From Beginner to Badass: What to Expect in Your First Few Classes

How do you become a badass pole dancer? Well, it’s actually pretty simple: start pole dancing! 😎😏

If you’re wanting to show off crazy advanced pole dancing tricks to all of your friends, however, we might need to do a little more..! 

Luckily at Altitude, our aim is to set you up for success so regardless of your exercise or dance background we can put you on the path to nailing those big moves!

We have 5 levels for our pole dance classes:

⭐ Level 1
Our beginner level where you’ll learn ground-level tricks and spins

⭐ Level 2
We start to take you up the pole and you’ll learn how to climb and go upside down!

⭐ Level 3
You’ll start to spend almost all of your time upside down in different poses

⭐ Level 4
You are officially an advanced poler, learning a range of difficult tricks and combos!

⭐ Level 5
By this stage you’re just an absolute MACHINE! Learning things that would have been hard to even comprehend when you first started out! 

There is no set timeframe for how long you’ll spend in each level, everyone is different! But to help you keep track of your progress, we'll give you a Core Moves list to focus on for each level. Once everything is ticked off, your instructor will sign you off to move up to the next level! 🙌🥳 

How about the very start of the journey, though? 

We know it can be a little daunting starting pole dancing, so here are some hot tips on what to expect for your first few classes and how to have a badass pole journey ❤️

Your first few classes are probably going to be hard work! 

As much as we start you off with ground level skills, if you haven’t exercised in a while (or ever) then it could be a bit of a shock to the system. Don’t worry - you’ll get used to it!

During class we do a cardio-based warm-up and stretch before getting into the skills, which is generally fairly strength based. If you need a break in class - that’s totally okay!

Bring a drink bottle, take a rest and join back in when you’re ready.

You might also be really slippery!

It takes time to build up the grip strength in your hands for holding onto the pole, so to start with, you’ll probably feel slippery. That’s really normal! Use the hand towels and spray bottles provided to wipe down the pole as much as you need. 

Hot Tip - don’t use any hand creams and moisturizers the day you come to class or you'll be extra slippery!

Smaller outfits are your friend!

In order to stick to the pole, we use our skin to create friction. That’s why pole dancers often aren’t wearing much. We normally suggest wearing shorts and a singlet for classes so you can grip easily. 

If you’re used to covering up, this can feel a little scary. The longer you pole dance, the more confident you’ll feel with less clothes!

Of course, you’re also welcome to cover up for the sections of class that you don’t need body grip. Just keep shorts underneath for when you need them! Your instructor will give you a heads-up if you need skin contact for a move 🙂

Consistency is KEY!

Book in, show up, repeat! 

If you can, try to come to the same class each week. Some of the moves you’ll learn may repeat for two or three weeks at a time, so by showing up each week you’ll have an even better chance of achieving them. 

Being consistent in your training will help you see progress faster and avoid injuries.

Listen to your body!

As tempting as it may be to do back-to-back classes or fill your time with nothing but classes - sometimes the best progress comes from a ‘less is more’ approach. When you’re just starting out, take it easy and when you feel sore or tired - don’t push it. 

You want to build your strength slowly and consistently rather than rush it and end up burnt out!

Be kind to yourself.

The most important thing to remind yourself of is that everyone is on their own unique journey. You’ll be in a class with a range of different humans - all with differing experiences, body shapes and fitness levels. 

Your journey is nobody’s but your own; take it at your own pace and enjoy it! 

And remember, you’re already a badass - pole dancing will just add some more sparkle 😉🌟