For everyone about to take their first pole dance class and feeling unsure about what to expect, here’s a short guide covering everything you should know before you begin.
1. What to Wear (and Not to Wear) for a Pole Dance Class
If you’re wondering what to wear for your first pole dance class, a pair of regular leggings with a T-shirt or sports top will do just fine. You also won’t need shoes — classes are done barefoot or in socks.
Although you may have heard that pole dance requires very little clothing, that’s not something you need to worry about in the first few months. Beginners usually practice moves that don’t require much skin contact with the pole, so any comfortable sportswear will work perfectly.
2. Jewelry and Long Nails — Do They Get in the Way?
Jewelry should be removed before training, especially rings. A secure grip is essential, and since there’s a lot of spinning involved, jewelry can become a distraction — or even a safety risk. We also want to protect the poles from scratches or damage.
Many students train with long nails, and while it’s not a major issue, they can occasionally break during practice. If possible, it’s best to keep your nails short for comfort and safety.
3. What You’ll Learn in Your First Pole Dance Class
The first thing you’ll learn is how to do a basic pirouette. You’ll get familiar with the pole, the basic terms, and different types of poles used in studios. Then, you’ll start learning various spins that test your coordination, balance, and motor control.
Pole dance is learned slowly, step by step, so don’t worry — you won’t be expected to do anything too difficult right away.
4. Do I Need Previous Dance Experience?
No previous dance or acrobatic experience is necessary. You don’t need to be strong or flexible — that all comes with time. While learning the basic pole elements, you’ll stretch and build strength during classes, so by the time you reach more complex moves, your body will already be prepared.
5. Avoid Lotions or Creams Before Class
Avoid applying body lotions or hand creams before class — and ideally, avoid them entirely that day. Once you get into pole dancing, you’ll likely adjust your skincare routine since any oily or slippery product makes it harder to grip the pole.
That doesn’t mean you should stop moisturizing altogether. Overly dry skin can also cause slipping. The key is balance: your skin should be hydrated, but never greasy. This becomes more important once you reach intermediate levels, but for your first few classes, just remember to skip the hand cream.
6. Clean the Pole with Alcohol
The pole can be tricky — too cold and it’s hard to grip, too warm and it gets slippery. The best way to handle it is to warm it up first by doing some simple moves. As your session goes on, wipe it down occasionally with a cloth and alcohol (which every studio provides).
It’s standard pole dance etiquette to clean the pole after each use, leaving it ready for the next dancer.
Pole dance might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a fun, empowering, and incredibly rewarding journey. With the right mindset and preparation, your first class will be the start of something truly transformative.
