Frequently Asked Questions about Pole classes…
Q. What do I wear/bring?
For the beginner class, wear leggings or shorts; tank or tee shirt on top. Class is done barefoot; no jewelry. Bring water and a smile!
Q. DO I NEED DANCE EXPERIENCE?
A. No. We will teach you everything you need to know and in the safest and most entertaining way possible. All you need is some ambition and the drive to challenge yourself and we'll help you every step of the way.
Q. IS THE CLASS OFFENSIVE?
A. I don't know what your definition of "offensive" is. There is NO NUDITY in class, there is NO GIRL-ON-GIRL action going on, we don't have porno flicks on the big screen, and we do not shame you for expressing or being yourself - so in that regard NO. However, we do listen to some naughty music sometimes and the classes are meant to be a place where women can let go and just be expressive. You can be an exotic dancer, a sex kitten, a vixen, a goddess, an ordinary woman or a tramp. We don't care - it's your class and you have the freedom to express without the risk of being judged. We make jokes, laugh out loud, curse if we have to and really push the envelope when it comes to being a "good girl." C'mon...none of us are above being what society considers "bad girls." Besides, I don't tolerate judgments like that in my studio. I have personally found that the most conservative women want to just let loose and be as SLEAZY or as CHEESY as they wanna be once in a while because it's fun and they are tired of holding in that VAMP that wants to slinky down a pole and slap her own ass and this is the safest environment to do it in. The point is to do something outside your comfort zone. So dance like no one is watching and pretend you are that hot, naughty girl on stage - we might even tip ya! ;-)
Q. WILL I BE THE OLDEST ONE IN THE CLASS?
A. I don't know. You might be....depends on how old you are. I have students in my higher levels (Levels 4-6) who are 51 and 57 years old. My girls range from 18-76 (yes, 76!) You are never too old to learn something new and being sexy doesn't come with an expiration date. Because our method is so comprehensive, I am able to teach the most skeptical ladies to do things they swear they are too old to do.
Q. Do I have to be 18 to take pole dance classes?
A. Yes. Since pole dancing BEGAN as stripper dancing, it is adult in nature and I feel that it is irresponsible to teach girls under 18 to dance in an overtly sexual way. Our young women are inundated with sex and the WRONG messages about sex in school, by the magazines they read, peers, music videos and reality TV and I don't think arming them with erotic dance moves at such a young age is going to help them establish healthy boundaries around sex and sexuality. I recommend Belly Dance for our students under 18 You can have a parent or legal guardian sign our consent form for underage girls.
Q. Do I have to start at Level 1?
A. Yes. This is to ensure you have the proper technique and that you have built the necessary strength to execute the material you will be learning. If you have previous pole dance experience you can set up a private session with me and I can determine whether or not you can begin at a different level. I have found that most of my transfer students from other studios lack the technique and skill needed to progress. They know this too, which is why they are looking for a new studio to learn from.
Q. Will I be the only "non-stripper" in the class?
A. No. Most of my girls are career women, soccer-moms, and students. My "working girls" usually train with me privately.
Q. I heard that bruises are part of pole dancing. Is this true?
A. Yes. We call it "pole burn" and it is part of the sport. Like calluses on the hands of baseball players, tennis elbow, or blisters on runner's feet. It comes from pressing a body part against the pole when you lean into the pole for leverage or from your skin sticking to the pole during a trick. This is what makes the dancer "stick" to the pole - literally your skin is sticking to the pole. We also teach authentic pole dancing and that includes floor work like crawling so you may notice bruises on the knees at first. You should never bruise from banging into the pole as this can be controlled with proper technique. One should NEVER jump on the pole, run at the pole, or slam into the pole during a trick.
Q. Am I too heavy or out of shape to pole dance?
A. No. While pole dancing does require serious athleticism, it is really about sensuality. Because our method is so comprehensive, I am able to teach the most skeptical ladies to do things they swear they are too heavy, too out of shape or too uncoordinated to do. We teach you technique first while learning simple pole tricks and this strengthens your body gradually so you do not risk injury attempting things beyond your current capabilities. As you get stronger, you learn more advanced tricks and progress safely.
Q. Is pole dancing hard to do?
A. Um...yeah! You are learning to do gymnastics on a vertical steel pole! It is going to require some commitment and hard work to build up the strength you need to get to the really amazing tricks I know you want to do "right away." This does not mean you cannot do it. It's like anything else in the world. It requires practice. You don't start piano lessons on Thursday and play Carnegie Hall on Tuesday. You practice and practice and eventually you get there. You'll be surprised how quickly you will progress. We climb the last day of level 1 and I give you homework to help your strength improve faster so you can achieve your goals in a reasonable amount of time.
Q. ARE MEN ALLOWED IN CLASS?
A. Yes, but all men must follow the rules. The rules are:
Men, like the women, must be dressed appropriately - wear shorts and a tank top or tee shirt; no bits showing. Pole Fundamentals is done barefoot. Any men attending classes must be respectful of Nyla and all students. All students are expected to focus on the class material. We reserve the right to determine inappropriate behavior and dismiss any student from class.
Nyla does not fuck around with pronouns. She is an OG stripper, and a professional dancer currently still performing. She teaches sexy, sensual stripper pole, not "pole fitness" nor competition pole. She will teach you pole dance like no one else. Be prepared for colorful language and a whole lot of fun.