Dress Code in a Pole Studio?

Cara Christina started this discussion · 12/9/2013

Hello Veeners, I need some perspective. I teach at a studio that has a strong emphasis on the fitness side of pole. One of the owners has recently proposed a "dress code" for the studio. It will basically limit what types of shorts and such can be worn. Even the bad Kitty brazil shorts will be off-limits. The stated reason is so that people coming into class feel comfortable and don't think these are all "stripper classes". I, and some other instructors, are uncomfortable with the idea of a dress code. I'm wondering if any other studios have something like this and what your experience has been. I'm uncomfortable with this idea because I think it goes too far. While some people may be more comfortable, other people are going to quickly become uncomfortable when I ask them to wear more clothes next time. Personally, I think people should be able to wear whatever they want. If someone want to wear a bur-qua to my class, good for them. If someone else wants to wear underwear, what-evs, I got no problem. IMO, there're already too many messages making women feel ashamed of their bodies. As if our bodies are something dirty that needs to be covered and hidden. I understand that this is a business and I respect the owner's right to run her business as she wants to but I don't think I want to be a part of shaming women for their bodies. Am I totally over-reacting?

128 replies

SunshineKonigin · 12/9/2013
I agree 100% Cara!!!!! You're right!!!! People who have a problem with that usually don't take pole dancing anyway. The only exception that I have at my studio is recital time. I simply ask the ladies to do a vagina monster test for showcase shorts. My studio is more athletically oriented as well and I prefer that we do not have vaginas showing at the family welcome style recital. I also ask that they wear pasties if there's any chance that the top could fall off just in case. In addition, I also ask that people save the super ronchy, crazy, un-tasteful sexy moves for personal use and refrain from doing those at the showcase because we have children, grandmas, dads, and it's a family event. At the studio it's a different story. Wear what you you like there and be as sexy as you want. It's only when we invite in outsiders for a recital event that I advertise as appropriate to bring children that it becomes addressed. Even then they can wear whatever style shorts they want, I just ask that they make sure what's under the shorts does not show through. Usually doubling up or wearing a "safety" pair of extra underwear will solve that issue.
Runemist34 · 12/9/2013
I think it's sort of a hard conversation to have... especially when it comes to pole dancing. A lot of people don't like to think about, or point to the "stripper" side of things, or the roots of where pole dancing has come from, and they try very hard to get away from that. It can also stem from a lot of fear or rejection, because some of us still get the "Oh, so you're a stripper now?" kind of reaction from the people we tell. However, you could also make an excellent argument that people's bodies are built differently- I may not need to wear super short shorts to get the grip I need from some moves, where someone else may actually need the kind of grip they get from their lower bum area, thus needing shorter shorts than I do. When getting into more advanced moves, it becomes very important to wear less clothing. Have they also considered the fact that, as a larger chested woman, I cannot find a top that shows my belly and fits my boobs? I'm sure there are a lot of women like me. I would basically have to come in a bikini top, or perhaps sew my own tops (not an option for many people), or just wear my bra. Besides, you could be fully clothed, and still look like a "stripper" when you dance, due to the way you dance, and the things you're doing with your face and hands. You could look totally athletic while also actively removing clothing, or wearing nothing at all. One could argue that our much-loved platform shoes are too "stripper-ish," and ban those, even though a lot of women love the look of them, not for sexual reasons, but for how they make our legs look, how tall we feel wearing them, and their fantastic designs. Like I said, it's not an easy thing to discuss, but I think you also bring up some excellent points about what women's empowerment can mean for a lot of people (as in, for some of us, it's connecting to our sensuality), and what it means to feel shame around our bodies, and try to cover them up. I think it's an important conversation to have, and that Pole as a community and as a hobby is really challenging a lot of the previous notions around women, their bodies, and their strength, in all ways- physically, mentally, sexually. It all depends on what you're looking for, and what you need.
Jacki C · 12/9/2013
I wouldn't like it either. Personally I think it's a bad idea to have a "dress code." People who have never been to a studio tend to dress like everyone else in the studio over time. Kinda like a "When in Rome" thing. In my experience, it is the instructor who sets the code through what she wears. Most people won't wear less than the instructor. My first studio used to have "sexy days" where we could wear heels and suggestive attire (for lack of a better word) but we never had a problem with someone standing out through lack of dress. I wonder what brought this on? Comments from outside the poling community? From your post it doesn't sound like it's an issue of women coming to class and poling in pasties and thongs. Anyway, the "dress code" would seem to single out people who are wearing (what I would think) is perfectly acceptable attire. As someone who was raised to never be ashamed of their body and that body parts are just body parts it seems rather unaccepting and like you said, shaming. If I had my own studio this is not what I would do. I also think it would bother me if I was teaching or most importantly, a paying student.
Cara Christina · 12/9/2013
Thanks, ladies. Sunshine--I totally agree about the recital rules! I'd never have a problem with something like that. Runemist, sadly the shoes have already been called into question. I'm not supposed to post any pictures of myself in the studio with them on. :( Jackie, you are right, no one is wearing thongs to class now or anything like that. I'm honestly not sure what the driver is. This owner has always been very conservative about anything that sends a message other than fitness (which is a whole other thing but kind of beyond the scope of this discussion). I guess this is just the next step in that progression. I really appreciate you all taking the time to respond. I don't want to create drama or be in any way antagonistic. But as an instructor, you kind of represent the studio and I can't enforce a policy with which I so strongly disagree. I have the option to quietly leave if she decides to go through with this. There are many other studios in the area and this is a hobby and not a source of income for me. It makes me sad though. Keeping my fingers crossed for a more favorable outcome for everyone.
Kobajo84 · 12/9/2013
I have to agree with the owner on this one. I think instructors should look professional and dress in a manner that is considered modest for pole- i.e. leave the sports bras and booty shorts for the advanced levels but wear shorts that cover gluteal folds and tank tops to cover your torso for the main classes. I think this should only be something enforced towards the staff though. And if there is a dress code, that if the studio is enforcing it they should also be providing their instructors with the attire they feel is appropriate for their instructors to wear. You are representing the studio in your classes and teaching for their business. They have a business to protect and an image they want portrayed for a professional establishment. Unfortunately we don't come from a world where society views pole dancing as "just another fitness activity." Because of this, when pole and business mix the logical solution is to make changes that will inevitably center around what is perceived to be best for business. I've worked in 3 studios now as a pole instructor and now own my own pole studio. A former studio is where I learned that one of the reasons women admitted they would not return to another pole class was because they were intimidated by the attire their instructor was wearing. They felt they had to mimic their instructor's wardrobe and were too self conscious to show the amount of skin they felt was the norm in classes. Students look to their instructors as role models. This is something I have experienced. If I'm wearing leg warms frequently to my classes, you bet my entire following will start showing up with leg warmers. I think we don't realize the impact we have on our students so it only makes sense the owner is looking out for whats best for her business. I do however feel there is a place and a time for scantily clad attire and maybe there needs to be sexy themed classes that embrace the attire we all know and love.
Smarty Prance · 12/9/2013
You all bring up really great points. But it's worth noting that the US Pole Dance Federation and the International Pole Sports Federation among many other national and international competitions have very specific rules and regulations when it comes to attire. For Example: "The top: • Must fully cover the breast area for women and show no added or unnecessary cleavage. • Costume for women should include no less than a crop top with a strap size of no less than twenty (20)millimetres in width. A neckline of no lower the than eighty (80) millimetres from the collarbone. • Vest, crop top or topless if preferred for men. If performing topless the athlete must start topless. The cut of the bottoms must not be higher than the fold of the crotch in front and must fully cover the buttocks (rear) in back.• Shorts should be no less than sports shorts, leotards or sports knickers that are appropriate attire for competitive sports. Shorts and sports knickers should not be lower than eighty (80) millimetres from the navel.• Men's shorts cover the gluteal crease all the way across." It's even difficult for me to explain to my friends and husbands how awesome pole dancing is when for every one or two killer pole videos there are, there are 10 inappropriate on Youtube that I wouldn't want my hubby looking at. Bottom line: It's not about body shaming. It's just really hard to convince girls and guys that pole dancing is a dignified sport when my but cheeks are hanging out of my shorts.
Kobajo84 · 12/9/2013
Another thing I want to add...as for student dress code- if someone wants to go as far as enforcing one- the only one I'd recommend is doubling up in the pelvic area. If you're wearing booty shorts, you better be wearing two layers of fabric between you and the pole. So don't forget those undies ladies.
phedre · 12/9/2013
From a socially awkward student perspective... I look to the website or Facebook page of a studio to get an idea of what others are wearing and if there is a dress code. If I felt a dress code were impractical, I would probably refrain from going. On the other hand, I've never encountered a studio that required anything like full length pants or anything crazy like that. I do feel that flat outlawing booty shorts is silly. Maybe if it's an issue, ask that they cover the butt/thigh fold at the very least (I think I saw someone say gluteal fold). But if a studio were ultra strict, I'd think twice about going. I'm not going to redo my pole clothes for one pole studio when there are five others in the area.
Jacki C · 12/9/2013
This is totally getting into the dichotomy of the pole world. Tricky, muddy waters. I can see, when developing a business plan for a pole studio, how having a well thought out target market and how your particular business presents itself would indicate a particular dress code if you were strictly promoting fitness. I think the problem comes in when students and staff have had the freedom to dress as they saw fit and then had that revoked. I've only been involved in small studios which were the only studios in the area and dress codes never came up. These studios had both sexy and fitness, sometimes taught in the same class. Women start pole for different reasons, so if they are into strictly fitness pole they will probably gravitate towards a fitness geared studio when given a choice. These are probably the clientele who would be put off by "too much" skin exposure. On the other side are the women who gravitate to "sexy" pole, and these women probably will not be put off a little extra skin. Also there is just the common sense factor. Unless the studio is ridiculously hot, it would seem that most instructors won't be bearing midriffs in a beginner class. There is truth to scaring away new students if the instructor wears tiny boy shorts and a sports bra to introductory classes.
Katherine McKinney · 12/9/2013
I really don't care who thinks pole dancing is a dignified sport. I don't think that pole dancing should be in the Olympics, and I've long thought that the fitness aspect of pole dancing would consume the sexy aspect to its detriment. I am seeing that come true as I am often the only student at the studio I now attend who wears heels to class. I have no problem with anyone using pole dancing as a fitness tool and do not mind whether or not students wear heels, go barefoot, or wear sweats or booty shorts, but some of us were only attracted to pole dancing because it was so different from every other kind of fitness out there. More and more, I'm giving up on pole dancing because what I loved about it is fast becoming extinct. I would not attend a studio with a dress code. I have been instructing for a year and a half, and while I would always wear respectable shorts and a tank top for a beginner classes (still in heels, though!), I loved to see the girls get into the sexy aspect of pole dancing as time went on. Barefoot ladies would start wearing heels, the tank tops would turn into sports bras, and I would see self esteem shoot through the roof. This is all a moot point because the pole world is going to where the pole world is going to go. It just makes me sad to see how much the experiences of dancers are being marginalized and stripped (ha ha) from pole dancing, even though they are the creators and the forerunners of it. Sad, sad, sad.
CapFeb · 12/9/2013
As a student, I wouldn't go to her studio--I have my own space at home to pole and learn and I can wear whatever the hell I want. I'm not saying everyone should go in their skivvies--but what about Halloween Videos and Bringing Sexy Back? Events and such. If you're training for a certain performance and you don't know how well your outfit will stay in place during the routine, etc. Boundaries are fine if they're reasonable. I don't think this is reasonable. If you want to be THAT studio that denounces the stripping roots, I have no problem with the studio not offering "Stripper-esque" classes. But don't tell me that in MY free time that I PAY you to have free time in, what I am and am not allowed to wear.
phedre · 12/9/2013
I figured as much. I was just saying that sweat pants would be insane lol. It's really difficult to get any variety of grip. I didn't mean to imply that your studio enforced something like that.
michaelaarghh · 12/9/2013
I think a 'dress code' is ridiculous. Maybe this is an American thing? But I feel it's absolutely ridiculous for someone to get so offended as to what other people are wearing / doing that rules need to be imposed. I tend to agree with what has been said insofar as students will tend to follow what the teacher is doing. So if the teachers are wearing pants for warmups, "fuller" shorts and a singlet then the students will tend to copy that. I guess another option is you could sell pole wear? That way students will also be likely to buy clothes directly from the studio, and since they've been "approved" as appropriate there's no probs with anyone wearing them.
OopseyDaisey · 12/9/2013
I don't really care what gals wear to class, EXCEPT when I'm spotting someone in an invert, I seriously do not like having their labia, etc. right in my face. I find that to be very disrespectful of your instructor. Especially when we go out of our way to spot you in a manner that that is professional and doesn't cross boundaries. I always ask new students if it is ok to touch them for spotting. Other than that, I hope you come in wearing whatever fits your mood or goal for the day, whether it be sexy, sporty, smart, sassy...& I hope I'm able to help you achieve that.
azblanco · 12/10/2013
I think a dress code is ridiculous. Has there been any complaints from other students? I wouldn't be too concerned right now until its implemented. It might be one of those things that student's might not follow.. and at that point the owner is jeopardizing her business and loyal clients... Do most of the students wear little shorts like the brazil cut?
azblanco · 12/10/2013
i agree with what Kobajo said about the instructors.. This is very true that instructors have a huge impact on students. However, i don't think a dress code should be applied to students..
Meg Smith · 12/10/2013
I think it's sad there are rules on what you can wear. yes big comps have but bit different from local studio. to me pole dancing is whatever you want it to be just like life.. it can be fun happy sporty or even emotional,powerful erotica. that why is appealed to me as it can be what ever on any day. some times I don't even take my hoodie off sometime I'm wiggling my booty in some tiny shorts... all depends on my mood. Pole dancing is freeing as it can be anything you want it to be - its not fo someone who you pay to teach to tell you what to wear. Just my 2 pence worth. :-)
Maria_T · 12/10/2013
Hi, I don't normally participate in most of rhe SV discussions (but I do read them) bur this topic really gets under my skin. I am one of those ladies who likes to feel sexy and look tall (I'm a shorty at only 5'3, lol). Because I am short and don't have long legs and I have a short waist and somewhat narrow hips, shorts and some tops that cover surface area actually look very unflattering on my type of physique. I would very uncomfortable, restrained, unsexy, juged and irritated if I were in this situation. Thankfully I have not had to go through at studios I have taught at or taken classes at in the past. It is fine to promote the fitness ans sporty side of pole but you don't have to down the sexy, sensual side (or look) in the process. I would never give my business to a studio with this type of policy or attitude.
Maria_T · 12/10/2013
I meant ro say "shorts and some tops that cover a lot of surface area. "
Maria_T · 12/10/2013
Sorry for all the typos. I'm typing on a new phone with a keypad I am not used to.
Maria_T · 12/10/2013
Agree with you 1000% Litlbit!! Ok sorry everyone. Done with my random bursts of comments lol!
Dancing Paws · 12/10/2013
Question 1) Is clothing students are wearing causing an issue in class? 2) are girls wearing things that show too much (seriously, as long as the girlie bits are covered, who cares?) A little cheek wont hurt people. Wearing just a thong, then that might be something to approach tactfully, if it happens.) If clothing is not causing an issue in class, then it would potentially be detrimental to make a restricted list. Part of the fun of pole is the cute polewear. They shouldn't take that away from girls. Like I said, as long as it covers the essentials...
Dancing Paws · 12/10/2013
I do agree with kobajo in that the instructors should look professional as to not intimidate students, but if a student wants to wear cheeky shorts, more power to her!
Sierra Taye · 12/10/2013
I agree with most of what has been said here. I am already extremely body consious, but being in a supportive environment where I can wear short shorts and a sports bra and not have anyone giggle or point at jiggly bits of cellulite makes me feel extremely confident about myself. I feel like every studio should have this general dress code: please cover privates/girlie bits/areola and genitals. I mean, besides that, who cares? If I wan walk around outside with my cleavage showing (you know, if I had any!) and be fine, why not in class? And If I can go jogging in booty shorts on a bike path, why not in class? If I attended a studio that enforced a dress code more than just covering your private bits, I would leave in a heartbeat even though it is the ONLY studio in my area. I would rather travel out of state to go someplace else than allow myself to feel shame for my body because of a dress code.
PoleFitMom · 12/10/2013
I have a no under garment policy, but aside from that am open to those wearing what they are comfortable in. I had instructed at a studio a few years ago that allowed underwire bras and panties and I felt that it was not the environment I wanted for myself. And when I say panties, I mean single layer.

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