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Instructor Certification Course Tips
As many of you know, I offer a pole dance instructor certification course.
There are many certification and instructor training courses (two different things) available now and quite a few are very good. Mine is NOT the only reputable course.
However, there are some which are not!
About a year ago, someone on here posted a link to a website offering a "certification" which required you send proof of your business license, your website, and other info about your business – pay a $75 fee – and in return you get a "certification" (fortunately that one disappeared)
There is another course which holds an open book written exam and the practical is almost non-existent as it doesn't even require you to demonstrate your teaching abilities on the pole!
Some courses cram in 10, 20 even 30 people. How can you learn to be a good POLE teacher in this sort of environment?
I wrote a page on how to find a good certification program a while back and recently added that you need to find out what the criteria for passing the program is.
I would love feedback from others, especially those who have taken other courses, if you can think of anything else which should be added to this page when searching for a good program.
Feel free to message me privately if you would rather not give your comments on here.
http://empowermentthroughexoticdance.com/ChoosingPoleInstructorTraining.htm
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22 Replies
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Do you know much about the Xpert training? I've looked at that one as a potential for when I am ready to go the teaching route as it is offered all over.
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I haven't taken it…hopefully someone can fill you in here? From what I understand they require that you demonstrate teaching something on the pole as well as a written exam.
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@Empyrean: I would add finding out how long the certification lasts, if there are any continuing education opportunities, along with the ability to become a trainer for the curriculum, and what additional perks are there with this program (ie. free classes like Fawnia, or listing on the website like X-Pert, etc.). These are all questions I pondered before selecting a course.
@sensualscimtar: We had two ladies go through the X-Pert Training and we enjoyed it. We had a small class of 5 with one instructor for two days. The first day we went over basic pole info (different metals, grip aids, etc.), class structure, body mechanics, and Level 1 techniques. We were also assigned our practical exam material to prepare for our teach-backs the following day. Day two was a little more intense. It began with a master class, then Level 2 techniques, practical exam, more techniques, and written exam. Within the practical exam, not only did yo have to demonstrate that you could effectively teach the technique, but how you would assist someone that didn't quite get it right. After everyone finished, you were debriefed by your trainer on both exams, and told whether or not you passed. Throughout both days, you continued to rotate through your peers, for instruction demos and spotting. So you had the opportunity to get spot on feedback, but also feel like the student.
Overall, the part that I valued the most was the spotting techniques. You can YouTube all day to learn good tricks, but I have yet to see any on the proper way to spot. The other component that I liked was the little insights on how to teach a multi level class. I have participated in this environment before, and it was done in such fashion like each skill level would have a different set of moves. However in training, the technique was broken down on how to modify it up or down. For me, this version provides more control of the room, and less chances for participants to try moves they see others doing but are not ready for themselves. Overall, our trainer Kyra, was a hoot! She made it enjoyable and was very encouraging. And gave us some fun spins here and there. She also rotated through each participant as a spotter and a student to provide spot on feedback.
That might be a little more info than what you were searching for, but I will be happy to answer any additional questions along with putting you in touch with the other young lady on our squad that went through the training.
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I did a blog entry on xpert a while back– here’s the link 🙂
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Team Study…thanks for the feedback. I actually already had the question about the length of the course in number 5…14 asked about ongoing services but I added specifics about perks, classes, or other services to that one. Also added #17 about being able to either offer the program or even teach for the company.
Interesting that XPert sounds almost identical to our program, although I think we require more demonstrations in the practical exam.
One thing I'm not clear on with XPert….what are you considered trained in when you take the course? Is it basic through advanced in one program or is there another training session(s) for different levels?
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Level one (basic spins, transitions, and climb) only.
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Interesting. I am not sure whether I ever want to teach an advanced class, but it would be nice to actually learn how, ya know? I'll have to keep Empy's program in the back of my mind for when I can afford to fly out and do it.
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It also includes inversions in the Level 2 techniques.
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Shay, the Xpert program includes instructions in inversions, but you are not considered certified in them– the testing and certification only cover level 1 (basic).
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Xpert just released a video– for those who are curious, you could maybe get a feel for the program with this.
FYI- i'm not affiliated with them, just trying to help answer questions 🙂
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So I watched that vid…apparently I was taught to climb incorrectly. I guess I need to go back a relearn it. Bleh.
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Interesting SS…what was incorrect about how you were taught to climb?
(We teach almost identically to XPert and I never took their course) -
It's nice to see more people using the POC's! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gifI've been told the xpert training is pretty identical to mine as well, so it's nice to see some cohesive teaching! Yay. I know I have heard good things about your coarse Empy. Angel's is also well spoken of too.
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I know Veena…I was surprised when I signed onto your lessons a few months back and saw you used that term and now see XPert uses it…I have no idea where I picked it up from when I started using it but we all use the same terms.
I find it very interesting when I go to workshops and see how much we teach that is similar to the ways others teach!
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I was taught to place just the top of my foot on the pole and press it forward as I pull up. I’ll now incorporate the knee POC.
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Ah…interesting. We actually teach that they need to learn to lock both lower legs and pump up and down as well.
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Makes sense. I am not sure my pole is tall enough to try that way.
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I actually learned this from Pantera. Legs are larger muscles and it is easier to push yourself up the pole with your legs than to try to pull yourself up with your arms. She stated that when you get to the top of the pole if you are relying sheerly on arm strength you are going to be too tired to do anything else. Made sense to me.
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It's true. there are two different climbs I learned on silks. One is more leg based, the other requires more arm pulling. I have a much harder time with the second one. It makes me tire faster.
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Hello everyone. I would like to chime in on this conversation, as I am one of the XPERT Master Trainers along with my colleagues Kyra Johannesen and Marlo Fisken. This conversation about pole "certifications" does come up a lot.
Many questions about XPERT can be answered here on the FAQ section of the website: http://www.xpertpolefitness.com/#/u/contact-us/faq
It's important to remember that the second you decide to teach a pole dance class, you have become a group fitness instructor. You have made a commitment to your students to lead them safely, successfully and wisely though this very unique and demanding sport/dance/art. Wether you have been teaching for one month after learning from YouTube videos that ignited your passion for pole or you have been in the pole/dance/fitness business for decades, as an instructor you need to constantly continue your education. That's what XPERT is.
Once you have successfully completed the 2-day training and passed the practical and written exams, you are NOT certified as a pole instructor. We are not certifying people. You DO receive a certificate of completion stating you completed and passed the course. Not everyone passes. And not everyone passes the second time around.
Do we believe that XPERT is one of the best things you can do to enhance your teaching skills and deepen your knowledge of technique, anatomy, grace, efficiency, exercise science, classroom safety, voice projection, spatial awareness, verbal and physical articulation/cueing and more? YES!
But XPERT is not the only professional development course a pole dance instructor should take. As an instructor your continuing education does not end, ever, like any professional in any field (medicine, law, design, art, dance, history, management, etc) you must continue to feed your brain, and in our amazing profession, your body.
XPERT is an incredible way to continue your education and learn more about being the best pole fitness instructor you can be. In addition, look into more training programs about anatomy,kinesiology, yoga and more. Why not? Keep learning! Keep growing! Be the best, most knowledgeable pole instructor you can be! XPERT is an incredible way to help you do that.
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"As an instructor your continuing education does not end, ever, like any professional in any field (medicine, law, design, art, dance, history, management, etc) you must continue to feed your brain, and in our amazing profession, your body. "
AMEN!!!
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Extremely helpful thread topic, thanks Empy! It might be like a year before I'm able to afford to get a teacher training/cert, but I'm devouring any info I can find on them. Thanks everyone who shared info!
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