Pole Dance Party Questions To Ask Before You Book

I want to have a pole party and I saw there are a few studios that offer parties in my city. What are some questions I should ask to make sure I hire the best one?
~ Nadine

If you're thinking seriously of booking a pole dance party, you probably already have a basic list of questions to ask the party presenter before you book the date. But there are a number of not-so-obvious questions you'd be wise to ask as well.

Questions about pole dancing

Asking lots of questions beforehand will help make sure you understand the studio or instructor's policies and avoid any misunderstandings. Remember, if you have questions, the best time to ask is before you lay down your deposit.

To make sure all your bases are covered, Your Pole Pal has created this list of questions to ask before you book your party, organized into these categories:

You can also grab this free PDF download that lists all the questions on this page, along with  space for you to make notes for each studio or instructor you contact about their pole parties.

💰 Cost & Payment

How much will the pole dance party cost?

This may seem like an obvious question, but different studios have different pricing structures which can make it hard to compare apples to apples.

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For example, one studio might charge a flat fee of say, $400 for up to 12 guests, while another might charge $30 per person with a minimum fee of $300. Still another might charge a base of $250 plus a per person fee of $20 on top of the base fee.

It's important to fully understand the studio's pricing structure, as the price may vary quite a bit depending how many guests you plan to have at your party.

What's included in the pole party fee?

This is an important question because what you get for your money can vary widely.

The basics of course, should include at least one pole and a skilled instructor, but many studios and instructors provide extras that are included in the cost of the pole party. Examples include a champagne toast, goody bags or gift bags, a special gift for the guest of honor, etc.

However, be aware that some studios will charge an additional fee for extras like these, so be sure to get clarification.

Are there any extra fees or additional costs?

  • You may want to inquire about whether a gratuity will be expected, or whether there are fees for optional extras like a champagne toast, costume rentals, etc.

  • In some countries, states or provinces, there may also be tax payable on the party fee so be sure to ask about this as well.

  • Finally, if the party is to be held in a non-studio setting such as a hotel or a home, there may be travel costs involved.

    • Is a deposit required? If so, how much and when is it due?

  • In many cases, you'll be asked to pay a deposit when you're ready to book your date. The amount can vary quite a bit though, so be sure to ask. Some studios charge a flat fee for the deposit, while others charge a percentage of the total party price. 

  • Be aware that a few studios might ask for payment in full to reserve your date, particularly if the studio is very busy and does a lot of pole parties.

  • You'll also want to confirm when the deposit is due. Normally it will be at the time of booking in order to reserve your preferred date, but sometimes you can reserve your date and then have a week or so to pay the deposit. This is useful if the guests will all be contributing to the cost of the pole dance party, since you won't be financially committed until you're able to collect the deposit from each of the guests.

    • When is full payment due?

  • Some studios will want the party to be fully paid up a week in advance, while others won't require payment until the end of the party. Being clear on this in advance will allow you to plan to collect the balance from the guests in advance, if the balance needs to be paid before the party takes place.

    • What payment methods are accepted?

    Cash is usually a safe bet, but many studios will also accept credit and/or debit cards. Checks are becoming less acceptable as a payment method due to increasing fraud, so be prepared for this.

    credit cards

    If the party will be held in a non-studio setting, and you want to pay with a credit or debit card, you'll also want to make sure the party presenter will have a mobile card reader with them.

    Another commonly accepted payment method is bank transfer via email. Depending on which country you live in, this might be called e-transfer, direct deposit, or some other name. In some countries you'll need to use a third party service to make a direct bank transfer, such as Venmo, Wise or Paypal.

    🗓️ Scheduling & Availability

    How far in advance should I book?

    June to September, aka wedding season, is typically a very busy time for many studios and party companies, as lots of brides want to have a pole dance party for their stagette or bachelorette party. For a booking at this time of year, you may need to reserve your date several months in advance.

    Every studio is different though. For example, large studios may have several instructors who can do pole parties, and especially if you plan to have the party in a home or hotel setting, then you may have more flexibility with advance booking.

    On the other hand, a small, one-person pole party company will have a lot less flexibility with dates since there's only one person who is available to do parties.

    The day of the week that you want to have your party may also impact how far in advance you should book, as Friday and Saturday evenings are generally the most popular times. If you want an afternoon or weeknight party, you may not need to reserve your date as far in advance.

    What days and times are parties available?

    Most studios and pole party companies offer a lot of flexibility with booking times, but if you want a daytime party or a late night party, you may have more of a challenge making a booking because staff may have less availability at these times.

    Lots of pole dance instructors teach part-time and also have a day job. This means they may not be available on weekdays, and may not want to do a party that starts later in the evening if they have to be at their day job the next day.

    How long does the party last?

    Having this information ahead of time will help you plan for any other activities you'll be doing immediately before or after your pole party.

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    It will also give you an idea of how much actual pole dancing you'll be doing.

    For example, if you have 15 in your group and are told the party will be 1.5 hours long, you can bet you'll get less pole time than if there are 8 in your group and are told the party will be 2 hours long.

    👥 Guests & Group Size

    What is the minimum & maximum number of guests?

    Maximum numbers are more likely than minimums, though some studios or pole dance party companies will require a minimum number of guests in order to reserve a date. This is often because a cancellation is more likely with a very small number of guests.

    Maximum numbers will depend on various factors such as the available space in the pole room, the number of dance poles, and the number of instructors. If the party is to be held in a home or hotel setting with only one dance pole and one instructor, the maximum number will be lower than for a party held in a studio with 6 poles and two instructors.

    What happens if fewer/more people show up than planned?

    This may or may not be an issue, again depending on the setting where the party is held.

    If fewer guests show up than planned, the party will likely go ahead in order to avoid disappointing those who do attend, but the party fee will probably not be adjusted lower if the studio charges per person.

    If unexpected guests arrive, the studio will likely have a policy on this so it's important to know the details in advance. One extra guest may be fine, but 5 unexpected attendees may pose a problem in terms of safety, pole time, or the instructor's ability to manage the party.

    Is the space private, or will other classes or parties be happening at the same time?

  • This question is obviously only applicable if you plan to have your pole dance party in a studio.
  • It may not matter to you if others are present in a different studio at the same time as your group. But if you know that several of the guests are very shy or may be worried about being seen at a pole party, this may be an important question to ask.

    • 📍 Location & Setup

    Where is the party held?

    Most if not all studios offer pole parties in their studio, and some also offer the option to have the party in your home, a hotel room, or another off-site location.

    A self-employed instructor working out of her home or from a rented space will most likely bring a portable pole to your home, as will a dedicated pole party company.

    If you want the convenience of having the party come to you, then you might prefer a home party. On the other hand, if you don't want to deal with any clean up, a studio party might suit you best.

    If you do opt for an in-studio party, be sure to get the address, parking info, and any specifics on how to find the front door or access the studio after regular class hours.

    Can the instructor come to a private location (home/hotel), or is it studio-only?

    Obviously this question is only applicable if you are thinking about having the pole dance party in a home or other private setting. Many studios, instructor and party companies do offer this service, but you'll want to be sure to ask about travel costs and space requirements (see below).

    If mobile: What kind of space is needed?

  • For a party held at a private location, it's very important that the party presenter know ahead of time what the ceiling height is. They may also ask about the type of flooring in the room where the party is to be held, how big the room is, and whether you have a flat or vaulted ceiling.
  • This information will help ensure that there won't be any surprises when the party presenter arrives to set up the dance pole. It's important to provide accurate information and take correct measurements, otherwise you may find yourself scrambling when it's discovered the pole can't be safely installed.

    • 🧘‍♀️ Activities & Customization

    What will we be doing during the party?

    Obviously, pole dancing will be the main attraction, but you might have specific questions about what kinds of moves or tricks will be taught, whether there will be icebreakers or warm up games, and if the guests are going to learn a simple routine or just some individual pole tricks.

    Can the party be customized?

    If the party is to celebrate a particular event like a birthday, stagette or other special occasion, you may want to choose specific songs that are favorites of the guest of honor. Perhaps you want to incorporate a specific theme related to the time of year, or you'd like the party presenter to create a simply choreography. If so, you'll want to ask about these things in advance so the instructor has time to work on your request.

    Will there be time for photos/videos?

    Unlike in a pole dance class, at a private party it's common for the guests to take photos and videos of each other during the party.

    pole-partiers.jpg

    But you may also want to set aside time for posed photos, especially if the pole party is celebrating a birthday or stagette. Also, some of the guests might want to have a video of themselves performing the routine that is often taught at pole parties.

    If you think this will be important to your guests, make sure to ask about dedicated time for taking photos and/or videos.

    Are heels or costumes allowed/encouraged?

    Depending on the occasion, the time of year, and the prior experience of the group as a whole, this may or may not apply. If none of the guests have pole danced before, heels will probably be discouraged or not permitted at all.

    Costumes are another matter. For stagette pole parties, the bride-to-be often has been dressed by her friends, sometimes in an outfit that just won't work with pole dancing. This is most likely to be for safety reason, ie a "wedding gown" made out of toilet paper probably isn't going to hold up on the pole, and also presents safety issues.

    But if you're throwing a "Pole-O-We'en" party and the guests are coming in seasonal costumes, this may be just fine. If you have something like this in mind, it's best to run the specifics by the studio or party presenter, just to be sure there won't be any safety issues. For example, gloves and dance poles don't generally mix.

    👚 What to Bring/Wear

    What should we wear?

    Usually the best attire for a pole dance party is comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. Many party presenters require only this and bare feet.

    However, depending on the moves that are taught at the party, the instructor may suggest shorts (vs leggings or long pants).

    You'll probably also be advised to tell your guests not to wear rings, necklaces or other jewelry, and to avoid accessories like belts. This is to avoid damage to the dance poles and to the guests' belongings.

    Do we need to bring anything?

    Usually all the necessities will be provided, but sometimes waivers will be made available in advance so that guests can bring them to the party already filled out. Other items that may be suggested for guests to bring are a water bottle, and perhaps ID if the studio requires proof of age.

    Are pole shorts or grip aids recommended or provided?

  • Pole parties are generally geared towards beginners, so there isn't usually a need for grip aids or shorty shorts to help with leg grip on the pole.
  • However, if your group all have some pole dancing experience already, and you are hiring an instructor for a custom pole dance party involving more advanced moves, this is a valid question to ask.

    • 🧑‍🏫 Instructor & Experience

    Who will be teaching the party? What’s their experience?

    You'll likely want to know a little about the person who'll be facilitating your pole dance party, and it's certainly acceptable to ask about their training and experience, whether they have a certification, and how many parties they've done.

    Your guests - especially those who may be a bit nervous about attending - may also feel more comfortable if they know that the party presenter is a certified pole dance instructor with several years of experience.

    Is the party suitable for complete beginners?

    Pole parties are usually geared to beginners, but it's always good to confirm this. Also, your definition of "beginner" may differ from that of the instructor's so it might be a good idea to ask about this.

    For example someone who has never done any kind of dance before may feel much more nervous than someone who has never pole danced but has several years of training in another style of dance.

    Are modifications available for guests with physical limitations?

  • This may or may not apply to anyone in your group, but if it does, don't be afraid to ask this question. Arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or recent knee surgery are just a few examples of limitations that participants may be concerned about. 

    • If the instructor is aware of any limitations in advance, they may be able to come up with alternatives to certain moves for guests who may need a modification.

    🎉 Extras & Add-Ons

    Are any party extras available? If so, what is the cost?

    champagne-200x200

    As discussed above, some studios will include extras like goody bags for the guests. Others may have a list of optional add-ons that can be purchased for an additional fee. Some examples might be champagne, special theme decorations, photo props, or post-party appies and drinks.

    Can we bring our own food or drinks?

    This question is more relevant if you'll be having your pole party in a studio setting.

    Most studios will not want you to bring food into the actual pole studio, but if the studio has a lounge or reception area where the food can be served, they may be happy to allow this. Particularly if you're celebrating a special event like a birthday, the studio will likely be accommodating.

    cake-200x133

    Alcohol is not generally encouraged at a pole dance party because of safety and liability issues. If a studio is not insured for events involving alcohol they will likely request that you not bring alcoholic beverages to the party.

    On the other hand, some studios actually provide a champagne toast at the start of the party. This may be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, again depending on the studio's insurance and the comfort level of the instructor who will be guiding your party experience.

    In general, it's a good idea to save the drinks for after the party. That way everyone will stay safe while you're in the pole studio, and you can cut loose with a few celebratory drinks afterwards.

    Keep in mind that if you will need extra time in the studio to have drinks, appies or dessert before or after the party, the studio may make an additional charge for this time.

    Do you offer any upgrades or variations?

  • If you'd like to book a longer session than the studio's standard party, or you want to incorporate some burlesque and/or chair dancing for example, some instructors may be able to accommodate these special requests.

    • 🚫 Policies & Liability

    What’s the cancellation/rescheduling policy?

    Be sure to find out before you book and pay a deposit what happens if something comes up and you need to cancel or re-book your pole dance party.

    Some studios will allow changes/cancellations up until a certain date, while others are firm once the date has been reserved for your group. Still others are very flexible and are happy to accommodate date changes right up until a few days before the party.

    Be aware that cancellation/rescheduling policies tend to go hand in hand with refund policies, which is next on our list of things to ask about...

    Is there a refund policy?

    You'll definitely want to know if your deposit is refundable if you have to cancel your pole dance party. Studio policies vary on this, though it's common to have a cancellation policy that allows for a refund of some or all of your deposit if you give enough notice. Be sure to ask when is the last date you can cancel without losing your deposit.

    Are waivers or liability forms required?

  • It's fairly standard practice for studios and pole dance party companies to ask for signed waivers from all party guests, as this is a requirement of most insurance policies. 

  • Some studios will make these forms available in advance, perhaps via their website, so you can have each guest fill one out beforehand. This will save time once everyone arrives for the party, so you may want to ask about this option while inquiring about waivers.

    • Summary

    There's no doubt that hosting a successful pole dance party takes a lot of planning, but the information on this page can make your job easier by helping ensure that you ask the right questions at the right time.

    While it may seem like a lot to cover, remember that the time and energy you put into getting all your questions answered now will pay dividends in the form of a fun and stress-free pole party when the big day arrives.

    And if you missed the free PDF download containing all the questions on this page, along with space to jot your own notes, you can still get it here. Especially if you'll be contacting more than one pole dance studio, it will help you keep your notes organized so you can compare your options and choose the best studio or instructor for your needs. Your Pole Pal hopes you find it helpful!

    If you want to host a pole party but don't know where to start, check out this free Worldwide Pole Dancing Directory to find a studio or instructor near you!

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