Beginner’s Guide

L1 Classes

Never touched a pole in your life? This is the class for you! Our L1 class is our drop-in intro to pole class and is perfect for anyone wanting to begin their pole journey. The class will focus on foundational technique, spins, and help you build strength, all while having fun in a welcoming and supportive environment. What are you waiting for? Sign up for class!

L1 Classes run on Thursdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 10:30am

Pole Essentials 6-Week Series

For those looking for a more consistent and structured experience, our Pole Essentials 6-Week Series is the perfect option. This series offers the same foundational techniques as our L1 class, but will dive deeper into topics such as floorwork, accents, and freestyle. By the end of the six weeks, you'll have developed your technique and flow to confidently perform a full dance combo.

We run the series once a quarter. Follow us on IG or subscribe to our newsletter to be keep up to date on series dates!

Avoid Lotion or Oils: On the day of your class, please refrain from using lotion or oils on your hands. These products can make the pole slippery, which may affect your grip and make it difficult to perform moves safely.

Remove Jewelry: For your safety and to protect both your skin and the pole, please remove all jewelry—especially rings and bracelets—before class. Jewelry can cause blisters or cuts on your skin, and it can also damage the pole.

Wear something that’s comfortable and allows you to move freely—think what you'd wear to the gym, yoga, Pilates, or a dance class. For tops, options like tank tops, sports bras, t-shirts, or leotards work well. For bottoms, choose leggings, bike shorts, or joggers. The key is that you feel comfortable and your clothing doesn't restrict your movement.

As you progress with climbs and sits, it's important to wear shorts to ensure your skin can make contact with the pole. Many dancers start class in leggings or joggers and then remove that layer after the warm-up to be in shorts for the pole portion of class.

If you have sensitive knees, consider bringing knee pads. Pole dance often includes floor work, and some dancers prefer to have them on hand for added comfort and protection.

To make the most of your pole class, here’s a list of what you might want to bring with you:

• Water Bottle – Stay hydrated! While we have a water fountain on-site, we recommend bringing your own bottle to easily refill during class.

• Pole Grip –  Pole grips are designed to help dancers with sweaty or slippery hands, offering better traction and control. While some dancers prefer to dance without them, the studio provides Dry Hands and Corn Huskers Lotion, which are available for use during class. We understand that everyone’s needs are different, and you can bring your own preferred pole grips. If you're new to pole, feel free to try out the grips we have on hand to see what works best for you!  

• Knee Pads (Optional) – If you have sensitive knees or plan on participating in floor work, knee pads can be a helpful addition to your gear.

When you arrive at Elevar, walk to the the back of the gym, where you’ll see a door open to the studio. You’ll notice a row of cubbies along the back wall. Please use these to store your belongings, such as bags, shoes, and jackets. Keeping the floor clear helps maintain a safe and clutter-free space for everyone.

Warm-Up and Conditioning

Elevar provides yoga mats, yoga blocks, and resistance bands for use during the warm-up portion of class. Once you’ve stored your belongings, feel free to grab a mat. Many dancers like to arrive a few minutes early to stretch and get mentally prepared before class officially begins.

Your class will begin with warm-up and conditioning exercises to help build strength and flexibility. If you’re new to conditioning or feel the need to take a break, that’s totally okay! Pole dancing requires muscle strength, and we don’t want you to overexert yourself early in the class. Focus on joining in as much as you can, and with time, the conditioning exercises will become easier.

Short Water Break

After the warm-up, we’ll take a brief water break. This is a great time to hydrate, remove sweaters and outer layers as needed, and apply any pole grip products you’d like to use. Feel free to take a moment to rest before diving into the pole portion of class.

Pole Portion

Next, we’ll move into the pole portion of class, where you'll start learning new moves and a beginner-friendly dance combination. The instructor will break down each move step by step, offering guidance and corrections as needed. They will also walk around the room to ensure everyone is practicing correctly. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or take breaks as needed—pole dancing is all about building strength and confidence at your own pace. And remember, it’s important to practice moves on both sides of your body to develop balance and coordination!

Cool Down

At the end of the class, we’ll spend 5-10 minutes cooling down with light stretching. This helps your muscles relax after the workout and ensures we end the class on a collective note. It’s a great time to reflect on what you’ve learned and celebrate the progress you’ve made!

To ensure a positive and safe experience for yourself and others, please follow these general etiquette guidelines during class:

• Arrive on Time (or a Few Minutes Early): It's important to complete a proper warm-up before starting pole work. Arriving a few minutes early allows you to stretch and prepare your body for the class ahead. If you are new to the studio, this also gives you time to familiarize yourself with the space and place items in cubbies before the start of class.

• Respect Privacy: If you're recording videos or taking photos, be mindful of others. Never post pictures or videos that feature other students without their permission. If someone appears in the background of your video, ask them beforehand if they're comfortable being included in your post.

• Communicate Any Injuries or Concerns: If you have any injuries or sore muscles, please inform the instructor before or at the start of class. Many pole moves can be modified to accommodate injuries, and letting the instructor know helps them provide safer alternatives so you can still enjoy the class without risk of further strain.

• Train Both Sides of the Pole: While you may have a preferred side (often called your "good side"), it’s important to train both sides to develop balanced strength and flexibility. Some moves may feel easier on your non-dominant side, so take the time to practice on both!

• Be Mindful of Personal Space: Pole classes often involve close proximity to others, so be aware of your personal space and respect your classmates' space. Always check your surroundings before performing spins or floorwork.

• Listen to the Instructor: Our instructors are here to help you succeed. Follow their guidance, ask questions if you need clarification, and trust that they have your best interests in mind as you learn new moves.

• Be Supportive: Pole dancing is a community, and everyone is on their own journey. Cheer on your fellow students, offer encouragement, and celebrate each other’s progress!

• Do not teach: We know it can be tempting to help your fellow students with a move but please refrain from giving advice. We don’t want students getting injured or trying moves they are not ready for.