Art of dance Tamar

2010-02-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

Sam says I should blog more!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

Well Happy New Year and hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. As you can see I've been slacking with my blog (sorry Sam!) and I can't even recall everything that has happened over the last few months so I am just going to start at Christmas.

Christmas started with a week in Ireland visiting my lovely boyfriend Max, which was most enjoyable. Aswell as many evenings out in Belfast we also headed down to Dublin for the day, which apart from being very cold and expensive, is a beautiful city. I flew back from Ireland on Christmas eve to spend Christmas at home, which was a lovely day full of family, food, presents and family. Oh and not to mention a few alcoholic beverages! Above is a photo of the rather extravagent sparkler my Mum put on the Christmas pudding!

The time inbetween Christmas day and New Year Eve (limbo land!) was spent cracking on with dissertation work (not so fun!) and taking photographs as we are fast approaching deadline time. I'm not a great fan of New Years Eve as it always just seems to end up being more of a hassle, so this year me and my friends decided to invite people to our house and spend the evening in, playing games and drinking bubbly...a wise choice!

So now all the fun is over it's back to uni and deadline time so that means a lot of work to be done. I also very much need to get back into training and work of all that chocolate and alcohol consummed over christmas!

So I look forward to seeing everyone back in class ready for a beasting!

Spot the difference?

2009-12-22T04:57:00.000-08:00

Can you tell which one of these naughty creatures has been neglecting their blogging duties and which one is the hacker?

My latest pole dance pictures

2009-11-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Here are my latest pole portraits from Chris Trent at Global Eye Photography;

Half moon pose

Crucifix pose

Gemini pose

Felix figure head pose

Eros pose

PoleDivas - Well that was unexpected!

2009-09-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Well off I went to Bristol yesterday, family in tow for a nice day out, finishing with the South West heats of PoleDivas. After an amazing lunch of spinach and ricotta lasagane with garlic bread and salad from a little homemade stall in the market, we had time for a quick look round the shops before I had to be at the venue, Platform 1.

Apart from my first panic over the ceiling and how it would be possible to do my planned death lay, I settled down with Sam, Hayley and Sarah Jane to munch on grapes and lucozade, whilst waiting for the night to begin. Despite the delayed start of opening the doors, which left me feeling rather guilty as my family waited outside in the rain after strict instructions to be there at 7, the venue was soon filling up and things seemed to be under way. The venue, Platform 1 was a very smart little club which allowed the audience to sit both sides, which I always think is a nice bonus, a good sound system and a nice curtain at the back for us to enter through.

So the performances kicked off with the amateurs, who were all a joy to watch, with their glitzy outfits and well thought out song choices. Up next were the advanced level students, kicking off with our own Sarah Jane, who did the Art Of Dance so proud. Her quirky prop of the fan and classic song choice of Marilyn Manson, Tainted Love led to a spectactular performance, that she should be so proud off. It was tough competition for the advanced section with all four girls showing incredible strength. Carrie, the winner of the Advanced section, I must say blew me away, with a flawless routine. And I still don't quite know how one minute she was on the floor and the next in a handstand!

So it was us up next for the Professional section, kicking off with Sam. Well Sam's performance, was as amazing as to be expected from Sam. She just makes everything look sooo effortless!! Filled with new tricks and graceful moves, it was a beautiful performance. Following Sam, was myself, and apart from feeling that my mighty grip wasn't doing very much I was feeling very calm. I don't really remember much of my performance now I think back to it, but I came off feeling good and I enjoyed my performance so much I don't think I stopped smiling most of the way through it.
After me was Hayley, dancing to Metallica, which I think suites her perfectly. Again her routine was flawless, with some inspiring spins and effortless strength. An amazing debut.
Last on was Kate Johnston, of Spin City, who was dancing to the classic Nirvana, Smells like Teen Spirit. With her sparkly makeup and well choreographed routine, I had no idea who was going to win this one.

So it came to the descisions and as they began to announce the winners, I seriously did not know who to expect that they would announce, and I think the expression on my face made it clear that I was not expecting it to be myself! I was completely shocked!!

I do have to say a massive thankyou to Sam, as if it wasn't for her, her inspiration and encouragement I would not be where I am today, and wouldn't have even considered entering this year. And also for giving me the opportunity to teach others and pass on the skills she has taught me.

I'm Back!

2009-08-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

Just a quick blog to say that I am back from my holiday and am back to teaching my usual classes,
hope to see everyone soon!

Birthday Bash!

2009-06-08T05:13:00.000-07:00

Well I am still on a high after the Birthday Bash last night! What an amazing evening full of amazing dances and beautiful dresses!

I'm going to start by saying a massive congratulations to all the students who performed last night, for many of which it was there first ever performance. They all did so well and should be so proud of themselves. And I also just have to say how brave Helen was to perform a shouldermount on a pole that had accidently gone on to spinning instead of static, something I definately wouldn't have done!

And as for the showgirls, well i think WOW about covers it! I've never seen Mia dance so beautifully and as for Mel who had never performed before, she was just oozing confidence. And topped off by Miss Glory Pearl who had the crowd in stitches, it was a glamarous, cheeky and delicious section to the evening.

After a buffet, of which I sadly got to eat none of due to being on next! It was the instructors turn, with me on first. I have to say despite the initial nerves, once I got the few moves that were causing me doubt out of the way, I have never had so much fun performing! I even managed to relax and smile half way through, rather than my usual moody, terrified look! And despite a few friction burns and sore muscles I woke with a massive smile on my face this morning!

Once my performance was out of the way, I could thankfully sit back with a glass of wine and enjoy the rest of the instructors. Hayley was up next, in a very nice pink bikini I must say, who never fails to amaze me! She just keeps going from strength to strength and I'm not sure where she keeps getting all these new moves from, I'm definately going to be calling her in for a pole jam soon! After a short break was the lovely Rosanna and her never ending legs! Rosannas medley of music was fantastic and her props of an umbrella and wellies added another twist to the eveing!
Rosanna was followed by Sue. I struggle to find words to describe Sue's dancing as the only way to understand the full power of it is to see it for yourself. I find myself in an absolute trance whilst watching her dance, and her impecible timing amazes me. If I was going to have to use a word I think Hypnotic would be one on the top of my list.

To finish of the evening was the lovely Sam. Jo, who was sadly not dancing, introduced Sam with a magnificent speech, which I could not have agreed more with. Sam, Sue and Jo have struggled so hard over the years to battle the stereotypical views of pole dancing and to fight to get The Art Of Dance the reputation it deserves, but they should all be so proud of what they have achieved. I don't really feel I can say anthing which Jo did not say last night, or even begin to put my thoughts into words. But I would like to say a massive thankyou to Sam for giving me the opportunity to work for her, and become a member of the team.
Sam concluded the evening with a spectacular dance as always leaving everyone in awe of what can be achieved on a pole.

I will stop rambling on now as this is turning into a lengthy blog but I look forward to seeing the photos and videos from the evening!

2009-04-26T07:24:00.000-07:00

Catch up!

2009-04-04T02:06:00.001-07:00

Well for those of you who have read Sam's blog you will be aware of last weeks drama, and I can quite easily say along with Sam, I would quite like to smash the culprits stupid little head against a wall too. But I am just thankful it was nothing worse for me or any of the girls I was teaching.

Anyway, on a much nicer note I have included a photo I took for a mothers day card of one of my pet Degu's, Jipper. Two of these little guys were my valentines day present, and have kept me amused ever since! If you've got time to spend with a pet and are looking for some amusement I highly recommend these guys who seem to be like their constantly on speed or something!

On a final note just to say happy easter to everyone, and if your are lucky enough to get a holiday enjoy it, and I look forward to seeing everyone in lessons soon!

First Aid!

2009-01-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

Well before I get on to the first aid course I though I would just have a rant alongside Sam! If you have read Sam's blog you will be aware of the trouble she is experiencing after performing at South Devon College, for a health and fitness week.

It frustrates me soooo much that although despite all the positive feedback she and Kelly had, a couple of complaints and SDC want nothing to do with it. Come on people, stop sitting around and stand up for yourself. Where have all those people who gave positive feedback gone?? So many people are willing to get involved when it comes to something like X Factor, but not with something that actually makes a difference. It just shows what an inspiration Sam is in the fact she is willing to stand up and fight for something she believes in and loves, despite what others think.

To move on from my rant, I completed my first aid course today. After dreading being bored for all four hours as I have a rather short attention span, it was a suprisingly refreshing day! There was only 3 of us from the Art of Dance, me Sue and Hayley and one other very nice lady. The course, hosted by Rupert, was kept lively and interactive, so we were constantly kept on our feet, or rather laying down playing unconcious! So there was no time for the mind to wonder! And despite being terrified of resucci Annie after Sam telling me if I did it wrong my lips would go black, my lips are thankfully still their normal colour!

Well know I am first aid trained I should hopefully see you in lesson soon.

New Move!!

2009-01-14T13:50:00.000-08:00

Well first things first happy new year everyone and hope you all had a lovely christmas! Just a quick update as been a while, and I wanted to share my new move! At the moment we're calling it the Felix Figurehead, as I've taken it from the australian world champion, and thanks to my uber bendy back am the first of the instructors to achieve it! It's definately not the easiest of moves to get into, and I can't stay there that long but it looks amazing so I'm pretty chuffed with myself! Talking of new moves I would like to also say if you havn't checked out Sam's lastest posted video on facebook you need to! It's of her doing the shouldermount to seat and it looks absolutely incredible! Another one to work on for me, but I'm yet to figure out how she does it without getting stuck!

Next Wednesday I'm off to do my first aid course, which once complete means I can start instructing by myself, so I will hopefully see you in lesssons soon!

Pole Divas 2008

2008-11-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Here is my performance from the amateur advanced section of Pole Divas 2008.

New pictures

2008-11-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

Sam has uploaded loads of new pics of me to our facebook group, here is one of them from the Pole Divas qualifiers 2008 in Bristol, thanks to James at tsavophotographic.com for the lovely images:

My latest performance

2008-10-26T04:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of me performing at Annabel's last night as part of an instructor and student showcase for Rosanna's birthday and engagement party. Sorry that the lighting isn't great. You can check out Jo, Hayley, Sue and Nicole on our youtube channel as Sam is uploading as I type!

Update

2008-10-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

Well I havn't blogged anything for a while so just thought I'd do an update! I'm back at uni and they have piled on the work, which is a shock to the system after such a long summer but is nice to be doing something again! As anyone who has read Sam's blog will know I will be joining the team of instructors in December and I really cannot wait. It is an amazing opportunity, and I'm so thankful to Sam for offering it to me. It's going to be very strange being on the other side and teaching the lessons!

Training is under way for the Pole Divas finals, I have my new shoes and am in the process of sorting my routine and outfit, but I am however stuck on song choices. There's a possibility of two I'm debating between but just cannot seem to decide, typical me! However I have a private lesson booked with the Lordette of Darkness herself, Jo on Thursday so I'm hoping between us we should be able to pick one.

It is also Rosanna's birthday and engagement party on Saturday at Annabels which I am very much looking forward to. And I believe I will also be performing which should hopefully give me a chance to practice to my song and in my new shoes! So for anyone who is coming, I shall see you there!

2008-09-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

Check out the Herald article about Sam & I winning the Pole divas qualifiers!

The moment of victory!

2008-09-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Off to the finals!!

2008-09-07T04:44:00.001-07:00

Well for those of you who havn't seen Sam's blog...I won!! Whoop Whoop!

As there was a few of us heading up to Bristol, we decided to make more of a day of it and spend the morning in Bristol. I was a bit of a nervous wreck throughout the day so probably wasn't the best company! However we had a really stunning lunch from one of the stalls in St Nicholas market, and then discovered the most amazing sweet shop full of all the old style sweets in glass jars which provided a happy distraction. Though I quickly had my sweets taken away from me before I ate too many and made myself feel sick...my family know me too well!!

It was then on to competition time, which know I try to think back on it is all a bit of a blur. First up to dance where the amutuers..who I admire greatly for having the confidence to compete. I was the first to compete at my level, which was best in my opion. Sadly nerves got the better of me slightly and I had a few wobbly moves which threw me and my confidence but other than that I'm happy with the way things went...I just need to work more on slowing my routine down and posing my moves for longer. Following my level was the professionals, with Sam performing first.
I personally think this was the best I have ever seen Sam perform, she looked so beautiful and elegant, her routine flowed perfectly and she made it look completely effortless. I honestly sat there in awe throughout.

So now it's on to training for the finals, as I have to have a whole new routine to a different song! And in the process I need to overcome my nerves and squeeze in as many performances as I can.
I also have to say a massive thankyou to all my family who travelled up to Bristol with me and put up with my crouchy nervous self throughout the day! And also to Sam and Jo for their support!

Oh and any song suggestions welcome please!

Pole Divas performance

2008-09-06T17:06:00.001-07:00

Pole Divas!

2008-09-04T05:32:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure many of you know, most likely from hearing me and Sam in a state of panic, the South West heats for Pole Divas are taking place this Saturday in Bristol. This is my first ever competiton and only my fourth ever performance and it's safe to say the nerves are definately taking over!
I am entering the amatuer/advanced level and have absolutely no idea what to expect of the other competitors and what level they will be at. It has also turned into a bit of a family day out and will be the first time my Dad has seen me peform in about a year (the first time in which I managed to fall on my head!), just to add on some extra pressure! Yesterday was my last day of training to give my body a chance to rest as I'm suffering from rather a lot of friction burns and bruises, so that hopefully I shall be in full strength again on Saturday.
Now I just have to get my head round this very bizarre mixture of emotions, as half of me cannot wait to see how the day unfolds and get up on the stage and the other half would quite like to curl up in a ball and pretend it's not happening! Anyway hopefully the performance shall be filmed so if all goes well it shall be posted!

2008-09-02T05:56:00.000-07:00

Me - pictured far left - and the rest of the art of dance team after our Parkour team build.