Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to Pole Dancing Lessons?

It's best to wear something comfortable, but form-fitting. Shorts are required so your legs can grip the pole. Tracksuit bottoms are great for the warm up. For your feet, trainers or bare feet is fine, but bring your heels too!

What should I NOT wear to Pole Dancing Lessons?

It is VERY important that you do not apply moisturiser, lotion, fake tan, or oil to your skin on the day of the class. They can transfer to the pole, and make it dangerous for you, and anyone else using the same pole.
Please remove all rings, watches and bracelets before using the pole.

Will I get fit by coming to Pole Dancing Lessons?

Pole Dancing is absolutely fantastic for toning up, as you will be using your body weight as resistance. You will definitely feel it in your arms and abs! Regular use of the pole can improve your core strength, coordination and balance. However Pole Dancing is not going to make a huge difference with just one class a week, so our focus is more on the artistic and dance side of Pole Dancing, and not strictly fitness.
It's actually very difficult to keep up the intensity of Pole Dancing required to burn fat, so it is recommended that you complement Pole Dancing with a regular cardio workout too.

What happens in a typical class?

Classes have a similar format every week.
All students arrive about 10 minutes before the class start time, to allow for changing and checking in.
The class starts with an aerobic warm up and stretch session.
Then we spend 10 minutes working on strength and conditioning to prepare your body for harder moves in the future.
The main portion of the class involves students pairing up with another student of similar level sharing a pole, and working on moves covered in previous lessons. The instructor aims to spend 5-10 minutes at each pole working on new moves and improvements and variations on previous ones.
Towards the end of the class we have "freestyle pole dance" where we choose a popular song, and dance to it for 60 seconds. No-one ever has to perform alone in front of the group.
The class finishes with a stretch cool down.
The first class of the month is "High Heel Week" where we work on movement and body isolations, to feel more confident wearing heels while dancing, and feeling less stiff and more slinky in our movement! You will be reminded to bring your heels in the previous week's class.

Does Pole Dancing hurt?

I won't lie to you, Pole Dancing is hard work. You will probably ache all over the day after your first class. This is why we include a warm up and cool down in the lessons to help minimise this. Learning the stretches given to you in class, and repeating them at home can help enormously.
Bruising is very common when learning new pole tricks, especially on the legs. Even the professionals get bruises when trying something new. Bruising will subside as your body learns how not to hurt itself in each move. Lots of Pole Dancers call their bruises "badges of honour" and show them off to other polers! Bruising can be reduced by applying an ice pack, or you can try arnica or witch hazel.
Pole burn is actually friction burn from gripping the pole with your skin. Again, this gets better with time as your body gets used to the pole. Pole burn can be easily treated with an aloe vera aftersun gel.

I've got no upper body strength!

Many students come to their first lesson thinking they have weak arms. In your first lesson you'll be given some basic conditioning exercises to help with this, but the best thing you can do to improve your upper body strength is Pole Dancing! Just by trying the moves, you'll be training those muscles up - you'll notice an improvement in just a matter of weeks!

Am I too big/old/young/short/tall/unfit to come to Pole Dancing Lessons?
Do I have to look like a model to come to Pole Dancing Lessons?

Not at all. Anyone can come and enjoy the movement of Pole Dancing. However you must be over 18 for insurance purposes.
Don't worry about what you look like, everyone has their own hang-ups and is probably too bothered about perfecting the next move and not falling on their bum to worry about that teensy bit of (probably invisible to everyone else anyway) cellulite.

Are there any people who cannot attend Pole Dancing Classes?

Under 18s cannot take part due to our insurance coverage.
If you are pregnant you will not be able to participate. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you have recently given birth we require a note from your doctor to clear you for exercise.
All students will be asked to complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ), if there are found to be contraindications, you may be asked to provide a doctor's note to clear you for exercise. If there is anything that you think may affect you ability to take part in a physical exercise class, please get in touch - it's best that your instructor knows about any medical conditions, so they can help you if you fall ill during a class.

I'm really nervous about attending my first Pole Dancing Lesson!

It's normal to be nervous, but there's really no need to be. Everyone had to be a beginner at some point! Everyone in the class is there for the same reason - to pole!

My friends don't want to come along, can I come by myself?

No problem at all! Pole dancing lessons is a perfect way to make new friends with similar interests! You'll soon be showing off your "badges of honour" to your friends and they'll be wanting to come along too!
It can be quite daunting coming by yourself to the first lesson, but don't panic! We're a friendly bunch and everyone is very welcoming!

Can I come and watch a class before I book?

No. 360 Pole Dancing does not allow spectators in the weekly classes. This is for the comfort of the current students. Why not sign up for just one class to try it? You might love it!

How do I book in each week?

Once you have had your first pole dancing lesson with 360, you will be automatically booked in for subsequent lessons. We will expect you to attend each week unless you tell us otherwise.

What happens if I can't attend a class?

Please let us know by text or email as soon as you know that you can't attend so that your instructor and fellow students are not waiting for you at the beginning of class.
If you have bought a "Saver" block of lessons, you will be permitted to defer one class for one week - so 5 weeks of lessons can be spread over 6 weeks.
The "Super Saver" rate does not allow for any cancellations, so the class with be lost.
Those who regularly do not attend without informing 360 Pole Dancing risk forfeiting their place in future classes.
Classes are popular, and often have waiting lists. If you do not attend a class, and do not book your next class within 48 hours, your place will be forfeited and you may have to join the waiting list again from the bottom.

How can I pay for my Pole Dancing Lessons or my Pole Dancing Party?

Payment at the studio at the time of the class can ONLY be made in cash.
Advance payments for lessons or parties can be made in the following methods:
Cash, Cheque, Direct Bank Transfer or Credit Card via Paypal (Credit card payments incur a 4% charge; minimum charge £1)
All advance payments must be cleared into our account before your lesson can take place.