Taking classes vs selftaught

Felisha started this discussion · 1/9/2012

Sooo with income tax around the corner I've been thinkin about maybe taking classes from a really close studio. I've been poling a while all self-taught but I feel like I'm missing something. I have friends over but none really dedicated to it like I am. Recently got my sm and ckr and I'm proud to have taught myself those things but for the life of me I have certain moves I can't get. I feel like maybe classes would help.. Idk. But then would I be put into a beginner class since I'm new? Or would they evaluate me? I'm obviously not a beginner but no where near advanced. Idk maybe I should start from beginner to learn fundamentals.. Aahhh I'm torn.. Any advice from gals who were self-taught then made the switch? I knw hubby says why pay for classes when u already have the pole so idk.. Pls help!

15 replies

tamikat · 1/9/2012
I'll reply I'll reply! LOL First off, I've seen your videos and they are AWESOME! You are doing a great job! I started off with a couple months of Veena lessons just to see what they were like. Though i enjoyed them, me alone in my living room was a bit depressing :) I decided to take a level one at a studio that is an hour and 45 minutes away. I really enjoyed taking the classes because it put me in a room with other like minded ladies and the support and motivation was awesome. Since I live so far away, I couldn't keep up with the classes and make that drive every week for 8 weeks at a time. Even though I had been dancing for months, I wanted to see what a class was like from the beginning and was one of the more advanced students. I was given the option to come to an open pole session and "test out" of level 2. I guess it just depends on what the studio does. If I could go to classes I think I would just to be physcially around more people, but I had found my motivation and like minded people here in you Veeners! Hope this helps some :)
HotelChick · 1/9/2012
I do both Veena's lessons and studio class. I started in the studio and added Veena's lessons when I got my own pole. It's nice to have someone to help you in person when you just don't get something. Likewise, it's great to have Veena's lessons and the members here to help you when you are working on something from class. I guess the studio and studioveena compliment one another nicely. A gal can never have enough pole friends!
dancing in the gray · 1/9/2012
I started out taking lessons at a studio. I just bought my own pole and will be supplementing my twice a week studio lessons with twice a week veena lessons. I like doing both because in class, you're forced to learn things you may initially be uncomfortable trying. I was so awkward with wall and floor work, and working with instructors really helped me. Also, if there's a move i'm having trouble with, they can usually look at what I'm doing and give me direction on how to solve my issues. And on top of that, I can pick up accents and different tips from all different instructors that I can't have when practicing alone. However, doing lessons by myself will also be beneficial because sometimes I want to spend an entire class working on one or two things. Flexibility is something I want to spend 45 minutes on, and I can't do that in class. Clearly, both have benefits :) as for testing into a higher level or starting fresh, I really have no advice on that. I started fresh!
jade s · 1/10/2012
I didn't start out being self taught like you have, however, I've been to several studios within 100 mile radius of me, and also do Veena's lessons. Keep in mind that unless it's a chain such as S-factor or something, every pole studio is different, and each instructor within those studios can be different as well. Most of the studios I've been to do evaluate students with previous pole experience and try to place them in the proper level. Some studios stretch first then work into a more intense warm up, others don't have much of a warm up at all. Some emphasis the pole fitness side, and not so much the sensual side of pole, and others offer a wide variety. Some teach dance and transition techniques, others are mainly tricks. There are so many variables. Some of the advantages: for me personally, I like being with a group of other women and the socialization and support and encouragement during class. If I'm struggling with a move I like having someone to spot me or maybe give me some advice. There have been times that I've been afraid to try something thinking that I'm no where near ready, but have been encouraged to try it, and to my surprise, I was more ready than I thought! From what I've seen in your vids, you've done an amazing job on your own! It always amazes me when I see so many self taught polers doing so wonderfully. If you have the chance, I say at least give a studio a try, see if it's a good fit for you. You may get some tips on tricks or your dancing that you won't get being self taught. If it doesn't suit your needs you can always go back to what you're doing now. Keep us posted!!
KuriKat · 1/10/2012
I do lessons 2 times a week and attend group "Poleflow" workouts and practises for another 2 times, mostly because I don't have a pole at home and don't intend to get one until after a long-planned move. Other, more workouty stuff like flexibility training and cardio and what not I can do at home or at my gym. I'm pretty sure I'll continue with group lessons after I get a pole at home, though because I find it really invaluable to get form corrections immediately as I'm learning new spins and holds. A lot of the time you can't realize what your posture is doing while in the midst of a spin. Plus, I like meeting new people and the sense of community that I get from the classes. :-) Looking forward to signing up for the Veena lessons once I've moved and got my home pole, though. :-)
Mary Ellyn · 1/10/2012
There are many advantages to taking lessons in a live class as mentioned in the posts above and you can call around to see what a studio's policy is for taking on new students. Most will expect you to take at least one beginner session so that they are certain you have learned the fundamentals...or at least a private lesson to go over things with you and review your skills to make certain you are ready for a more advanced level. However, the social community you will become a part of in a class room is one of the best advantages of being in a studio. If you think people become close on SV, wait until you see how close you get to your class mates and how much you look forward to going to class each week. The support and environment is so strong that you can be having the worst day and be in the worst mood and all of that changes when you get to class. Most students, especially those who have been self taught, will continue to learn through online sources and DVDs, but being in a class is completely different.
chemgoddess1 · 1/10/2012
There really is nothing like getting into a room of like minded indivduals. This is one thing I miss the most about not taking classes regularly. I am teaching now but it is different when you are concerned about the safety and well being of everyone as opposed to just being a student. Even with Veena's lessons or even skype there is nothing like having a person right next to you that can say "here, maybe try putting your hand here" or " try engaging this muscle when you do this". Stuff like that is invaluable.
Charley · 1/10/2012
I was/am self taught and can say that I have missed out on a great many things like having spotters, having someone tell me what I am doing wrong, feeling comfortable doing certain things. I had an attitude about studios when I first started because I couldn't find someplace that would let me take the kind of classes I wanted to take, nothing around here seemed like it was very fun or sexy. I started working at a studio around a year into my self teaching and I had a hard time meshing with the owner and the instructors and most of this was on me not on them. As a teacher I see my girls learning so many simple and creative things that I now beg to learn whenever I can take a class. They have a sense of community that I didn't have and people to cheer for them when they get something and they have me to be their mirror and help them problem solve every single move or there to help them make goals and see what they need to do get their body ready for certain moves. They have someone who has a really deep understanding of pole, they can ask me just about anything and if I don't know I have the resources to find out. They have really clear practice plans when they go home. I think studio teaching - if you find a decent studio - is the best way to go, having someone who can look and correct you will help you not develop bad habits or learning things incorrectly - which I did as a self taught dancer. DVD's and SV and sites like SV are great if you don't have a studio or a useful one near you, they are great for supplemental education because let's face it - it's really expensive to pole dance at studios and you might not be able to afford more than 1x per week - how else are you going to be able to keep working on things or be reminded of how to do the things you've already learned. Different teachers teach differently so there is that added advantage too. But I love the studio atmosphere, I love the screaming adn the cheering that we do and the love we give each other. Some of my best friendships have come through pole studios :)
Charley · 1/10/2012
Also - don't be afraid to spend time in beginner :) There are so many movements and transitions that I think you will really like it. I take more beginner classes than advanced classes when I have the opportunity to take class. I learn more in beginner and get more creative ideas about the dance aspect. I have a lot of fun in those classes.
Dancing Paws · 1/10/2012
I started out taking lessons in a studio, but when I moved there was no studio within a 2 1/2 hour radius. That's how I found this community and started the lessons here! Honestly, I love Veena's lessons, but I REALLY miss being in a class, laughing will the girls, having the support when I feel like I'm floundering and having someone there when I nail a new move. It's also so much more fun to dance in a group! It's also great to have someone there to give feedback right away, so you can correct yourself right then. Oh to be in a class again...
Kobajo84 · 1/10/2012
I started out on my own and before becoming involved with a studio, my dancing was very choppy- in fact, I wouldn't even call it dancing. Once I experienced the studio atmosphere, my dancing began to evolve. A lot of the things I learned were input from other ladies at the studio- which really helped me shape the style and type of dancer I wanted to become. I also was exposed to many opportunities that led me to learn from some of the top competitors in the U.S.. Without the studio in my life, I'd have missed out on so much personal growth. I teach so I come from a different perspective on this but I can say that as a student who didn't have a studio there to guide me in the beginning as opposed to now having four in one city to choose from- take advantage of the resources you have before you. You will benefit from every aspect of exposure whether it's a Yoga, Pilates, Ballet, or any other form of dance outside of pole. Everything ties into one and really adds character development- not to mention the social aspect of being around others you share a commonality/passion with. The community and resources here on this site are also amazing too. You can take what you learn from here and build upon it- the lessons and the friendships with fellow members. I'm very grateful for this site having introduced me to so many amazing dancers in my own local area as well as throughout the country and internationally. It's such a fun experience to meet everyone in person at events- which takes the experience to a whole new level and another learning opportunity. ❤️
Kobajo84 · 1/10/2012
After reading Charley's response I also wanted to add too- anytime I travel, I visit studios at my destination and I always contact the studio and take their beginner level classes. 😉 It's amazing all the different ways a beginner level class can be taught and all the variety of moves you will learn.
Felisha · 1/10/2012
Tnx to all of u who responded.. I've decided to sign up for a studio. I'm excited and nervous I wanna learn from the bottom up so I dnt wanna test out until I'm suppose to. Hopefully I'll start early feb or so.. Let y'all knw how it goes!
Krista Bocko · 1/10/2012
That's awesome--congrats! As others have said, there are many benefits to studio classes and it's a great complement to your own home learning. I didn't step into a studio until last year, and even though I've never done a regular studio level/classes, even just taking classes here and there and workshops and being on SV has helped me immensely. GL! :)
nolaelle · 1/11/2012
I realize this is a little bit late of a response but I was talking to the studio owners at my studio and they said a lot of times what they'll do when someone comes in with some experience is have them sign up for level 1 to learn the way the studio works AND whatever level they've been assessed at (which ever it may be for different studios) but they'll cut them a price discount since they're signing up for 2 series. It's something worth asking about because if you're going to take multiple series anyway then you definitely would save some money in the long run! and gosh I wish I had a pole at home. Once a week at a studio is so hard to really make progress! In my class you can definitely tell which girls have a pole at home vs which don't