Your First Pole Lesson

So you’re about to take your first pole dancing class. You’re a bundle of nerves, unsure what to expect or how your body will respond. Here’s the basics you need to know to make the most of that first pole dance experience.

Before you set foot in the studio, do your research, check out the studio’s websites, reviews, and their social media platforms. There are countless studios around, particularly in larger cities, each with their strengths and weaknesses, and varying levels of experience. Recommendations are always a great way to find a foot in the door, but remember you are uniquely you, and what works for one student may not work for another, so research and even pop into the studio for a chat with the instructors. If you are unsure, ask if you can sit in and watch a class. Most studios are open to having prospective students pop in for a peak before they take their first class, as it often helps to calm the nerves.

When you are booking your first class, try to be as honest as you can with the studio staff. Any injuries you may already have, no matter how insignificant you may think they are, must be noted by the studio. It is likely they will also ask your level of experience, or background. Have you taken any dance lessons, gymnastics lessons, cheer maybe? This is not to make those who have not tried before feel un-prepared. Quite the opposite. Having a clear idea of your background will help your instructor tailor their teaching style to you a little and hopefully help you pick up the pole moves a little easier.

Before your first class, there are a few little things you can do to make your first lesson easier. The most important one is please do not moisturise! Lotions and moisturisers will transfer to the pole and make it near impossible to grip. If you need to moisturise, try to shower before you come to class. This will remove as much of the lotion as possible and minimize your difficulty in your lesson.

In terms of what to wear and bring along, things are pretty straight forward. Wear what you are comfortable in! Gym gear is best so you are free to move and not restricted by fabrics that don’t stretch with you. Tights generally work in for your first lesson or two, but as you move along and learn new things, shorts will make your life a whole lot easier and open you up to some exciting new moves! They don’t need to be teeny tiny booty shorts, but something form fitting will help. Bring on the Lycra!

Most students start out barefoot, but as you move along, if you feel like a challenge, you can look into pole heels! These babies are not only gorgeous but add a little extra weight to make this an even more efficient workout! However, if heels aren’t your deal then feel free to stick to barefoot pole as it has it’s own unique beauty!

Most importantly, before your first class please, if you are ever unsure of anything, reach out to your potential instructors! Whichever studio you are looking to attend would love to answer any questions you have and help guide you into your first taste of pole dancing!

Written by Toni Hearn

Tags: classes