A Recap of Events

One year ago, I woke in the night with the same agitated, panic, got-to-get-going feeling that I get whenever a new project has to be launched. Some things in life insist themselves upon you, and PoleSkivvies was one of those things. At first, it just sounded fun, then it got interesting, and then, when I awoke with that sense of urgency, I realized it was absolutely and unequivocally the next step on my path.

Most of all, I knew I had to get a wiggle on. It’s one thing to order stuff ready-made, but if – as I do with PoleSkivvies – you are manufacturing it all from scratch, there are a lot – A LOT – of details to arrange before anything is ready to go. I knew in my bones that if I didn’t kick it into gear and pick a deadilne, nothing would come together all year.

But it did come together – and what a ride it has been!

I introduced the Tail Spin Shorts and started this blog. Then, I began offering workbooks and private sessions and even squeezed in a second run of shorts and introduced the Fireman Tank.

You’re a Big Part of This

It has been a year full of fun and new challenges, and for that I want to say thank you.

Really. THANK YOU.

I’m not sure if you realize what a big part of all this you are. Every time you write a comment, or message, or tweet, or email me, it helps make this site more than just some woman rambling about pole.

Your thoughts and opinions all weigh in on how this site grows and what direction it takes. When I hear what you’re interested in, I try to do something on that topic for you. When I learn what ticks you off, I try to get a conversation going.

And I love that you tell me what you think of it all. Some of you disagree with me, some of you disagree with each other, others of you love my point of view. But, regardless, you all love the dialogue and the chance to learn different approaches to pole, hear other dancers’ stories, and even vent some pet peeves about our favorite dance style.

What You Asked For

If you remember, a few months ago, I asked you all to fill out a survey to let me know what you’d like to see more of on PoleSkivvies. Well, a lot of you were kind enough to give me your thoughts. Here’s what you said:

• 83.1% of you want more information on performance and stage presence.
• 67.8% of you want to know more about pole dance clothing and costuming.
• 64.4% of you wanted to keep up the discussion about sensuality and sexuality in pole.

You also said you really like the interviews – if someone pole dances, you want to hear their story. Whether they’re famous, advanced, newbie, or wannabe, if they love pole and are into pole, you love hearing all about them!

What else? Well, turns out you all love, love, love video tutorials. You also want advice on your specific performance and stage presence questions. So …

In 2010, you’ll see more posts on stage presence and performance, as well as new, downloadable workbooks on those very topics. You’ll learn more about costuming and props, and we’ll absolutely keep exploring issues of sexuality and sensuality in pole.

As for the interviews, they’ll keep coming, for sure! (And if you’d like to be interviewed, just let me know.)

New Feature: Ask Jennifer

Best of all, I’m introducing a new series of video posts on stage presence and performance, called Ask Jennifer.

This is where I’ll show you how to put some sizzle in your dancing and how to turn a bunch of moves into a show. These new video posts will be uploaded twice a month, on Wednesdays.

The way it works is pretty simple: you email me your questions and I select two to be featured in that month’s video tutorials.

You can ask any question on stage presence or performance that you like (please note that I teach performance skills, not pole moves). You can use your dance name, your real name, or be anonymous – whatever you like.

Special Giveaway

To make it even more fun, I’ve decided to kick this new feature off with a little giveaway. That means …

THREE people will receive a FREE ONE-HOUR COACHING SESSION with me about their personal performance concerns.

To enter, all you have to do is email me a question on stage presence or performance by January 31, 2010.

No purchase is necessary, so fret not about that. All emails and messages received by the end of January will be piled together and three will be selected to receive the free hour of coaching. (The selection will be mostly random, but I am not above being swayed by a really cool question.) Winners will be contacted by email so we can set up their session.

Then What Happens is …

The people whose questions are chosen to be featured will get their questions addressed in the video posts, and the three winners of the giveaway will get a session tailored to their specific questions.

The thing is, while I will reply to every email I get, I cannot do an entire coaching session for everyone who submits a question.

So, if your question doesn’t get chosen for the video post or for the giveaway, your best bet is to keep checking back to see if future posts cover your topic.

And, if it’s urgent, you are always free to email me and set up your own private session. Granted, the session wouldn’t be a freebie, but if you’re in a bind, at least it gives you another option.

Lots of Fun Stuff to Come

So, looks like a great year ahead. Lots more pole talk, plenty of new stuff to learn, and some great new video tutorials. Can’t wait to hear what you think!

And, as always, keep your ideas coming!

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