Overview of Skills Loss

Oh no! You find yourself unable to execute a trick you once could. So, what now?

First, let's put aside any conditioning or training considerations for a moment and recognize that it's entirely normal to face such challenges. Although none of us want to admit it, the truth is that our bodies have limits. It's essential to accept this reality. Several factors contribute to this realization:

A) Our bodies are not like capitalistic economies striving for indefinite and exponential growth (though that would be pretty amazing!). Pole dancing can be tough on our bodies, necessitating off-days and periods of reduced capability.

B) Losing the ability to perform a particular trick doesn't make you a bad dancer. It simply means that some tricks require consistent maintenance to execute flawlessly. Take the "#Bird of Paradise," for instance, a split that every pole dancer dreams of achieving. Landing it can be exhilarating, but executing it on-demand may not be as easy. Personally, I often spend entire afternoon sessions practicing this split because that's the level of maintenance I require. If you can relate to this, then you're not alone; many dancers go through the same experience. And if you don't relate as you read this, you're probably Ashley Fox. Hi Ashley! You're the best!

C) Each of us has unique abilities and limitations. What might be a piece of cake for one dancer could be the most challenging trick for another. It's all relative, and we should avoid comparing ourselves too harshly.

D) Speaking of conditioning, it's crucial to continue with your preparatory work for a particular move. This means practicing the foundational aspects of the trick without attempting the full execution. Incremental progress is still progress, and it will lead you closer to your goal.

Remember, if you're having an off-day, that's okay. Do what you can and appreciate the effort you put in. Allow your body to perform at its current capacity and value all that it offers in the present moment. Taking a few days off can also be beneficial, as you'll return with renewed energy and enthusiasm. What's most important is to avoid punishing or belittling yourself for any setbacks – that's not fair to you or your progress as a dancer.