Lights, camera, action! Have you ever thought about filming yourself while training? Whether you’re a solo performer or don’t have access to a training partner, recording your training sessions can be a game-changer. In this article, we’ll explore four compelling reasons why you should start filming yourself and how it can enhance your training experience.
I love my training, I really do. I love creating, learning new movements, and combinations and simply flying on the pole. But I mostly train by myself as I have no one around that can come to the studio at the same times as me. But how do I know what I am doing wrong if I can’t see myself doing it? How do I know it looks nice? Because of this, I do one thing: I film myself. Below you will find a list of reasons why you should start to do it too!
Why You Should Start Recording Your Training
1. Be your instructor!
When I teach, I pretty much analyze all the movements my students do. I check if they use their muscles correctly if they place their points of contact right if they have the proper tension in their body. To feel this yourself is mostly not so easy, that is why you go to classes. So whenever I learn something new (that does not need a spot, to be clear!) I film myself doing it. This way I analyze my movements the same way, as I would do watching someone else. And then film my next try, again.
2. How does it look like?
While creating a routine I sometimes get lost in the music. I move how I feel it fits the beats thinking “THAT IS PERFECT!”. Then I film it, watch it and realized, my movements were way too small! There is a difference between just dancing for yourself and enjoying the moment or creating a piece that you want to show an audience. When you watch yourself move you can see through the eyes of a spectator in the audience and decide, what you would like to see on stage. This will make your performance so much better when you don’t have the help of another person to give their opinion. Plus, we always are our worst critics.
3. Find your style!
We often tend to work on things we have seen others do, which is great. Instagram and Facebook made this kind of movement research very easy and offer a lot of inspiration. But is there a way to find your style of moves? Josh Taylor once gave me the best tip to improve my uniqueness (not that I would call myself unique, but I at least try!). I used to just stick combos and dance moves together I learnt from other polers around the world but never tried to find my way. So he gave me the task to film myself during a freestyle. Nothing special yet.
But that actual task was to experiment with movements, go ways and transitions I have never done before. Follow, where my body is being pulled. Let’s be honest, 85% of the material failed, BUT I discovered movements I have never exactly watched someone do in this exact way.
And because I filmed them I can watch it again as most of the time I don’t have a clue what the heck I am doing. And try it again!
4. Inspire others!
Through filming yourself you can inspire other pole dancers around the world! We can learn from everyone but even if you think nobody cares what you are doing, there may be a pole monkey out there who would love to follow your journey. Social Media is a great tool for connecting us all beyond borders. Of course, a great trick looks nice in a picture, but how about showing how you got in? How do you descend? And if you decide to just share a moment, a print screen is also a good option without struggling with a timer.
Epilogue
Lights, camera, inspire! By recording your training sessions, you not only benefit from self-analysis and improvement but also have the opportunity to inspire other pole dancers around the world. Embrace the power of technology, unleash your creativity, and share your journey with a global community of pole enthusiasts. Lights, camera, go! It’s time to press record and show the world what you’re capable
