Q. I want to take a group session buy I’ll have to miss a class or two, can I still sign up? And is there a way to make up classes?

A. Yes, you can still sign up if we agree it would be safe for your body, and for the progression of the rest of the class. Regular students can sometimes arrange to drop into other classes or trade out a private Pilates session. This is something that must be arranged ahead of time with me, and though I will do my best to help you along, I cannot guarantee you will be able to for sure make this happen. I used to say no make ups at all, but I’ve cut my class size down to 4 for Intermediate level so there is a little room now for me to creatively help students who know they must miss a class for some reason.

Q. I’m out of shape and overweight, can I still take classes?

A. Aerial Pole Work is very intense, and may not be the right class for everyone. If you are in fairly good condition, but just not strong in your upper body, then class may be great for you. If you are overweight and haven’t done much movement, then class may not be a good fit for you. Each potential student goes through an interview process and mandatory Orientation before being admitted to make sure they can have success. Please feel free to discuss issues with Melissa.

ALSO NOTE: There is a WEIGHT LIMIT on the poles due to two reasons. First, the poles technically can only safely hold a certain weight with the momentum pull we put on them with spins and inversions. If you weigh 180 pounds or more, the studio poles cannot accommodate you. The second reason to limit the weight of a student is because holding one’s own body weight is necessary, and additional weight creates a strain on joints and therefore additional wear and tear I feel is too much risk. There are many who are near this weight mark who are strong enough to support their joints, so we just take the time together to analyze your support strategies to make sure you will be as safe as possible.

Please note, all Aerial Pole Work is dangerous and has a risk of injury.

Q. What is the difference between taking a private lesson and group classes?

A. Private lessons are tailored to your body and movement needs, while group classes are a general education in Aerial Pole Work. In private and semi-private lessons there is more studio space and time to explore many movement ideas that cannot be worked with in large classes.

Group classes have an energy about them that cannot be found in private lessons. You get the chance to build connections with other women, view how each woman has her own unique dance style, enjoy the beauty of a room full of fabulous women, and enjoy a cheaper price.

Q. What should I wear?

A. Clothes you can move easily in. In the heat of summer some dance or yoga shorts are great, in the colder months yoga or dance pants work well. A tank top and t-shirt layered are very useful.

The studio sells Dance Paws, a barefoot dance protector. If you are just trying out pole dance please come ready to be barefoot.

Pole shoes and boots – The studio has some shoes you can try on and play in. I encourage you to purchase your own shoes to bring with you. You have the option to wear shoes during the last 15 minutes of lessons and classes. Please note you Do Not have to ever wear the shoes if you don’t wish too. Do know that each shoe or boot has its own repertoire of work you can use them for.

Q. Why can’t I have lotion on my hands, feet, or legs?

A. Lotions make the pole greasy, which means you lose your grip and can’t spin safely on the pole. Trying to remove lotions from the pole is very time intensive, so please make sure you arrive lotion-free.

Q. I have health issues, will that stop me from taking class?

A. It depends on the health issues. Any acute spinal issues like bulging or herniated disks, or recent whiplash are reasons not to do pole work. Heart problems that are not stabilized are a reason not to do pole (it gets very hot, heart rate goes high, and your head goes below your heart). Please feel free to call or email to discuss your health challenges and whether pole is right for you.