Back to Basics: The Importance of Mastering Foundational Moves

When you’re first starting your pole dancing or aerial arts journey, it’s easy to see what’s possible in higher levels and rush through your beginner series to “challenge yourself.” 

We understand—watching experienced aerialists and pole dancers perform mesmerizing routines is inspiring and motivating! 

But the truth is, you simply can’t get to that level without mastering the foundations.

While some people may come into these disciplines with an athletic background or significant natural strength, it’s vital to spend time truly understanding your apparatus and how to interact with it before moving on to more advanced moves—even if they feel easy at first. 

Why? 

We’re glad you asked.

Here are 4 reasons to master the foundations of pole dance or aerial arts

You’ll Return to Foundational Moves Again and Again

No matter how advanced you are in your aerial or pole practice, “beginner” moves are consistent go-to options that you *will* return to consistently throughout your progression. You’ll use them as transitions, as foundations of your choreography, and so much more. Let’s face it—doing trick after trick for 5 straight minutes can be exhausting and requires a substantial amount of strength and stamina, which creates more space for error. By sprinkling in foundational moves, you allow for “rest” periods and elegant transitions that polish off any routine. 

The Basics Don’t Have To Stay Basic

No one said basic is synonymous with boring! It’s very easy to take a foundational move and make it feel magical. Beginner tricks and movements can look just as impressive as an advanced one when approached with intention and detail, focusing on accentuated lines, fluidity, control, and more. 

Foundational Moves Teach You How To Engage With Your Apparatus

While you may be technically strong enough to go right into an advanced trick, it’s important to understand proper engagement, grip, contact points, etc., as these details ensure safe and effective movement. Not taking the time to learn these essentials with proper instruction and practice will lead to dangerous habits that could potentially open you up to injury later down the line.

The Basics Are Pre-Requisites for Higher Level Moves

Not only do foundational moves help you engage safely with your apparatus, but many of them teach you how to prepare for advanced tricks, breaking down entries and exits with more knowledge and context. You’ll be able to spot patterns, improvise naturally, and create seamless combos more easily when you know how to move and what to expect. 

Every pole dancer or aerial artist will tell you that they often revisit basic moves and take lower level classes from time to time to stay sharp, polish details, and improve on what they already know. 

Plus, if you ever decide to become an instructor in your studio, a deep understanding of core movements is essential to teaching beginners and introductory students. 

Much like the foundation of a building, these moves are cornerstones that keep your other skills from crumbling. 

If you’re ready to begin building or honing in on your aerial or pole dance skills, visit our studio in Frederick, MD!