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Pole Dancing 101: Your Ultimate Starter Kit

Welcome to your first pole class, where booty shorts reign supreme, and you might be wondering, "Do I need to bring anything?"


While you can show up armed with just a smile and a little enthusiasm, a few essentials can elevate your experience. Let’s break down what you'll need for your first tricks and dance classes.


Your First Pole Tricks Class Necessities:

  1. Grip Aid: Even seasoned polers know…slip happens. A grip aid can prevent this, ensuring a firm grip and helping you build strength, confidence and technique. Pole studios usually carry grip aids and instructors do give pretty good advice on which one to start with because they have already tried all of them. Ask and save yourself time and money 

  2. Water: Your first class will be hard, and you will sweat. Dehydration is not cute, honey, especially during intense workouts. Bring water to stay hydrated and perform at your best. Consider adding electrolytes to replenish your body and to keep your muscles contracting to really nail those spins

  3. Well fitting, stretchy athletic wear that doesn’t cover too much: One of the best tools for beautiful tricks and spins is your natural skin. Well cared for skin helps your body adhere to the pole. So, for a tricks class, less is more. But, before you go dumping hot pants into your Amazon cart, you likely have everything you need for your first pole class already in your wardrobe.


    A pair of shorts with a 2”, or, 4” inseam is perfect for learning skills like the reverse hook spin, and the fireman. Certainly, these can be performed in leggings as well, but some of the movements you’ll learn will be better performed with your skin making contact with the pole. If the pole feels too harsh, consider sticky leggings or shirts for extra grip. Brands like CXIX have a ton of practical and cute options if you’re running errands or meeting your friend for a coffee date after class 



Your First Pole Dance Class

For introduction level classes wear what makes you comfortable. Depending on the style of pole dance class both leggings and shorts can work. But, to really get into it, you'll need a few extra items:


Pole Dance Shoes: While shoes are not required for the first few introduction level classes, there’s nothing wrong with considering a pair. Most studios require heels, but a more contemporary style of pole dance class may be performed in bare feet. You can certainly do pole dance class without shoes, but pole heels are a part of the technique. And while they look intimidating, a Pole-worthy pair of platforms is something to be very excited about. It’s much easier to create beautiful shapes than bare feet. Some elements of pole dance are even easier to pull off in the right pair of heels. Think of it like figure skating. Sure, you can step onto the ice in Uggs, but do you think you can glide more gracefully and freely in them? Probably not.

Pole heels are also surprisingly comfy and make your legs look a mile long.  Not to mention, your legs, butt, and thighs look toned and strong, and you feel like a total badass. Getting a good felt lined boot that is rhinestone free (they can scratch the hardwood of the studio), is also an option to consider for the added ankle support.


Whichever style you choose, though, AKPole is here to support you in your pole journey with rental heels available for you. This way, you can try before you buy and learn what dance style suits you best.


Knee Pads: Protect your knees during floor work, especially for slides and rolls. With knee pads you can take comfort that your knees will stay safe and bruise free. Most studios have studios have them for sale, or, to rent if you’re not ready to commit


Remember:

  • Comfort is Key: Choose clothing that allows you to move freely and confidently

  • Layer Up: Be prepared to remove layers as you warm up

  • Positive Mindset: Embrace the learning process with an open mind


With the right gear and a positive attitude, you're ready to embark on your pole dancing journey. Whether you're drawn to the athleticism of tricks or the artistry of dance, pole dancing offers a unique blend of strength, flexibility, and self-expression. Sign up today!


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