It’s important to come down out of a pole spin with elegance, grace, and ease – that’s what makes it look so good …. And so easy when it’s really NOT!

The last thing you want to look like is a limp body just hanging from the pole much like a kid would hang from the monkey bars. While descending is done a bit differently depending on the move you are doing, it never hurts to go over the basics just in case you missed something, after all, I know you want to do a good pole dance.

So here are some great pointers to help you add the look of effortlessness while you are descending out of a pole spin or trick.

It’s always important to note good form. It is most important that you have your shoulder blades rolled back and down when you are holding the move. This makes your neck appear longer and engages the larger muscles of the back which will help support you in alleviating the excessive use of the arm muscles. They get enough work already; there is no point in overloading them when you have other muscles in the body to help you. A mirror is a great tool to use so you can see if your shoulders are engaged back and down. You can feel this placement if you don’t have a mirror, but a mirror is best. You can get the sensation of this by rolling your shoulders up toward your ears in backward circular motion until they go down – back and down that is. Without releasing those back and shoulder muscles, execute your pole spin. You may feel you have done this properly when there is plenty of space on the side of your head and the top of your shoulder.

Your head (or side of face) should never rest against the top of your shoulder or arm during a pole spin. This is an indication you have released the back and shoulder muscles and lost your good posture. Holding this good posture will give you better control over your momentum and body as you descend downward from your trick.

Another good tip is to remember to always keep those lower abs engaged; don’t relax them just because you are hanging there on a pole. Engaging them slightly tucks the hips under, elongates the spine and gives you maximum control over how your body drops out of a spin.  This is especially important if your pole is a spinning dance pole. If you have no dance experience and need help with your dance technique then a ballet class is a great option.