Introduction to Pole Dance

Next level... Stage 1 (Beginner)

This first Stage of the classes covers 2 to 4 weeks depending on current ability. It is designed to give you your first taste of pole dancing which will undoubtably be very different from any exercise regimes you have tried previously!

Progression Sheets
You will now be inrtoduced to the class Progression Sheets. These are basically a list of moves you will learn at each stage of the lessons seperated into the various sections below. Alongside each move is a small box that you complete with your instructors help as you progress. The box is a record of how far you have progressed from from 1 (started learning) to 2 (practice level) and finally to 3 (fully competent). This allows the instructor and student to keep track of those moves they need instructor attention to practice, those they can practice without instructor attention and those they are fully competent at.

Transitions (Movement)
You will cover basic movement,which will probably feel strange at first but everyone in the class started where you are now and you will be able to see how far they've come in such a short time! You will be able to practice these movements at home and it is recomended that you do so in order to introduce them smoothly into routines later on.

Deportment (Walking & Standing)
Alongside this you will learn how to carry yourself and move around the pole elegantly and smoothly rather than plodding around in a circle! By learning different walking techniques and methods of getting back to your feet you will learn not only the small but important things you need to keep the tricks flowing. It will also stop you showing your knickers to the crowd on nights out and show you how to saunter seductively into a crowded room which always come in handy!

Gripping the Pole
Another important basic in pole dancing is learning the art of gripping the pole. This will come with practice so if you don't manage to hold your weight at the first class don't panic! Your skin naturally develops it's own grip, a bit like holding an egg tight enough not to drop it but not so tight it cracks. You will learn the main hand grip positions and where to position your foot, ankle and toes when climbing and for certain spins.

Spins
Now onto the REALLY fun stuff...! In this first section you will learn 4 basic spins; Lift & Slide, Rock & Spin, Wrap Around and Fireman. Mastering these will take a few lessons so again don't worry, you will have an awful lot thrown at you in the first couple of classes! Although these are the only set spins at this level, expect to be thrown a few extras which the class have been developing for use in routines or just to build up your strength for more advanced moves later on.

Strength, Flexibility & General Advice
The most important thing to remember about pole dancing that the same as any other dance form it requires practice so don't expect to turn up and master it in one lesson! Going upside down or inverting is something that everyone looks forward to doing HOWEVER to do this safely and without injuring yourself or someone else it is neccessary to build up the strength, grip and techniques before hand. This usually takes several months to do before even beginning to work up to your first invert so be patient!

You wil be shown strength building exercise for the pole and to take home as well as methods of increasing your flexibility so you will be able to do some of the much more advanced tricks in a years time. Here are the most important things to remember:

Patience - try something 3 times and then rest. You can always go back to it later!

Determination - don't give up! If you get stuck ask for help, ask for advice on the online forums or read internet articles suche as WikiPole for guidance

An Open Mind - if you don't think you will like the floorwork, routines or any other aspect of pole dancing... give it a try! You never know what you might be good at and remember, it is ALL important if you want to make your pole tricks look good

Enjoy Yourself - this most important reminder of all! Pole dancing is an escape from the mundane. It is a free form dance with no boundaries and no set rules or regulation. Remember why you joined the classes and whatever you learn... HAVE FUN!!!!

Next level... Stage 1 (Beginner)