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MariYabe, I have never done groupons or any of that. My classes are the main source of revenue for my studio. My classes stay at the very least at the minimum numbers required. My summers don’t fluctuate as much as the gyms do. Since I focus more on the students and the quality of the program, I don’t need to depend on parties. I have a “Fit N Fun” class for drop ins that I developed which has been a HUGE success. those classes I usually get long term students from because they want to move into a level class.

I was told by one person that her boss (studio owner, I don’t know where or what studio), stated she didn’t tell her insurance when they asked if there would be alcohol allowed that she does it, she told the instructor they’ll never know. Don’t know if that’s a true statement, but it sure could cause more difficulty and higher insurance premiums for those of us that are compliant!). 🙂

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I know events/comps serve alcohol, the places they rent are perfectly legal to do that. sparrow, that is HILARIOUS!!!! I think it’s safe to drink and watch vids!! LOL 🙂

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I make it very clear when a party is booked, the contract states that they will not be allowed to pole if they have been drinking or using. I haven’t had a problem since the 2nd party I ever had where I refused to hold the party because they had been drinking and a few were pretty loaded, they were asked to leave and the authorities were notified to protect my butt (I was not going to be responsible for them getting picked up when they weren’t drinking at my studio). It was not a problem, it’s my business and my lively hood. Parties are good money, however no amount of money is worth risking my reputation and my business. 🙂

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Alcohol without a license in any commercial property is illegal here (I checked with the state when I opened, it made it easier to deal with ladies that insisted LOL) Even a business after hours that has say an office party is liable and responsible if someone is stopped by police after leaving there office and they’ve been drinking. I prefer to leave that to the local club.

I don’t drink, so that’;s never been an issue for me.

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I have taught them the very basic fundamentals. The walk to show them how to maintain a neutral wrist position, they remember the feeling. Basically making sure the fundamentals of balance and coordination which are learned from the very “intro” to pole moves. From then we move on, as I’ve found most men I’ve worked with are fit, however their core is weak, they will admit that after a few pole exercises! I spoke with David C. Owen (stellarmotion)and Joel (Poledancefan) for tips on working with men. So far it has worked well. Strength based is their favorite, but as David stated, they still need the Basic foundation. 🙂

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Oh ME, also yes, the 1st few attorneys I checked out didn’t tell me anything about IC’s!! 🙂

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Mary Ellyn, if your referral to LB was me, just want to clarify! I’m not a CPA or an Attorney, I have them on retainer for my business. People need to spend the money for that constant expert advice. I didn’t in the very beginning, I believe I could have avoided some things I ran into. Have had my butt covered for 3 years. It is probably one of the most important investments to make!! 🙂 The CPA that I eventually hired DOES specialize in tax law, it took awhile to find her and an attorney that specialized in state business law.

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Thanks Mary Ellyn! I have both a CPA and an attorney! My info regarding Independent Contractors was from a previous experience before I had my studio. I was hired to be a group fitness cardio instructor, as a IC. They scheduled to the classes took the payments etc. I was in training at the time with them, it was one of the most Elite Women’s gyms here at the time. I was unable to teach do to my knee. The point is, when I asked several gyms here how that worked they told me that’s how it worked. Since they had been in business for years, I accepted that! They said an IC is like any other, you need a plumber you hire one, they are IC, you need a contractor for an addition on your home, you hire one, they are not your employee. That is TRUE to those particular professions! NOT IN THE SERVICE INDUSTRY!( and fitness, zumba, any of that PT, etc falls under IC with 21 points to be met) at least not in North Dakota! I got myself quite an education through my own experience. The state was very lenient with me, I’m GRATEFUL for that!! They did not do damage to me that they could have. 🙂

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Thanks poledanceromance for your input! You addressed some of the issue with training for comps. I am the 1st pole studio in the state of North Dakota, I have been open almost 4 years now, one other studio opened about a year after me 3 hours away. Because we are in our infancy here, we do not have access like larger cities. We also can not afford to bring in comp qualified people. We hope at some point in our growth that pros will want to come here to teach. You could say that we are not “really” a part of the pole “community” as no one except David C. Owen and “Veena” (Julie, who are both dear friends) have supported our studio by coming here. Though I do not provide that level of training, I work more than full time to provide the BEST I can in safe teaching to and for my instructors and students. Location, population, interest, and finance all play a factor in what I as a studio am able to provide. Cheers! 🙂

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Candi Pole, as far as training for competitions, if I have a student that is interested, I recommend a comp coach. I am not a competitor. I’m not by any means discounting your feelings/frustrations 🙂 However if you look at bodybuilding for example, gyms in general don’t specialize in training for comps for bikini, figure, fitness, or bodybuilding. They give recommendations for private coaches, and it is a HUGE investment (here some of the private coaches for BB start at $1500 for a month of training). The one on one time involved and diet, nutrition are also factors.

I know for myself my studio is just helping open up the world of pole for ladies in my community, to get a great workout, have fun, and meet other women they can share this with. I would love to see some pole professionals address this topic. There are a few studios in the US that DO specifically train for comps. I don’t, and do not advertise that I do. I think when someone is looking for a studio, they need to ask allot of questions, and make it known specifically what their needs are. Best of luck to you! Happy poling! 🙂

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One thing I like about my state is that it’s “A right to work” state. You can try to have a non compete agreement but it won’t hold up in court here! LOL I don’t make my employees sign a non compete, I feel everyone should have a right to do what is the best fit for them. My employment agreement is pretty simple, show up 15 minutes early to get your materials ready, teach the curriculum provided (I wrote all of it for each level, so that way when an instructor needs to fill in for someone that’s off or ill, they can pick up the book and know who should be there and what the lesson is for that day.), and collect when needed, tidy the classroom, restock it, and report any issues to me. This stuff with stealing or coping I think is ridiculous, because we all learned from someone or somewhere, even those of us that learned on our own saw it somewhere. I teach Veena’s method for the most part, that is the highest compliment I feel I can pay someone. I would also except it as such and not a slap in the face.

I am not as “involved” in the “community” as I once was, I don’t have time for petty stuff that does take place. I focus all my time and energy into my students and staff 🙂 Charley if you ever make it to Fargo, North Dakota you MUST drop in!!

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As a studio owner/instructor, there is NO WAY I can teach everything that is out there to learn! I encourage students/staff to check out other studios and programs! Everyone has a different style and ability, I believe it is a healthy thing to do! I am not offended if someone chooses to leave my studio, I know my ladies need to grow!!! Also, I don’t know how it works in other states, but in North Dakota, when it comes to Independent contractors for the fitness area of business, if I have an IC, I CAN NOT tell them what they CAN and CAN NOT teach, I CAN NOT schedule their classes,I CAN NOT collect class fees for their students, They have to supply their own curriculum, their own teaching supplies, they CAN NOT use my business name, they MUST have their own insurance etc. I CAN NOT interfere with their business, and they must pay me rent according to a contract that is agreed upon, in this state they are a totally separate business. They have to meet the states criteria for 21 requirements to be an IC. When I 1st opened I did things the way the gyms do, they scheduled everything, collected the fees and paid hourly, well I found out in a hurry that that is NOT AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR for fitness/dance activities here. I was contacted by the state to PROVE my IC was indeed independent by qualifying under the 21 requirements, needless to say they didn’t and I paid a penalty as employer that was “trying to avoid” paying taxes, unemployment insurance, workers comp etc. I have only paid employees. I still want them to go out and learn what they can, it only enhances what there confidence, and gives them something to keep for themselves as they give so much to my studio and students!!! LEARNING from others is a WONDERFUL THING!!! 🙂

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P.S> Veena’s strength and conditioning exercises are excellent for this!!!!

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It depends on the extent of your dislocation. You need to do ROM exercises and strengthening for the shoulder, take it slow until your stronger. You don’t need to start from scratch, but you do need to be diligent in your recovery, if you are not doing these things 1st, you can risk tearing and more permanent damage. Good luck to you!!! 🙂

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Hope you make it to Fargo!! I MISS YOU!!!!

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I am the 1%. I use the poles in my studio, they are meticulously maintained, however I had one pole get so badly damaged from trying to pound out the joint with a broom handle a hoe handle (it actually broke the handles which were hard wood!. I had to throw the pole. I HATE the x joints, but love the poles over all.

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Here’s some accurate info on cellulite. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulite/basics/definition/con-20029901

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Sounds like Metatarsalgia, (I used to work for a podiatrist) Here’s a link with info! http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metatarsalgia/basics/definition/con-20022369

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Saphyre, GREAT IDEA!!! I know I have to use them in our entry closet by the garage because my hubbys boots REEK!! LOL It REALLY has helped, at least when peeps come over they don’t pass out! LOL

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Charley, you are AWESOME! Not too much TMI, it’s a part of the body like everything else, and sadly another one people don’t like to talk about! The boots according to the Podiatrist are the worst for holding odor because they make feet sweat/make them hot more. He advises his patients to spray them every time they remove them (and not with a pefumey spray). It doesn’t stop it totally but apparently it will decrease the pungency (his term).

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The one in the youtube video, if you are not strong enough can pull muscles. I totally agree with Veena! We have the arms in the pole hold for climbing, we also us the opposite hand on the top (ex, if the left knee top of foot are in contact with the pole 1st we balance the center of gravity by raising the right hand to the top, with the left hand underneath). This helps to push the booty out enough to pull/lift the torso/chest up into the pole and helps to straighten the legs more. Basically it distributes the workload and forces you to engage your leg muscles and core.

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I’m sure will get different opinions on that depending on how someone learned it. We do not teach it that way, as there isn’t enough POC (points of contact). That for my studio would be a more advanced climb which requires allot of upper body strength, which a beginner has not developed yet.

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I never explain. When I’m asked what I do, I tell them I teach pole. When the question that follows is…”Are you a stripper?” I smile and invite them to drop in to the studio and see what I do. I leave it right there. I love the look on their face when I don’t give them anymore than that, PRICELESS!! I prefer to be an example, not an explainer! HA!

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darcit is right. I’ve had students that felt they were being held back because I wouldn’t let them move on if a basic move was not solid/mostly mastered. They quit class and tried on their own, 9 times out of 10 they not only got frustrated, but also ended up with issues like bicep tendonitis, pulled intercostal muscles, etc. Then they want to come back and start all over again. I end up spending allot of time working with them to get them to heal but also back on track. You need to decide if you are willing to risk those kind of setbacks. I have been teaching Veena’s method since I started my studio, we have been injury free because we adhere to the steps needed to condition our bodies to do more. I understand the frustration sometimes of wanting it “Yesterday”! lol, but in the long run it is best to do it right the 1st time so you can enjoy and excel!!

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The basic climb is very important. Our students have to climb to the top, slide down to just above the floor without touching, then climb back up again. This helps with strength and endurance, as well as gaining better control. Our students don’t learn other climbs like Veena’s climb until a later level. Veena’s climb is more advanced. It is best to get that basic down. If you can’t climb more than once, you really aren’t ready for a more advanced climb. Try challenging yourself by setting a short term goal, ex: I will climb 2 times in a row by the end of 3 weeks. Our students have made up charts just for fun, like when they were learning to sit, they would put a different colored star for each 30 secs or minute they could hold their sit! This was done on their own, and they used it during practice time. It was AWESOME!!! The basic fundamentals of pole are what build your solid foundation, so in MHO, keep working on your basic climb, you’ll be happy you did!! 🙂 Happy Poling!!