Opening studio. What do you think???

RoxyPink started this discussion · 4/21/2009

Okay...so my husband and I have been talking about possibly opening up a studio with in the next year. There are no "hardcore" pole studios near by...meaning no advanced stuff it taught. Here are some questions I have for those that do and don't attend studios...I guess that is all of us! hehe! 😀 1. Would you prefer a different set of classes for "sexy" and "fitness" type pole? 2. Do you like the idea of it only being pole classes. (ie. no zumba, no pilates...just stricktly pole)? 3. Does there need to be the "traveling pole dance parties", or b-day parties...those kind of things?? I am completely addicted to this sport and I am very serious about it and my practices. I have a hard time watching some one do something that I know could get them hurt....plus a lot of times it just looks sloppy. I love to teach and I just want to spread the "word"! 😀 What would/do you look for in a studio?? Thanks! Roxy

28 replies

adamseve · 4/21/2009
Roxy, I think it is absolutely wonderful that you and your hubby are thinking about opening a studio. For me, I would prefer to go to a studio that focuses on pole dancing, but also includes some of the exercises required to get a person up-to-snuff to be able to do advanced spins & inverts. Second, I would like for the studio to connect with an outside company to provide cardio, weight training, etc. so that I can feel confident in the ability and instruction level of the providers. Thir,d I think it would be nice to offer the parties, etc. However, it wouldn't make or break my decision to choose the studio. Fourth, I would like to see a studio work with people based on their ability level so that one can get one-on-one assistance to get them from Point A to Point B. My biggest concern is cost. It's very expensive to take pole dance classes when you would only spend a few hundred dollars a year for a gym membership. I understand the one-on-one training, but at the same time offering vary levels of plans to accommodate a variety of budgets. Hope this helps! Good luck to you...I know you'll be a wonderful instructor and business owner. 🥂
Natalie · 4/21/2009
We have a similar problem around here - my state only has two studios that offer pole classes, and the one nearer to me (by near I mean an hour away!) only really teaches basic spins and the beginnings of climbing. I say the more pole studios in the world the better 😀 As for your class questions, some people I talked to were thinking of one around here that would have Pole Fitness (just workout, in sneakers, all workout aspect) and then Pole Performance classes (the sexier element, dancing, high heels, costumes optional, all that). They also wanted the studio to include separate floor work/burlesque sort of classes, chair dancing or something like that, and a belly dance class; so non-pole classes, but really everything kind of "relevant" to the idea of fun and feminine workouts, as it were 🙂 The idea of traveling pole parties, birthday parties, etc. was never really brought up. Just ideas that we batted around. I think having classes of some kind to supplement the pole classes are a good idea. Having other classes will be a good source of income; also its good to offer something for those not brave enough for the pole yet that just maybe want to take your other classes to get stronger (or work up the courage) first!
adamseve · 4/21/2009
I second Natalie on having other classes that complement pole dancing so that one is learning the full spectrum of pole dancing. For me, I'd like to see the instructors demonstrate several exercises to help students reach a certain level based on their abilities. For example, a beginner has no idea how much upper body strength is required. It would make it so much easier for the student to progress if they're taught certain exercises that can be done on the pole to help get build their strength other than just practicing spins, etc. Also, it would also help to share certain exercises that are detrimental to continued progress, i.e., lunges, squats, crunches, flexibility stretches, etc. I think what happens in most studios is that the instructor focuses on the pole tricks, etc. to the detriment of the student. Just my opinion from the classes that I've taken.
PoleSkivvies · 4/22/2009
Hi Roxy - I think it's a great idea! Wa-hoo! Personally, I think it can be great to offer a mix of classes, but that wouldn't make or break my decision to go there. As an owner, though, you might find women wanting to attend more than one kind of class, so you'll get a stronger relationship with each student. Better for business. 🙂 I suspect the market for the parties is different than for the classes. I'm sure there's overlap, but a person arranging a fun bachelorette party is different from a person signing up for a full session. So I would let your personal preference be the guide. If you think they'd be fun to do, do them. If not, I don't think they'd be necessary. Can't wait to hear how it goes! Jennifer
monz1984 · 4/22/2009
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RoxyPink · 4/22/2009
Thanks everyone on your ideas. They are pretty much in line with what I've been thinking about doing. I like the idea of offering both sensual pole and fitness pole along with chair and burlesque. I'm not a fan of doing traveling parties..but studio parties could be a possibility. A pole strength training class is a definite. Safety is a huge concern so I've been researching certification/licensing courses that cover this. I appreciate everyones input! Thanks! 😀
Rouge_LAmour · 4/22/2009
As a studio owner... we offer pole, bollywood and latin based dance fitness as core classes. We do pole parties as required. We teach the basic spins, then coach the students into the more advanced stuff as they are able to do it. I have a fantastic tutor I often use to double check on student ability, she's usually right! So yes, we teach everything from a basic fireman through to death lays etc. We brought in dance fitness for girls who wanted dance steps, but it's also a bonus as this encourages students who don't want to pole. Ditto for Bollywood, which rocks!! One on One is great for learning, but can be prohibitive as it only allows one student. I suggest looking at all the costs of setting up a studio before you leap in headfirst. The more the better is good, but you do need to know exactly what costs you will incur. We have 10 - 11 poles at the studio. This means we can have up to 20+ for parties, it also means our girls have a pole for a decent length of time. Total cost of our poles was (approx) $1600 for steel and $3500 for titanium. Mirrors on top of that, plus sound system, client management system, rent, telecommunications, EFTPOS / merchant fees, student training material etc.... I'm not trying to put you off, but hoping to give you a realistic idea of what it costs to set up a studio. If the math works out for you, then go ahead and do it!!
PoleSkivvies · 4/22/2009
Bollywood classes??!! OMG - I wish they had those where I live!
Charley · 4/22/2009
As a business owner here is my 2 cents. I'd love to have a pole studio but at the moment it is more beneficial financially for me to to rent space from dance, fitness and yoga studios because I have an immediate market. I do not have to go out and get clients I walk into them. With this experience I plan to rely heavily on building a good reputation as an instructor and a performer this way when I do open my own studio - withhin the next 3 years I'll have people already interested. There are slow periods for pole. I've notice winter is a little slow, things pick up around March. So even when it's slow you have to pay the lease on the studio where as right now I just cancel classes and resume when I have more enrollment - at no cost to myself and the studios can put another class in that spot. After figuring out where to teach you have to buy poles. If you are in the US I strongly suggest using PS poles to teach on because they are the industry standard diameter and most clubs use stainless steel or brass. Stainless steel is heavy duty and doesn't flake like chrome can so you have a longer life span on your poles. I suggest removeable Super Poles because if you are teaching at a venue not owned by you - you can easily take the poles down and store them - I used to store mine all in one piece in a back room - set up was 10 minutes. You have to then come up with a syllabus. I teach not based on fitness or dance but both. WE learn everything on both sides of our body - we learn movement and we also learn to move with what feel right to our bodies. I have several fitness polers, sensual polers and polerina's. I teach the moves and the movement - it's up to them to decide how they want to dance. Moves are grouped by execution so all moves that similar in execution are taught together. For example I teach fireman then attitude - both start with your outside ankle hooked on the pole the difference is one require you to bring your back leg behind the pole - the other requires you to throw your back leg behind you. Since entry is similar these moves are taught together. After you've got the venue, poles and syllabus you need to advertise and get the word out. This is why I really like renting space I walk into ready made clients, Usually studio clients are my first class after that I rely on word of mouth and other forms of viral marketing. Pole Parties. At least starting out you should be willing to have pole will travel. It's a convenience for potential clients and you make a lot of money, I charge a hefty sum for parties and have been so far lucky that many of the parties I've done have gained me students. People like that you are willing to cater to them. I really enjoy home parties and make a lot more money off parties then classes. Advanced Pole Tricks. Not really as important as I would have thought. I think students like that you can do them and for me being able to perform at a certain level of ability has gotten me into venues to teach classes but the simple fact is most students won;t hang on. I have my hardcore junkies that take classes through Thanksgiving and Christmas but overall most students just want something fun to do and a good work out. I've been at this for a year and a half and have yet to have anyone get past an intermediate phase. Most people who want advanced work will pay for private lessons. I put my more advanced students in a mixed level class because there is so little business for it. It takes a long time to get to a level where your moves are polished and you are ready to begin polishing inverted poses. Although I teach everything from a pirouette to a handspring, deathlay, yogini, death drop, etc. I don't get a lot of calls for that type of thing. In general students who do not own poles but come to weekly classes will stay in the beginner phase for months and intermediate even longer. It's not uncommon to have students who don't want to buy a pole and don't practice during the week. So...advanced is cool and you have a leg up on the competition if you can offer it but here I've noticed I don't teach a lot of it. Most of that stuff is taught one to one. The most challenging thing with teaching is fighting youtube. A lot of students will watch video clips and think you can go directly from an x ankle to gemini without moving, lol! A lot of students will also see that so an so has only been pole dancing a few months and can do a handspring - so you really have to make them understand that you aren't holding them back to be mean or take their money but youare teaching them the proper way to train your body for pole which means polishing moves, building on what you know and preparing your body to be able to safely and effectively learn and practice the next set of moves. My pet peeve is trickster and not dancers - I am training people to do difficult and dangerous things with their body that weighs heavily on me as an instructor and I believe that there are things that must be accomplsihed before doing a deathlay. If they cannot climb the pole why would I teach them to invert? Which position is safer? So this has been my experience. I love teaching and I love my students. I have a high retention rate which is awesome. I get a lot of hard core polers that will cut their grocery bill to be able to come to class. Many of them are very dedicated and beautiful dancers. On the other hand I do get people who try it and hate it. This is a difficult thing we are teaching. There are slow peroids and busy periods. It's totally worth it. Just consider your options and availability and give your business time to grow. Come up with a 5 year model instead of a 1 year model. Don't bank on pole as a sole source of income right away. It's slow to grow but it does grow. I am busier than I was last year, have a second venue and still get emails from former students begging for classes to resume. If you have any questions or want to chat feel free to PM me anytime. I have chosen to pay rent vs have a studio right now because of the economy and I like not having to pay bills when no one is in the building. 🙂 Goodluck! I think you'd be a great instructor.
RoxyPink · 4/22/2009
Thank you so much Rouge and Charley! I will definitly be pming you in time! We are currently working on a 5 yr model and you both have mentioned things that we have already discussed (financial, equipment etc). We are both very business oriented people and this is something that we are seriously discussing. We even met with our attorney last week (for a different matter) and briefly discussed the legal issues with him. I have met numerous people (at work, on the street...) who have already asked me about doing lessons. There are even some girls at the studio that I go to that have asked about private lessons. I just feel wierd about doing them at someone elses studio. I am going to talk with my insurance and attorney to see what ramifications there may be for doing some in my home studio (my garage..hehehe:)). You ladies are a wealth of knowledge and I am busting at the seams with questions and ideas. Once I get further along with our bp I will be asking away! Thanks so much ladies! 🥂 🥂
yogabeachbabe · 4/22/2009
Yes, those were really amazing and thought-provoking replies you got! I work in a very specialised, not very well know field, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis (heard of it? probably not...although it's such a shame because it relates so nicely to pole dancing) and right now, the newer studios that are staying alive include other disciplines such as Pilates, Yoga, etc. The studio that I take pole classes at is well known, but I notice that the Booty Camp seems to be bursting with students during the daytime. They used to have Yoga, but it kind of disappeared. There is 1 teacher who teaches many disciplines (pole, Yoga, Pilates, PiYo, Booty Camp) and I think it helps a lot to keep the cost of hiring other teachers down. In other words, market your abilities and certifications if possible in this unstable economy. As for pole parties, I think you can make lots of money off of them. But if you have them at your studio, you'd have to cancel your regularly scheduled classes (assuming that you'd have only 1 room). If you bring your party to their venue (be it someone's house or a hotel), then you could still have a class going on while you (or someone else) does the party. One plus for a traveling party business is that since you are not the host, you wouldn't be responsible for a party-er drinking and driving (although you'd have to review the laws) from your studio nor would you have to clean up afterwards. Whatever you decide to do, I agree with the girls and say that you'd make a great teacher!
Charley · 4/22/2009
Have you thought about talking with the studio that you take lessons at about being an instructor there? Maybe even an advanced instructor?
pole-twista · 4/27/2009
oh it is a huuuuuuge dream of mine to open a studio here. there is nothing in this area and i could help my family finacially while doing what i love. i just personally dont even know where to begin as far as covering myself with liability its the one thing that has stopped me from doing in home lessons. i cant wait to hear more on this thread. if i come arcross anything useful i will share 😀
RoxyPink · 4/28/2009
Charley...I actually have been self taught for the most part. The studio that I go to was mainly for the "open pole" sessions so I could mess around on her 14ft poles. After a couple weeks of me going up there, the owner asked me to come teach for her. I teach my first class this coming sunday. I will be teaching a couple of intermediate and advanced classes!! I am so excited. I get my keys to the studio and my "instructor" shirts tomorrow!! YAY!! 🥂 I think this will be a great opportunity to watch how she runs her business and to "perfect" my teaching style along with seeing the ins and outs of owning a studio.
lily · 4/28/2009
Roxy that's so fantastic! A very similar situation is working out for me.....the dancer I took private lessons with just got a new larger studio and asked me to teach a beginner class, I'm so excited about it! I loved the idea of opening a studio too, but at this point I'm so happy to be a part of someone else's business on a small level. I really like the direction she's taking her studio in too - she's got a spinning hoop and will be getting silk ropes 🥂 I love the cirque du soleil style workout! She also does private parties and lots of bachelorette's - she says they have been her bread & butter while getting started.
lily · 4/28/2009
Charley...I actually have been self taught for the most part. I teach my first class this coming sunday. I will be teaching a couple of intermediate and advanced classes!! I am so excited. I get my keys to the studio and my "instructor" shirts tomorrow!! YAY!! 🥂 I consider myself self-taught too, mostly from video and web (here of course!). Best of luck for Sunday! What's your plan for your classes? I'm currently figuring that out....I've been busy choosing music, working on warm-up and cool-down routines, choosing tricks and transition moves and trying to put together a beginner's routine. I wish I had experience leading group exercise and in dance choreography.....I really want to teach this like an aerobics class! Her grand opening is scheduled for like 2 weeks from now.... 🤸 I'm so stoked!!! 😛
Veena · 4/28/2009
I strongly recommend becoming ACE certified in either personal training or group fitness. Both would be best if you plan on leading a group. ACE is one of the leaders in the health and fitness industry for certifications. ALL gyms recognize them and respect those who are certified through them. They also have a pole dance certification now too. I believe the pole dance cert. is only for someone who is already an ACE professional. If any of you are going to choose to go with a pole certification only.....be careful, look at THEIR qualification, at this point there is nothing stopping any pole studio or anyone, from creating their own Certification so, that means any joe 🤓 can certify you and charge you a hefty fee for it. If your going to pay a large amount of money for a certification, I would go with a respected one like ACE. If you chose a fitness based program instead of just a quicky certification, you will learn muscle groups, body mechanics, stretching, cardiovascular basics, and how to create a safe effective program and way more!! Once you have this knowledge you can easily apply it to pole dance and any other form of exercise out there. Invest your money wisely. 🤓 📚 From what I have seen with pole certifications, unless you have a background in fitness you need more than just that. Its just my opinion though. 🌈
Veena · 4/28/2009
I should add... Roxy, from what I know of you, you would make a great pole instructor!! 🥂
lily · 4/28/2009
I strongly recommend becoming ACE certified in either personal training or group fitness. Both would be best if you plan on leading a group. ACE is one of the leaders in the health and fitness industry for certifications. ALL gyms recognize them and respect those who are certified through them. They also have a pole dance certification now too. I believe the pole dance cert. is only for someone who is already an ACE professional. If any of you are going to choose to go with a pole certification only.....be careful, look at THEIR qualification, at this point there is nothing stopping any pole studio or anyone, from creating their own Certification so, that means any joe 🤓 can certify you and charge you a hefty fee for it. If your going to pay a large amount of money for a certification, I would go with a respected one like ACE. If you chose a fitness based program instead of just a quicky certification, you will learn muscle groups, body mechanics, stretching, cardiovascular basics, and how to create a safe effective program and way more!! Once you have this knowledge you can easily apply it to pole dance and any other form of exercise out there. Invest your money wisely. 🤓 📚 From what I have seen with pole certifications, unless you have a background in fitness you need more than just that. Its just my opinion though. 🌈 Thank you SO much for this information Veena! 🌸 It's exactly what I was looking for when I started my 'Instructor Certification' thread a while ago...https://www.studioveena.com/forum.php I had been really surprised you didn't reply there as I assumed you'd have some good info! Is this the training you've gone through? As you mentioned, I had found a few independent studios offering instructor certification programs for a ton of money, and I've been really curious about how accredited they are. The woman who owns the studio I'll be teaching at has only requested I get my first aid & cpr training, which I did yesterday. I'm excited to take some ACE courses though, thanks again! 🌸
Veena · 4/28/2009
Yes Lily...I'm sorry I missed your first post. Sometimes I read them and intend to write but forget. 😳 I have been ACE certified for 8 years, its not an easy coarse by any means, but you will learn sooooo much, the test for the PT was tough. You will also be required to do continuing education, every 2 years to ensure your keeping up with things in order for them to re certify you. The pole dance Certification falls under the continuing ed. program.You will also have to maintain current CPR, but any gym or studio will require the same, well at least they should! 🌸
lily · 4/28/2009
🙂 no worries - I honestly don't know how you are as active here as you are doing everything you do! Thank you again for the info, I appreciate it and hope this all goes somewhere!
lily · 4/28/2009
Yes Lily...I'm sorry I missed your first post. Sometimes I read them and intend to write but forget. 😳 I have been ACE certified for 8 years, its not an easy coarse by any means, but you will learn sooooo much, the test for the PT was tough. You will also be required to do continuing education, every 2 years to ensure your keeping up with things in order for them to re certify you. The pole dance Certification falls under the continuing ed. program.You will also have to maintain current CPR, but any gym or studio will require the same, well at least they should! 🌸 Okay, another question for you! Did you do self-study and take an online test for your ACE certification? I'm not finding in-person classes from them near me.......are you familiar with AFAA? http://www.afaa.com I am finding some group in-person aerobic certification and choreography classes through them in my state - do think these would be as beneficial?
AFAAGet AFAA Certified! Group Fitness, Nutrition & Personal TrainingSince 1983, AFAA has issued 350,000+ certification in 73 countries, providing trainers with Group Fitness Certifications and trusted fitness education
Veena · 4/28/2009
I am finding some group in-person aerobic certification and choreography classes through them in my state - do think these would be as beneficial? AFAA is good to, in person is always the best, for me it wasn't an option because I was living in ND at the time....land of nothing............
yogabeachbabe · 4/29/2009
One studio that my teacher recommended was Pole Position: http://www.polepositionfitness.com It seems that they are very into afaa and ace guidelines. It's in Long Beach, CA, so it might not be feasible for you. The following was cut and pasted from Diva Den Studio website (Portland, Oregon): What about credentials and experience? Does you being a dancer for X amount of years make you an expert? Short answer, no. Long answer, I’ve corrected many issues with dancers that have been dancing longer than I have. You need to make sure that not only can your instructor dance, but also that they have taken classes on how your body and muscles work, a personal and/or group training certificate is good, but pole dance certification that is approved by AFAA or ACE is even better and the two combined is fabulous! AFAA & ACE are the 2 leading fitness certification associations in the country. Also, do they stay up to date with the latest health and fitness news. Are they continually honing their craft by training with other qualified instructors? Anyone can say “I developed a Pole Dance Certification Class”, even if they’ve never touched a pole, because it’s not regulated, but if the certification class has taken the time to get the approval and CEC’s through associations such as AFAA or ACE, then you will be doing yourself a huge favor by dealing with instructors that were trained properly. Just a note: I am not affiliated with either studio in any way, shape or form. I was doing a bit of research and found these items.
polepositionfitness.comComing Soon
lily · 4/29/2009
Thank you so much YogaBeachBabe! 🌸

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