10 Tips for Your First Pole Dance Class
Pole Dancing. Pole Fitness. Aerial Arts. Whatever you want to call it, poling is rapidly expanding beyond the walls of Gentleman’s Clubs and Party Busses. More women and men are discovering the artistry and athleticism in pole dance altering its reputation around the globe. It is even on the road to becoming an Olympic sport (and my Grandmother is convinced that I’m going to be an Olympian). With the encouragement from the owner of Vixen Fitness in Michigan (thanks Danielle!) I took my very first pole class in 2010 and have been completely addicted to it ever since. I currently teach at Flaunt Fitness in South Philly and it’s become one of the greatest parts of my life. I absolutely adore my students!
After teaching beginners for over a year, I wanted to put something together to help ease the anxiety students feel. If you’re thinking about trying out the pole, here are some tips to get you started!
1. Finding A Studio
Get a recommendation! Do you know anyone that pole dances? Ask them where they go or if they know of any in your area. (Feel free to ask me!)
Don’t know anyone? That’s okay, just use the internet! When doing a Google search, you may want to vary your search words as different studios may call them different things (e.g. Pole dance class Detroit, pole fitness classes Detroit, aerial class Detroit).
Keep in mind that some classes may be held inside of full service gyms, circus/cirque schools as well as exclusive pole dance studios. It may do you some good to just check the class offerings inside of those places.
Read the Google and Yelp reviews. You can learn quite a bit by just reading the comments of others who have visited.
Groupon and Living Social also routinely have deals for pole classes so maybe do a quick search on those sites. That’s honestly how I found Flaunt Fitness!
2. Understand the Culture of the Studio and What’s Right For You
Similarly to how different gyms have different cultures (I.e. Planet Fitness vs. CrossFit Studios) pole studios have different cultures. The trick is figuring out which one is right for you. I’ve created four categories from my experiences:
The Fitness Pole Studio:
There are some that are more fitness and gymnastics based with less emphasis on choreography. These studios focus heavily proper body conditioning and the pole is seen more as a fitness apparatus than a method of entertainment. Heels are probably discouraged as you won’t find much in the way of sexy movement or fluidity in these classes. These are common inside of gyms.
The Exotic Dance Studio:
These are the classes that cater towards those that prefer the exotic dance style. The clientele may be predominately working dancers (or those that just enjoy that style!). Some studios even allow you to pick your own stage name to go by during class! Heels are usually preferred and choreography/fluidity and showmanship is emphasized. Depending on the studio, there may or may not be a lot in the way of technicality but you’re sure to get quite the workout!
Circus Schools:
Think Cirque du Soleil. These classes focus on tricks and combinations and a lot of showmanship. Usually sexuality is downplayed and producing an artistic, entertaining performance is emphasized. Usually pole is offered in conjunction with other aerial apparatuses such as silks or Lyra hoop. You typically won’t find heels in these classes.
The All-Around Studio:
These are the studios that have a little bit of all of the above. They have a little sexy, a little cirque and a total body workout. Heels are usually optional and you’ll find that some women will always wear them while others wouldn’t be caught dead. These studios will encourage men and women to find their sexy side but will only push you if you’re comfortable. They typically produce well-rounded polers as they have multiple influences.
Some studios may require you to share a pole with another student while others do not. Additionally some studios might offer co-ed classes while others are single gender. If either of these will be an issue for you, ask before you sign up.
3. Bring A Friend Along!
Just like it helps to have a gym buddy, it’s even better having a pole buddy! I definitely see a difference in my students who have had a partner in their pole journey.
4. Mind the Attendance Policy
Not all studios allow drop-ins so be sure you’re signing up in advance. Also, make sure you are showing up at least 15 minutes prior to the start time. You will need this time to change clothes and fill out the necessary paperwork as a new student.
5. Don’t Be Afraid To Show A Little Skin
With pole, the goal is to maximize skin-to-pole contact in order to grip the pole more securely. More advanced pole dancers tend to have their midriffs, upper thighs, and arms exposed to perform certain moves safely and effectively. However, only do what you’re comfortable with. The good news is, everyone in the class will be as exposed as you so no need to feel self-conscious. For beginners, I recommend a simple tank top with a sports bra underneath and shorts (Hot Yoga shorts are PERFECT!). You want clothes that are form-fitting rather than baggy t-shirts and sweatpants as the extra fabric will only be a hindrance to you.
By the way, you will be bruised! That skin-to-pole contact can hurt at times but you will be conditioned to push through it. Bruises are called “pole kisses” in our world.
6. Keep it Ashy!
DO NOT wear any lotion or body oils on the days you will be going to pole! Lotion will not only prevent you from sticking to the pole but it will make the pole dangerously slippery for anyone who uses the pole after you, even after cleaning.
7. Take Pictures and Video!
This was something I wish I had done more of in my beginner days. Make sure you take plenty of pictures and video of yourself as you begin your pole journey. On your bad pole days, it will be very encouraging to see where you started from and how far you’ve progressed. It’s also cool to show your friends! Be sure to do so at a time that does not disrupt class and please respect the privacy of others who may not wish to be in the background of your pictures!
8. Challenge Yourself but Stay In Your Lane
As with anything new, pole is going to be difficult the first time you try it and that’s okay. When the instructor shows you a move, don’t immediately start telling yourself you can’t do it. You can do it! Don’t be afraid to try it! You are your own worst enemy. Speak words of confidence to yourself and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
At the same time, if this is your first class, this is not the time to try some cool thing you saw Nicole Williams or Candace Cane do in the Rihanna video. Pole is a strenuous physical activity and can be very dangerous if you’re not properly trained. Do not do anything that the instructor does not clear you to do first and ask for a spotter if you need one!
9. Keep an Open Mind and Don’t Get Discouraged
Pole dance is a physical and emotional journey. Especially as women, we are often conditioned to be overly body conscious. Over the years, I have had to train myself to focus less on what my body looks like and be more impressed by what it can DO. Pole has helped me to make this transition. One thing I’ve discovered about pole is how supportive the community is, particularly in this area.
Pole dancers come in all shapes, sizes, genders and ages. There is no perfect body for pole. You are not too old to pole dance. You don’t have to be a specific weight to pole dance. You don’t have to “be sexy” to pole dance. You don’t have to be a woman to pole dance. You don’t need to get upper body strength or flexibility before you start pole dancing. Pole dance will train you in both of these things and more. I have heard every excuse in the book and none of them has ever stopped someone willing to take that first step. The pole community is large and diverse enough for all styles of dance and people.
There are going to be some moments where you will fail and others in which you will rock it out. Try not to be discouraged if you don’t catch on to a particular move on the first, second, third or fourth try. We all have moves that come easily to us and others that don’t. I remember a time when I thought I’d never be able to climb or invert. Pole instructors are very patient with students because someone else was probably patient with us. Like I always tell my students, no one is born with these skills. What we do is unnatural and defies the laws of gravity and physics. Be patient with yourself and never compare your journey to someone else’s.
10. Enjoy yourself!
If pole dance is nothing else, it is FUN! If you mess up, who cares? It’s really not that serious. Bring some heels along, if the class allows it. Wear fun costumes or funky shorts to class. Get into character and just feel it. I promise you won’t regret it.
I hope this helps ease any anxieties you have about trying out pole. Are you an experienced pole dancer with advice for anyone starting out? Are you looking to try pole dance and have a question? Feel free to comment below! I’d love to help out or pass along any advice!