What makes a dream pole studio?

Below is a summary of responses I've collected over the years.

Students/Instructors: how many of these does your studio check?

For Students

Instruction

  1. Quality and safe instruction
  2. Lots of instructors to choose from. Every instructor adds something new!
  3. Safety: Full warmup and cooldown
  4. Trained instructors on spotting and safety

Space

  1. A room always available for open pole
  2. Floor sanitized between every class
  3. Crash mat for every pole
  4. 1 pole per student.
  5. Enough space between poles
  6. Water faucet/fountain/bottle
  7. Random snacks
  8. Inviting for pole and dance
  9. Mirrors with option to be covered.

Website

  1. Easy to use booking system
  2. Membership/class packs

Classes

  1. Multiple classes, multiple nights a week for each level
  2. Class diversity: tricks, flow, floorwork, heels, strength, stretch, dance.
  3. Private lessons offered
  4. Virtual classes
  5. Well-defined progression system
  6. Showcases
  7. Competition prep/feedback classes
  8. Morning/lunch/after work classes
  9. Photoshoots

Community

  1. Respects sex work as origin of pole dancing
  2. Sense of community
  3. Focus on self-love
  4. Free pole jam monthly
  5. Strong policy about body positive, inclusive, and welcoming

For Instructors

  1. Predictable and encouraging pay. See 2018's post How I pay Pole Dance Instructors. TL;DR; $40 to start, $50 after a year, $60 after 3 years. Bonus for 6 students +$10, for full class +$20. $20 per yelp/google review mentioning instructor name. That means an instructor in 2018 with 3 years of experience in San Francisco could make $80/full class. For privates, instructors would earn $50 if the studio organizes it, or pay the studio $20 for the private room and organize with the client whatever price they set.

  2. Instructor perks – if teaching 3 classes/week – unlimited membership. Otherwise, 50% off.

  3. Instructors are classified as employees

  4. All instructors are covered under the studio's general liability insurance policy.

Did I miss something? Add a comment.

References: A Year in Review What should your dream pole studio be like? Inspiration for opening a pole studio! Space only pole studio How I Pay Pole Dance Instructors Word of mouth.