In Wednesday’s pole class, our instructor asked us to think of our pole goals, zone in one goal of choice and basically send her our plan of action to work towards this goal (if we should choose). If we send her our plan, she will hold us accountable and check in through out the year to make sure we haven't forgotten it! I've decided to go one step further, and hopefully hold myself accountable to this goal. This post will go into details of my plan of action for my chosen goal of:

# Improving performance (including musicality, feeling, lines!)
![DSC03348-Edit-2.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUnjSyv8DXvygjbFRQziCe3VJrkcTPpzWhYGtUKkqN79y/DSC03348-Edit-2.jpg)
I chose a really broad goal but there are a couple of things I would like to work on under this umbrella term as I am planning to compete for the second time this year in August.

![polecomp.gif](https://steemitimages.com/DQmW8ftGngkk7mFLtvDRMVkXgLeF3cENHUUFYyFBG4EhT6z/polecomp.gif)

#1. Form and lines - I’m thinking of making a journal of the exercises and areas that I’m hitting for flexibility and form, so that I can make sure to rotate sides and activities. Going to keep practicing those toe point exercises too!

#2. Work on freestyle and movement - I would like to add at least 1 day of home pole free- styling and just feel the music and creating movement. This is different from what I was actively doing before for my home practice - mostly just tricks and tricks! I think what I need is to put in the time and dedicated a day to freestyle and just dance. I will attempt to drop into different dance classes (hip hop? contemp?)  to pick up some skills, LOL.

#3. Working on the facial expression and hand movements - No more t-rex arms for me please! Any dancers out there with suggestions on how to work on performance expressions and connecting with the audience? Should I practice making faces in the mirror? :D

Some pole inspiration I picked for your enjoyment. This was an awesome routine!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eDAg5crIm5Y" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I know I take pole pretty seriously for a hobby, but I really do enjoy seeing what I can accomplish when I push myself and I love it! Dance and performance is not my natural forte, so I really want to actively work on this goal all year. Thanks for stopping by and reading. Please leave suggestions if you have any for me in the comments below!

![FullSizeRender 81.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTNCXkY2fqNgVXF9i5KDisWvPFUfta8aCSiSohT6qfw91/FullSizeRender%2081.jpg)

Love,
JESS