Safety

There is at least one crash mat available to students

Crash mats are an excellent tool, especially when learning inverts or performing a more advanced trick for the first time. It not only helps students feel safer, but it can lessen the risk of injury if someone slips. There should always be at least one crash mat available for the class, if not one for each pole in the space.

The poles are trusted brands and securely attached to the ceiling (i.e., not using pipes)

If you live in a big city, chances are you’ve seen one of the older studios that still have their poles from years ago, which are essentially powder-coated pipes.

It’s important to be able to trust your pole, especially when you are performing more advanced moves. Poles should be securely attached to the ceiling, no matter if they are tension or bolt-in. Bonus points if it is a recognizable brand like Lupit, X-Pole, Platinum Stages, or others. Instructors should have knowledge of care and utilization of their poles.

The instructor(s) are attentive, skilled, and experienced – preferably pole or fitness instruction certified

The instructor should always have their attention on the class, looking over each student to ensure they are doing moves correctly, from stretching to actual training. A positive attitude is essential, with encouragement to boot. Instructors should also be able to demonstrate and explain moves within their class’ skill level clearly – something that comes with experience and skill.

Now, even instructors have their off-days, but being habitually distracted on their phone and teaching below the class’ skill level is hard to miss.

Fitness or pole certification is preferred so the instructor understands what to look for in a student who is struggling, how to teach moves, spot students, recognize injuries or potential strain, and structure a class.

There is at least one instructor available to spot you during classes or open pole sessions

No matter what level you are at, you may need the instructor to spot you coming out of or going into a move. You shouldn’t be completely unsupervised during open pole sessions or pole regular classes. This can double as the class instructor, but during open pole, it is better for everyone to have an instructor present as there may not be an active structure to the class.

The studio offers intro or beginner classes

Mixed-level classes are difficult for beginner students, and instructors can risk spending too much time helping advanced students’ progress instead. On the other hand, spending too much time with beginner students can stunt advanced students’ growth. The studio should offer some leveled classes so students can all progress comfortably at their own skill level.

The studio offers multiple types of classes or explicitly states their style focus

This helps students know what kind of class they are showing up for and discover what style suits them best.

Some studios explicitly state they only focus on pole fitness or exotic pole, and that is fine – students will know what they are showing up for.

If the studio does not have an explicit focus, multiple types of classes should be offered so students can be exposed to multiple styles and discover which they enjoy most. Each class type should be offered by an instructor who specializes in that style of pole dancing, otherwise, the quality of classes may suffer.