For everyone who has decided to attend their first pole dance class and isn’t quite sure how to prepare, here’s a short guide with the key things you need to know.
1. What should I wear for a pole dance class?
If you’re wondering what to wear for your first pole dance class, a simple pair of leggings with a T-shirt or sports bra will be just fine. You also won’t need sneakers, since we train either in socks or barefoot.
Even though you may have heard countless stories about how pole dance requires very little clothing, the truth is that for the first few months you don’t need to think about that at all. In this period, you’ll be learning moves that don’t require much skin contact with the pole, so you can wear any type of sportswear you already have.
2. Do jewelry and long nails get in the way during pole dance?
We remove jewelry during training, especially rings. It’s important to have a safe grip with your hands, and since there’s a lot of spinning involved, jewelry can sometimes get in the way.
Besides the fact that we always need to do everything we can to stay safe before any acrobatics, we also don’t want to damage or scratch the poles.
Many women train with long nails, but it sometimes happens that one breaks while performing elements. Nails are not a huge problem, but the recommendation is to avoid them if you can.
3. What will I learn in my first pole dance class?
The very first thing you’ll learn when you come to class is a pirouette. You’ll get familiar with the pole and some basic terms, as well as learn about the different modules and types of poles.
Then you’ll try out various types of spins, which will test your motor skills, coordination, and balance. Pole dance is learned slowly, step by step, so don’t worry—you won’t be given overly difficult tasks during your first class.
4. Do I need previous dance experience to train pole dance?
You don’t need any previous experience in dance or acrobatics, nor do you have to be very strong or flexible. All of that comes with time.
While learning the basic pole elements, we’ll also stretch together in class and do some strength exercises. That way, by the time you get to more advanced elements, you’ll already be fully prepared for them.
You can read more about what a training session looks like HERE.
5. Don’t apply lotion or cream on your hands or body
It’s strongly recommended not to use body lotions or hand creams right before class—or often, even on the same day. Once you become a passionate pole dancer, you’ll probably even change your habits when it comes to your favorite skincare products.
Creams, oils, or any products that make your skin slippery will make training in this already challenging sport much harder.
However, the solution isn’t to completely stop moisturizing—that wouldn’t be healthy and it wouldn’t solve the problem. If your skin is too dry, there’s also a chance you’ll slip from the pole. The answer, as always, is balance!
Your skin should be hydrated, but not greasy. You’ll think more about this once you reach the intermediate level and start sticking to the pole with different parts of your body. For your very first classes, just remember to skip hand cream.
6. Clean the pole with alcohol
The pole can sometimes feel like an enemy. Again, the key is balance! If it’s too cold, performing elements will be harder. The best thing is to warm it up first with some easy moves so you don’t waste strength while it’s still cold.
But as training goes on, the pole can start slipping again—not because it’s cold, but because we’ve touched it too many times, leaving sweaty handprints.
The solution: wiping the pole with a cloth and alcohol, which are a standard part of every pole dance studio and always within reach.
You’ll clean the pole as often as needed during class. It’s part of pole dance etiquette to wipe the pole after you’re done and leave it ready for the next person.
