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Pole Dancing

What really happens in a Pole Dancing class?

This is a dance that has recently attracted a lot of interest so if you’ve decided to have go, here’s a detailed guide to what to expect from a great beginner’s Pole Dancing class and how to avoid the common problems that can be associated with it.

We’re not going to debate the ‘Is this a valid art form or a close relative of stripping?’ argument here – that’s for you to decide.

All we’re concerned about here is that it is a fantastic form of exercise and can work wonders on your strength, suppleness and muscle tone.

And when it’s learnt in a safe and professional environment it’s huge fun and a great workout.

It’s amazing for working the upper body – which not many dances can claim. In fact, there are many dances out there that provide virtually no work for the arms to do at beginners level.

But that's not true this time... The tone that you’ll get in those dreaded upper arms will be noticeable after even a short course of lessons.

And of course you use your arm, leg and abs muscles very deeply for this, so you get a very thorough workout right from your first class.

And don’t worry at all if you feel unfit.

There’s no barrier to those wishing to learn to Pole Dance regardless of age, weight or shape.

You are going to be working with your own body weight a lot – pulling yourself up the pole. But a good instructor will guide, help and support you all the way.

Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels.

- Faith Whittlesey

On the subject of instructors though, a word of caution. If you are serious about having a go at this, you must choose your instructor sensibly.

Due to the extremely popular nature of this dance in recent times, classes have sprung up everywhere.

Yep, we’ve trawled all the seedy joints so you don’t have to. We've found classes in private clubs before they are open to the usual clients. And in the back rooms of pubs and bars, anywhere in fact.

And while location and venue aren’t the sole key to the quality of the teaching, it’s the one thing you need to be careful about.

Pole Dancing can be dangerous. In extreme cases it can cause life threatening injuries, such as neck sprains and breaks. So you need to be taught by a professional teacher rather than a professional dancer.

You need to be in company of someone with anatomy and physiology training in order to make sure that you are safe at every turn. For more information on this specific topic, please read our dance teachers page.

The good news is that the rise in popularity of Pole Dancing also means that many places now provide lessons with experienced teachers using professional equipment – head for one of those to start with and build your confidence, strength and knowledge safely. More on this later...

So, it’s a great laugh and fabulous exercise in the right environment, with the right teacher. So far so good. But what about those negative connotations?

Well, if you’ve chosen your class carefully, you’ll be a safe, female only environment that has no way to let the public view it. And no, you most definitely will NOT be required to take off your clothes!

Performing Pole Dancing in a microscopic bikini is for the professional dancers only and you guys will be clad in a comfortable pair of shorts and a tee-shirt, so have no fear!

Now, we’re going to take you through what a great class is like and everything you need to know about learning this dance.

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The Pole

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Learn to Pole Dance

Send us details of great teachers and classes that you've come across and we'll feature them on the site!

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