First pole class coming up? You’re probably feeling excited, but also a little bit nervous, and maybe asking yourself, “Can I actually do this?” The good news is, yes, you absolutely can!   

Classes are all about learning, especially your first one, so even if you’re walking in with no experience at all, you’ll be walking out with new skills.   

So, take a deep breath and keep reading, because we’re about to give you all the nitty gritty details on how to prepare for your first class. 

Getting Ready 

Pole dancing requires bare skin to grip the pole so that you can do the tricks/movements without sliding. And the more advanced you get, the more skin you’ll need exposed.  

But don’t stress! 

To start off, a pair of shorts and a tank top or short sleeved shirt will do just fine. This will provide enough exposed skin to grip the pole during your tricks at a beginner level. However, if you want to bring out your spicier side with a bikini or a crop/bra top, go for it! Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and confident, while still exposing some thigh and arm skin will work just fine.  

Now how about that 8-inch elephant in the room… the heels! You’ve probably seen pole dancers on social media dancing in the classic 8-inch platform heels, and thought, HOW?!?  

The answer: PRACTICE 

Most of our beginners start by training barefoot and once they have a few classes under their belt, will then look at purchasing their first pair of pole heels. However, you’re welcome to bring along your favourite heels from home to your first class. You also can choose to NEVER wear heels if that’s more your style. Again, whatever makes you feel confident is the way to go. 

When you get to class, make sure to remove rings and any other jewelry from your hands and wrists before starting. Metal accessories can leave marks on the poles and end up damaged. They can also get in the way while you move, which may increase the risk of injury. 

 DO NOT MOISTURISE ON THE DAY OF THE CLASS. If your skin feels dry, moisturise the night before so that it has time to sink in. Otherwise, the oily residue will transfer to the pole and make it very slippery.  

 Other than that, you’ll just need a water bottle to stay hydrated and a small towel to clean the pole. These will both come in handy as you get sweating!

You Don’t Need to Be Strong to Start 

One of the biggest things beginners worry about before their first pole dance class is strength. A lot of people put off starting because they think they need a certain amount of strength before booking their first class. 

The thing is, doing the classes will build the strength. Pole dancing works your muscles in a way that’s probably quite different to your day-to-day life, so the easiest way to build the strength you need is to book that class! 

Pretty soon, you’ll notice strength building in your hands and forearms from gripping the pole. You’ll find new muscles in your shoulders and back from lifting your weight through tricks. Your legs will be powerful from climbing and dancing, and your core will be strong from, well, everything!  

Even your ankles will get a workout when you pop on your first pair of heels! 

So, all you need to do is show up as you are and get ready to see the gains. Your pole dancer guns are just a few classes away! 💪 

What Happens During Your First Pole Dance Class 

You’ll start class with a dynamic warm up to get your blood pumping and your muscles moving. From there, you’ll generally move into a short conditioning section where you’ll do some strengthening drills to get your muscles activated in preparation for the tricks you’re about to learn.  

The tricks section of your first class will usually involve simple movements like: 

  • Basic grips 
  • Beginner-friendly spins 
  • Mounting the pole 
  • Simple transitions 
  • Dancing with/around the pole 

At the end of the class you’ll usually finish with a short dance routine that will incorporate one or two of the movements you learned that day.  

After the class, you may feel: 

  • A bit sore (hello new muscles!) 
  • Proud that you gave it a go 
  • More confidence than you expected 
  • Keen to try certain moves again 
  • Excited to keep learning 

Bonus Tips 

  • Start with a beginner-friendly studio. Pole Divas offers a welcoming place to start, with a range of classes so you can keep progressing and exploring different styles. 
  • Go at your own pace. Your first pole dance class will focus only on the building blocks that make bigger goals possible. As such, give yourself permission to practice without putting pressure on yourself. 
  • Do not compare yourself to others. Everyone has a different starting point and is working through their own learning process. Comparing yourself to someone else in class can take your focus away from your own progress. 

Start Your First Pole Dance Class with Pole Divas 

Pole dancing is an incredible workout, but it is also an empowering way to move your body and build your confidence. So, if you’re ready to begin your pole dance journey, book your first class at Pole Divas. One class is all it takes to get started!