first pole dance lesson to teach!

aryannapoledancer started this discussion · 5/16/2011

Hi there, I was engaged to teach pole dance classes which will be the first ever in the place I live. I'm so excited! But at the same time I'm a bit scared because I really have no idea of what make my students do for the first lesson. Which should my teaching approach be? I know the first lessons would be strengthening lessons but I wanna leave them showing little special moves they can start learning so that they are enthusiastic adn happy to come back to lesson next time and then next time again. Can you advice me, please? Thanks.

8 replies

MichelleH · 5/16/2011
In our beginner class, we do a warm up followed by learning a basic routine; walk, spin, pose, hip circles. Most of our classes follow a similar process of warming up, learning moves, putting them together in a routine and then doing pole specific strengthening and stretching at the end of class Good luck!
Mechie · 5/16/2011
In my first pole class (all spin pole...i never tried static) I learned ballerina spin, chair spin, firemen and firemen pullup. It was love at first spin for me...lol Strengthening exercise are good but sometimes simple tricks after warmup are enough to make them want to come back for more...lol
TrixieLovett · 5/16/2011
But remember to "not give away the whole damn farm" though. Make an outline for yourself so you can follow it, and teach the fundamentals. So many times I see "beginning" classes and they teach 4-5 spins, yet the students don't really understand how to DANCE: the proper form of the walk, a pirouette, hip circles and a body wave. As experienced dancers we sometimes take those simple moves for granted, and I have seen too many ladies give up on the wonderful endeavor of pole because their instructor threw too much at them too fast. It also sets the proverbial hook for them to become long term students instead of "fad" students. Good luck t you sister! Please keep us posted...
aryannapoledancer · 5/23/2011
Hi there, sorry for writing so late. First pole dancing lesson to teach will be tomorrow. Actually they are 2 free lessons for the girls who want to try pole dancing. We have split them into 2 groups beacause there are 10 girls but only 5 poles + teacher pole. The funny (?) thing is, I was asked if I was interested in teaching and I said yes, which is what I really really want. Instead of purchasing professional poles the owner of the gym where pole dance courses will be held decided to have them built his own way, by local companies he knows. I don't think he did this asking for a technical help, which I would have be pleased to do. So, tomorrow I'll be there without knowing anytihing about dance poles finish or materials. The only thing I know is they are 50 mm and that can be set as static or rotator too and that they will be fixed from celiling to floor. I Hope these shining sticks are usable as dance poles... As far as my lesson is concerned, I think I'll give it this structure: 60" of which: 5" introduction to pole dance: what they expect from this course, lessons structure and benefits from the course; 20" warm up (as an evalutaion lesson I'll let girls follow me, without explaining movements and engaged muscles, which I'll be doing with girls who follow with pd lessons) 5" short exibition for them 20" show them sexy walk, a pole starting pose, a sexy squat and let them practice bare foot and then with heels (so that thay can understand the difference, feel sexy and have fun) 10" cool down. I don't think I'll take them into spins; too much strength required. I just want them to see through my exhibition what they will be able to do, but start practicing themselves only "easy" and sexy moves such as walk and poses. Any suggestion about that? Thank you for your kind replies.
nellynut · 5/23/2011
hi Aryanna, Good luck wit h teaching the class tomorrow let us know how things go. Your teaching scheme seems cool and you are right about beginners spins don't include them just yet.I remember when i first started poling i was taught what we call a fish hook,it similar to a back hooded spin.I wasn't told to engage my muscles and i pulled my arm very badly,after the second week i didn't go back.It was only when started Veena's lessons that i learnt about engaging my muscles which i am working on before i get back to poling. What i would suggest is though if you can before you start teaching go in and check the poles and see how sturdy they are. Although this has nothing to do with pole i remember when i first started teaching salsa for beginners, i was really nervous but it does get easier. All the best take it easy and keep us posted xxxx
TrixieLovett · 5/23/2011
Sounds fabulous sister! Can't wait to hear your progress report!!
aryannapoledancer · 6/6/2011
Hi everybody, I'm a survivor and tomorrow will be my third lesson to tech! I'm really satisfied with the lesson plan I have worked out, I think I'm going to track it and write it so that I will be fresh and ready for my secondo course starting in September in another studio. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL! We have 6 poles 3 in a row and instructor pole is among students'. Last lesson we could use only 5 poles and there were 7 students so I had to make 2 poles shares. It's been a total disaster because girls didnt' want to share their poles so I was askes bu the studio owner to dobule the hours of lesson and follow fewer girls at a time. Beside that girl are really enthusiastic and are crazy about me, which really please me so much. I'm keeping track of my progress both as a dancer and as a teacher on this blog. http://aryannapoledance.wordpress.com Follow me, I'm waiting for your suggestions! Seee you on wednesday.
aryannapoledancer · 6/13/2011
Hi there! tomorrow is third class to teach. We moved from 1 hour of first trial class, to 2 hours of second class and now we are still moving to 3 hours tomorrow! Our followers are growing, I hope girls are having fun with my pole dance lessons. I also hope to survive after 3 hours non stop! The funny thing is I even had a unique pole dance lesson request from a girl coming from overseas to Italy (she contacted me through my ENG blog), which really surprised me! Is this a joke? :P :-*