caitlynk started this discussion ·
I'm trying to think up some suggestions and ideas for the studio I'm currently teaching at - it desperately needs to be changed up a bit. So what are some of the best things about your studio or what would you like to see at a studio in general? Thanks everyone!
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CapFeb ·
http://prowesspolefitness.com/ This is my new home studio. And the only complaint I have is that the ceilings are too short :< My instuctors are awesome. They have only two, Lindsey Green (the best instructor in my state, hands down) and Heather Hamblin (also an amazing instructor). My favorite things about my studio: -Different finishes and pole sizes suit different needs. There are 45's and 50's in chrome and also titanium gold. Although I would almost pay out of pocket for them to replace their TG's with brass :P -Enough space to feel comfortable. This is a tiny studio. Like, think half of the size of any McDonalds. Probably more like the size of a mcdonalds kitchen. But even when I was in a 6 girl class on Saturday, I never felt like I was going to get kicked by anyone or kick anyone else. -Stretch stuff! There are yoga mats and other stretchy stuff to help you reach your flexibility goals. I considered buying them yoga blocks for christmas since it's the only thing the studio is missing. This is a weight off of my shoulders because I don't constantly have to bring in my own yoga mats, blocks, resistance bands, etc -Clothing and Grip aids are available for purchase. Some pole studios only carry one or two grip aids, and no clothing. Or will tell you to just order it online. I'm able to try on many different cuts of shorts (and you need to when you have a round rump like mine) and tops. It's hard to tell with online purchase what you're going to get and this is nice. -Private bathroom. I know this is probably going to sound weird, but I hate bathrooms with stalls..and I've been to studios where they have to share their bathroom with the next building or whatever, and it's super awkward to walk in clothed, and then walk out in pole attire and have the perverts next door staring at you. -Flexible private instruction hours. I work night shift, and it's great that my studio is open for private instruction most times of day. I'm not sure about mornings, since you would probably find me only dead or asleep prior to 10am on any day of the week, but you could always ask :P -Great Connections You know your studio is awesome when you go to a studio 800+ miles away from where you live, and they know and love your instructor and her studio. Most of the time I tell people about my old pole studio and it's disheartening to hear all of the negative stuff that used to go on there ;/
CapFeb... I love your instructor! I think I'm subscribed to her on Youtube. http://poleupindy.com/ I love that my studio looks like a place you'd want to perform in. There is track lighting surrounding the wall-to-wall mirrors and they change colors. My studio is just all around beautiful... they did a great job decorating it. If I'm gunna be spinning around, doing body rolls, flipping my hair, etc, I don't want to do it in a gym! I like the delicate balance PoleUp has between sexy and classy. It's tasteful but you can also let your hair down. Also, the poles are like 12 or 14 feet which is awesome. This may sound weird but I really like that my studio has toiletries in the back room by the bathrooms. What with the nature of pole, I'm glad there are panty liners, tampons, body sprays, etc openly available. It's a small curtesy but it makes a big difference.
Things at other studios that I really liked: I love the intimacy of the S Factor studios. Dark lighting, warm colors, big cushy seating along the edge, lap dance chairs, impeccably clean, surround sound. Being able to be in the dark during warm up for me gets my mind completely away from work/life and totally in the moment. One of the studios I go to now has these great floor to ceiling framed mirrors. While being useful mirrors they also give off a posh feel that wall mirrors just do not. Another studio is in an old warehouse type building in Cleveland. The studio has a whole flash dance type feel to it with the old school windows, radiators and hardwood floors. Two other studios have other fun equipment so it is not just strictly pole. There are other aerial arts that can be learned when you get into that rut, and IMHO this keeps students at the studio and is a wise business decision. Things I have found that I don't so much like: Bright studios is probably the #1 thing. It is just too "sporty" and I cannot just let go and freestyle when it is bright. Sharing a space with a gym or even no waiting room area for people coming in for the next class. It is one thing when the next class is another pole class, but when you have people coming in for Zumba or some other class that is not scantily clad or even worse, guys at a gym watching you, it just makes coming and going uncomfortable. Improper HVAC. There is nothing like being too hot or too cold. I think this is one thing that gets overlooked probably the most out of every studio I have ever been to and it is not just pole studios. Dirty floors. Not being able to see the price of a class/workshop/etc unless you create an account on their mind/body site. It would be nice if all studios had either a water cooler or bottled water available. Yes it is an expense, but I can buy a case of water for $5-7. It really is not all that much. And as strange as this sounds, I really like when studios have logo wear available. I travel a lot and hit up all sorts of studios. I will generally buy a shirt/tanks/shorts from any studio I visit. It is nice when they also realize that not all polers are a size 2.
Echoing nearly everything that chemgoddess said. I started pole in an amazing studio that was just like she described, minus the floor to ceiling mirrors. Tasteful lighting, classy colors and seating, clean, beautiful. When I moved away, I tried a few pole studios near my new hometown and was very disappointed in all of them. Problems like what chemgoddess listed are what led me to become a home poler. Dealbreakers: Confusing class structure or curriculum. It's ok if you switch it up, but at least be consistent in your class descriptions versus what is actually taught. Getting ogled by men as you walk through the weight room to the studio in your pole fit wear. I love when men actually take pole classes, but I'm not a fan of the catcalls Having cold fluorescent lights to highlight your flaws. Get some mood lighting and shut off those overheads unless you're mopping! Having tacky decor like a cheap strip club, or like someone was having a sale at Bachelorette Parties R Us. Less is more. A disgusting bathroom with no lock on the door (yes there was a locker room available, but it was on a different floor. Having to walk down 2 flights of stairs in order to use a clean toilet is a problem). And the worst thing is a dirty floor. If you don't feel comfortable even touching the floor, how can you feel sexy while doing floorwork?
litlbit ·
My studio is dim lit on the classroom side, I don't share the space with anyone so keeping it clean is easier. I have a water cooler because hydration is so important. Our bathroom is private and large with only one toilet. I have my own entry with a foyer. I don't have retail pole clothes because it is expensive to purchase and carry inventory, I'm just a small studio and to keep costs down I don't stock clothes. We will however order things prepaid, but again due to the cost we have to have larger orders, no one seems to mind :) I also have a lounge area so the ladies can visit while waiting for their class. I have been honored that Veena has been to my studio for performances and a few workshops, and has complimented the cleanliness of the facility. For me providing comfort and a clean healthy environment is crucial, (I'm a retired nurse...a little OCD maybe!). One thing people don't realize sometimes, is these "things" are expensive. The mirrors I have were just over $2,000 with installation, someone has to pay for those things. Keeping cost down while still providing a quality program and facility are a balancing act. I work my studio full time and hope to see a paycheck in 2013. I couldn't do this if I didn't have the passion to share this! So keep in mind, sometimes it's about you the student that determines what can and can't be, I need to keep it affordable so everyone can do this! Cheers!! :)
Saphyre ·
The owner of my studio is a personal friend of mine and has been for many, many years. Way before I started to pole. The studio has wonderfully high ceilings, a good sound system, and nice mirrors. Unfortunately, that is all I can say on the positive side. It is a very small studio with only a couple of employees. Many of the items that are listed here make me swoon with envy. My wish list? ~ Adjustable lighting ~ Um. A clean floor. ~ Clean yoga mats (dog hair!!) ~ Clean poles (I have to clean mine before I start) ~ Definitely somewhere private to hang and stretch until the previous class is finished ~ Spray bottles that are full and actually work (I bring my own, now) ~ Instructors who are more advanced (No offense to mine. This is difficult due to the location and newness of the studio) **Sigh**
azblanco ·
The studio that I started at and absolutely LOVED, closed down a year ago.. But she had her setup in a old, historical building in the french quarter with genuine, old cherry colored wood floors. Super tall ceilings, and she was suppose to get large mirrors but that new happened before she closed. It was very well lit, but I like that in a studio. The space was beautiful and so was her instruction. Now she lives out of state. She was New Orleans only hope for continued quaility pole instruction, and now shes gone. Still breaks my heart. Good luck with the studio makeover
azblanco ·
blah typos. on a cellphone, running errands. excuse this. happpy newww yearr
I would say that cleanliness is a big one. Not only the floor, but the mats, the poles, and definitely the bathroom. Having cleaner out and available is a big one, and like someone mentioned, in functioning order is important. Lighting is also important. That nice level of low lighting where I can't tell that I dislike the sight of my butt in the mirror. I also like to have mirrors, if for nothing else, to make videoing easier. Also, if its possible to have an entry space available for people to enter and wait prior to class that would be a huge bonus. Any time I go to a studio where I walk in the door and am suddenly amidst class feels so horribly wrong and distracting for the ladies in the class. Even something as simple as a folding divider makes such a huge difference. I know that space is usually at a premium though. And I just wanted to concur with portableninja... curriculums that make sense are a must. And hand in hand with that... an updated website with current schedule. And one thing that I love to see on the schedule if possible... pole play :)
CapFeb ·
I'm sorry if this comes across as too pushy, but pole wear is an excellent idea for any studio. I understand that all of those things cost money, but in all reality, I feel like you would make more money if you bought things in advanced. I had a studio owner tell me the other day that she had a group of rock climbers come in to buy dry hands because REI and Dicks were closed that late :P Aside from that, actually being able to purchase clothing (OR, SHOE RENTALS!) on the spot is heavy peer pressure and will keep people in your studio. I have avoided to going to studios before because I didn't leave my pole shorts in the car that day and was wearing pants or whatever. Whenever I get "shorts envy" (Bad Kitty Brazillians criss crossers, I'm lookin' at you.) I feel the need to ATLEAST try the pair on. And if I like them, I will buy them on the spot regardless of how broke I am. Because pole is an investment. Plus, I can write it off on my taxes :P Pre-paid orders for large items such as poles make sense as a studio. But clothing? I can do that by myself in the comfort of my own home (even though I'm pretty sure it's super obvious I'm a medium to large.) Not only that, but as the studio owner since you are ALLOWING people to try the wares before they buy them (or not, as you are the owner, you make the rules), you have the ability to chose to mark up the price. After all, you paid for shipping and handling and whatnot. So a markup of $5-$7 per piece of clothing, especially if you order in bulk, is a huge profit to you and not so big of a markup for us. Not only that, but some websites (Veena and BKEW) only accept PayPal. And paypal is a bitch and half for some of us to work with. Just...take my cash, take all of my cash! https://www.dryhands.com/order.php <-- according to the website, dry hands is only SIX DOLLARS a bottle. Have I ever seen Dry Hands in a studio for less than $6? Nope. Infact, before I looked I assumed it was atleast $10/bottle. The cheapest I've seen is $10 ($5 mark up) and the most expensive I've seen was $17.50 (I think there's a reason that studio hasn't been doing well, but I just can't put my finger on it...) I currently pay $13.50 just to have it on hand because I'm impatient and don't want to wait for shipping when I forget to order it from a website I normally order clothes from. Pole is an investment for owners and dancers alike, but aside from physical pay back, you can make a dollar as well. But there are things that you would have to spend money for in advance. Little things that wouldn't cost you that much money are, as Sassy mentioned, toiletrees. I want to kiss a woman whenever she gives me a tampon when that unexpected visit from Mother Nature comes a knockin. It saves a lot of embaressement, "DOES ANYONE HAVE A TAMPON :( " Medium sized things, like furniture Larger things are floor length mirrors and adjustable lighting. I prefer a more darker, comfy atmosphere when I am training. When I am recording, however, I need the lights. Some studios are so dark that you can't even see the silhoette when you record, making recording next to useless. But more than anything, listening to your students is what will make YOUR studio grow. A suggestion box is a very small price to pay for YOUR students, who might have different needs and expectations than those of us on Studio Veena. Hope this helps :3
caitlynk ·
Thank you all for the great suggestions, I'm meeting with the owner next week so hopefully she'll approve at least a few changes! And keep the ideas coming, it's so nice to hear about different studios!
azriel ·
What a great thread! As a studio owner, I always thought that some of these things that we provide went un-noticed, so it's great to see how some students feel about these issues! :) The one thing i have noticed that students really appreciate more than anything in the toiletries section are baby wipes. Even though we clean the floor everyday, feet will always get a little grubby when dancing barefoot, and it's actually the only the item that they'll bring to my attention if the current pack finished. I also agree with the suggestion box.. we actually did a whole anonymous survey/questionnaire once, and it really helped us see what we could improve! Dimmer lights are also awesome. We can have them brighter/dimmer depending on what we're doing-- brighter for learning tricks, dimmer for choreography/freestyle/cooldown. I don't have logo pole wear, but thanks to some of the posts on here, i will now consider it (some students had also asked about it, but i never took it seriously). I hope more pole studio goers reply to this, as i'm finding all the answers really helpful as well, and i'm sure other studio owners will too!
MariYabe ·
Good luck and let us know how it turns out. Even if all the changes you request aren't met at least they are verbalized and something to bring up again, later.
kitty98 ·
A lot of those things sound great! I must say though, I started at a pretty nice studio, with two rooms, good poles/space, private bathroom... And I switched, and stayed, at an older, smaller studio that has all 50m static brass and one 45m spinning brass. There's one little bathroom and no waiting area for other students. But I stay because the teachers are amazing and there's the right attitude. The other studio was entirely fitness based; no shoes allowed! As a beginner it also felt very intimidating when they scheduled the advanced girls before and after the beginners. My current studio feels like its FOR the students. Wear heels, bare feet, dance shoes, sneakers.... It's all about making the student feel confident, comfortable, sexy and empowered. Yes - I love being able to buy my dry hands on site, and have yoga mats and blocks, and have toiletries and fresheners in the bathroom, (which we do have) but at the end of the day I stay for the teachers, fellow students and class content. Never underestimate the power of teachers caring and building a rapport with students. It's definitely how I pick my studios! :-)
Great point, kitty. I'm lucky to have an awesome studio that is beautiful and comfortable, so I have the best of both worlds. I'd do the same as you without hesitation!
For those of you considering logo wear, I am sure if there is an artist community near you that you should be able to find someone who does silk screening. Even the local college art department may be able to help out. This is just another way to keep it local, especially if the person has business cards or you advertise the person on your site. One of my favorite shirts is a burnout hot pink racer back that I got from Pole-La-Teaz in Houston.
