Help!!Opening Pole Studio

MochaKat started this discussion · 8/24/2009

Hello SVF I am so excited that I think I have found a sound investor for my studio 🥂 Now all I have to do is get a business plan together to show what will be needed to get started. I am reaching out to all you wonderful instructors and owners for ideas and advice. I think for example these are the things I have thought about 1.Poles 2. Sound system 3. Insurance 4. Types of classes 5. client managment software 6.Instructors 7. website I know there is other stuff that hasn't came to me yet. 🤔 I have a few concerns though. Mainly about instructors and client software. The city that I live in does not have any gentlemans clubs or clubs period that employ dancers. So I am kinda concerned about where and how to find instructors. I know that the city's women are interested because a month or so ago the news shot a story about pole dancing. Actually a local adult novelty store was interviewed and was offering classes. It was a bunch of ladies that showed up for the class. But check this out they only had one pole and it was at the back of the store. So of course that was not a very good class. But I know the interest is here. Its just up to me to present it better. So any suggestions would be highly appreciated. These are my questions: 1. How are the instructors paid? Is it per class, hourly, or what? Are they independant contractors or employees? How to go about looking for instructors. 2. What client/retention software do you use? Where can I find more information? 3. Is there anything else you would like to share? I am totally open for ideas. Thank you in advance for any ideas, comments, answers, etc........

26 replies

PhillyPoleJess · 8/24/2009
Contracts... you will need them for everything waiver, pole parties, packages, private lesson. It should have what they receive. how much they pay dates. limitations, cancellation policy, etc When you first start you will MOST likely not have enough business to have other instructors. You will have to be the main instructor (unless your backer has that much money) if you are going to have other instructors make sure they are not just good at tricks and/or dancing but that they can actually explain the move adequately several different ways even if you understand them the first time. Just because there are no strip clubs in your area does not mean there are not former strippers in your area or women who have been learning pole dance in their homes also. I am paid by direct deposit and like it that way since it is easy to keep track how much money i make and how much to put aside. Most of the studios in this area the instructors are independent contractors. For class i get paid the same whether i show up a half hour before or 10 minutes and for parties i am paid by the hour. You should ask the lingerie store to be your backer sensual fitness in stroudsburg pa did that and it is a fantastic studio. As an instructor some of the topics i dont know enough about. (ie: software and insurance) Hope this was helpful Question for you. Have you ever been to a pole dance studio?
MochaKat · 8/24/2009
Thank you phillypolejess for commenting. I have attended a studio thats about 1hr 30min from me I was going once a week for 3 months. I picked up a few things I would mimic and some I would not. It was a nice studioit had a pole room and then a bigger room for other classes like aerobics and things, lobby and a small section where it sold shoes,and other dance clothes, also a counter for smoothies and drinks and stuff. My backer does have the money for payroll for instrutors I just need a round about figure what most instructors would expect and what would be reasonable to pay.I am in southern GA. Your totally right about the contracts everything has to be in writing. Thanks again for commenting 😀
yogabeachbabe · 8/24/2009
How much you pay your instructors may depend on a few factors: You can pay them by student ($10 per head here) which may make the instructor more responsible for bringing business to the studio, or flat rate ($25-$40 per class). But that would also depend on how many poles you have--if you have 10 poles, obviously it's better for the studio if you pay a flat rate. And it would also depend on whether you think it's ok for students to share a pole, and how long classtime is. And of course, you've got to figure out how much you're going to charge for classes: single drop-in class, or packages of 10, etc. I believe most instructors are independent contractors, but check with your accountant to see what the advantages/disdvantages are in terms of taxes. As for hiring teachers, I agree with Phillypolejess about finding people who can approach a move from many different angles. Make sure they have fitness insurance unless the studio insurance umbrellas them as well. This is great: I'm really excited for you!
MochaKat · 8/25/2009
Thank you yogabeachbabe for sharing your info. Am working on getting all that together. Prices and classes and things. I know for certain that I want each person to have their own pole. The facility I am looking at will prob only house 6 or 8 poles and the bigger area for the other classes. The dollar amount was what I had kinda thought of to for the flat rate. Thanks for your encouragement.
miss fern · 8/26/2009
I think it's better for students to share poles because they can help eachother out, spot eachother and encourage eachother. Plus, 1 hour on the pole constantly is TOO much, everyone needs a rest for a few mins now an then - so why waste a good pole by just standing next to it? 😛 Where I teach we have 1-3 students per pole. 3 is very rare, that's usually on the free "come n try" classes. When students are more advanced of course they want to hog the pole all to themselves so perhaps higher level classes could have a smaller limit on number of students. You'll also want to think about whether to offer only packages (eg 6 week courses ect) or casual classes. Each has their pros and cons. I was put off starting pole dancing for 2 YEARS because all the local studios only taught in blocks. I was just not prepared to part with several hundred $$ for something I might not like or be good at. (That's the normal beginner mentality anyway.) On the other hand, casual classes can bite the instructor in the ass if hardly anyone turns up and you lose money. Also, block lessons give you the opportunity to 'graduate' students before they move to the next level, so you don't have people trying things they're not ready for yet. In casual classes you can have mixed levels (all the classes I teach have beginners and advanced in the same room, so I;m a busy little bunny! Hahaha!) Another option is to offer casual classes that you have to ring ahead for (eg "book in" the morning or day before).
PhillyPoleJess · 8/26/2009
$25 to $40 a class? All of the studios in philly pay at least $50 a class (we get $5 per head for anyone paying cash over 10 girls), but all of the studios are large and can fit 20-28 girls comfortably with 10 poles in one studio and 14 in the other. agreed with georgiamarie most girls are better off sharing a pole especially in beginner's classes vry few women are fit enough to sustain for a whole hour or more without breaks
miss fern · 8/26/2009
Post removed - I put it in the wrong place - sorry!
London · 8/26/2009
I have a question too regarding this thread! Do instructors have to be certified, or have any other requirements like that? And what's a good organization to get certified through? Thanks!
yogabeachbabe · 8/26/2009
$25 to $40 a class? All of the studios in philly pay at least $50 a class Hell, I'm going to have to move to Philly!!!! One of the studios where I teach only has 3 poles so we max out at 6. I can't imagine teaching 20-28 girls! Wow!
miss fern · 8/27/2009
I have a question too regarding this thread! Do instructors have to be certified, or have any other requirements like that? And what's a good organization to get certified through? Thanks! Well since pole is a 'new sport' there are no official certifications. However, getting a personal fitness trainer certification is the next best thing. Also you will DEFINITELY need insurance for every instructor, in case a student injures themselves. I don't know how you go about doing that though - whether it's through your personal trainer qualification or through another medical corporation. But if you don't, the teacher are liable to pay out of their own pockets for medical bills of injured students. The price of getting certified/insured could be deducted gradually from their pay packets if you like. That's a pretty common thing to in many (completely unrelated) industries - for uniforms etc.
New_Dancer · 8/27/2009
Hi, There are some organizations that do certify - one is mentioned on poleskivvies website. Certification isn't a "must" but it is probably worth considering as a studio owner. As a student I wouldn't consider going to a studio that had pole sharing. I'm a beginner. I get tired but I learn by watching my instructor and doing the move at the same time. If I am going to take a break I want to do it because I'm tired not because it is someone else's turn. I'm taking my time and spending my money to go to a studio. I want to learn at my pace. I used to figure skate. Sure I'd take breaks when tired, but I wouldn't want to be told I had to skate for 5 minutes and then rest for 5 mintues because they'd allowed twice the number of skaters that is safe on the surface! I would say unless your classes are totally full with every pole used every class that you are best to advertise no pole sharing. IF you find your clasess are super full then I would consider trying some beginner classes at a cheaper rate with sharing. My experience with classes that I have taken is that the studios that advertise pole sharing are also the ones that have like 3 people in their class because students don't want to go to a studio that may have pole sharing. New Dancer
MochaKat · 8/27/2009
Thank u guys for sharing all ur ideas. I see the advantages both ways when it comes to sharing poles. Being on the student side I myself wouldnt want to share a pole either if I was paying to come to a studio. I see the benefit to having spotters in advance classes more so then beginner The studio I went to did not share poles and everyone seemed to like it better. Out of the hour we only really spent 30 mins or so on the pole for spins, dance, pose and stuff. The other time was spent warming up and cooling down. No one seemed to be tired. And at some points the instructor actually told us to buddy up for some things but we still had our own pole to go back to. So for advertising sake I am zoning in on everyone has there own pole. Also ideally I would want the instructors to have group fitness certification or pt because we will also have other classes besides pole kinda cardio aerobic like. Great ideas.... please keep them coming. Ive narrowed down to possible spots both have pros and cons...think I may blog about it to get it out of my head. Thanks again for all the posts 😉
yogabeachbabe · 8/27/2009
I LOVE the idea of building community within the class so that the students really look forward to not just taking pole class, but also to seeing the other girls. But I would never, ever allow a student to spot or teach another student unless she was a pole instructor that I knew personally and trusted. Just because you might be an amazing dancer, doesn't mean you necessarily have the knowledge to spot another student. Hell, there are a lot of pole instructors out there who can teach moves, but really have no clue as to how to spot or cue the body--believe me, I've been to their classes! There are also liability issues there--if a student gets injured in class while another student is teacher them or spotting them, it's still upon the teacher present and the studio itself.
MochaKat · 8/27/2009
Gotcha yogabeachbabe.
miss fern · 8/27/2009
I LOVE the idea of building community within the class so that the students really look forward to not just taking pole class, but also to seeing the other girls. But I would never, ever allow a student to spot or teach another student unless she was a pole instructor that I knew personally and trusted. Just because you might be an amazing dancer, doesn't mean you necessarily have the knowledge to spot another student. In most classes students will teach/help eachother anyway. (Unless you have one of those scary boot camp classes where every is facing the front and is quiet as a mouse and acting like a robot just copying the teacher. No fun at all! LOl!) In most environments, when the teacher is walking round checking people's technique, friends who have come together will look at other's attempts and say "yea that's good! wow!" or "she said to hold your hand above your head remember?" These kinds of encouragements and corrections are very helpful for students. And yes, it is the teacher's liability if anyone is injured whether they are following your instructions, someone elses or their own ideas. Spotting is different though, because not many people can catch or hold the body correctly. In advanced classes where I used to go though, they teach spotting technique as well because they know people will go home and try it themselves - on street signs or their washing lines - whatever! So it's like the 'safe sex' approach to sex ed, instead of the abstinence one. Better to teach them how to do it right than to say "don't do it without me!" - coz they will anyway. (Of course, what they do at home is NOT your legal liability)
stainless · 8/27/2009
wonderful 🥂 we need more studios n the area! I get paid per class. For some reason I couldn't do direct deposit so I have a pay-pal account set up. The owner of the Catwalk said she likes it better that way, no waiting for instructors to cash their checks. The money is taken out of her account immediately. I don't mind having more than one girl to a pole but i let the student decide. we have 10 pole so we only allow 10 girls but if some girls don't mind sharing than i will let the extra girls stay. the room at the Catwalk is kinda small so it can get crowded quick so I don't think I would ever allow 20 girls, even if the other girls didn't mind. Check other dance studios and fitness clubs for instructors. They might not be able to do pole tricks but they will have at least 1 of 3 qualities need to be a pole instructor (DANCE; jazz, hip-hop, ballet, etc. FITNESS; pilates, cardio fit, Zumba. POLE TRICKS). For local strip clubs go to stripclublist.com to find clubs in the area. Macon, Valdosta, Albany, Cordele and Warner Robins are all on the list. If the clubs on the list even exist I'm sure the girls who work there are board and get plenty of free pole time LOLZ!!! When You get everything together I would be more than happy to come do an instructor course, help show you and your instructors some good teaching methods. http://www.stripclublist.com/y.asp?s=GA (copy paste this to address bar; all clubs in GA). You could also check local schools for student who major in dance or fitness and need the extra cash. For sound system... iPod Dock. Most people have and iPod and it is easier for me to organize my music, no scratched CDs. Hope this helps keep me posted good luck!!!
Angel1201 · 8/30/2009
I've been a pole dance instructor for over a year and a half. The place I work at is scraping by. A pole studio about 10 miles from here went out of business this past January (Xpose Fitness - Forest Hill location). Castleoutsiders studio has been threatened with closure several times. Starrgrrrl's (this is her youtube username) studio the Bombshell Ballroom went out of business last year, and she is an enormously talented dancer! Anther girl on here was writing in the forum that her local studio went belly up. I would be very cautious. Pole dancing is great but I can't tell you how many girls have come in to try it once and you NEVER see them again. They think it's going to be easy but they have no idea. It's like a fad, everyone wants to try it, but 1 out of 50 come back and get hooked and keep spending $$ in the studio. We have a 16 pole -pole room and a non pole studio. Honestly the most business occurs in the studio where belly dancing, hip hop, chair dance, kick boxing, and yoga occur. I have my top level pole class Friday night and had ONE student who paid $12 for the class. My level one class had THREE people. No one showed up to the first chair dance class and that instructor took my pole class for free. I think only two showed up for her second chair class. Mon-Thurs night have better business, but when I was in there Tues night to teach yoga, I only had four students and there was only one girl in the pole room. Honestly I don't know how the place survives. When my studio first opened people tried it and refused to go back b/c the instructors had no idea what they were doing. We are still trying to win those people back with free classes now that the instructors are better. Some of the original instructors were strippers. They flaked and blew off their classes and didn't last more than a month. They made way more cash in the strip clubs - why would they teach a pole class for a measly 20 bucks an hour?? None of the instructors now are former strippers. All of the instructors at our studio learned at our studio. It takes at least two years to get really good at dancing, so good luck finding talent. I have a pole position instructor certificate, a yoga fit certificate, and an ACE group fitness certificate. I also have a Master's degree in Education. I've taught public school for 12 years. I know what I'm doing. I would recommend as little overhead as possible and waiting until you get good enough to teach. Start out slow and build over time. Offer other gitness type classes and advertise a lot. Goo luck.
MochaKat · 8/30/2009
Thank you for your post Angel1201. You are right on point about being cautious. The way the economy is people dont have as much disposable money like before. So they are spendung less and on necessities. I am planning to offer other fitness classes besides pole to bridge the gap. Consumers are very picky and they want to know they are getting what they are paying for. Am almost finish with my group fitness cert. so I plan on teaching other classes but not pole yet. Hopefully I think I've found a retired dancer that is interested in teaching pole.Thank you again for your input.
Angel1201 · 8/30/2009
Sorry to be so negative, but you need to know the realities before you put all your cash up. I am very thankful my studio owner opened up because it allowed me to find my passion. But I am always concerned that she's barely getting by. Luckily her husband has a good job. The reason I went on to get my certificates in pole, yoga, and group fitness was because I realized no one teaching in my studio had a clue including me! My pole instructor when I first started two years ago fell in front of me off the pole and broke her foot. She was being careless and was trying to show off. The sub that was hired knew less than I did so I offered to take over the class and was hired on the spot. What I find interesting is that the owner never even comes in back to see what's going on. She doesn't dance or take classes. When I started there was no training and no mentoring for me or anyone else, but I did get a handout ❗ . There was no structure to the classes when I first was taking lessons. The teachers would stretch before warming up (a big no-no) and they only taught spins and tricks and would stop in between to talk. As a result no-one DANCED fluidly like it is supposed to be done. I had to go to other studios and I had to study exercise science and I paid for it all out of my own pocket in order to improve myself. I have made NO profit off of teaching. I have had injuries to my shoulder (very common with pole) plus lots of bruises, bangs, and exhaustion. I've had to see a physical therapist, chiropractor, and massage therapist for all the aches/pains. My fellow teacher regularly goes for accupunture and chiro work because of her physical issues. It's crazy, but I do it for the love of the sport and for the camraderie I get with my students. We are in an area (Baltimore) where Xpose fitness has the bulk of the market. They have four locations and as I mentioned, one recently went out of business. They charge $9 per class!! It get's down to $7 or $8 if you buy classes in bulk. They rely solely on volume. If you are in an area where there is no competition I would recommend charging way more for classes. $30 or so. But remember, people won't keep paying unless they have a quality instructor who knows how to organize a fitness class, properly teach moves, keep everyone safe, make everyone feel good and who has a great personality. There is so much to it. I'd also recommend selling t-shirt and booty shorts. You can turn a profit on those with little or no physical work. Parties are also profitable. Go to polejunkies.com. They have a forum folder for instructors. There is a lot of info in it that might be of use to you. Good luck to you and best wishes. 😀
yogabeachbabe · 8/30/2009
Wow, Angel, thank you for being so absolutely candid. I teach at 2 studios, both of which are primarily Pilates studios and that is why they're doing well. The group classes (all forms of exercise, from yoga to kickboxing, etc) are not doing so great--like Angel, I often see 2 or 3 signed up, but sometimes just 1. For this particular studio, the group ex is additional income for the owner. In the other studio, the group ex room is very new and so we'll see how it goes. I can tell you for certain that when women come in to try pole class, they LOVE it. But it's a total mystery as to who comes back and why. I keep expecting the women to be more like us--fall in love, get hooked, and view class as a necessity! I am so sad to hear that the Bombshell Ballroom closed!!!! Although I did not know her personally, I thought Starrgrrrl was phenomenally talented and her dancing was crazy charismatic--I loved her style so much. I was once told that if I wanted to open up a studio (be it yoga or something else), I'd have to have enough money to float the studio for at least 2 years (meaning, 0 profit). Nowadays, I'm going to guess that it would have to be longer. I don't think you're being negative, Angel, but pretty realistic. My opinion is that in this economy, you would probably be better off teaching all the classes without expecting a paycheck, and then when you've built up a business and a reputation, start hiring other quality instructors.
MochaKat · 8/30/2009
Angel by no means were u being negative. I actually appreciate you being so frank. You just exposed a side of business that is a reality. Rather a studio or any other business. Am not new to entrepreneurship. I'm looking at both sides and plan B and C 😉 Your honesty is refreshing and appreciated. I will check out that link you posted. Instructors are my biggest concern because they will make or break the entire atmoshere in the studio. Its hard finding poeple to share your dreams and implement your ideas efffectively. I so wish I could teach all the classes but I know my limitations, am working hard though to get there. I'm scared and I can admit it but I want to try and see. Yogabeachbabe you are so right about people taking the class and am wondering how in the world could you not just love this beautiful way of self expression and be hooked like we are
Angel1201 · 9/1/2009
Hey, I wanted to clarify something. I said in my last post I've made no $$ off being an instructor. This is why. I have a great paying primary job which puts me in a high tax bracket. The extra $$ I make being an instructor is not taxed as I am an independant contractor. Everything I make I try to spend out for work-related expenses to give me write offs and tax deductions. I've taken continuing ed. classes for my exercise certifications, I've travelled to earn them, I've purchased several poles, my "uniform", music, insurance, etc. So, yes I make $$, but I spend just as much to run my "business".
StarrGrrrl · 9/1/2009
My downfall was really REALLY high overhead (The Bombshell Ballroom). Simple as that. keep it simple until you are actually making a profit, and established within your community before expanding. Or just don't go all out at first. I closed my place January of this year, and since then I have heard of lots of other studio's closing which makes me sad... especially because I know how NOT fun, costly, and complex the closing process is. It can absolutely work, even in this economical climate, but there is always the risk, in any business, that for one reason or another, it won't work out. Just keep it simple. That's the best advice I can offer. I strongly advise away from paying almost 2G a month in rent until you are established 😉
StarrGrrrl · 9/1/2009
And by the way (I'm such an ass!) THANK YOU! For your beautiful compliments on my dancing!
Former member · 9/2/2009
maybe you could google dance studios and check out their websites to get ideas on prices and lessons and stuff. the place that i took lessons before i found studioveena charged $150 for an 8 week session, 1 hour per week. there were 5 poles and students shared. it was a blast 🙂 you could always hold monthly workshops too, like lapdancing, chair dancing, a strip tease workshop, floor work, stuff like that.....i think those were like $25 per person, and they were 1 hour. this is such an exciting endeavor!!! Good luck with everything!! 🙂

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