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What Is A Pole Party?
By Susan Peach
Pole parties are hugely popular these days, both as a fun celebration of a special event and as a way to find out if pole dancing classes are something you'd enjoy. But just because they're popular doesn't mean everyone knows what they're all about. If you're wondering exactly what a pole dancing party is and what goes on at one, this guide will get you up to speed.
The Basics
A pole dancing party is a fun and unique way to celebrate a special occasion, like a birthday or a stagette/bachelorette party. Those are the most common pole party themes, but you can choose any theme you want, or none at all, it's entirely up to you. Usually it's a group of women who get together, but parties can sometimes be mixed too.
At the party, an experienced pole dancing instructor or pole party facilitator teaches the group some simple pole dancing moves. Typically, a party involves 1-2 hours of pole time in a structured format that takes everyone from basic pole dance moves to building a simple routine by the end of the party.
But don't worry, there's no stripping involved! And you don't need any pole dancing experience; pole parties are geared to beginners and the focus is definitely on fun.
Part of the instructor's job is also to make sure everyone feels comfortable, has a great time, and most importantly, ensures everyone stays safe.
Pole parties can be held in a home setting, in which case the instructor will bring a portable dance pole and all the necessary supplies with them. Parties can also be held in a pole dancing studio with several dance poles so everyone gets more pole time.
In addition to learning some simple pole dance moves, there are often extra touches included or available as add-ons, such as a champagne toast, decorations, costumes or props, photo opportunities, performances and goody bags.
Now that you have a general idea of what a pole party is, let's look at a typical party in detail, so you get a more complete picture of what's involved.
What Happens at a Pole Dance Party?
While every studio or presenter has their own "formula" for a fun pole party, typically the party will go something like this...
To start with, most likely everyone in your group will be required to sign a waiver, and there should be some basic safety information given. For example, you'll probably be asked to remove rings and other loose jewelry, and to wash any lotion off your hands for safety.
During this time, your pole party facilitator will introduce themself, and there likely will be some fun icebreaker activities planned. The idea is to help everyone relax and get in the party mood, as well as to help everyone feel comfortable together in case not all the guests know each other.
One popular icebreaker activity is for each guest to choose their own pole dancer name for the evening.
If you'd like to incorporate this popular icebreaker into your pole party, here's a free guide to creating your own pole dance name generator, along with several variations on how to help your guests create their new identity for the party.
There may also be a champagne toast (usually with fake bubbly, for safety reasons), or some other type of ice-breaker activity. Your party presenter might also give a short introduction explaining what the format for the pole party will be, and to set the stage for the fun to come.
When it's time to get started, there will probably be some kind of warm up to get all the guests ready for the activity to follow. While you'll definitely be having fun, pole dancing can be quite a workout even at the beginner level. That's why it's important to warm up so you don't hurt yourself.
After everyone is relaxed and warmed up, it's time to get the party underway!
During the main part of the event, your instructor will demonstrate different moves and help everyone learn them.
If you're in a home setting, you'll more than likely be gathered around a single dance pole encouraging your friends as they try the moves.
If you're in a studio setting with several poles, you may be sharing with another person or two. That way, you'll get to help and support each other while you learn and laugh.
Time will fly by, and before you know it you'll have learned an entire mini-routine of pole dance moves.
Before the party wraps up, the instructor will usually encourage each participant to show off their moves
for their friends in a "pole performance."
Some people can be shy about this at first, but with a little encouragement from the rest of the partygoers everyone usually takes a turn.
Sometimes costume items or props like boas, hats and wigs are provided, to make this even more fun. And if there's a guest of honor such as a birthday girl or bride-to-be, she'll often be asked to dance last, as a grand finale to the evening.
As the party winds down, you'll probably want a group photo around the pole, so everyone can remember how much fun they had. Your party presenter will normally be delighted to help. Remember to get a picture with everyone's camera!
Once the pole party is over, you may be asked to fill out a brief feedback or evaluation form before you leave. Most studios and pole dancing teachers are interested in hearing about how the guests enjoyed the party and if there's anything they can do to improve the experience. Getting feedback from you is the best way they can do this.
At the end of many pole parties, a small goody bag is given to each guest as an extra treat and a "thank you for coming" gift. If there's a guest of honor, sometimes the guests get together ahead of time and create a special gift bag for them, which is presented at the end of the party.
While every pole dance party is unique, the format above is typical. If you'd like to know the specifics of what will happen at a pole party you're planning, just ask the studio or pole party instructor you're considering hiring. They should be happy to answer all your questions.
Speaking of questions, be sure to ask these important questions of any studio or instructor you're thinking of hiring, before you book your party. Your Pole Pal has also created a pole party planning guide to make it easy for you to plan and host your party.
If you need help finding a studio or an instructor to hire for a pole party, pop over to the Worldwide Pole Studio Directory where you can search thousands of studios around the world to find one near you.
If you've been to a pole dancing party and loved it, you might be thinking about taking classes or setting up a place to learn at home. Your Pole Pal has lots of helpful guides to help you get started with pole dancing, including how to choose between home and studio learning, starting safely, and much more.
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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