Sarah Romanowsky
Aerial silk tissue artist, Sarah Romanowsky defines aerial artistry and explains the differences and similiarities between pole dance fitness and aerial silks.
Katherine Lee
Kate is a principle dancer in The Girl Next Door: A Pole Dance Soiree. As an actor, Kate discusses how pole movement compliments her acting skills. She discusses how the use of props enhances her pole performances and allows her to express various sides of her personality. Kate trains at The Pole Garage in Santa Monica, California.
Sergia Louise Anderson
Sergia Louise Anderson interprets the dance performed by her group in Pole Show LA 2012 and shares about her favorite pole movements.
Erika Labansat (English)
Erika Labansat is an instructor at OC Pole Fitness. She shares her passion for bringing the art and sophistication of pole to Latin America through a Pole Certification Program in Spanish. She discusses the evolution of pole dance fitness and its impact on the pole community.
Duncan Pattle
Vertitude co-owner, Duncan, brings discusses how he developed interest in the Krav Maga fighting style. He gives insight into how this style can benefit anyone who is interested in fitness and self-defense. He also discusses the uniqueness of The Vertitude studio which allows students to take dance, pole, and self-defense classes all at an affordable monthly price.
Kelly Yvonne
As the mastermind behind The Girl Next Door A Pole Dance Soiree, Kelly Yvonne continues to produce entertaining pole dance shows which captivate audiences. She discusses the pole dance and pole fitness community and why a strong bond exists among that community.
The Poletastic Choreographer
by Piper S.
As a classically trained, competitive dancer, Kelly Yvonne has become a well-known name in the pole world. Most recently winning Choreographer of The Year at The International Pole Championships in Hong Kong, she is most known for creating dynamic and breathtaking routines for title winners such as Natasha Wang and Amber Fleur Richard. As a producer, director and pole dancer, Kelly Yvonne wears many hats within the pole world.
Although Kelly Yvonne comes from a background in professional dance, which includes dancing and choreographing for NBA teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers, dancing with artists like Beyonce and Andre 3000, and training at Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio pole dancing was not intended to be a professional endeavor. Kelly Yvonne had retired from dance, and in an attempt to get in touch with her femininity and enhance her fitness she began pole dancing. Unintentionally pole dancing reignited her dance career and after only a few months of training in pole she created Girl Next Door – a pole dance soiree. With a drive that continues to push her towards success, Girl Next Door – a pole dance soiree, was an opportunity for Kelly Yvonne to develop her ability to perform while learning to dance. To date Girl Next Door – a pole dance soiree remains the longest running pole dance revue in the nation and is a showcase of the sensuality and femininity that is within every woman. Kelly Yvonne’s creative fire continued to burn as she choreographed for pole athletes who were preparing for competition and developing new shows for Girl Next Door – a pole dance soiree. She opened The Choreography House, a home away from home for the cast of the Girl Next Door show to train and rehearse. The Choreography house is also a place for anyone to come and take a class or for other pole dance athletes to rehearse and train…a space for all pole dancers.
Kelly Yvonne is a graduate of Cal State Berkeley where she received a B.A. in architecture and a minor in modern dance, and city and regional planning. While this seems like an unlikely pairing for a professional dancer, Kelly Yvonne has artfully and masterfully married the two. With the goal in mind of finding ways to use the pole as a means of creative expression, Kelly Yvonne utilizes her architectural design background to develop numerous routines in which the public audience is able to find a deep appreciation and recognition for the art form of the pole as an apparatus of creative expression. Kelly Yvonne is dynamic in each of her performances yet describes her favorite personal dance style as “lyrical storytelling” in which she is able to convey a message or emotion to her audience through her movement.
As both a professional dancer and coming from an academic background in architecture Kelly Yvonne continues to choreograph award-winning routines, produce dynamic shows, and portray pole in an artistic form of creative expression for all females.
Pole Show LA 2012
Spectacular performances from Pole Show LA 2012 highlight the diversity of the pole dance community and growing trends within the pole world.
May the Food Force Be with You
By Cali Ann Cutler
author, raw food chef, educator
What if you could nourish your cells, elevate your energy potential, AND have the celebratory pleasure from our food all at the same time? And you don’t have to fake suffering through salads or choke down brussel sprouts to do it.The first fundamental aspect of health is not usually talked about. Usually we get caught up in calories and fat grams, instead of the composition and potential of the food as a whole. This aspect is that food has energy.
Without going into a verbose demonstration on food and physics; here are some visual images to stimulate your perception of higher and lower quality foods. The following pictures were taken with Kirlian photography, a form of photogram made with electricity. This type of photography is able to take a snapshot of more than what our naked eye can see. It is able to pick up the energetic properties of the infrared and the ultraviolet rays and show us a more complete picture of what food is. (Images from “The Sunfood Diet Success System” by David Wolfe, photography by Christopher Wodtke, www.kirlian.com)
Cooked Cabbage/ Live Cabbage
Raw, organic fig
raw, organic cacao (chocolate)
bean Hamburger from a fast food restaurant
Whether you believe it or not, at the smallest unit of measurement, smaller than the atom, there are higher frequencies and lower frequencies radiating from food (and from every particle.) Each cell is like a tiny battery, and raw living foods are like the bio-electricity that charges them. We can inherently feel how food from Mother Nature in our bellies is superior and lighter after eating them. Well, then why doesn’t everyone eat natural food? The most common answer is basically because to most people, it tastes like plumbing.
We have an announcement for all you salad-haters. You can make salivating, delectable food out of plant-based ingredients! Imagine eating a cheesecake that tastes exactly like a delicious cheesecake, and someone tells you it’s made from ingredients entirely from their garden? We have entered a new era. Too many people are sick and tired of being sick and tired. America and the world has become increasingly sick, an age of dying longer instead of living longer. However, genius chefs have merged with the vanguard of nutrition experts; bringing you the best of both worlds! The age of the victim is fizzling out into a new world of inspired individuals that are realizing they can and always have had the power to take their health into their own hands.
We can finally enjoy food, in every way. Try it out yourself! Snag a raw food recipe book from your local bookstore and enjoy entirely new flavors that fill you down to your toes. Here’s one I found from www.vegetariantimes.com to get you started.
Picture from www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/10668
Serves 12
2 cups macadamia nuts
1 1/2 cups cashews
1/2 cup pitted Medjool dates 1/4 cup dried coconut
6 Tbs. coconut oil, melted (gently warmed) 1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup raw agave nectar
1/2 sun-dried vanilla bean *(or 1 tsp vanilla
extract)
3 cups mixed berries, such as blueberries
and raspberries
Directions:
1. Place macadamia nuts in large bowl, and cover with cold water. Place cashews in separate bowl, and cover with cold water. Soak nuts 4 hours, then rinse, drain, and set aside.
2. Pulse macadamia nuts and dates in food processor to a sticky crumb-like consistency. Sprinkle dried coconut on bottom of 8-inch pie pan. Press macadamia nut mixture onto coconut to make crust.
3. Place cashews, coconut oil, lime juice, agave nectar, and 6 Tbs. water in bowl of food processor. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean into food processor bowl, and purée until smooth. Pour mixture onto crust, and freeze 1 to 2 hours, or until firm. Remove from freezer, slice while frozen, and transfer to serving platter. Defrost in fridge 1 hour, or on countertop 30 minutes; top with berries; and serve. Enjoy!
Be Your Own Authority
Be Your Own Authority – Developing the Self-Leader Within
From The Beautiful Brains Commentaries by Eileen Shoals, Psy.D
There is no greater joy than being your own boss, making your own decisions and experiencing validation from the positive choices you have made. In a world full of followers searching for the latest authority on whatever, it’s difficult to find individuals who are willing to assert their own opinions and remain true to their own convictions. Allowing others to make choices for you prevents you from experiencing the satisfaction of being your own authority. Think back to when you were a child. What did you like to build? Close your eyes and think about what you used to create. Perhaps, you enjoyed creating with your tea set or creating with your bake set. Perhaps, you enjoyed creating with Legos or building blocks. Perhaps, you enjoyed creating with Play dough. Perhaps, you enjoyed creating with rocks outside. Perhaps, you enjoyed creating with sand on the beach. Perhaps, you enjoyed creating in your mother’s closet with her shoes and clothes. Perhaps, you enjoyed creating with your chalk board, or crayons, or paint set, or doll houses, or motorized car set, or train set…and the list of possibilities goes on and on and on. The point is that while we were playing as children we were also creating.
We were creating possibilities for our future; for as we played, we began to dream about what we wanted to be when we grew up. At that time, we believed that all things were possible. The future had no limits. Somewhere along the way, for many of us, the dream of being whatever we wanted to be began to fade. The dream of being an individual creator faded and the act of being a follower increased. For many of us, the happy-go-lucky child of the past that believed he or she could do and be anything, sunk slowly into the background of our minds. That pitiful process began the transition from being an independent thinker into an immobile follower. Immobility is created when a person refuses to take a stand for what he or she truly believes or wants. The immobile follower is stuck in the quick sand of life. He or she is co-dependent, needy and afraid of what others think. So the true dreams and desires of the heart go unlived or watered down by the collaborative opinions of dream-stealers and dream-killers.
The immobile follower’s desire to please others supercedes self-satisfaction. Pleasing others feels good to this individual and brings a certain amount of joy, until the follower realizes that he or she is not being authentic. When this person realizes that his or her real person (their true identity and personality) is unknown by the people he or she spends the most time trying to please, the distressed follower reacts. This reaction can take the form of depression…stemming from the belief that nothing can be done to change his or her following mode. Without a change in attitude, this person remains stuck and lives a sad, depressed life. Immobilized by fear and a chronic following tendency, he or she never realizes his or her full potential.
The other reaction to the realization of being stuck in following mode is all out disgust! Disgust for the time wasted trying to please others; disgust with the self-betrayal that chose the chronic following mode over the self-preservation of being an independent thinker. This form of disgust can be the catalyst for major change. It can be the precipice for rising from the boring rut of always doing what others tell you to do, into the exciting leap into passionate existence were authentic decisions are made and self-validation is practiced regularly. Inactive assertiveness keeps your leadership potential buried and infantile. Activate your self-leader now! It’s in this remarkable space, that your self-leader comes alive.
Practice being your own authority first in all situations. Be open to suggestions, opinions and advice from others, but weigh them behind your own initial ideas. You may decide that someone else has a better idea, but be your own authority first. In this way, you will have given yourself the highest honor by thinking about what you believe first, without the influence of others. This is a critical component to developing self-confidence. Continual practice in creating and owning your own beliefs and values makes you your own authority.
You have the ability right now to change the world. One of your brilliant creations may take the world to a higher state. However, whether you impact the whole world or influence your small corner of the world, your unique views, concepts and creations have value. With that value, you will make the world a better place. Being your own authority is only one part of developing your self-leader. The possibilities of self-leadership are endless. You can choose to be your own role model, your own teacher, your own best friend, your own cheerleader, etc. Look within. If you look closely, you will see an amazing leader blossoming from the shadows. Lo and behold…it’s you!
www.beautifulbrains.net 2011
From The Beautiful Brains Commentaries
Studio of the Month - Be Spun/Legends Gym With Amy Guion
Take a guided tour of Hollywood's Be Spun/Legends gym, home of the world famous Pole Show LA.
"BeSpun is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Studio of the Year award by the IPDFA. The International Pole Dance Fitness Association is the most prestigious international governing body and the only organization in pole dancing to recognize studios and instructors for their contribution to the sport. BeSpun is only the second studio to ever receive this honor as Bobbi's Pole Studio of Australia has taken the prize for the first 3 years in a row". ~Be Spun Newsletter
Tricks of the Month April 2012
Pole dancers and pole tricksters make it all look so easy. We stare in wonder at their flawless moves and we are awestruck each and every time we see our favorite pole expert strut their stuff. The Pole Fitness Association created the PFA Visual Dictionary, which not only gives definition to the art we enjoy, but it has brought the pole community together, as we share a common language. For more information on the PFA and for a free download of the 2010 edition of the dictionary, visit www.polefitnessassociation.com.
Owner of Acrobatic Pole Dance Academy, Claudia Guerra of Ciudad Cochabamba, Bolivia demonstrates the PWN tricks of the month with these lovely poses.
Cradle full bracket - Side Spiral
Cradle full bracket leg extension
Cradle Split - Windmill legs
Side spin leg extension
How can I fade my acne scars?
By Hailey Davis
A blemish usually lasts 5-7 days, but the red or dark scar from picking at the blemish, can linger for weeks— or even months.
Red or dark acne scars are caused from trauma to the skin cells caused from aggressively picking at blemishes. Even if you didn’t touch it, it can still leave a scar because it stretches and damages the surrounding tissue resulting in increased melanin activity. It is considered to be a scar but it will fade with time, using a skin lightener and increased exfoliation…
By increasing your use of exfoliants (Glycolic acid, Salicylic Acid, enzymes and scrubs) this helps to stimulate new and healthy skin cell growth while removing the scarred damaged cells. Out with the old, in with the new! One of my favorite products is Avalon Organics’ Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub. This product is recommended for all skin types; apply a small amount (2-3 times a week) to damp skin and gently massage in circular motions over face, neck, and decollete.
In addition to using exfoliating products, introducing a skin brightener like Dermalogica’s extreme C (in their ChromaWhite line) into your daily routine, will help expedite fade and lighten dark marks.
Cheers to clear and radiant skin!
Hailey
Skin Care Therapist
Dallas, Texas
What is Beauty?
By Reena Desai
www.feminineawakening.com
I recently returned from a visit with one of my spiritual teachers. He emphasized to us that what is most important is that we work to make our souls beautiful. To make our souls beautiful, it is important that we take care of our health: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
In this day and age we are given scant knowledge and practical advice on how to beautify our soul. Instead we are told how to have beautiful hair or clothes. It is because of this that many of us face deep insecurities around our looks, and also why many women experience jealousy towards one another.
When we are working with our inner beauty -- growing our self-love and love for others, growing our positive emotions, honesty and gratitude for life-- we naturally become more beautiful externally and are able to fully express and experience the beauty around us. Women with beautiful hearts and souls create beauty all around. They are able to harmonize relationships, nourish men and children, inspire and create great art. Through awakening to the inner energy of beauty, rather than the external quality of beauty, we begin to experience the world in a different way.
There is great feminine wisdom from ancient cultures of women who understood the real meaning of beauty. These were women who were deeply connected to nature and the rhythms of natural life. They were skilled in the arts of dance, poetry, music, painting and what was known in India as the 64 arts. They were externally beautiful, like many of the depictions we see today of Goddesses. And this beauty emanated from within, from their commitment to develop themselves through the mind, body and spirit.
In today’s world, our orientation is towards the external so when we think of beauty we immediately think of the external, largely as it is defined by our modern day beauty industry. However, lucky for us, this orientation is shifting.
Here is a simple meditation to begin to awaken to your beautiful inner world!
Flower Meditation (Schedule at least 10 minutes)
For this practice we will begin to connect to the essence of a flower. The source of our essence as women is connected to the essence of a flower. When the energy of beauty is activated within, we experience a flower, rather than just see or smell a flower.
Create a sacred time and space for this meditation. You can light candles, incense and turn on relaxing music. For the meditation, choose your favorite type of flower and get acquainted with her through the senses, through smell and touch. The flower is alive and has her own unique essence that you will connect with.
In a seated position, on the floor or in a chair, place the flower on your lap or in front of you and slowly close your eyes. Bring your hands to your lower belly holding them there, one hand on top of the other. Begin to turn your attention to your beautiful inner life and take note of your breath, coming deeper into your body. Begin to breath from your lower belly, softly and gently. Breath for 1-2 minutes as your body and mind synchronizes with your breath and you begin to relax.
Slowly begin to bring the flower into your consciousness and begin to visualize this flower sitting in your lower belly, or womb. See this flower clearly within your mind’s eye, begin to smell her aroma coming from within you and slowly begin to feel the essence of this flower come life within you. Feel the essence of this flower rooted in your lower belly, moving up and filling your entire body with each inhale. With each exhale you release out any tension, worries, anger or thoughts and emotions that don’t feel good. With every inhale you reconnect with the essence of the flower, letting her beauty fill your mind, body and soul!
For more information, visit: www.feminineawakening.com.
PWN Affirmations April 2012
I Am Practicing Self-Love and Self-Acceptance.
I Am In Full Control of My Life.
I Am Making My Dream A Reality.
I Am Grateful For All of My Accomplishments.
I Am Deserving of Success.
Mediterranean Fruit Salad
2 Cups Fresh Strawberries (sliced in half)
1 Cup Red Seedless Grapes
1 Cup Purple Seedless Grapes
1/2 Cup Green Seedless Grapes
1 Cup Fresh Blackberries
1 Cup Fresh Blueberries
1 Cup Fresh Raspberries
1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries
1/2 Cup Dried Golden Raisons
1/2 Cup Dried Blueberries
2 Cups Mediterranean Dates
10 Dried Apricots
Fresh Mint Leaves
In large platter, place Strawberries, Grapes, Blackberries, Blueberries and Raspberries. Pour dried Cranberries, Raisons, and Blueberries on top of fresh fruit. Arrange Dates evenly in fruit array. Place Apricots along the sides of the other fruit for color. Garnish with a few Mint Leaves.
The combination of the fresh fruit, dried fruit and Mint Leaves provides a delicious explosion in your mouth! Enjoy.