Worthy Pole Studio in Melbourne Australia?

Koidragon started this discussion · 7/12/2013

Hello everyone I was wondering if those of you who either live in Melbourne or who have travelled there could offer some advice. There is a chance I will be moving to Melbourne from Vancouver, and although this isn't set in stone yet, I was hoping to get some idea as to studios in Melbourne that will suit me. When I lived in Australia before I ended up being taught some not-so-good techniques - mostly because I was already strong, so I was allowed to get away with not properly engaging - which obviously came back to bite me later on. Mind you, this was a small school. The studio I am at here in Vancouver is incredible - and I would love to continue this caliber of training if I do move. Where do you Melbournites train? I know there must be some amazing schools there. Are there any studios which offer a membership rather than course style? Aerial Hoop as well? Once I choose somewhere I like to stick with it, so I want to choose wisely :) Thank you in advance for all your help! 🥂

17 replies

Sincharella · 7/13/2013
Pole Diva and Vertical fitness
Madfelice · 7/13/2013
Pole divas Richmond studio has pole, aerial hoop and fly gym classes.
Hazi411 · 7/13/2013
Correct me if I'm wrong, but Pole Divas is more dance-focussed (teach in heels) and Vertical Fitness is more strength-based moves? I love both styles! Lisa and Ro at Vertical Fitness are two of my favourite people. I currently train at Bobbi's in Perth and I think they recommend Pole Divas in Melbourne, if that helps?
AngelVonSpin · 7/14/2013
Major studios in melbourne are all good in their own way - if I were you I would try and move to a suburb that has a studio close by makes life heaps easier and travel and traffic in melbourne is a pain
Madfelice · 7/14/2013
For general classes shoes are optional at pole divas. They are not used at all in classes for hoop or fly gym.
PoleWarrior · 7/14/2013
Arena pole is a fair way out of the city, but is run by the amazing Fontaine Bradbury who is a well known Aussie pole dancer. Her tricks and combinations are unique and up to date. The poles themselves are spinning 42mm and about 2.5m high.
JayTee90 · 7/14/2013
Hi there, I just quickly skim read (?) your question so please forgive me if I miss any questions you may have asked haha! I can recommend Pole Divas in Richmond, because I go there. I just did a term of aerial hoops there and REALLY enjoyed it!! I'm out of Melbourne for this month, but when I get back I'm going straight back to the hoops....and hopefully become an aerial diva one day heehee :)
JayTee90 · 7/14/2013
Oh, and you can do casual classes and buy a pass to do as many classes as you like (from both pole and aerial), I think however the only other option is a course which goes for 8 weeks each term. Hope this helps! :)
Koidragon · 7/15/2013
Oh wow everyone, thank you so much for such speedy information :) When I was in Australia the studio I went to was spin pole only, and then of course came here to Vancouver which is predominately static... lots of unlearning and relearning to do for that :) I presumed that most studios did the 'term' system, I have been a bit spoilt here I think with the membership system :) I love Melbourne and absolutely agree that I should find a place near a studio for travel accessibility - I know no one here will think less of me for choosing which suburb I move to based on which studio I choose to go to - which is exactly why I am asking this question. Because I am in Canada still, I won't get the chance to try different studios in Melbourne before deciding where I move to, so want to get as much information as possible. I have no real problem living away from the CBD if need be, but would ultimately prefer to be in access of trains and such as my partner will more than likely need and vehicle transport for work. Ideally I would be looking to stay at the studio of choice for many years, as I plan to compete (in the future) - would you say that all three studios recommended here (pole divas, vertical fitness and arena) have the facilities to lead to that? Seriously, thank you so much for your help, you are all wonderful :) ❤️
JayTee90 · 7/15/2013
Hi koidragon, you're most welcome! Hopefully we'll see you around one day over here :) Well, I go to pole divas in Richmond but I live out in the south eastern suburbs, and it can be quite a pain to get to the studio at times. And yes, you can compete at pole divas (as far as I'm aware). Take care~
Madfelice · 7/18/2013
Pole divas is definitely geared towards competing, arena is also set up to train towards that if you wish. Most Melbourne schools do work on a term system, not a membership one. Divas and arena are both term systems.
Koidragon · 7/18/2013
Ah thank you very much! :) I think that there aren't many places that do a membership rather than term option - perhaps something I will consider when I open my own school and take over the world! mwuhahaha! I do want to compete, but more important than that, I want a great little network/society of fellow dancers - in fact this is more important than high level competing, although that is good too :)
Madfelice · 7/18/2013
Divas is the best group of people, both students and instructors. I cannot describe how much I love that place and the people in it.
Koidragon · 7/18/2013
Well on that note, I think I am sold - I was looking at location, and Richmond looks fairly central... is there much of a difference between the studios? Thank you again, you have all been very helpful :)
Madfelice · 7/18/2013
Richmond a Prahran are close to each other and share staff. The Richmond studio is the only one with aerial hoops and fly gym at this point, but there are no spinning pole classes there, but like I said Prahran is close enough that if you want to spin you can compliment your static classes with spin ones there. The only real difference between the studios other than the ones i just mentioned is the staff, and like I said Richmond and Prahran share instructors.
Koidragon · 7/19/2013
Thanks so much Madfelice - I think that is a great idea, as I would want to be doing both Lyra and spin pole. Do you go to both?
Madfelice · 7/20/2013
I have done a couple of terms of Lyra, and while I liked it, I much prefer pole