What do you look for in your instructors?

Charley started this discussion · 1/11/2013

I was having a conversation with someone yesterday and we came across a site where the instructor has little pole experience which sparked a bit of a debate. My thoughts are at least 1 year of solid pole experience if the instructor has a dance/gymnastic/exercise relate background that is relevant (i.e dance when you were 12 = not relevant but let's say 2 years as a group fitness intructor in something like yoga, pilates, etc = relevant) Her thoughts were that if someone excelled at pole they could teach as early as 6 months if you are only teaching beginners. My thoughts were day is the beginning so it''s more important to be very knowledgable about the basics as opposed to the advanced moves. And the conversation went on as such. She had mentioned titles and performances to which I feel I are irrelevant as your typical student is looking to compete or perform - while that is good knowledge to have and beneficial to those who will want to compete - how does a title help your beginners feel successful. her thoughts were that the more successful someone was publicly would create an energy of success. So we both thought this would make an excellent discussion post on Veena - to hear others thoughts on the matter. So my questions is Day 1 - you want to learn pole dancing. Who do you go to? Why? What is it about the staff of instructors that brings you in? What makes you say "This is the place/instructor for me?"

28 replies

Charley · 1/11/2013
So I'm going to answer my op and say that because I generally look for instruction when I am competing or performing I choose instructors based on their resume of dancers. I love working with Kelly Yvonne - she doesn't compete - but she knows how to push a dancer to be the best she can at her own style. I worked with Leigh Ann - who has titles and found that I loved her knowledge of pole and pole moves in relation to body type. She could easily swap something out in a sequence and give you a move to do - if that didn't work she could keep going. I have taken workshops based off of what the instructors can do and what I want to learn. For example - I loved taking class with Michelle Mynx because she is so spinny on static, Amber because of her ballet background and many, many others because of their experience. As I've gotten older I find that a resume coupled with ability has gotten me in the doors :)
Kate O · 1/11/2013
Interesting question! I didn't have much choice of who I went to as we only have one instructor really where Iive (and luckily she's fantastic!). But what I really like about her is that as well as being patient and encouraging, she manages to do moves and routines that are very graceful without being "sexy" dancing. I mean, she can do that if she wants, but I would've felt uncomfortable in a class where they make you wear heels and wriggle around on the floor all the time. Our classes are pretty much fitness based, we only do a little of the dancey stuff, just pirouettes and back arches etc, and I really like that :)
chemgoddess1 · 1/11/2013
I think for most they have no choice in their instructor and quite honestly, most new students are going to choose price and convenience over any other factor. While I agree wholheartedly that it is very important for beginners to be taught properly from the get go, I do not think that this is even a coinsideration when student first start. I would say that most new students want to know how much money they have to spend before they can go upside down and do cool stuff. NOW I have very different things that I look for. If every single one of your instructors is 20 something and look like they don't know a thing about proper nutrition I am probably going to pass your studio up. I am looking for years of experience, probably 3 or over, and experience from several instructors. I don't really care if you perform/compete/etc. I also look for those that are still actively "in the game". If I mention an allegra or a fonji and you have absolutely no clue as to what I am talking about then you are not current. After I step through the door starts another whole new interview process and this one is a little harder for me to nail down. There are things I am willing to overlook and things I will not. Anything taught in a way that I feel is unsafe or if I am not given any sort of modification is a blackish mark. Depending on how far you take it or how pissed off you get if I do not do something your way darkens or lightens the mark. If you are constantly imjured or pissed off at the world, black marks (I understand bad days/weeks and the occasional injury). I am also getting to the point where I like progressional classes and I really like instructors spending time on strength exercises and proper cool downs/stretches. Above all else though is a comfortable feeling in the class, and this is 100% based on the instructor.
CapFeb · 1/11/2013
I am lucky enough to have both ends of the spectrum. I have learned from pole prodigys who began teaching at as early as 6 months, but only beginners. My instructor was a 4'7" 20-ish tiny little blond who could do many advanced moves. Pros of this: -She was for all intents and purposes, a beginner. Six months? You can't even have a baby in six months. This was very motivational for me. "I CAN BE THAT GOOD IN SIX MONTHS, IT'S NOT JUST A FELIX CANE THING." -She made class fun. We would go around the room during warm-up and introduce ourselves while doing stretches, why we decided to come for a class, or name one thing we learned and one goal during cooldown. Really made it feel like a community rather than a class. Cons of this: -SO. MUCH. MISINFORMATION. I don't think this was because of her skill as an instructor, or even had anything to do with her being an instructor. I think this was just a personality quirk. But it made things confusing because of what she taught me...advanced moves didn't really make sense when I switched instructors. My current instructor is the best I can ask for! She is older than I am (but I think DD is the only person who isn't, let's be honest here LOL) with 10 years of experience. But, that allows me to appreciate the following: -She is happy if we prove her wrong (YOU HAVE TO USE YOUR BUTTCHEEK FOR ICARUS AND YOU KNOW IT, EMBER!) -She puts up with all of my emotional drama. I don't care what anyone says, pole is 60% mental and 40% physical for me. I have to be in the mood to pole, and do a certain trick, and then the mood to try tricks I don't even think I can do. You're more likely to get a move if you REALLY REALLY REALLY want it, and aren't crapping your pants over moves that you could care less for. -Even if she can't teach a move a certain way, she will let us get into it "our" way as long as it's safe. For instance, superman. I think inverted thigh hold is ugly. And that whole, "LOOK MA'! My pelvis is on display for the whole world!" half-second of thigh rest. Ugh. I hate it. So I prefer inverted pike to superman. It's safe and an accepted for of superman. As long as I'm not going to hurt myself doing it, that's cool. Some instructors and studios will only teach you ONE way, and if you can't do it that ONE way, you are not allowed to advance. -She can usually teach a move more than one way. For instance, learning icarus we tried both side climb and from superman. I like variations. Different variations click for different people. It took me two hours of trying to allegra from flatline for me to figure out that it just wasn't going to happen. Then I watched Veena's video on jasmine (?)/half-jade to allegra and was like someone parted the heavens and handed me allegra on a golden pole engraved platter. Nailed it. Different variations click for different people sometimes, and I think it is important for a teacher to understand and be able to act on that -She does not say, "no." I told her I wanted to learn Rainbow Marchenko and she was like, "are you serious, you're insane." And then proceeded to teach me it :) Insane in a good way, insane like, "you're a beast". She has a very bubbly, fun personality. -She is a wizard. If someone says, "I want to learn this thing I saw on SV," and then they try to explain it to her, she'll be like, "let me show you what I think you mean." And then she does it. Without even seeing the move. So far this has happened without fail, I'm pretty sure she's a mind reader. -Oh, there isn't a move she can't do. When anyone says "I want to learn X" and she says, "I don't know if I can do that, but I will try" she does it. Just, automatically. "What? Superman to allegra? Uh...alright." No big deal, just whipping out moves like they're cards or pennies or something. I have yet to see her fail at a move. -And she makes mistakes! It's a rarity, but I have seen it happen. I feel like such a burden when I have to sit there and apply six layers of dry hands to make sure I don't fall on my face. And she hardly ever slips. But the times that she does, I am reminded that no matter how amazing I get, I will always make mistakes or have pole mishaps, and that's a comforting thing in it's own way. - It's not all about the money. If I come into class 15 minutes late (I have to leave work and drive 45 minutes to get to the studio, I don't think I have EVER been on time for anything but a private) then class does not stop just for me to get scolded for being late, my money ripped from my hand, and then I am told that because I am late there is an extra charge/I cannot take the class. And I know studios who do this. Yes, pole is a business, but do NOT try to hustle me or I will not be going back to your studio, and I will recommend others not do it either. Nope, when I show up on time at my ten to fifteen minutes late, I come in the middle of stretching/warm up (I am already warmed up from work, so no big deal for me) and I pay at the end of class. As long as I pay. And I like that. -Spotting. Some instructors just kinda, "watch what I do." Nope. My instructor has been kicked in the face/shin/everywhere and just continues to try to help us, I'm sure there are other smaller things that she does that I definitely appreciate, but those are the main ones that I would look at if I ever had to switch instructors.
CapFeb · 1/11/2013
Oh, and I left out--I don't really care about a dance or gymastics or pilates or yoga backround. Infact, I prefer them without. If they have flow and movement and can make a routine and DANCE without a background, then it's inspiration for me to know that I didn't have to be raised with it or put more money into classes outside of pole to fit my definition of "great". :) Hope that helps.
portableninja · 1/11/2013
This may not be important to everyone, but it is for me. I have to feel like I could be friends with the instructor. I'm not talking about being best friends, or even becoming friends outside of class at all, but I have to at least feel like I could have a casual conversation with her about something other than pole, and it wouldn't be awkward. I understand pole is their business, but if I'm going to spend a few hours a week with someone, I have to feel comfortable with them, and getting to know each other as people helps with that. I like being able to walk into class, and she knows my name, asks me about my day, talks about the weather and my holiday plans... etc etc. It sounds so simple, but I have met instructors that I could just not relate to on a personal level, or who were standoffish. I'm not blaming them, it's a two way street. I just don't think we clicked well in terms of personality. I suffer from some social anxiety, and pole often leaves me feeling pretty vulnerable and self conscious. So I need to feel like I'm among friends.
Empty · 1/11/2013
I'm glad the OP posted this cause as a soon-to-be teacher, all this is really insightful As for me, I am with portableninja on this. Me and my teacher just seemed to click from day one. She's bubbly, funny, patient and is learning just like me. We also share the same insane passion and ironically the same birthday. We're very much alike in some ways but totally different in styles and it just works beautifully. We learn off each other and she never acts like she's better then me. I don't feel like i'm paying for her attention or friendship. She just wants to share her passion with people. I hope to be just like her.
Tara · 1/11/2013
Personality is a really big deal for me. I feel that if an instructor cannot relate to you at a human level, and they are unapproachable it will make me extremely uncomfortable in class. I like an instructor that can believe and accept my limitations (I know that I do not have a good memory, and I'm not the most flexible person in the world). At the same time I like to be challenged. Someone who can identify where I could push myself harder and communicate that to me in a positive, and motivating way is amazing!
aliceBheartless · 1/11/2013
I basically pretty much look for technique. At this point, I have spent enough time on the pole exploring for myself since I haven't been going to classes, and what I look for is straight up technique and strength and conditioning know-how. While I love to dance, I don't go to pole class solely for that, because so much of it I feel I can teach myself through youtube. If I feel like I know more than an instructor about proper placement and alignment on the pole and on the floor, I won't go to that class again. And this kind of know-how is often completely independent of performance experience or competition awards (though not exclusive by any means). I find that people with extensive weight training, Pilates, yoga, gymnastic, aerial, and/or technical dance experience tend to have the know-how I am looking for. It's not necessary, and I will try most classes at least once, but those are the indicators I look for when there are choices available. I know I can learn something from anyone. Sometimes, it's what not to do. And thats the beauty of pole! After having a technical knowledge, the next thing I really appreciate is continuing education. In pole and any other knowledge bases.
Charley · 1/11/2013
@portableninga, Little Engine and Tara OMG! Personality is the hardest thing to find. I am a very shy person who suffers from social anxiety which is why I like teaching pole classes because when I'm in a room full of students I feel like I can really open up. Some of my greatest friends have been met through pole class. I really think to teach safely you have to have a relationship with your students - every BODY is different and I feel like I learn more and more about teaching just through listening and asking questions. @Corby - I haven't run into a situation where an instructor didn't have good technique but I've only trained with pro's for the most part and the studio I used to teach at - I'd do beginner classes there and the teacher was really amazing. I don't know what I would do if I walked in and someone couldn't get me from A to B. Even if I am waling away with HOW to condition a move - I've never seen bad technique- that would be frustrating!
Saphyre · 1/11/2013
Oh! I can't wait to respond to this, but I don't have time right now. Tomorrow....
aliceBheartless · 1/11/2013
While I have never had a teacher that I train with make any sort of egregious safety with technique errors, I have definitely heard of it from other people. Plus I have been working/researching/self-educating as much as I can with flexibility training, Pilates, and aerial. All of this translates to pole fairly easily with some minor changes for the specific apparatus. Sometimes I see really questionable flexibility and strength training techniques being taught as if they are the gospel truth. Usually it seems like it is an experience thing (teaching without knowing what works technically). IE just because a person can Iron X, it doesn't mean that they know why they can Iron X, or what muscles to use, or train another person for a progression into an Iron X who has a completely different body type and strength, for example. In many ways I think I see it in aerial training more than pole, but that could totally be because I do more aerial these days. For me, I just don't worry about personality for a teacher. I worry about personality in my training partners.
adAstra · 1/11/2013
For me, the most important quality I am looking for in an instructor is whether she can teach the style I'm after or has flexibility in her style. And by that I mean, what moves is she going to be strong in teaching? Is this going to be a sexy pole dance with chair class, or a burlesque class, or a fitness class? Is she going to focus enough on elements I can translate to what I call a figure-skating-esque style (what I'm after!). While I do keep cost in mind, I would rather save up for good classes and get a package deal then take a class that will make me feel like I'm wasting my money. But that's just me still in savings mode after yet another financial issue has come up. @Chem how does someone look like they know or don't know about nutrition, lol? :) One other important part of the equation is having heard recommendations. Hotelchick mentioned a pole studio in our area and I am considering it b/c she brought it up and had good things to say. I am still considering Veena lessons because so many people have nice things to say ( outside of just hawking them as sometimes occurs b/c we love Veena so much ;) , I hear about a lot of instances when someone nailed a particular trick b/c of the Veena explanation. Spontaneous testimonials are very important!
litlbit · 1/11/2013
I'm coming from the side of a studio owner. When I'm looking at instructors, 1. They need to be an active student, and have learned not only the moves, but the break down of a move. 2, To beable to adjust/modify to accomadate a student, offer acceptable alternatives. 3. PERSONALITY!! is a MUST! They must beable to leave their personal stuff out of the class room! Must beable to enthusiasticly engage the class. I have an apprentice program, this enables me to see if they are instructor quality. Just because someone is a beautiful poler, and can execute moves flawlessly, does not mean that they can teach! Not everyone has that ability. So I monitor them and have them co-teach/assist after a period of observation. There is more to instructing than being able to teach a move. They must know how to properly spot, to not allow a student to work to much on any particular move to prevent overuse injury. Also be able to explain POC to the students, understanding the muscles involved. I hire from my student base only, that way I am assured they are teaching it the way I have set up the program. I have always used "Veena's" method because in my opinion it is the best out there to safely teach/break things down( I do subscribe to Veena's lesson on a yearly bassis, it is a WISE investment for myself and my business!). We are more Fitness based, but will teach some basics with heels so they may incorporate it into their own style. This is what this area wants. My instructors have ongoing training, they have to practice their moves and improve their teaching. I provide this free of charge as it is essential to keep them in touch with the basic foundation of pole. Once an apprentice has meet my criteria (not all do), they are offered a teaching position, and are teamed up with myself or another more experienced instructor until I feel they are ready to take on a class alone. I invest allot in my instructors because they are representing my facility and my reputation in the community, and to hopefully assure the quality of the programs we teach!
Krista Bocko · 1/11/2013
Fascinating discussion, and it's so interesting to read the perspectives from students, teachers, and studio owners. I never had a classroom setting to start out with...for many of us long-time polers (Charley, Chem...I've 'known' you since the SF forum days!) we had a unique beginning that it's interesting to even ponder the situation from a student perspective. I think that, in general, students can't know what to look for, all they know is they want to POLE, but they will feel the difference between a teacher really caring about them and a teacher that is only in it for other reasons, whatever those may be. Hopefully the caring teacher is also knowledgable! unless someone has a background in other types of fitness, they should have at least a year of pole under their belt in most circumstances. I feel like teachers need to find out who they are as dancers, and there is so much to learn, that it just takes TIME before you even get to the point where you think 'I can teach this to rooms full of students'. Comps and titles mean nothing to me as far as teaching. As has been stated, one doesn't = the other. I want to see the instructors keep learning and love what they do.
Ly Kieu Le · 1/12/2013
I'll tell you a bit about my experience cuz most of what I look for in instructors was already mentioned by you guys. So I started poling at a studio because it's closest to my house. I learned with three different instructors at that studio and I liked them all because they were very friendly, encouraging and have good techniques. I didn't know about their background but heard they have been teaching for few years. One of them I liked best because she was most open-minded and seemed to understand how different body type works. I took 3 classes with her and from July 2012 to October 2012 I progressed from not being able to climb the pole to doing the climb, some spins, layback, elbow stand and gemini/scorpio switch... all with ease besides increasing my flexibility tremendously. But I stopped at the third class because she taught the same stuff again and the studio didn't run any advanced fit pole class due to students' demand. So I was on my way looking for the new light. Charley, you know it's interesting that you brought up this topic just in time. After seeking you for advice, I was planning to pack up my stuff and root my feet in LA for a few months to learn with Leigh Ann and Kelly Yvonne. Then I heard people talk about a popular pole dancer/instructor in SF who has been competing in the nationals (you guys might know her). I thought she could be the right one I was looking for and since everybody said she was awesome, I decided to give it a try. So far I can't exactly tell if I liked her classes or not since I've been in only two sessions with her, but I was very disappointed and uncomfortable or even embarrassed about my ability. In the first class she saw me new and without asking about my pole experience or trying to find out what I was capable of doing, she grouped me with another girl and asked us to practice only on the basic invert while she taught the other group of students the shoulder mount. I could understand that it made sense for the other girl cuz she was struggling with it but was it necessary to make me do what I've already mastered again and again? It's funny that none of the girls in the other group could even lift their legs past their chest. I didn't want to offend the instructor so I tried to make a point by asking her to come and see me do what she told me to do, hopefully I could be "qualified" to join the other group. After watching me, she said "beautiful, keep working on that". WTF??? Lol. The second session was about only two basic spins and one simple transition on the floor which I've already learnt and did well at the other studio. One of the students asked her about the choreography cuz that's what the class description says and that's the reason we signed up for it. Well she answered that she changed her mind and would offer a choreography workshop separately because a lot of people asked about it. At that moment I wanted so badly to tell her "since you changed your mind, I changed mine too. Can I have my money back?" lol. Sorry it sounds so negative but right now I'm stuck at how to deal with the situation. Maybe I should talk to her about this and try to find out what her perspective is but I haven't figured how to approach her without offending her since she's kinda conservative in certain ways (maybe it's just how baby boomers are???). My husband advised "be careful. She's popular and the pole community is small". I'm a pole addict and have the dream of teaching and having my own studio so I definitely don't want bad reputation.
Ly Kieu Le · 1/12/2013
With Veena's and Jamilla's lessons, and now to a point where I don't think I would need instructors to teach me new tricks because I can figure them out myself through experimenting. What I'm really seeking in an instructor is her guidance for me to go down the path that I chose to go, helping me coordinate the pieces that I'm capable of doing and putting them into a nicely wrapped package. Also I want to learn from her how the body works around the pole for different people and the choreography. Of course she has to be open and caring to provide all of those. After finishing those classes in SF, guess I'll have to be back to plan A - rooting in LA for few months. Thank you guys for listening to my bitching :D
Anonyma · 1/12/2013
what do i look for: their bodies might seems superficial but for me, if the instructor is not toned, well shaped , means they don't practice what they preach an instructor should look healthy , in great shape, and having good advices for her students to achieve their goals!
Jessica314159 · 1/12/2013
I look for technique and safety more than anything else. Today I went to a local studio and the instructor told newbies to climb using the bottom of their foot! She was also instructing more advanced students and was not very good at it. She couldn't properly explain how to do a butterfly. I will not be returning. I don't really care what body shape they have, sometimes that can't be changed no matter what you do. I want to be comfortable in the class, I don't have to be too close or want to be friends with them on a personal level, but I want them to make students feel comfortable. The instructor should want to help students acheive their goals and not be too strict. I also hate studios that get upset if you are late and then take your money and not let you participate in class. We are all adults and sometimes being exactly on time isn't possible. I have had this happen to me at a studio that is an hour and fifteen minutes away. Sometimes traffic happens and I'm late, I don't think that should cost me the class and my money and another long drive home with no workout.
Anonyma · 1/12/2013
of course everyone will look for techniques and such, but what about the rest i think having a look to their physicalappearance is important too!
Charley · 1/12/2013
Physical appearance will be something that some people look for - there is no way around it. With that being said I have seen all shapes and sizes of women be unhealthy. I personally love to take classes with Veena member Dangerous who works at Vixen Fitness in Detroit - I've learned alot of sexy moves from her in beginner classes and floor workshops. She's curvy! I love the way she moves her body and wish I had some extra to move around like that - it's really hard to shake your groove thing when you don't have thing to groove, lol! I will tell she - although differently shaped than me - was able to take her movements and help me apply it to my body. That's one of the things I look for - can you help me do it on my body. I forgot to say that I look for movement in instructors - is there a way that they move that I want to take onto my body and make it mine? This was especially true while doing teacher training with Kelly Yvonne - my favorite part was seeing her movement - being inspired by it and learning how to apply it to my body - and it looked different but still pretty! :D I also learned a more indepth way of applying movement to my students which was awesome. Always learning! For anyone who is in the situation of seeking out a new instructor but you already have experience - my best advice is to book out a private with your new instructor so you can get to know each other one on one. Many times people come in and say they have all sorts of abilities and backgrounds and then when they come into class they aren't able to keep up - or when I take time out of a class to ask them to show me their _____ - they haven't quite gotten it then I hear "Well, I was coming to work on this." There is a big difference between telling me what you CAN do and what you want to WORK on because you aren't quite there yet. It's nobody's fault - just miscommunication so I think that's why instructors tend to be conservative with new experienced students. It's hard being the student who walks in and is capable of a lot and being "held back." It's happened to me but I do understand it. I've been to a lot of workshops that were labeled advanced or master and walked away with new teaching methods but not with new moves and was rather disappointed. I think if I had the ability to train with someone long term - I would do a few privates so they could learn my abilities and weaknesses - it's so hard to explain yourself as a dancer to someone!!!!! lol! I think there is a realtionship building time between new experienced students and instructors. It takes time to get to know each other. :) I've personally had privates that were just - dance for the instructor, go through a check list of moves and combintations, giving my wish list of things to work on - getting some feedback on that and woof the hour is up! But I can always go back to her now because we had thsoe couple of "dates."
Saphyre · 1/12/2013
In the large scheme of things, I think what you might look for as far technique and poling background changes as you progress. As far as personality, body type and other personal traits, I think that varies based on your own age and background When starting, I agree with Chem. Most people probably have no idea what to look for. I know I didn't, but perhaps that's because I've never had formal dance, gymnastics, or martial arts classes of any kind. My background was strictly aerobics and yoga. The most important thing for me as a newbie was an instructor who didn't make me feel uncomfortable about my age or lack of strength. To specifically address your question: So my questions is Day 1 - you want to learn pole dancing. Who do you go to? Why? What is it about the staff of instructors that brings you in? What makes you say "This is the place/instructor for me?" I didn't even know this kind of class existed. My fitness friend had just opened a studio and contacted me to see if I was interested in pole lessons, and that's how I started at her studio. It was only 20 minutes from my home. My first set of classes was taught by the fabulous Glitterhips. She made me feel very comfortable, age and all. I have to say the fact that she wasn't an uber toned, skinny minnie, too sexy for words woman made it a lot less intimidating. What she was was fun, flexible, sexy in an approachable way, strong, great at step by step instruction, clearly had a love for pole, was really good at it, and had the most magnetic personality I'd encountered in quite some time. If it wasn't for her, I would not have continued on. Unfortunately, she longer teaches at my studio. Now that I have been poling for over a year and I have different instructors, I can say that what I prefer in an instructor is different than when I started. What I wouldn't do to still have Glitter! My studio choices are extremely limited. I don't think it is neccessary for an instructor to have a dance/gymnastics/exercise background. There are plenty of polers who don't have that, and are as good, if not better than some who do. It's like saying that just because you have an MBA you would be better at a job than someone who has 5 years of experience in that field. What is important to me in an instructor at this point in my journey, which I don't neccessarily have are: ~ Can perform advanced moves. Easily. ~ Is able to teach step by step instructions, safely and properly ~ Knows of several alternative ways to get into a move. Even if they cannot get into that move another way themselves, they can explain it clearly and help you do it. ~ Mixes in stretching and conditioning ~ Is willing to play different genres of music, not just what they like. ~ Continues their own pole journey and education outside of teaching ~ They are likable and I can relate to them. They don't have to be super outgoing, just relatable and courteous. ~ They can teach combos, floor moves, and other "dancy" stuff ~ Know how to make the class fun. Is creative. ~ Being certified as a pole instructor would be awesome, but not required As far as teaching, in general. I believe that someone can be the best at something, but have no clue how to teach someone else. We see this in just about every field out there, and pole is no different. Even though I have only been poling a year and have none of the usual dance, etc background, I am a natural teacher. I was a "new hire" trainer at the job I retired from. I have shown my nieces some moves. I gave a friend a "teaser" class in my home with just some floor and sexy dance moves and a fireman. She complimented me on my teaching style. I have helped out other's in my class. They have commented on how I was able to help them get a move when the instructor could not. I'm not trying to toot my own horn, just trying to make a point.
DaniDuB · 1/12/2013
I teach and also continue to take classes. One of the most important things to me is that the instructor knows how to spot. I completely trust my instructors and I always feel safe and confident when I'm trying a difficult move for the first time. In my Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced Pole Instructor Certification trainings we focused and were tested a lot on spotting techniques and I think that's so important. Also, being warm and friendly and making the students feel comfortable, and being receptive to what they want is super important.
Saphyre · 1/12/2013
Shout out DaniDuB! You are an AWESOME instructor! I always have so much fun with you!
DaniDuB · 1/12/2013
Aw! Thanks so much, S! :) I always have so much fun when I get to sub your class.

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