What do I wear?
For your first class, wear something you are comfortable in and which allows you to move around freely and exercise effectively.  Tracksuit bottoms and a tee shirt, leggings, vest tops.  Just make sure it is free of buckles and zips and allows you full range of motion through your joints.  As you progress, you will need to be able to use the skin on your legs and arms to grip and will probably wish to graduate to short shorts and a vest top.  Many participants wear their shorts under their tracksuit so they can take layers off and on depending on the move.  We also do a South Pole AKademy clothing range which allows you to order branded items which are perfect for pole (our instructors all wear these).  Remember: never use oil or lotions on the skin before coming to class.

Do I need to be super skinny?

No, no and no!  Pole professionals come in all shapes and sizes and all began at square one.  If you continue with your pole journey and practice regularly, you will start to see your body shape changing (provided this is supported with an appropriate healthy diet) and becoming more muscular and streamlined.  Most professional pole dancers develop a compact hourglass figure as a result of the sport as when practiced regularly it has the effect of pulling in the muscles supporting the waist.

Do I need to be able to hold my own body weight?  I can’t do that!

Not at all!  We will teach you safe and effective techniques which will help you build the muscles to be able to spin, twirl and invert on the pole to your heart’s desire. 

What should I bring to class?

Bring a bottle of water- muscles don’t work well when dehydrated!  You may also want to bring a small towel to keep your skin dry during the class and a note pad and pen as you start to progress to write down what you have learned.  Please do not wear rings, watches, bracelets, dangly earrings or necklaces to class and we would recommend that you remove body jewellery/ dermal piercings or cover them with a plaster.

I don’t need to wear high heels, do I?

Not at all.  Most of our students learn in bare feet or leather non-blocked ballet shoes.  Learning in this way teaches you to support your own balance and weight.

What will I get out of pole dancing?

Lots and lots!  Your fitness, strength and flexibility will improve and you will gain confidence.  You will also have the opportunity to attend internationally recognised grading examinations, participate in competitions (such as Miss Pole Dance UK Amateur, October 2011) and perform at public events (and even get paid for doing it!).

Private or Group Classes?

We offer three type of general class: Low Cost Group Fitness, Standard Pole Fitness and Private Classes.  Group classes allow you to develop a well rounded pole education with a group of friends, tone up, get a great cardio workout and learn a variety of beautiful tricks, spins and transitions.  Private sessions allow you (and up to two others) to progress your pole work in a way tailored specifically to you, working intensively on your personal goals with undivided attention.  A combination of group and private classes is a good choice for most students.

Why South Pole AKademy?

South Pole AKademy has a long standing commitment to pole dance fitness.  Both of our principal instructors, Cat Denning and Jenni Gooch, are fully qualified and even train instructors to become instructors!  They have taught nationally and internationally and have trained with some of the greatest names of our time including Jenyne Butterfly, Felix Cane and Alethea Austin.  With South Pole AKademy you will get the best possible tution out there.  For more information visit www.southpoleakademy.co.uk