Question...I'll Try To Keep it Short

Jenn PoleLush started this discussion · 4/24/2011

I have a question (as the titile says)..I pole at home and am purely self taught. I recently found a "studio" here in little old Windsor that offers Pilates Aerial Yoga Bikram Yoga and--ta da--Pole Fitness. So anyway I went there and they are not fully dedicated to the Pole Fitness. The "Instructor" is certified apparently and she mainly does very basic stuff. I know only because I went there to practice because my pole was temporarily out of commision and she was amazed at what I do. I would consider myself Intermediate to Advanced---she does mainly spins, Pole Sit, Climbs...no inverting. Anyway, we kept up a rapport and she msged me one day because her studio had a fundraiser and they were selling tickets and people were performing various things, she asked me to do a pole demo. She said she was unable to make it so would I do it...sure, fun. I offered and did it. They filmed it and put it on their FB page, here is the link (let me know if it doesnt work) http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150559563620492&oid=110849488979921&comments The pole was in the worst location, I banged my leg during a cramped RG and the crowd was , meh, whatever. The clapping is my husband and friends. So I do not work for them, nothing...I was wondering about the copy underneath the video. Almost makes it seem like take lessons and I am teaching. What do you all think? Oh and the girl that teaches the basic pole asked me to instruct her...thoughts? Thanks, sorry for the long winded lead up to the question 🙂

facebook.comJenn Macri Pole Dance performance at the Boom Boom Room Fundraiser ! Great performance by the talented Jenn !! Learn Pole Fitness at Breathe ! | Breathe Pilates and Fitness StudioJenn Macri Pole Dance performance at the Boom Boom Room Fundraiser ! Great performance by the talented Jenn !! Learn Pole Fitness at Breathe !

17 replies

Dancing Paws · 4/24/2011
I'd see if the studio would want to hire you for intermediate and advanced classes. You can always teach the other instructor new stuff, but she can keep teaching the beginner classes while you teach higher levels.
heathalynne · 4/24/2011
Ask how much they'll pay you to teach privates to their instructor. Honestly that's false advertisement. To post someone who's not even on their payroll and post an ad... Though you did verbally agree to demo at their fundraiser. If they don't offer compensation, wish them luck and say deuces! Lol!
dustbunny · 4/24/2011
They are using your performance to advertise that's for sure. If they want you to teach at the studio it could be a great opportunity for you to hone your skills and do something you enjoy. But if she just wants you to teach her so she can go to her studio the next day and reteach it to others, that's definitely not cool. Not safe for her students, and not fair to you.
Mechie · 4/24/2011
Great video! Love your moves!! But I must say...I agree with heathalynne...it's definitely a false advertisement. If they don't plan on hiring you as an instructor, you should ask them to take off that ad off your video. (Or take your video off their ads...) What you did was performance for a fundraiser NOT an advertisement for their studio. What they did is just wrong. Can you imagine if they have a bunch of students signing up for pole class and they have an instructor that's not qualifying for teaching? That's very dangerous....and totally unethical.
Runemist34 · 4/24/2011
Well, I have to say, first of all...it was really nice of you to dance for their fundraiser! I would say that the studio could make a valid argument that they never once actually said that you were instructing with them, and that they had only put up an advertisement for beginner pole lessons, not advanced stuff. That said, I would counter with the fact that the way they wrote it creates the very strong implication that you DO work there, and that you didn't really give your permission to be filmed or for them to put your dancing (and your Name) on Facebook. Anyways, I think that if they would like to have someone teach an instructor how to do things, a money trail should be created, so that they know they are getting quality instruction, so they can prove to their students that there was proper instruction, and so that you are properly compensated for your services. Teaching friends is one thing, but when those friends work in a studio? I think there's a little bit of a line drawn for teaching new moves.
Jenn PoleLush · 4/25/2011
Thank you everyone for the responses..I am "teaching" the one girl this Friday so I'll have a discussion with her before then as to what is expected and what my involvement is etc. She had messaged me over the weekend and they have had a LOT of inquires since that went up (it is also on their webpage) and wanting to learn. I explained to her that is one and half years of hard work and cannot be taught in a couple weeks. She had said maybe we can work something out...we'll see I'll keep you all posted and thanks again
JBStarryEyedGirl · 4/25/2011
Well.. I looked at the link and watched the video, and posted the text underneath (1) and to the side of it (2).. https://www.facebook.com/breathepilates ‎4 week Intro to Pole starts Friday, April 29 ! Call the studio to register 2) Jenn M**** Pole Dance performance at the Boom Boom Room Fundraiser ! Great performance by the talented Jenn !! Learn Pole Fitness at Breathe ! I mean it DOES state that this is for a fundraiser.. yet it DOES subtly suggest that you work for them, and could be teaching the classes.. but you could maybe ask them to add something on there stating you were a feature entertainer (not an instructor), and that "intro classes are with "so and So" starting... etc.
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pegasusaerialfitness · 4/26/2011
I own a Pilates and Aerial fitness studio and this does not look like (to me) that it suggests that you work at their facility. In fact they are giving you the credit that you are do. If you are practicing there and give them money to use there space. (Even if it is $5.00) then you are a student there. I wouldn't judge the teacher until you understand why they are only teaching the "basics." I teach my students the basics for quite awhile to prevent injury. (It only takes a second to pull your muscle and then you could be out for weeks. Many new polers pull a late in the beginning from lack of strength and improper body mechanics.) I also teach my students the basics for a while so that they have flow in their "poling" instead of looking like they go from trick to trick. Some people are take to the pole easier than others. Just because it might have taken you only "this much time" to get a move it doesn't mean that it's that way for everyone. For some this is a very difficult piece of apparatus. If they are a newer facility then I would take it as a great complement that they asked if you are interested in teaching. I have gotten some of my best instructors that way, and I know of some other facilities that have too. You should definetly get certified and you should get paid for sure! A proper cert. program will teach you how to safely spot correctly and flow of moves. When you are able to teach someone what you can do then you have truely mastered your craft. But always, be careful...don't let them take advantage of you, and make sure they are the type of facility you would like to align yourself with.
JennyBacardi · 4/26/2011
wow great performance! :D I agree with what the girls say...
Charley · 4/26/2011
Never teach for free. By that I mean never set aside specific time to work with an individual and teach them for free. If they respect you and your talents they will have no problem coming up with a way to pay you. In regards to pay scale. Consider your abilities as an instructor, not a dancer, because many can dance but not everyone can teach. If you don't have much experience as an instructor then I would look at this as a way to offer affordable training to someone in need and to also grow your own experience as a teacher. Don't let someone convince you to offer your experience up in exchange for the experience of teaching them. There are a lot of people who would pay you. So keep that in mind. I'm a firm believer in paying someone for their time and knowledge, especially if it's knowledge that makes me a better trainer or dancer - knowledge that I will implement on a daily basis is priceless. Everything you teach an instructor is money in their pocket so also think about that. Even if they offer you a job at the studio, I would still expect interested instructors to pay for lessons. Afterall, it's really about respect. I've been known to give people deals for those in financial hardship but I still look at being paid as part of respecting that this is my job and my life, my talent and knowledge is worth something to the person receiving the information. Sorry, if I come off strong but this is something very close to my heart. I have had some issues we'll say with being respected and paid for the work I do, as well as being paid honestly for the work I do. Let me know how it goes! If you ever need anything you know how to get a hold of me ;) GREAT PERFORMANCE!!!!! I hope to see you at ME Class on the 8th - you deserve some sexy dancing time on mother's day :D
pegasusaerialfitness · 4/26/2011
Well said:)
Jenn PoleLush · 4/26/2011
They offered to hire me on so I guess well see where this takes me..considering I went part time at work it seems like a nice opportunity 🙂 Thanks everyone for your input...and Charley I am def hoping to go to your next ME class!
Runemist34 · 4/26/2011
Wow, Jenn, that's awesome! I really wish I had the skills/certification to teach...and I suppose I could have, but it wasn't the right time ;) I hope it goes great!
Sair · 4/26/2011
Thats wicked Jenn! :) as long as they're making sure you're well taken care of! You're goin to kick butt! I'm going to have to drop in and visit your classes when I head back for a visit :) Where is the studio??
dustbunny · 4/26/2011
That's awesome, congratz! Keep us posted. :)
Kira · 4/26/2011
i've nothing to add as i think you have everything sorted! just wanted to say your routine was really good though i agree with the awful positioning of the pole, it's almost like they've put you to one corner! and boo to the unresponsive audience but by the sounds of it you must have won them over due to the demand for classes :))) gratz!
JBStarryEyedGirl · 4/27/2011
Congrats on the job offer! Now the big question, are you gonna take it =)