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What do you look for in a Pole Fitness Dance Studio?
I am in the midst of opening a Woman's Only Dance Fitness Studio and am offering Pole dance fitness, zumba, kickboxing, striptease, bellydancing, personal training, ect. I'm trying to get some info or insight to the following questions and I figured who better to ask than the most knowledgeable women I know: "StudioVeena Members"
I would love feedback to the following questions or any other inputs you can offer. It would be greatly appreciated!!
– When choosing a Pole or Dance Fitness Studio to attend what concerns you before you actually join the studio? (is it price? Quality? Convenience? Customer Service? Teachers? Cleanliness? Decor of Studio? or anything else?)
– Would you prefer a studio with day & evening classes during the work week or just evenings?
-Would you prefer to Pole Dance in a studio with Dim lights or Bright lights?
– Would you prefer to pay as you go("drop-in classes) or a workshop that requires you to attend one class per week for a certain amount of weeks (like a 6 week workshop)? Or maybe both?
– What do you look for in a teacher working at a studio? (Personality, quality of teaching or certifications, ect.?)
Also, I will be attending the International Pole & Exotic Dance Fitness Convention in West Palm Beach on June 10-12, 2011 and would like to know if anyone on here will also be in attendance?
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26 Replies
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I like weekly classes as well as drop ins, since i dont have a regular work schedule having to go to a pole class the same day every week might be difficult.
I also look for a teacher that has a certification of some sort in fitness.
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Location and cost are my two top concerns. If you are in a skeezy area of town chances are I am not attending your studio. I also have issues with some places charging you for a whole 6 week session without some sort of intro. There was a place near me that was going to start pole dance and wanted the money up front and her instructor wasn't really all that well versed. Oh, yeah, BE PROFESSIONAL. The voice mail that this girl left me was nearly impossible to understand.
I could really care less about decor. Tall ceilings, decent poles, smooth floor, clean bathroom.
I like the idea of having open pole even though I have a pole at home. Some times it is just more fun to pole with other people.
I would like there to be at least one advanced instructor. And please do not make me have to go through all of your levels before I can take an upper level class. If I can prove to you that I am at the level, let me take the class.
I am not that picky about certifications, but you should at least know the names of the moves you are trying to teach me. This is a serious pet peeve of mine. I understand that there are several names for the same move but if you do not know even one of them then I will not be giving you money.
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I might add, there was a thread here a little while back asking basically the same question, but I think it was what do you look for in an instructor. That may help you.
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@JennyBacardi, I am so used to working my 9-5 that I forget to realize not everyone has a set schedule like me and that I should make my drop-in weekly classes at different times versus same time each day of the week. You just helped me look at how I should execute my class scheduling to accomodate everyone's different work schedules so Thanks so much for your input!!
@chemgoddess1, Great input, thanks! You helped me think about some factors to consider when arranging my business operations. I am totally with you on your comment about … "And please do not make me have to go through all of your levels before I can take an upper level class. If I can prove to you that I am at the level, let me take the class. " Another thing, I too understand that every studio or class has different names for the same move (which actually annoys me).
Is there a website that has the correct names (the standard names) of all pole moves/spins that should be used by all studios or that they should go by?
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i forgot to add location!! very important
for us people that dont drive or have a car, being close to a metro station or easy to get to by bus is definitely an advantage
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Lexdru,
Try Wikipole.org for pics and names of moves. Some moves have multiple names, guess it's a lack of proving which name came first, was "created" by "who?" etc. =)
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My pet peeve about any type of class is starting on time! If I make it a point to arrive on time and instructor is late, not ready, pokey, it ruins it for me. I had this experience in a pole class and it was miserable for us students.
Also using class time to carry on conversations about other classes, what happened the other day, etc. I don't like standing around time when the clock is ticking. It's disrespectul to my time and money.
I agree with jenny, I have a weird schedule also, so varied schedule, drop ins, etc.
As far as lighting, depends on focus of the class. If it's pole for fitness then regular lighting, music. If it's for pole dance, sensual workout then dim.
That brings another thing to mind, some of us pole for fitness, others like pole dance focusing on floor work and sensual moves. I look for studios that focus on fitness, workout, pole work. If a studio has both, a different schedule for different type of class. Again, if I put out money and time, I personally prefer pole workout and lessons.
This also means instructor is there for students, not to have their personal time and "perform." This is all part of professionalism.
I don't mean to sound petty; however, again we pay $$ and sometimes drive a distance and would like it to not be a waste. I hope this helps.
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Unless you're on fire, don't cancel classes. All it can take is one cancelled class for a customer to lose their momentum and stop coming. Try to have someone you can call in on a casual basis if you can't make a class.
When you first start a business, lots of your first customers will be your friends and family. But when you're working, you can't chat to them or spend more time on them. If you want to catch up, do it outside of fitness time. You can explain this to them before hand if you're worried they fee; snubbed. The same thing goes for your staff. They may be your best friends, but keep the palling around for outside work time. This sort of thing can really put off other customers and make them feel unwelcome – and a person who doesn't know you's word-of-mouth promotion is worth a lot more than a friends'.
Make sure you have a really professional website, and optimise your google/bing searching to help people find you.
Obviously you wouldn't say anything negative about your customers' bodies, but don't say anything negative about your own body either, or talk about dieting or losing weight (unless you are consulting someone on losing weight and have the qualification to do so). So many women are self-conscious about their bodies, especially in workout clothes, and any sort of focus on body image can make (at least me) feel uncomfortable.
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It’s always worth having a 5 minute feedback session at the end of class, this could be when you’re stretching And cooling down. Just ask the attendees if there is anything they would like to focus on, review next time etc. Afterall, if you get feedback from each session you know how to make it more accessable next time. 🙂
I personally am looking for a studio to attend atm and my priorities are:
1. Friendliness and professionalism of staff. If they are comfortable the attendees will be.
2. That puts an emphasis on correct technique and safety – If the tell you to kick into an invert they’re off the list.
3. The range and availability of different types of classes (it would be nice to be able to do fitness and dance classes at the same place maybe even some fusion like pole/belly or pole on pointe)
4. A place which doesn’t tie you in to 6 weeks of regular sessions at one time due to my work schedule over summer (but has the option to do so as it is best to have regular sessions).
5. A place that has at least a few supervised (don’t want to stuck with someone who’s gonna do what I just did on the laminate) open pole sessions a week.
6. I don’t mind a little chattiness between students and teachers it helps with communication, but no mobile phone conversations with cheryl or mindy or whoever during class. My last instructor did this and it was extremely unprofessional, I made a complaint and she didn’t stop!
Everyone has made food points but I hope that helps. 🙂 x
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Everyone is providing great imput so I wont repeat what anyone else has put.
The studio I go to there are 20 poles- 1 for the instructor 19 for students. We also have to reserve for pole as well, if you dont show up and dont cancel 2hrs before – you will be deducted a class. We have a drop-in but you can buy classes in bulk and they dont expire. You can only reserve a pole if you have a class card. After visting over places, maybe having less poles to provide more space for everyone. There are alot of long legged ladies in my class and they have to seperate from eachother b/c they are known to hit each other and sometimes us smaller gals have me attacked by a foot. Smaller classes would also provide a more one on one time with the instructor. I really could use that from time to time.
I love open pole, its good to just have fun and not feel instructed.
Someone had mentioned a good looking website – YES! Most people who have heard via word of mouth is going to google you first before they come to your class.
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Oh, yeah a good website is a must! I remember one pole studio that opened near me that had all sorts of atrocious misspellings on their site.
Wikipole is a great site for names of moves. Even common names like scorpio and gemini get switched…I prefer inside leg hang and outside leg hang. Much easier.
On a side note, make sure that the floors are cleaned regularly and that you have wipes and alcohol spray bottles available and make sure that part of the class is wiping down the poles at the end. I HATE being barefoot for a class and my feet ending up black after the hour is up.
The very last thing I will mention is just proper business ettiquette. There are so many studios/instructors that bash other studios and do it publicly. We are all in this for the same reason. To me this is extremely unprofessional and downright ugly and I will NOT spend my money at your business. EVERY pole studio/instructor has something different to offer. Anything I have ever said about another studio I will say to the owner's face.
Oh, just thought of another…if you run a groupon or living social deal be well prepared for the amount of people that will buy and want to take a class. I know a studio owner who's head is spinning because she had over 300 "deals" sold. She is handling it well but I think it is also killing her slowly (Love you angel6101).
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My first step in making a decision is spending some time on your website. The more information you have on your website about your studio and your classes, the more I will visualize myself in your classes.
So, the more descriptive your class descriptions are, the more my enthusiasm and interest is piqued. General class descriptions don't get me excited about, or get me visualizing me in your class. If it is a sensual dance class, don't just tell me that I will learn some sassy new moves and focus on floorwork and transitions. Specifics will make me want to be in your class.
Other things that wil help me visualize your classes are photos, testimonials, and videos on your website.
I also would like the opportunity to explore other fitness and dance related classes that will enhance my learning in pole. (belly dancing and Zumba are good options here) as well as conditioning and stretching classes.
Flexibility in payment options, drop-in, punch card, classes that run for certain periods of time, and memberships. Having a variety of payment optionswill bring you a variety of people from those who just want to try it out, (drop in, punch card) to those who are committed pole dancers (memberships)
Ramona
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@STLpoledancer27 – thx for the website
@Hookedonpole & @cinara – Thx for your input….I totally agree with you on the level of professionalism and punctuality that the studio and teachers should uphold. I’ve been to a class where a teachers became friends with a student and they joked and talked during the session of the class and I was so upset and uncomfortable that I never took that teacher’s class again.
@polecat88 – Thx for the great feedback idea and inputs
@minicoopergirl – thx for ur input, I like having 1 pole per person since sharing a pole is not my thing but why do so many studios put their poles so close to one another…I totally can relate, I hate when I’m trying to do a spin and so is the other girl next to
me and we lose momentum because we either are going to bump into each other and stop to let the other one go first.
@chemgoddess1 – thx for the groupon /living social idea….I would probably take it slow in the beginning when I first open up my studio
@monary – thx for input, u are right about being descriptive about classes especially for people that are curious and have never taken any of these classes before -
Some things i like about the studio i go to….
– if you are progressing faster than the other people in your group, have the option of moving up a level or switching classes
– other fitness classes / dance classes (burlesque, pump, attack, flex&tone, routine class)
– Combo deals if you are taking the fitness classes as the cost does mount up.
– flexibility – once you commit they ask for upfront payment. If you miss a lesson you don't lose your money – you can have it as credit for your next course or you can drop in to the fitness or open sessions instead (this also helps encourage people to try them out! Clever marketing, lol!)
– opening hours – evening lessons. owners both worked full time in the beginning- one had hours cut so now does morning lessons too. a lot of mummies liked the late sessions – easier to get a sitter if kids in bed!
I love the studio – there is always such a buzz about it as there is so much going on – it's become as much a social club for people as a dance studio! They also do performances at charity events, host charity events and have hosted national comps (though this always seems to be more hassle than it's worth!). for me it's a 1 hour round trip to go to the studio and i'm not the furthest away. there is a studio thats a lot closer but classes are shorter for same price and as i enjoy the atmosphere and the classes at my current studio i wasn't even tempted to try it!
Good luck with your enterprise! hope it all goes well!
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The most important thing for me when looking for a studio was What does it look like? I want to see pics online and not have to search your entire website just to find your pics of your studio. I also want a clean and easy to navigate website. Your home page should be free of cluttery words, no flash video or annoying music that if I have my volume up I'm going to get my ears blasted, and an easy to navigate menu with all the essential information a simple click away. I have done an enourmous amount of research and consulting with website marketing designers of big name industries like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. A lot of valuable input has helped with our studio website reconstruction. Their job in marketing analysis is to disect those websites and find out the best layouts for the consumer. And as a business enterpenuer I can say, thinking like the consumer will definitely get you in the ball game. Consumers want to know what the product is you're selling and why your product is better than the other guys in the simplest fashion. I agree with everything everyone else has said. I also like the idea of having a link to a youtube account with dance videos so I can see the style of dance being taught at the studio or if the studio is strictly tricks only. Every studio has something different to offer, and offering a little sample of what to expect is like sample day at the grocery-makes you want to buy the whole product and get more. https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_heart1.gif
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There's only one studio in the area where I live, so I didn't have to do any comparison shopping.
Things I liked:
– One girl to a pole
– Classes came in 6 week packages, but you could reschedule classes as needed if you couldn't make it to your scheduled class one week.
– Instructors were Super friendly, encouraging, helpful, and it was easy to get their attention to get them to demonstrate a move for you or watch if you had questions.
– Studio was small, but they made the most of their space – paint and decor was tasteful, bathroom was clean (They even kept a basket with a variety of tampons on the back of the toilet!)Things I didn't like:
– If you couldn't make it to class, you had to call 8 HOURs before your classtime to cancel. If you didn't you lost your class.
– Only open from 6:30p to 10:30p on weekdays – there was no one at the studio during the day to answer calls.
– Students were required to take a certain number of classes at each level before being allowed to move up to the next level – For example, beginning students have to take 24 classes at Level 1 before being allowed to move up to Level 2. At 10 classes, I had instructors telling me "we need to get your 24 classes done so you can move up!" I don't like having to pay my way through the program – move students up as they prove their ability! I never even signed up for a 3rd 6-week round because I hadn't learned any new moves in my second round, just worked on the same ones I learned in the first round.
– In the evening classes, they would turn off the overhead lights and only have some disco/club lights on. Dim, dark, it was hard to see yourself in the mirror to see what you were doing, and I thought, 'If _I_ can't see me, I'm sure the instructor can't see me! I'm all for dimming the lights when working on floorwork, booty moves, sensual dance, but it should only be DIM, not DARK.
-During my second round, one pole in the studio was out of order, and stayed that way for the entirety of the 6-week session. Also, the wood flooring around a few of the working poles (there were only 9 poles in the studio) was starting to tear up, the joints where the pieces of wood met had been worn away causing holes and pits in the floor. Also, the 'static' poles were not bolted to the flanges, and if you had a death-grip (like me and most beginners) the pole WOULD grudgingly rotate. This was scary, surprising because it tended to happen when you least expected it, and distracted me from the move I was trying to perform. Keep everything in your studio in good repair, and when something breaks, get it fixed!!A lot of people mentioned how close the poles are in their studio – This wasn't much of a problem in my local studio, unless we were doing extended moves – arabesques, etc. I imagine as polers got more advanced, this would become more of an issue with flying moves, etc.
Just my 2 cents.
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It's so good that you are asking what people want! I love love love that!
For me personally I don't feel being "pole certified" right now is a big concern for me as far as instructors go. Until there is a standard I am almost scared of all the cert I see out there. Here where I am in the Charleston area there is a studio that has their "own cert" and personally I think its no better then the one I can print from my own printer 🙁 I do however look for other thinks like a back ground in pole, fitness, dance, cheer I love a studio who make sure that the trainers are CPR trained and have some personal training cert from places like ACE.
I look for studio that allow drop ins. I like to travel and take a class when I can and studios that are open to that warm my heart. I also love the studios that offer unlimited classes. A variety in the class schedule is a huge plus and places that offer day AND evening classes. Another huge thing for me is seeing instructors that love what they do! I don't want to take a class from someone who is just there to get thru the end of the class.
I agree with MissKitty83 I don't want to "pay" to advance ….if a student has the skills and strength needed to move up in skill then…….move them up or they just get discouraged….spinning around the pole is fun but eventually they want more 🙂
I agree about the website needing to be up to date and interactive.
Just some of my thoughts on what draws me in to a studio 🙂 Sounds like you are already on the way to having a wonderflul place!
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Good topic.
First, a good website. Give a lot of information and pricing. Six week classes are great for me, but if you can't do a class, offer a makeup class structure. Keep it to about six girls per class maximum so that the ones having some issues can get the help they need.
Second, lots of drop in classes and teaser classes to bring in customers.
Third, keep the lighting low. It gets hot in there with the spinning and poles get too slippery.
Fourth, staff that is upbeat and friendly. No cell phones unless you have an absolute emergency.
The eviornment should be supportive and fun, a sense of comaraderie. This is one of the things that I love about the studio that I go to. I know she is more expensive than everyone else, but considering that her staff get constant training and there are always new things to learn, I think it becomes more cost effective.
I am not as fast at picking up tings as the others in my class, but never once has anyone ever made me feel less than what I am. In fact, they have always made me feel like I have accomplished something even when it is small.
That is the testement of a good studio.
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I just wanted to say, I like it very much that in my studio there are always 2 girls per pole. This way, poles stay warm, and you get a little rest between trying to get a move done. Also, you can help each other, with spotting and holding the other girl. An instructor has to keep her eyes open, but seriously, she can't watch everybody all the time, having only 2 eyes https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif
Weekend workshops with the stars are great, if you can get them to come!
I personally like the 6 week programme. The instructors can get to know their students better if they come every week, and thus knoe their problems and strength better.
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Ideally,
– Clean floors!!!
At the yoga studio I go to, there are cleaners who come in and mop the floors and mats after Every single class, which keeps the place looking and smelling fresh! I wish they would do that at the pole studio too, cos there's always hair, dust from shoes and sometimes grip-streaks on the floor. I try not to think about what I'm sliding around on during floorwork or I'd have a grimace on my face instead of a come-hither expression!
– Instructors who don't play favourites
I feel this is something that probably slips by unnoticed everywhere, because girls who are slower or shy will probably not bring it up. It's very easy for instructors to 'fall in love' with the great students but IMO it takes the very best instructors to bring the less competent and confident ones out of their shell. Cos they're the ones most likely to feel too overwhelmed or intimidated to come back for another term and give you their business again.
It can really hurt when instructors yell out that their favourite girls 'have to stand in front!' and it means you have to get out of the way for them to take centre stage. Hey, how about equal opportunity?
ok random rant over! ;p
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Just remember that you can't please everyone. Personally, I like to think I can, but I'm not that delusional! Normally I'm a real softie, but since being in business, I've developed a pretty thick skin! You will make mistakes in your business, there probably is not one studio owner out there who wishes she/he hadn't done something different in the beginning!
I would say above all, outstanding customer service is key in any business, and pole/fitness is no different! My studio is small, but my girls are very happy there. The studio is clean, my poles are SAFE, my prices are reasonable, and my students are comfortable with me. The fact that my studio is small has really allowed me to get to know every girl that takes my classes. I've visited other studios and gotten lost amongst all the poles… Not a good feeling!
Make sure your students know they can come to you with any and all concerns they may have! (This is where it's good to have the aforementioned thick skin) I offer free pole time at my studio where the girls can come in (for free) and play on the poles. I do not instruct or do any poling myself, but am there to help them if they want/need it. These "open pole" nights, as we call them, are the best time to get feedback from your students!!!! The relaxed atmosphere allows them to open up. As an owner/instructor it is your job to ask for feedback!!!!! Even if they know they can come to you with their concerns, they probably won't, so YOU have to ask! Open pole time is priceless!
As far as websites go, my website has BOTH music and flash which I didn't think would be an issue…..until I started reading this thread….. maybe I'll have to re-think that!! Anyway, a clean, easy to navigate site is key! I don't keep any studio pics on my site, I put them on my studio's facebook page ~ Otherwise the site takes too long to download. I'm not a marketing expert, but I say put as much info on your site as possible ~ Even pricing! Even though my site has music and flash, it's very low key. The music is soft and the slideshow (which is only on the home page) rotates thru 3 different pics ~ All black & white and simple. Visitors can also turn the music off if they want. I use the music and flash to create an experience for my visitors ~ Some will like it, some won't. Over-all it has worked well for me. Your site is going to be a reflection of your business so keep it tidy and neat!!! You should also put at least one picture of your storefront on your site so when students are trying to find your studio, they will know what looks like from the outside! My studio pic is on the 'about' page.
I'll stop rambeling now 🙂 This is a GREAT topic, thanks for posting it!!!!
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All of the suggestions are great! I would like to add that when figuring out your price point know that not everyone has free time during the day…there never seems to be enough evening classes to me. – or they always seem to be beginner or intro classes. It is always annoying when the class prices drop significantly if you buy an unlimited monthly membership, but there are never enough evening/weekend classes to make it work – then you are stuck paying super high prices if you can only make one or two classes a week.
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the ladies here had great suggestions! there are a lot =)
i'll chime in and say that my primary concern is quality of teaching. i look for instructors with experience, respect from the pole community, and a dance style that i admire. i think that you build a good studio around the teachers. support them as much as possible with clear, concise, polite, responsive, and PROFESSIONAL customer service. have a liaison in place– like a studio manager– who will communicate with teachers and organize hours, substitutes, and deal with any issues that may arise so that teaching is kept joyful and they aren't stressed by dealing with admin issues. build a good relationship with them because if you have good teachers– passionate, knowledgable, charismatic, friendly, who genuinely love what they do– then students will see it and want to come back. students are loyal to a teacher, not necessarily a studio.
beginners are more influenced by what the studio looks like. you need a pretty, clean studio to get them in the door. but the intermediates and advanced students, who know what kind of instructing works for them, will only stay if you have quality teachers. i will rearrange my weekend, travel, or pay a premium to make class with one of my favorite instructors.
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What I personally look for in a pole studio…
1) Good website, including: up-to-date class descriptions/times, prices, instructors, studio/class policies, and last but not least, make sure the website is reflecting your fitness philosophy, whatever that may be. It if can be a snapshot of what your studio is about, people will know why they want to go there and not somewhere else. You can't be everything to everyone but promote your passion because people will respond to that!
2) Talented, professional, and knowledgeable teachers: Just because a girl can kill it on the pole, in the floor work, and transition beautifully, doesn't mean that she can teach anyone else to do the same, especially beginners or people with no dance experience to fall back on. Personally, I would consider fitness training/pilates/kinesiology etc certs and experience all more valuable than a pole certification, especially since they can be hard to come by. Teachers need to be experienced enough to promote safety and problem-solve different ways to teach the same skill to a group of people with different experience and abilities. Even in an advanced class, people learn different ways and have differing levels of body awareness. I would also require current CPR and First Aid certs for all teachers/assistants. Sometimes, insurance will require that anyways.
3) Clean and friendly studio (high ceilings if possible), and utilize the space you have well. If you don't have enough space for 8 poles, don't put 8 poles in just bc you want 8 students in each class. I think its nice to have all students with their own pole, especially in classes with enough experience that they can do more without tiring themselves out. However, I do not think its worth it if there isn't enough space to keep people from hitting each other/getting in each others space. It can be a safety issue, and with advanced students, it will be a problem. Even with beginning students, when the surprising things happen. I am a (sorta) tall girl and when I put shoes on, I need space. I do not feel safe if when I am working on skills where I might be kicking someone. Quality poles are also important to me. If I feel like I can break it or move it when using my weight in a spin, then I am not going to enjoy my pole time because I don't feel safe.
4) Customer Service and consistency with all clients on all class/studio policies. Don't play favorites or let your teachers because that alienates a lot of people very quickly (not everyone does this on purpose but it still happens). For example, decide about your class makeup policy (whether you allow them or not and, if so, how to track it bc that can be a deal breaker), determine the roles/responsibilities of your teachers (and how you will evaluate your studio/teachers/classes etc, student input can be invaluable and free), AND STICK WITH IT until you change it. There is nothing wrong with making changes. Nothing at all. But while something is studio policy, everyone should be subscribing to it. If you don't allow makeup classes, but you do it once for one student, expect people to be upset with not being treated equally. I have seen this get teachers in trouble and make students really upset… enough to leave a studio. It seems so obvious but it happens.
so that was long, hehe but I think I got what I find important in a dance studio. Granted, we all come from different backgrounds and likes/dislikes, but I hope this helps!
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What do I look for? Teacher Quality, Clean Floors, Nice Website, – personally, I dislike bronze and chrome so I prefer stainless steel. I don't like talking to an instructor who doesn't care about the pole community, either. I like them to know what's going on.
I guess I'm also WEIRD, so me personally, I look for a teacher who isn't going to give me stupid looks. If I would have beat your ass in highschool, I have no interest in you teaching me pole.
I like day classes and evening classes. I think evening classes are more important because lots of people work, but for those of us who don't and still want to attend class.. a single class during the week works pretty well.
I prefer pole dancing under pink lightbulbs. Black lights hide cellulite, but personally I'd rather see what I'm doing. Pink lightbulbs make the skin look great without making it impossible to see anything but your white shorts.
I like a mixture of drop in and curriculum classes. I do think you should monitor who goes into your drop ins so that you don't end up with people who shouldn't end up in a certain level of class.
I'm also going to polecon. I will be the fatty in the super short shorts & leg warmers. 😉
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