Certifications????

Flexx10 started this discussion · 12/7/2010

Hi! Just curious to know if any of you have gone through one of the "Pole Certification" classes that are popping up out there? If so, I'd like to know your thoughts/opinions! Personally, I began pole dancing 16 years ago and have maintained personal training and group ex instructor certifications for the same number of years. Was thinking about adding a "Pole Dance" certification, but don't know enough about the programs available and if they are worth the money???? Can't wait to hear your thoughts!!

24 replies

Charley · 12/7/2010
I am certified with Empowerment Through Exotic Dance which is an AFAA recognized certification - I forget how many CEU's its worth but it's a lot - like 9 or something. I decided to get a pole dance cert because I have little to no interest in doing group fitness certs mostly because I have no interest in fitness period. ETED's certification offered an indepth program on warming up, cooling down, spotting and came with DVD's of moves (many I hadn't seen before.) ETED's course also teaches you how to teach multi-level classes without running around like a mad woman because everyone is doing something different. I really liked the program a lot and I got a lot out of it. This certification covers a lot of what you would get with group fitness. You will probably already know a lot this stuff already so the basic level will be a breeze - it really wasn't super difficult for me to pass either. The intermediate level is great and this is where they get into multi-level classes, structures. Also this certification comes with business help. If you go with ETED they will help your sort out everything on the financial and business end - this has been sooooo helpful to me. There have been times where I am calling them daily with questions and issues. I cannot wait for the advanced level program to come out. This is an extremely thorough program - I really cannot think of anything that could be added.
amy · 12/7/2010
oh, i didn't know that about AFAA CEUs! Mary Ellyn-- can you comment on how many CEUs that ETED's certification counts for?
Mary Ellyn · 12/8/2010
Hi everyone...thanks for the endorsement Charley! Previously the program had 9.6 CEUs for basic and 6 for intermediate but it is up for renewal now and will likely be changing as I've completely reformated the program this time. I should know by mid January but it will be close to the same. Another point for now is that Charley registered prior to our reformated program so group exercise certification was not a pre-requesite but it is now. Or at least you need to pass group certification before we will issue your pole fitness. I feel it's very important to have both and just didnt' feel I COULD respect my own program if I didn't require it. Although Charley is correct - my program overlaps a lot of group fitness so if you are group certified a lot of it will make sense. Also my testing is done just like testing is done for AFAA. I also now require observation/student teaching of at least 8 hours of classes in order to complete each level. Each level is 16 hours long and I am also working on finishing up the advanced level - hopefully by January 1st but no later than Feb. 1st. Business aspects is included in the basic level. Basic is floor work, transitions and spins with at least 3 points of contact. Intermediate includes climbing, upright posess, more complex spins, aerial combo spins and 2 POC spins, as well as layback and only the basic invert. The concept is its designed to TEACH you how to pole dance and while there may be a number of new moves, the expectation is that participants are adept enough at pole that they don't have to spend much time learning the move but should be able to repeat it with minimal instruction. This program is about TEACHING, how to teach and how to run a pole business. Another part of my revision is that I've collaborated with an injury prevention specialist who is adding a lot to what I've always considered a very strong injury prevention program to begin with. I'm VERY excited about this part!
Angel1201 · 12/9/2010
Hi, I did the Pole Position Fitness Certification a few years ago up in Long Island, but I really don't want to comment about my experience with that training.... I developed my own teacher program this year. My program is designed for people who already know moves. I don't teach any moves in my course, I teach you HOW to teach them. I have a huge section of my training devoted to safety and injury prevention. I cover shoulder, forearm, and knee anatomy in addition to lengthy demonstrations on how to keep them safe! I cover spotting, proper body alignment and form, teaching inverts, testing readiness to invert, stretching techniques, movement deconstruction, classroom management, class design, learning styles, cueing techniques, progressions, and so much more. My manual comes with a conditioning pictorial, proper alignment pictorial, lesson plan example, and lesson plan templates for you to use to design your class. I have a template for breaking down movement that is really easy to use. My course is 10 hours long and I am approved to give 9 AFAA CEUs and 1 ACE CEUs. I am up for renewal for both ACE and AFAA and I will probably be lengthening my course because I have so much to cover. In addition, my program was sanctioned by the PFA! I don't have a business element like Mary Ellen does, so if you are looking for that piece you'll need to do her training. I brought a lot of my classroom experience into this manual. I have taught pole, chair and yoga for 3 years and I have a Master's in Education. I'm also an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor and like Mary Ellen I think GFI is extremely important as is first aid and CPR training. I've worked in both public and private schools as a science teacher and school counselor for almost 14 years now. I do require that you know the muscles used in pole and that you pass a written 4 page exam. I also require that you submit a lesson plan and video of your teaching skills before I issue my certification. I'm located in the mid-atlantic region and most of my trainings are on the East Coast. I will be certifying my friend on the West Coast who has her own certification program called Pole Moves and she will be a Master Trainer for me as I am already a Master Trainer for her! Here's my website if you are interested: http://www.discoveriesdance.com I'm Angel Farthing on FB and my FB page is Discoveries Pole Dance
luckylindyhopper · 12/9/2010
Thought I would throw this out there: Fawnia's studio here in Vegas, Pole Fitness Studio, is offering certification courses this Spring. She has information listed on her website: http://www.polefitnessstudio.com/certification.html?filename=Certifications
Flexx10 · 12/9/2010
I must say, I am impressed with the the certification courses mentioned so far!!! They all sound very comprehensive and well thought-out! Unfortunately, I'm in Wisconsin and don't see myself traveling any time soon... Angel1201 I'll send you a friend request on FB using my name which also happens to be Angel! Thanks for posting ladies!
Mary Ellyn · 12/9/2010
Flexx...I'm not very far from you in Illinois just south of Chicago depending on where you're at in Wisconsin.
Flexx10 · 12/10/2010
I checked out the following link http://www.poledanceinstructor.com/default.html and I think I'm going to contact them. I have 16 years of pole dance experience and have been teaching for the last 3 years. I also hold certs in personal training and group ex and own my own studio. I know I could probably benefit from a "formal" class, but I don't have the time to invest as I would have to do some traveling to get to one! It's worth looking into... 🧿
amy · 12/10/2010
I checked out the following link http://www.poledanceinstructor.com/default.html and I think I'm going to contact them. I have 16 years of pole dance experience and have been teaching for the last 3 years. I also hold certs in personal training and group ex and own my own studio. I know I could probably benefit from a "formal" class, but I don't have the time to invest as I would have to do some traveling to get to one! It's worth looking into... 🧿 that one looks very sketchy to me. crucial information is "coming soon"-- doesn't have any mention of who is behind the PDIC... but yet the paypal links for course cost and advertising seem to be fine.
Mary Ellyn · 12/10/2010
With all due respect I have to say I'm at a loss for words. I agree with Amy..it's very sketchy. If you're willing to build a site and promote a product you should have the whole site completed too. This is exactly the type of program many of us have been worried will affect the reputation of our industry. 🙁 There are no credentials and not even a face or name behind this "organization" Of course as a source of advertising to students it's great as you can say you're "certified". As for the time involved in training...I have to add that I travel and train with others several times a year to continually improve the quality of what I offer to my students. It's just part of the business. If you can't travel...do the Vertical Dance online instructor certification course. http://www.VerticalDance.com If you can't afford that, you can apply through the Pole Dance Community which costs about only $15 (10 sterling) and they have a great reputation within the pole world. Plus you can gain instructor levels for less than this company by applying for level 2. http://www.poledancecommunity.co.uk/
keex · 12/10/2010
THIS FEELS LIKE A SHAMELESS PLUG BUT... Wendy Traskos & I (Kira Lamb aka "Keex")are the Co-Creators of Climb & Spin Inc. which offers comprehensive educational programming for pole dance instructors based on systematic and progressive training. CLIMB & SPIN CERTIFICATION emphasizes: 1.) proper bio-mechanics based on anatomical/fitness principles 2.) step-by-step technique of 120 skills including climbs, spins, stationary bent arm poses, dance transitions and floor- work 3.) how to assess the needs of each student in class using our FUNDAMENTALS 4.) how to modify skills based on the fitness level & experience of each student 5.) how & when to challenge or progress a student 6.) how & when to spot a student 7.) effective verbal cuing 8.) how to structure, manage & teach multi-level C&S classes 9.) how to teach an effective warm-up that simultaneously prepares the body for the athleticism of pole and prevents injury 10.) how to choreograph your own C&S routines using our C&S formula and 120 skills as a the building blocks for your own creativity and style This year, we're launching our Climb & Invert program! OUR CREDENTIALS: Wendy & I collectively share 34 years of experience as certified personal trainers/group fitness instructors. Wendy was also a gymnast and fitness competitor. I have also been a professional dancer and aerialist for 18 years with a background in classical ballet, modern, jazz, salsa, and hip-hop. I also hold 2 comprehensive Pilates certifications through Power Pilates and PhysicalMind Institute and I'm a NYS Licensed Massage Therapist with additional certifications and training in Neuromuscular Therapy and Active Isolated Stretching. If you have more questions about our Certification Programs or Teacher Training Intensive Workshops please visit our website: http://www.climbandspin.com
climbandspin.comHugeDomains.com
Mary Ellyn · 12/10/2010
Kira...I still hope to take your program one day soon!! I believe that you can never learn too much and as long as you are investing in trusthworthy and reputable training it's worth every penny. Owning a business is a lot of responsibility and that includes keeping up with the industry!
Charley · 12/10/2010
I agree it seems very sketchy to me. When my students ask me about my certification I tell them I had to read, study, pass a written exam and pass a practical. Not sure I'd like saying "Well...I sent in $80 and they called 5 of my friends who said I'm awesome and sent me a certificate." 😂 I guess it depends on what you want a cert for. If you just want something to hang on the wall that says you are certified to teach pole dance then this gets you that for very little. I also think there are very good pole dance instructors out there that are not certified. I wanted to get certified so that I would be seen as credible by my coworkers. I wanted something that proved I knew what I was talking about and on top of that I learned more and added to my knowledge. I would LOVE, freaking LOVE to do climb and spin (mostly just to see how I hang in the 7 day intensives) I think I could learn a lot from climb and spin.
chemgoddess1 · 12/10/2010
Any one else notice that the emblem that poledanceinstructor.com is using is the same as Veenas??
Charley · 12/10/2010
It's up to you Flexx but I would say that your experience and other certs speak for themselves. I wouldn't hesitate to take a course with someone who has the amount of years pole dancing you do - that alone would make me feel comfortable. Your fitness certs also tell me you know what you're doing.
Charley · 12/10/2010
Any one else notice that the emblem that poledanceinstructor.com is using is the same as Veenas?? Interesting, doing a little research and found out this site was created yesterday.
Flexx10 · 12/10/2010
Think I'll be holding off on that one... Thanks for posting!
Mary Ellyn · 12/10/2010
Any one else notice that the emblem that poledanceinstructor.com is using is the same as Veenas?? I didn't notice that but I just tried to view the site and it appears to be gone??? 🤔
amy · 12/10/2010
hey keex, the site says that the certification is worth 10 CECs... is that through AFAA and/or ACE?
Flexx10 · 12/10/2010
Flexx...I'm not very far from you in Illinois just south of Chicago depending on where you're at in Wisconsin. I am located in southern Wisconsin. I've researched your program and am VERY interested!!! Is there a way I can email you directly? Thanks so much for your great advice!
chemgoddess1 · 12/10/2010
Any one else notice that the emblem that poledanceinstructor.com is using is the same as Veenas?? I didn't notice that but I just tried to view the site and it appears to be gone??? 🤔 Same here. I get an "object moved to here" message.
Mary Ellyn · 12/10/2010
Hi Flexx...you are welcome to email me at mailto:[email protected] or call me at 815-341-6007
Flexx10 · 12/10/2010
I checked out the following link http://www.poledanceinstructor.com/default.html and I think I'm going to contact them. I have 16 years of pole dance experience and have been teaching for the last 3 years. I also hold certs in personal training and group ex and own my own studio. I know I could probably benefit from a "formal" class, but I don't have the time to invest as I would have to do some traveling to get to one! It's worth looking into... 🧿 that one looks very sketchy to me. crucial information is "coming soon"-- doesn't have any mention of who is behind the PDIC... but yet the paypal links for course cost and advertising seem to be fine. Excellent point! Thanks for replying 🦌
nymphdancer · 12/14/2010
I am in instructor training with Empy she has a great program very through. She is close enough I have been able to go up there several times to train with her, I did more of a internship then just the training as I am no where near as experienced as say like Charley or yourself. Its a program I would highly recommend to anyone.