Getting Started With Pole Dancing

By Susan Peach

Getting started with pole dancing can feel both exciting and a bit intimidating at the same time. But you don't need to have every detail figured out before you begin. The first step is just deciding how and where you want to learn, and everything else follows on that. 

In this section you'll find links to more detailed info on learning at home, taking studio classes, and how to choose between these two paths. Pole dancing parties can be a good first step too, so there's also info on that option.

Your Pole Pal is big on safety, whether you choose to learn at home or in a studio, so that topic is covered here too. And if studio classes are in your future, there's even help for finding a pole dance studio in your area.

By the end of this read, you'll know what steps to take next and how to get started safely no matter where you choose to start your pole journey.

Home, Studio or Hybrid — Choosing Your Best Path

Once you've decided to start pole dancing, the first decision you'll likely have to make is whether you're going to take classes at a studio, learn at home, or do a combination of both. 

When to Take Studio Classes

Most beginners who have a studio nearby will choose that option, or at least they'll give it a try to see if the studio is a good fit. If you like structure, accountability and instant feedback when you're learning something new, studio classes might appeal to you as well.

This guide to pole classes and studios takes a deeper dive into what it's like to take studio classes. You'll learn about the different class styles and formats, how to get a good read on a studio from their online presence, what to look for on your first visit, and how to evaluate whether a studio is the right fit for you.

When to Learn at Home

If there aren't any studios in your area, buying your own pole and learning at home could be your only option. But even if you have access to a studio, you might choose to learn at home for other reasons. Scheduled classes often aren't a good fit for shift workers, while some people may have legitimate concerns about privacy.

If you're thinking about starting pole at home, you likely have lots of questions about how to choose the right dance pole and how to set up a place to train in your home. You might also be wondering which pole gear you actually need, as well as what kinds of resources are available to help you learn safely.

This guide to learning pole at home explains how to get set up safely and get off to a good start if this is the right path for you.

When to Go Hybrid

If you're lucky enough to have both a studio nearby and a place to install a home dance pole, you'll have the option to choose to go hybrid as you learn to pole dance. You'll potentially get the best of both worlds: flexibility to pole when and where it suits you, access to correction and feedback when you need it, and privacy when you prefer.

Need Help Choosing?

If you're unsure whether home or studio is the right place for you to start your pole dancing journey, this home vs studio guide can help you figure it out. 

Understand all the pros and cons of each option so you can make the choice that's best for you right now, while leaving the door open to change your mind down the road.

Safety First

Whether you choose to learn at home, in a studio, or both, developing good safety awareness from the start will serve you well over the long term. 

Pole dance safety is a bigger topic than it might first appear, as there's lots to consider. For example, you might have questions about:

• how to make sure that second hand pole you're thinking of buying is in good condition.

• how to know if the studio you're thinking about joining will be a safe place to learn.

• warming up properly before each session, so you're less likely to injure yourself.

• checking your pole installation and load testing to be sure your pole is secure.

• creating a home learning plan that covers all the foundational skills you'll need to safely move on to more advanced moves and tricks.

• what to do if you feel unsafe in your pole class. 

• choosing a good crash mat to use in your home studio.

• whether a particular dance pole is safe for home use.

• correct spotting, especially when working on airborne moves.

• and lots more!

Before you decide whether to learn at home or in a studio, here are two guides every beginner should read:

• Home Pole Safety explains how to choose the safest pole for your space including installation, space requirements and safety checks. You'll also learn some training tips to help avoid injury, and discover the essential safety gear every home pole dancer should have.
  
  
• Pole Studio Safety show you how to evaluate a studio for safety. You'll learn to evaluate studio policies, equipment & setup, and in-class safety. There's even a free PDF checklist that you can download and use to easily evaluate any studio you visit.

Pole Dancing Parties - Another Way to Start

Many people get their first taste of pole at a pole dancing party. If you're thinking about starting pole but aren't sure what it will be like or if you'll enjoy it, a pole party is a great way to find out, without any commitment beyond the party itself.

Finding a Studio

If you've decided to take pole dancing classes at a studio, your next task will be to find a studio near you. If there's only one in your city, you'll probably start there.

But if you can't find a studio, or are wondering if there's more than just the one you already know about in your area, the Pole Studio Directory can help. It lists thousands of studios from all over the world, and is updated regularly to keep the listings current.

You've Got This

Making the decision to start pole dancing might be the hardest part of your pole journey. Like so many things in life, once you decide on your path forward, taking the actual steps often turns out to be not as scary as you imagined.

Remember, Your Pole Pal will be right beside you every step of the way, answering your questions, helping you figure out what's best for you, and guiding you through the wonderful world of pole. 

Was this page helpful? Make YourPolePal.com your preferred source of pole dance info on Google, so it'll be easier to find more useful pole guides like this one. 

Susan Peach was an early pioneer in pole fitness and is now the voice behind Your Pole Pal, a long-running resource for the pole community. With more than 30 years of experience teaching pole, dance, and fitness, she helps newcomers navigate the world of pole with confidence.

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