New York Pole Dance

lilblondie started this discussion · 10/20/2010

Does anyone here study there? I'm looking for a studio where I can drop in and have a private lesson. Sadly, I dropped into the Open Pole once at NYPD and was told they have a series of 115 moves you must check off before you're allowed to invert -- even in privates. (!!!) Is this true?! I need a place easy to get to on public transit, because I'm not from NYC, but would like to schedule lessons when I visit. (I live in Boston, but there are no real studios here). I understand their concern about safety with beginners, and I'm soooo happy to show I can perform moves in a safe and controlled way. But I can't be spending $50 an hour proving to someone I can spin in 20 different attitude leg variations. I just can't! Any suggestions?

7 replies

Charley · 10/20/2010
hmmm, have you spoken with one of the instructors? I'd contact Wendy personally and ask - she's super nice.
DeshaBiller · 10/21/2010
you could also try Body and Pole Studio, they are also in NY.
MissChiefNYC · 10/21/2010
Try Shckra studios on 28th street....here is the link http://www.shockrastudio.com/ I take classes there, and love it (feeling *much* better compared to when I started).
shockrastudio.comshockra dance studio - nyc classes - pole pancing, hip-hop, ballet, club dance, zumba, bellydance * Nyc Dance Classes * Pole-hiphop-ballet-moreOffering NYC Pole Dancing, Hip-Hop, Zumba, Bellydance, Bollywood, Ballet, Burlesque, Yoga, BUTI. NYC Dance Classes, Birthday & Bachelorette Parties in a fun and down to earth atmosphere for all levels. Anyone can dance. Shockra is an unitimidating dance atmosphere with the most professional dance instructors in New York. If you are unsure where to begin as a beginner or overwhelmed by larger, even the most "beginner" dance classes conducted in the city - welcome!
amy · 10/21/2010
i've been told the same thing about NYPD by an ex student there, but i was todl you must check off 120 moves, and i believe 3 times on each side. they may have changed the requirements, and they may allow you to invert in a private, i'm honestly not sure. I've taken private classes there with alethea austin and obviously was allowed to invert then... i would definitely do what charley recommended and contact the studio directly. body and pole is a great studio! however you can only do privates during the day (prior to 5pm) or on weekends when they don't have classes. it seems like if you are traveling from boston that might work out for you? i would recommend that you research the instructors at each studio and pick an instructor who's style you really like, know what you're really looking for and what you want to work on, and contact them through the studio for privates. if you need video to decide i'd be more then happy to help! (full disclosure) i teach at shockra studios, but i swear i will be compeltely unbiased. i just want you to end up with someone who you like taking privates from =)
AliciaPolerina · 10/21/2010
I teach at DL fitness in Worcester, MA now and we would be happy to have you 🙂 I do privates and I teach all the advance classes I've been there about a month and have a well developed progressive pole syllabus for my advance classes and I tailor privates to the individual student...just a suggestion if you don't want to go so far! PM me if you have any questions!
ottersocks · 10/21/2010
I teach at DL fitness in Worcester, MA now and we would be happy to have you 🙂 OMG I went to Clark Univ in Worcester, I would have *killed* to have pole classes! (although, back when I went to college, no one ever dreamed of pole classes... 😉 ) Say hi to Worcester for me!!
lilblondie · 10/21/2010
I teach at DL fitness in Worcester, MA now and we would be happy to have you 🙂 I do privates and I teach all the advance classes I've been there about a month and have a well developed progressive pole syllabus for my advance classes and I tailor privates to the individual student...just a suggestion if you don't want to go so far! PM me if you have any questions! No way!! I'll send you a PM after I get out of class today. Thanks everyone else for the helpful suggestions! Yes I spoke with an instructor at NYPD there - I actually stayed for the open pole class. I can't remember her name but she was a small Asian woman, very graceful, had background in ballet. I was probably kind of shocked and snippy with her but I was reluctant to ask Wendy because this woman suggested it to me -- like "well, I just work here, if you don't like what I tell you, you can ask Wendy yourself." But I guess I will try and email her if you guys say she's nice 🙂 I would also love to take some of the "celebrity" classes they host!