Workshop/pole party help!

Legend started this discussion · 2/27/2012

so.. I've just been asked to do a workshop/party at a client's house for her and her friends. They are new to pole and want to try it.. so far so good, but I've just started teaching a couple months ago, still learning a lot as a teacher, and never did anything in that format. Any sugestions? One of my main concerns is space.. probably will only be able to fit one pole, how do I keep 5 people "busy" with one pole? dont want to make it too boring for the ones waiting their turn... I know the main point is to have fun and not a full workout, so I'll definately have to make some adjustments to what I normaly do in a beginner class... any help, advice, tips would be much apreciated. thank you!

8 replies

Elektra Vallens · 2/27/2012
I haven't been teaching pole long either (and I haven't done a cert yet), but every once in a while I run a "pole brunch" out of my house that is a similar format to what it sounds like you'll be doing. I find that if most of the people are at the same level it works best to demonstrate one move, then help each of them try it out. Usually this is spins, climbs, or basic poses. You may find that with people who aren't used to pole, only taking a turn every few minutes or so is actually enough physical excercise, so they won't be too bored. I also put snacks and drinks out (hence "brunch"), which keeps them busy some of the time while they're waiting.
Mary Ellyn · 2/27/2012
a. You need insurance to teach...even at someone else's home. b. Make certain no one is drinking any alcohol before or during the party c. Regardless of their supposed skill level, keep it very basic. You can't possibly determine someone's skill level that easily in this setting among a group of people you haven't worked with before. Kepe the moves very simple and basic. d. Set up a cute little pole routine with mostly transitions and one simple spin. Having one pole is the difficulty - in some groups it's just fine and with other's they may get distracted. It can also be difficult to get some of them on the pole when they are the only one up at that time...they feel awkward like they are on display. But the simpler the moves the less time you have to spend with each person so that you can move on to the next person quickly and keep everyone busy without longer wait periods.
Legend · 2/27/2012
Thank you both so much for the advice! Yes, I'll need to focus on keeping it very simple so everyone can participate... its already a complicated situation, and I know I wont be able to assess everyone properly... lets hope I can still make it fun even without alcohol... :)
Rachel12345 · 2/27/2012
I have never been to a pole party before, but I don't think having one pole would be too much of a problem. If I was with a group of friends I would have just as much fun cheering them on and wouldn't worry about embarrassing myself in front of them. As each person tries something on the pole you could point out to everyone else what they did right and how they could improve, which would give the other people a reason to want to watch. That way everyone is learning something even when off the pole. If that makes any sense.
tarync · 2/27/2012
Something I was taught to do at parties was to teach about 4 or 5 basic moves (spins, back slides down the pole, maybe a climb) and do a little bit of simple floorwork. Give everyone a couple tries on the pole for each move and then at the end put a song on and have everyone come up and perform a little routine. Start with the main girl (birthday girl, batchelorette, etc) and then once they have finished "performing" have them pick the next person to go up and just keep the music running. This way everyone feels like they've learned a lot and usually they're pretty proud/happy that they can put a compilation together by the end. Good luck!
monary · 2/28/2012
The imagine the main goal of a pole party is not to learn a lot of pole work.. It is to have fun vamping it up with friends. So I would focus on moves that can be practised without the pole, (floorwork and transitions) and turned into a routine. Everyone can practice the routine witht an imaginary pole, and so people aren't just standing around . Then everyone could have turns doing the routine around the one pole. I imagine most people in a pole party aren't expecting to learn a lot of pole moves. They are expecting ,to; be shown how to vamp it up, have a rip-roaring good time vamping itt up and cheering on their friends, and finally how to use the pole a little bit in their routine. Go have fun! If it was a party and not a workshop don't worry about the constructive criticism. They atmoshphere should be about cheering, and whistling
jade s · 2/28/2012
I agree with Monary, when I do a pole party I usually teach a sensual dance routine as a "warm up" using the wall, floor and sensual movement. Since most of the ladies that attend don't have a pole, it gives them something to "take home" and they can still dance for someone with just that little bit of knowledge. Then afterwards I will show them some very easy pole tricks/transitions. Have fun!
Legend · 2/29/2012
So many good advices! thank you! I'll let you know how it went :)