Tips for Choosing a Great Pole Dance Fitness Class for Beginners
Choosing the perfect pole dance class for a beginner can be a bit daunting, and it can be hard to know what to look for. Does a class taught by a former stripper automatically make her good? Studies boasting that students make fancy moves like investments in just weeks sounds good, right? Pole dance studios may offer promise that sounds bright and enticing, but if you follow this guide, you’ll know exactly how to choose a pole dance class that’s high-quality, comfortable, and most importantly, safe!
Instructor Quality
The most important thing to consider when choosing a class is the quality of the instructor. Teaching ex-strippers can be great for learning sexy moves on the floor that don’t involve a pole, but if you want to get into the physical and challenging aspect of dancing, you need trained instructors.
Yes, there are actual certifications in pole dance instruction, and your instructor must be certified and experienced. So find out this information as well as how long they have been teaching and dancing.
If any of the instructors in the studio regularly compete in actual pole dance competitions, this is a sign that you are in good hands. They are more likely to be passionate about the subject and up to date on how to dance skillfully and safely.
And if your instructor looks out of shape, run and fast!
class size
Classes should have 1-2 people per post, no more. Any longer and the class becomes a bit unwieldy for the instructor, and it also means you’ll be sitting down for most of the class. Imagine spending your money on a one hour class and having to share a pole with two other people. That means 20 minutes on pole, tops… completely frustrating, and not helpful either.
For this reason, private study classes are a much better bet than classes at the gym which usually have a lot of people in the class.
Security
Classes should have a good emphasis on safety. Instructors need to clarify some basic things, such as the importance of cleaning the pole to prevent it from slipping.
Post safety also includes instructors who teach you proper body mechanics to avoid injury (this includes things like not hunching your shoulders and proper hand and foot placement). You’ll know you’ve found a good class when the instructor is attentive to people and strict about proper form.
They also won’t let you do fancy tricks when you’re not strong enough or ready. No one should pressure you to do something your body can’t handle.
As a bonus, it’s also great if the studio has lots of mirrors – they help you see what you’re doing right and what you’re doing wrong, and will help your progress a lot. Not to mention, it’s a lot of fun to look beautiful and sexy while dancing.
And don’t forget to check the studio’s class reservation and cancellation policy; this varies by study, so be sure to read the fine print.
