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Contract for pole fitness
Hello my name is Michelle and I am the owner of Camp Verde Dance and Fitness in Camp Verde Arizona. We have a variety of fitness classes. One of my instructors wants to offer pole fitness and said she’s taught before in Las Vegas. I verbally agreed to try it and lets see what happens. She bought 3 X-Poles free standing. Her first workshop last week had 6 people in that paid for 4 classes.She originally typed a proposal that said she will offer classes to no-members at $40 for 2 classes and $25 for a drop in rate. Then the day of the workshop she changed her price without asking me to $30 for 4 classes. I wasnt happy with this at all! She said she just wants to get people in the studio. Then she told 2 regular paying members that the pole classes were included with their membership….WRONG! Now she wants to be paid a 60/40 split plus $25 base pay to teach this class. I want to do a contract with her with a set rate and not sure how to do a contract for this pole class as she bought the bases. Please advise. Thanks! Michelle Elton
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8 Replies
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I can see how frustrating that would be and it sounds like a contract might be the way to go. I’m not super business minded when it comes to contracts but Webmaster might have some ideas.
If you haven’t already, make sure she is teaching in a way that allows first time pole dancers to have fun and do it in a safe way. Would be worth asking if you can attend a class so you can make sure she is teaching in a way that you want your facility to be represented.
If you’re not sure what is appropriate for beginners feel free to take a look at the lessons here, they are in order 🙂
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First make sure your liability insurance covers pole. Some fitness insurances won’t cover injuries if the exercise involves both feet coming off the ground. Think bar based gymanastics, pole dance, etc…
Beyond that you need to simplify the contract:
Option 1) She could be paid as a contractor. Your studio accepts payment for the lessons and establishes the member/non-member rate and accepts payment. You pay her either a flat rate per session or a flat rate per attendee. She should not be paid differently based on the membership status of the students.
Option 2) She rents your studio for a set rate per session, she establishes her own rates and accepts her own payment.
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That sounds good. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. Great advice.
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Campverdepoleandfitness I didn’t know camp Verde has a pole studio when I go visit my brother in Prescott valley, I will stop in. What’s the address?
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Sorry misspelled your username campverdedanceandfitness
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564 south Main Street suite 113 camp verde. It’s only the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. We have other classes that we offer too. Come take a class!
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Thank you
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It definitely makes sense to set clear expectations in writing so both of you are protected and on the same page. Since she already purchased the poles, you’ll want to address that upfront in the contract so there’s no confusion about ownership or who takes them if the partnership ends. From there, decide if she is working as an independent contractor or as an instructor under your studio’s pay structure. A flat per-class or per-attendee rate tends to eliminate future disagreements and makes bookkeeping cleaner.
Also, think through the long-term impact on your business model. If her classes bring in new members, you’ll want a structure that encourages growth without undercutting your current pricing. I’ve seen studio owners run into financial headaches when verbal agreements weren’t backed up with written terms, which is why consulting someone with experience in business or financial planning can save a lot of stress. RetireStrong Financial Advisors has some excellent resources on setting up clear agreements and handling the financial side of small businesses, and you can find more details here: https://retirestrongfa.com/.
That way you’ll know your rates, payouts, and liability are all covered while keeping the focus on building a safe and enjoyable class environment.
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