Signed up for your first class? Here’s how to get the most out of your pole class experience!
Trying something new doesn’t need to be stressful. We’re all here for the same reason – to have fun, learn new things, and make friends (who knew making friends as an adult could be so F#$&!# hard?!). Our crew is ready to welcome you in and show you what real community is like to get the most out of your pole dance class.
Pre-class planning:
- Hydrate well throughout the day, and eat a few hours prior to class
- Remove all metal jewelry on wrists, fingers, ankles, and toes, as well as necklaces.
- Metal-on-metal ruins the poles
- Wearing jewelry on these spots can be a safety hazard
- No lotion (anywhere)!
- Why: oils and other agents in most lotions are absorbed into the pores on your skin. When you start exercising and sweating, you also sweat out the oils from the lotion. When this oil makes you slippery, it can be a safety concern.
- Just can’t go a day without moisturizing? Ask us about pole-safe products! We stock the Dew Point Pole line. Most moisturizers that are vegetable glycerin-based or aloe-based without additional added oils are your best bet!
- Wear what you’re comfortable in
- You do not have to wear booty shorts (but you can if you want to). We encourage you to wear clothing that allows you to move and feel comfortable. For many people, this is snug-fitting athletic wear or simply a t-shirt and leggings. If you care to “dress up” and be extra, this is a fine place to do it!
- Please avoid clothing with exposed zippers, rivets, or exposed metal decorative elements.
- Especially in winter, please wear a warm, comfy layer (lots of us wear pajamas or fluffy bathrobes and slippers) until the class warm up begins – you will warm up more efficiently and safely!
- For your first Exclusively Beginner class, any kinds of bottoms are fine – shorts, leggings, sweatpants, etc.
- After the first day of class, your learning will benefit from having the skin on your knees, armpits, and inner thigh uncovered to achieve some of the basic pole moves. If you prefer to be more covered, there are several pole brands that offer “grippy” clothing!
- If you generally chest/breast bind, we encourage you to bind safely where you can fully breathe (several of our instructors wear Fluxion binders and are our favorite binder for pole dance), or wear a compression top and/or Trans Tape for class in order to breathe fully and safely.
- For those with external genitalia, you may find more comfort with a dance belt, Unclockable, or a gaff/tucking underwear.
- As you progress, more skin available does aid in achieving certain moves and poses. We recommend skin-tight shorts with 3″ maximum inseam. For many bodies, skin-tight swimsuit bottoms work really well as they are meant to stay in place! We stock pole bottoms from size 4XL/XXXXL to XS.
- That said, many of our students find more adoration for their bodies here, and dare to wear shorter shorts and live fully in their own bodies as they progress in their pole journey.
- Footwear
- Most of our classes will be done in barefoot; if you prefer to wear socks, please wear tight socks with grip for safety.
- We discuss shoe theory in our beginner series and provide shoes for you to try out, if you dare! However, shoes are never required to be a pole dancer. We have shoes to borrow (and buy) in “W” sizes 5-14US.
- If you find that you absolutely love heels while dancing, we have heels-specific learning tracks you can take advantage of when you’re a member!
What should I bring?
- Refillable water bottle – we have a water dispenser!
- Phone or camera – you’ll have an opportunity to record yourself at the end of class.
- Personal towel – if you want
- We provide towels for cleaning the pole during class. Some dancers like to have a personal towel for wiping sweat off of their body. Sweating is natural, and can sometimes make you slip on the pole. No one will judge you for wiping your forehead… or your armpits.
Arrival:
- First time – 10 to 15 minutes early for a waiver and a tour! We have a seating area for you to wait.
- Most of the time – 3-5 minutes early (or 1-2 minutes early but ready to jump straight into class without needing to change clothes).
- The warm-up period is crucial for safety and injury prevention. Students arriving more than 5 minutes after the warm up period has begun will not be permitted to engage in class activities. After all, you can’t get the most out of your class if you can’t be safe doing it!
misc / What to Expect:
- When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by one of our front desk badasses. They’ll get you signed in for class and answer any questions you have! They’ll also show you around so you know where everything you may need is; like water refills, snacks, and our all-gender, wheelchair accessible, single-user restroom.
- There will be other students in other classes, or perhaps hanging out in common areas. We can introduce you to a few fellow students if you feel like making a friend! If you feel awkward, don’t worry, we are definitely awkward; you’re in good company!
- Class happens in a small group, where the instructor(s) rotate through demonstration, lecture, discussion, and practice time for new skills. We’re really nerdy about pole dance.. and instructors are always happy to answer your questions!
- Studio vibe is comfy, welcoming, and social. Grab a blanket from the basket, finish your book while you wait for class, introduce yourself to someone who has a cool shirt on, or have a snack.
- Studio environment is queer, neuro-spicy, SW positive, and human-rights centered. We put intention into this space to be a breath of fresh air, a place to be themselves, for those who need it – especially in the current political climate of our state. We put effort into meeting any accessibility need possible.
- While we do not require face coverings/masks in class at this time, we welcome your use of them at your leisure, and also have disposable masks for your use if desired. We also encourage mask-wearing if someone has been exposed to an airborne illness and may be contagious but is not yet symptomatic. Our culture is one of care for others.
- We hope you’ll be yourself here. You don’t have to fit any kind of mold or stereotype to be a dancer.
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We are also sometimes asked if a student can bring someone just to watch the class or wait for them in the studio during class; we do not allow any observation of our classes, and no one else will be permitted into the studio with you. We value the full safety and privacy of ALL of our students. If someone is your ride and must wait for you during class, there is a Barnes and Noble within walking distance, and many restaurants and retail stores to fill time while they wait for you. Children are not permitted in the studio. Please dedicate this time to yourself.
We can’t wait to meet you!
Still have questions? DM our text-only line at (208)617-5447 and a front desk badass will get back to you soon.