Dragon Tail Struggle

I fell in love with this move first time I saw it, but it was a long way until I managed to get it right. It was absolutely terrifying to get into, constantly feeling like falling off the pole. Oh, I should mention the pain too, very similar to good old Superman.

Once I felt like my hand grip was holding OK it was all about finding that spot that didn't hurt like hell. Don't remember exactly when it all fell into place and was pretty comfortable and secure. It probably took between 2 and 3 months. However, it was just the move, unpolished and quite clumsy looking. I was determined, but a lack of flexibility got in a way as usual. Fortunately for me and hundreds of fellow polers with the same problem, Dragon Tail doesn't have to be a split. You can bend your back leg, which I did, and it will look just as good as a split version. The move still looked quite pathetic as per video below.

November 2015. I've secured my grip, but my legs are clearly living their own life not resembling a proper Dragon Tail shape at all.

NZAPP performance, May 2016. Dragon Tail actually looks almost right, although I want to smack that nasty front foot for not being pointy at all, also my body is too close to the pole

So it slowly improved over time to be good enough for my NZAPP 2016 competition, but there is a lot to work on. Like those not so pointy toes. My Dragon Tail is still a work in progress and hopefully one day I'll show off both split and normal version.

One more important thing to consider before you start learning Dragon Tail, or any other more advanced pole trick is to talk to your instructor first. We all get excited about those mind blowing combos on Youtube and Instagram, but sometimes we're simply not quite there yet. I know the feeling when you want to nail that Aeysha, or swing into a Deadlift and sure you can do it. Happens to us all :) So just to avoid disappointment, talk to your instructors, they may say you're ready, or get you working on some other moves, that will help to build up strength for that very special trick.

Comments

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