Good Pole Dancing Studio's in ATL?

jadorebree started this discussion · 12/5/2013

Hey ladies! So I know I haven't been on here in a while because I've been going through a lot for personal issues...but I'm back and ready to pole again! That being said...I'm from Connecticut but relocating to Atlanta Georgia in January, and I'm looking for some good pole studios to join as soon as I get there. It'll help me meet people, plus keep some kind of shape from all the good down south food I'll be eating (yum!). Does anyone from around that area have any thoughts? I saw a few online I may be considering, just need second opinions...

22 replies

chemgoddess1 · 12/5/2013
I do not know the studio personally and it is in Alphretta but I do know one of the instructors and she is amazing. The name of the studio is Amoora Dance and Fitness and her name is Sahrit (hoppinariel on SV). Joe's is known for their booty clapping videos but that is about all I know about them. I think there is PoLaTeaz also but have only been to the one (that closed) in Houston.
jadorebree · 12/5/2013
PoLaTeaz is the one I was looking at today that looked promising...Well, I looked at a lot today that looked promising. I'm pretty sure that's why I'm having such a hard time choosing! Lol.
Honey Brown · 12/5/2013
Hi! I have been a student of Pole La Teaz for 3 years now. I love my instructor and my pole sisters! Definitely check us out when you come. My instructor is Nicole Carroll. I don't know what level you are, but if she is not teaching your level, definitely check out Erin Bernard and Jackie Smith (my pole sisters and they are instructors) or Liz Simpson. Most popular classes: Sultry Pole, Floor Play, Metal Shop, Cardio Pole (w/ Corrie Griffin) and Pole Vixen. Feel free to ask me any questions!
jadorebree · 12/5/2013
Well I'm still a beginner. Level one. I haven't attended many pole classes where I'm at now, just because of money issues that I was having. But I just wanted to know how they were with beginners. Do they move at an okay pace? My first studio I went to tried to move way too fast for me...
Honey Brown · 12/5/2013
One of the things I love about the studio is that there is a curriculum. The lessons aren't free will. Everything you learn is to prep you for the next lesson. With that being said, some instructors do follow the curriculum and free style at the same time (more so in the higher levels, not the beginning ones). That is also why me and my pole sisters have been with our instructor for 3 years. A couple of girls tried other instructors and came back to our class within 3 weeks. When people join our class, they don't switch out unless they feel they are not as advanced as we are. The most important thing with my pole mom is safety and form. She preps us for everything prior to us teaching us the full trick. I suggested Erin and Jackie if Nicole is not teaching your level because they are also in my class and they teach like Nicole teaches. Liz and Nicole usually train together and are similar in there teaching styles as well. Liz has subbed for Nicole prior to Erin and Jackie becoming instructors (we usually requested her if Nicole had to miss that class). Hope this helps!
jadorebree · 12/5/2013
Thanks! That really does help! I'll look into it as soon as I get there! Have you been to any other studios around the area?
Honey Brown · 12/5/2013
I have visited one and several of my pole sisters have tried many others. The most common feedback is that the studios and classes are sloppy, they focus just on tricks and stripper moves but not fluidity and flow, classes are not private (the studio around the corner from my house teaches pole in a glass classroom where men and children can see you. I will say that they are a dance studio that teaches pole and not a pole studio), the classes move to fast and are not safe. We have several students that have come to our studio from the above mentioned studios and they haven't left. One of the girls in my class went all the way to Level 9 at another studio and my instructor is working with her on moves that she should know for someone who went all the way to Level '9' (which there actually is no such thing. Level 7 is competition level and you have different cycles of Level 6 & 7. Pole Art 2013 Champion Heidi Coker is our Level 7 instructor). I'm not knocking the other studios, however the people who have left our studio usually come back and the ones who switch to our studio don't leave....
jadorebree · 12/6/2013
WOW! To be honest that's what I noticed about a lot of the websites I went to for other studios. A lot of booty shaking and twerking, less fluid pole moves. Not that I have anything against booty shaking and twerking! (; I actually watched one video of an instructor/studio owner kicking up into an invert! :O Needless to say I doubt I'll be attending that studio...
Honey Brown · 12/6/2013
Yeah, that's why I've stuck with my pole family. My pole mom will pull you off the pole or stop you mid move if your not doing it right. And don't even try to kick into an invert or shoulder mount...she's not having it! 😳
tigerlillies · 12/6/2013
I love Spinarella I have tried others like Pole La Teaz and find that at Spinarella they make the classes really fun and safe they really help you develop the strength and grace to really take off with pole and it is a family type enviroment. I personally didn't have a good experiance with Pole La Teaz but everyone is different and looking for different things but I figured I would let you know of other studios here. Hope I was of some help.
kottonkandy · 12/6/2013
I attended vertical joe's. It may be a little more fast pace than some other studios but we do not just focus on booty clapping. The studio offers a sensual and acrobatic track after completing the beginner classes.
kottonkandy · 12/6/2013
Also, Vertical Joe's is big on technique. If you are not ready to advance, they will let you know. And you can choose to do privates if you want to go at your own pace. Last (and then I am done), you don't share poles in class.
Honey Brown · 12/7/2013
I can only speak on my experiences. When I went to Spinderella, there were three times the amount students in the class which made it not fun, because we were on top each other. Our Level 9 student is a past student of Spinderella and can't do half of the move that we are doing (in our class). Vertical Joes is great on technique and several students come to PLT in addition to VJ for fluidity and dance (their words, not mine). We also do not share poles at Pole La Teaz. Like I said, I'm not knocking any studio, what I mentioned is consistent feedback from several students over the course of the three years I've been at the studio.
tigerlillies · 12/7/2013
Like I said each person is looking for something when they pick a studio so good to try them all when I went to pole la teas was two ppl per pole same as most places except vertical Joes which is one per person. The level one to me didn't show much pole as we spent most of the time rubbing ourselves and the wall at pole la teaz when I said wasn't what they offered the same night of first class was ignored and gave $20 back of the $100 something I paid. It's great you like your studio but each is different and each have flaws. At least at vertical Joes you have to take classes before you can sign up for pole series most studios don't offer that. And I happen to think that spinarella is great they don't have you climbing the first night like pole waxers do which isn't safe you learn 80% pole and 20% filler moves for a routine and have really good hands on help a lot of my classes there especially the first they had two teachers so they could make sure everyone saw the move but also perceived help if needed.
kottonkandy · 12/7/2013
All three studios, vertical joe's, spinerella, and polelateaz are great. I suggest you try all three out by going to their drop in classes before you commit to a series. Then you can tell which is a great fit. There are other studios out there too. If you know where you are living in Atlanta, there may be one closer to you that you can try. Message me if you like.
anngiern · 12/7/2013
Hello@jadorebree, I am the owner of PoleLaTeaz. Definitely come check us out :) We offer free teazers and a $20 intro every month that way you can see how we teach, what our studio looks like, parking, our setup, etc....before investing anymore money into us. But I do suggest that you take intros at various studios to see what suits your fancy. Everyone is different and has their own way of doing things. Happy Dancing :) and welcome to the ATL!
anngiern · 12/7/2013
@honeybrown thanks for your wonderful feedback :) it always makes my heart sing to see another woman's journey at polelateaz and how it has impacted them. p.s. yes i am a stickler about there being a lesson plan for every class....thanks for noticing that. when i train all the instructors they must adhere to this b/c it just makes the class flow better and the students leave feeling more accomplished. luv yah and thanks for your business!
WishForSunshine · 12/7/2013
Hey Jadorbree, first off Welcome to Atlanta!! Its a lot warmer down here. lol I am a student at Vertical Joe's Fitness Studio and also take privates with an instructor at a different studio. Been poling on and off for 4 years(consistently for the last 2 years). I would suggest (as some other pole sisters have) to try out a few studios when you get here. It all depends on what you are trying to do. We have a great drop in classes (pole, dance, stretch, chair, fitness) and pole series program and all of our classes are structured with a level appropriate curriculum. We also are photo lovers and there are always various themed photo shoots throughout the year. VJ's are big on technique and works with each student to develop their strengths. We do not pole share in any class, drop in or series....ever. That's important to me because time is money and I want my time on MY pole. lol VJ's also offers optional student shows when a series is completed. There is also a competition division of the studio that focuses on pole competitions around the country. Fiyastarta (the owner of VJ's) is known for ATL Booty Clap because she is good at it but can and will pole most folks back to their first ever pole class. Check out her (and the studios) YouTube channel and see for yourself. :-) There are two tracks of pole study you can embark at VJ's, sensual and acrobatic. If you like more of the tricks and aerial pole combos, acrobat is for your. If you prefer a sensual, smooth and silky style, sensual is for you. I have taken classes at Spinarella and Polelateaz and Dance 411. Dance 411 is the only one I personally would not recommend. But that's me. *This was a non paid endorsement*. :-) But when there are folks who have never been to our studio commenting, I feel its only right to speak from an experienced view point.
jadorebree · 12/8/2013
Thank you everyone for your feedback! I actually have been looking at all three of the studio's you guys mentioned (Pole La Teaz, VJ's, and Spineralla) and I think I'm going to try all three out...I'm so indecisive it's crazy! Lol. I'm sure all three studio's are great, but just like a few girls mentioned everyone is looking for something different. I guess you could say I'm looking for acrobatics and to get into better shape, but I also want to stay in touch with my sensual side. I guess you could say a mixture of both... I'm assuming these studio's you guys mentioned have introductory classes I can attend? Most of the sudio's up here in CT do... And yes WishForSunshine, it IS a lot warmer! I won't be moved there for good until January 11th but I'm getting weather updates from my aunt who lives down there everyday. How exciting to get away from the FREEZING COLD up here...I hate it. ):<
tamikat · 12/8/2013
i know that pole la teaz has introductory sampler workshops that they offer that can give you a taste of a few of the classes they offer. im sure the others do too but i dont know about those myself. i have personally been to pole la teaz and gone through their level 1 series. i loved it but i live 2 hours away in chattanooga was too much for me.
pr1nc3ss · 12/8/2013
Check out www.fitcandystudio.com they are always running specials and they have activities like girls night where you can get to know the other students
kottonkandy · 12/9/2013
VJ's also offers introductory classes. If you are in Decatur/DeKalb, check out Fit Candy. It may be closer to where you live.