Freestyle Friday is BACK!
I don’t even know where to begin. This past Friday I co-hosted a Freestyle Friday Community Jam at my new “Not a Studio” and we had when I tell you the energy and vibe in the room was freaking spectacular. The community, the camaraderie…it was truly everything! We made new friends, reconnected with old friends and danced our asses off in the most creative ways! My heart was so full beyond words at by the end of the night. Thank you to everyone that came out and jammed with us. It was beautiful to see so much community in one loving space. This is what “NaS” was built for!
The night was so lit and long before it was over we had people asking us to do it again. So we’re doing just that and then some! But before I fill you in on whats to come, I want to share some history on how Freestyle Friday came to be.
The History of Freestyle Friday
I started Freestyle Friday back in 2012, when I was still just a baby poler, as a way to challenge myself to work on my flow and fluidity. When it came to executing tricks, I felt pretty good, but my transitions, floorwork and overall flow wasn’t what I wanted it to be. I felt really choppy and one-dimensional in my dance. I thought that if I forced myself to dance (and not just trick out) more regularly, it would help improve my flow and make me a more well-rounded dancer.
So I gave myself the weekly challenge, which I dubbed Freestyle Friday, of doing a freestyle dance and documenting my progress by video. This was a fun way for me to challenge and push myself to dance each week, explore movement and appreciate more music styles. I ended up sharing this challenge with my fellow pole sisters in hopes that it will encourage others to work on their freestyle ability as well. This personal challenge turned into a movement. At its peak, Freestyle Friday was going hard with a Facebook group of over 700 members, FreeStyle Friday and freestyle-themed classes popping up at studios, and so many dancers seeing amazing growth in their dance.
The Future of Freestyle Friday starts NOW!
Friday night inspired me to bring Freestyle Friday back to the community and our industry. I’ve reopened our Facebook Group and @Pole_4_your_soul and I are excited to host more Freestyle Friday Community Jams on the first Friday of every month. Freestyle Friday the challenge and Freestyle Friday the Community jam, while separate movement opportunities will run parallel.
Freestyle Friday Challenge
Each week (typically on Sunday or Monday) we’ll announce that week’s FreeStyle song in our Facebook group and on my Instagram @entertainmentgoddess, then anyone that wants to join in can just post their videos on Friday. There are only three rules:
1. Have fun
2. Please stick to the chosen song..but it CAN be a remix/different version!
3. No editing…this is a freestyle
Use the hashtags #freestylefriday #pdfreestylefriday #pdfreestyle #aerialfreestyle #aerialfreestylefriday
This challenge isn’t just for pole. Show and share your moves on the ground, chair, aerial, flow arts, wall/mirror work…or anything related to dance movement.
Freestyle Friday Community Jam
The first Friday of the month Aerial Athletics Dallas will open its doors for a community jam. Led by me @entertainmentgoddess and @Pole_4_your_soul each month will feature new prompts and games designed to help strengthen freestyling skills and build confidence.
