go up a size in the Betty, which runs a bit smaller (see below--I'll explain). The side drawstring on the Mikaela comes in perfectly handy when you need just a little more skin exposure for contact on the pole. They move with you, not against you, and I never had a feeling that a butt cheek--or worse, "London and France"--was exposed for the world to see. They allow me perfect exposure of the upper inner thigh for holds such as the cross knee/ankle release, Z Seat and anything along those lines. The side drawstrings also stay in place relatively well without tying, so if your a bit more shy you can easily transition them from shorter to longer, depending on the level of difficulty your workout or hold is.
The sizing for the Mikaela (90%polyester, 10%lycra) runs true to size. My pants size is a 4. The XS work just fine because they're stretchy, but I probably should have had a S/M. My measurements are roughly 28/23/36-37, so if you're around my hip size, go for the S/M. I got them in black and I cant wait to get them in the nude tone--Goddess.
Regarding the Betty: they run a bit small. I got those in a S/M, and probably needed a M/L. These shorts are a bit more tiny, but if you have round hips these will flatter your curves. Unlike the Mikaela, the Betty has an extra panel of fabric (90%polyester, 10% lycra) in the crotch area for sweat absorption and camel toe protection (haha!). These shorts have a ruched side instead of a drawstring. They're very slimming. The inseam is slightly shorter than the Mikaela, but has the exact same anti-peekaboo technology. The goodies are safe. I also wore these shorts to all three levels of pole classes and to the gym for my weight workout at the gym. The waistband is also super duper soft.
I ran, yoga'd, pole'd, and then I washed them to see how they would hold up. Twice. I washed them twice this week and I accidently tested out their ability to hold up in a dryer. Normally, I never dry my workout stretchy clothing or bathing suits for fear that they'll stretch out and become useless and baggy. The first time I washed my two shorts I left them out to dry, and they were fully dry in about an hour. I wore them both again just to see if there was shrinkage in the product and there isn't--they still fit just like the first time. Today I washed them again and they accidentally made it into the dryer on high heat. When I discovered this, I thought "Well....at least I have one more thing to review....". I inspected them, and tried them on. To my surprise, no damage. I can usually tell a big difference when I accidentally dry swimsuits or sports bras. Not with the Mika Yogawear products. Resilient, yes. Idiot proof, yes. There was no fading, stretching, shrinking or discoloration. The breathability of the fabric is a HUGE plus as well.
All in all, I give this product a 9 on a 1-10 scale (10 being best, 1 being worst). They score high on the sexy/flattering scale and even higher on the functionality scale. It isn't often you find form and function in the same package with a variety of color choices with such good customer service. The only issue I take is the sizing. However, I do tend to be a very odd and exaggerated shape, so this may not be an issue with all ladies. When you purchase, keep in mind that the Mikaela is true to size and the Betty runs slightly small. Even though the shorts were slightly off in size, they still worked with me and not against me, which allowed me to focus more on my workout and posture, as opposed to picking a wedgie or pulling the shorts up/down and doing all sorts of unnecessary adjustments. This is incredibly important because distraction kills progression. The best part---they made me FEEL good.
Laura Costa, the owner of Mika Yogawear has phenomenal customer service skills. We had a chat on the phone and a few chat's through email and she is delightful to speak with and very helpful. She's more than willing to talk about individual sizing for different shaped ladies and is very confident in her product, which makes me feel confident about it in turn. After testing it, I can see why she is sure of herself. She even sent me a card (her stationary choices are quite nice as well--real talk right from an artist). I can say with full honesty that I'll purchase all of my pole related bottoms from Mika from now on. (Gotta try out tops next!!!!!! I've got my eye on the Lola and the Ella).
If any of my readers have specific questions about either of these products, please leave your question in the comments below. If I forgot to say anything, I'll be sure to add it in.
ANY ladies interested in purchasing this product, please have a chat with me or Briana at LSF in the coming days!!! I'd like to place a bulk pre-order and see as many of your asses in these shorts as possible with the LSF logo embroidered on it. If you want to purchase from Mika directly please see the following links:
Website- http://www.mikayogawear.com/index.php
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/mikayogawear?ref=ts
Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mikayogawear
Below you'll find some real deal, at home, no photo editing shots of me in the shorts so you can get an idea of length, size and shape.
That being said, the first thing I noticed when I was reading the reviews of the Mika Yogawear's Mikaela Shorts was that they were reviewed by Amber Richard (American Pole Fitness Championships Pole Artist of the Year 2009, and actually wearing Mika Yogawear brand in the linked video) and Zoraya Judd (American Pole Fitness Championships, 2nd place champion, women's division and Pole Athlete of the Year 2010). These shorts were included in the gift bag that all competitors received at USPDF Nationals. After reading that, I had a feeling this is the brand that the pro's wore. Call me crazy--why would I think that? I listed them on my initial pole dance shorts blog post, so scroll down and find it!
I contacted Mika Yogawear to see if I could test them out myself and give you all a full-on, honest to goodness extended review of the product.
I got two pairs--the Mikaela Shorts and the Betty Shorts. I got the Mikaela in XS (since the S/M was sold out due to high demand!!!!!!) and the Betty in S/M. The first thing I'll say is this: I have a big booty. Its not bubbly, its wide and flat (working on making it more bubble), and it has a habit of eating shorts and undies. Constant wedgies, I have 'em. (Told you I was gonna be honest)
I have NO IDEA how this woman (Laura Costa, owner) has managed to make a product that DOESN'T go up the crack when moving and bending, doing the splits and flying. This put me in immediate joyous shock. I wore the Mikaela to teach Pole Intro, Pole 1, and Pole Conditioning AND I wore them on a 5 mile jog and I think I had one wedgie the whole time. These shorts, both styles, stay put when you put them on. In addition, they are soft at the waist line and do not give you a muffin top. Muffin top is my nemesis and the Mikaela and the Betty conquered. Due to the size of my thighs, I probably would look best in a S/M for the Mikaela, but the XS still works out just fine. I could stand to go up a size in the Betty, which runs a bit smaller (see below--I'll explain). The side drawstring on the Mikaela comes in perfectly handy when you need just a little more skin exposure for contact on the pole. They move with you, not against you, and I never had a feeling that a butt cheek--or worse, "London and France"--was exposed for the world to see. They allow me perfect exposure of the upper inner thigh for holds such as the cross knee/ankle release, Z Seat and anything along those lines. The side drawstrings also stay in place relatively well without tying, so if your a bit more shy you can easily transition them from shorter to longer, depending on the level of difficulty your workout or hold is.
The sizing for the Mikaela (90%polyester, 10%lycra) runs true to size. My pants size is a 4. The XS work just fine because they're stretchy, but I probably should have had a S/M. My measurements are roughly 28/23/36-37, so if you're around my hip size, go for the S/M. I got them in black and I cant wait to get them in the nude tone--Goddess.
Regarding the Betty: they run a bit small. I got those in a S/M, and probably needed a M/L. These shorts are a bit more tiny, but if you have round hips these will flatter your curves. Unlike the Mikaela, the Betty has an extra panel of fabric (90%polyester, 10% lycra) in the crotch area for sweat absorption and camel toe protection (haha!). These shorts have a ruched side instead of a drawstring. They're very slimming. The inseam is slightly shorter than the Mikaela, but has the exact same anti-peekaboo technology. The goodies are safe. I also wore these shorts to all three levels of pole classes and to the gym for my weight workout at the gym. The waistband is also super duper soft.
I ran, yoga'd, pole'd, and then I washed them to see how they would hold up. Twice. I washed them twice this week and I accidently tested out their ability to hold up in a dryer. Normally, I never dry my workout stretchy clothing or bathing suits for fear that they'll stretch out and become useless and baggy. The first time I washed my two shorts I left them out to dry, and they were fully dry in about an hour. I wore them both again just to see if there was shrinkage in the product and there isn't--they still fit just like the first time. Today I washed them again and they accidentally made it into the dryer on high heat. When I discovered this, I thought "Well....at least I have one more thing to review....". I inspected them, and tried them on. To my surprise, no damage. I can usually tell a big difference when I accidentally dry swimsuits or sports bras. Not with the Mika Yogawear products. Resilient, yes. Idiot proof, yes. There was no fading, stretching, shrinking or discoloration. The breathability of the fabric is a HUGE plus as well.
All in all, I give this product a 9 on a 1-10 scale (10 being best, 1 being worst). They score high on the sexy/flattering scale and even higher on the functionality scale. It isn't often you find form and function in the same package with a variety of color choices with such good customer service. The only issue I take is the sizing. However, I do tend to be a very odd and exaggerated shape, so this may not be an issue with all ladies. When you purchase, keep in mind that the Mikaela is true to size and the Betty runs slightly small. Even though the shorts were slightly off in size, they still worked with me and not against me, which allowed me to focus more on my workout and posture, as opposed to picking a wedgie or pulling the shorts up/down and doing all sorts of unnecessary adjustments. This is incredibly important because distraction kills progression. The best part---they made me FEEL good.
Laura Costa, the owner of Mika Yogawear has phenomenal customer service skills. We had a chat on the phone and a few chat's through email and she is delightful to speak with and very helpful. She's more than willing to talk about individual sizing for different shaped ladies and is very confident in her product, which makes me feel confident about it in turn. After testing it, I can see why she is sure of herself. She even sent me a card (her stationary choices are quite nice as well--real talk right from an artist). I can say with full honesty that I'll purchase all of my pole related bottoms from Mika from now on. (Gotta try out tops next!!!!!! I've got my eye on the Lola and the Ella).
If any of my readers have specific questions about either of these products, please leave your question in the comments below. If I forgot to say anything, I'll be sure to add it in.
ANY ladies interested in purchasing this product, please have a chat with me or Briana at LSF in the coming days!!! I'd like to place a bulk pre-order and see as many of your asses in these shorts as possible with the LSF logo embroidered on it. If you want to purchase from Mika directly please see the following links:
Website- http://www.mikayogawear.com/index.php
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/mikayogawear?ref=ts
Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mikayogawear
Below you'll find some real deal, at home, no photo editing shots of me in the shorts so you can get an idea of length, size and shape.
Mikaela, drawstrings fully out.
Mikaela, drawstrings pulled in. Yes, thats a pole bruise on my hip.
Mikaela, front view with drawstrings fully pulled in.
The Betty! So tiny and so hot! (Did yall notice my fur baby sleeping on the bed behind me?)
Thanks for reading!!!
Nia
Thursday, September 29, 2011
PLEASE
So... at last night’s class I had a full house; 8 in total, but then a knock came at the door, and then there were 9! On no, I panicked!!! So someone didn't sign up for class, and thought they could just drop in! I ended up finding the person that didn't sign up, and had to ask her to leave. That hurt my heart! But it is SUPER important that you register for your desired class. Spaces are limited, so don't let this happen to you.
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