Update: The Bar Community Shop is now online! Check out the collection here.
I started something cool at The|Bar, the pole and dance studio in Bellingham, MA where I teach. It's called The Bar|Community Shop.
I take donations of new or lightly used pole and dancewear that's in good clean condition and use it to curate a shoppable collection at The|Bar Studio.
Items are affordably priced (around $5, $10, $15), making it easier for anyone to pick up something fun, functional, or a little outside their usual style.
And the best part: 100% of the proceeds will be donated quarterly to YAS Work.
Why This Matters
I volunteered to take on because I can. I'm at the studio five days a week, and students come to me with brand new pole outfits saying, "Do you know anyone who wants this?"
And I believe in using whatever I have—my time, energy, skills, or resources—to support nonprofits like YAS Work whose action and education I consider mission critical.
Their work aligns deeply with the roots of what we do. The|Bar Studio has always been grounded in respect for the culture and history of pole. Bee's Knees's mission is built in the studio, rooted in the club. Supporting organizations that advocate for and uplift marginalized communities isn’t separate from what we do; it’s part of it.
A Note on Choice
There are plenty of ways to pass along pieces you no longer wear. If you’d rather sell your items on platforms like Poshmark or Vinted, go for it. If you want to gift something directly to a friend, that’s always a beautiful option too.
But if you have a few pieces you’re ready to part with and you’d like them to do a little extra good, The Bar|Community Shop is here for that. If you have a few pieces you're willing to donate, you can feel good knowing that it's doing good as well.
What You’re Really Giving
Yes, you’re donating clothes, but you’re also helping someone feel confident walking into class and contributing to something bigger than all of us.
It’s a small act that ripples outward:
- A top you don’t wear anymore becomes someone else’s new favorite
- A few dollars over time turns into meaningful support for YAS Work
- A shared space becomes even more connected
If you’re interested in donating, just bring your items to The|Bar Studio in Bellingham, MA and I’ll take it from there. Not local? Email me here to make arrangements for your donation!
This is community in motion, and I’m really excited to see what we build together!