Vacationing as a pole dancer almost always means sneaking in a class at a local pole studio. And why not? It’s a great chance to explore a new studio, meet new polers, and learn new things!
When my husband and I took a trip to hike some of Utah’s amazing national parks, I made sure to also experience Onyx Pole and Aerial in Sandy. Visiting Nashville meant a class at The Chrome Bar with my forever pole idol Aletha Austin (TCB 1.0, so we’re talking a long time ago), and a trip to Las Vegas meant a private at Shine with none other than Jamilla Deville herself. Whenever I visit my folks down in Bonita Springs, I pop in to Pole and Aerial Fitness of Southwest Florida, and of course, every gals getaway down the cape means a pit stop at Cape Cod Pole Fitness to see my new friends there.
Here are my top tips to make visiting a new pole studio while on vacation a memorable part of your trip.
Do your research.
Not all studios cater to drop in students. Some have membership only options, and your best bet for visiting might be to book a private, which requires advance notice. If the studio does allow drop ins, you might be limited in terms of what classes you can take. Some studios might have no restrictions at all! But it’s best to look at the studio’s passes and options ahead of time.
Contact the studio in advance.
Let the studio know that you'll be visiting! Let them know who you are, where you’re from, and how excited you are to visit. Add that you’ve read their policies and ask if there’s anything else you should know prior to taking a class. As small business owners who work hard on their websites, socials, policies, and schedules, they’ll appreciate your taking the time to read and make a connection.
Arrive early.
There might be paperwork or waivers for you to complete, but extra time also affords you some wiggle room for things like finding parking, getting lost, surprise traffic and detours, or anything likely to come up when you are navigating an unfamiliar area. You don’t want to arrive anxious and late to class like I did when visiting Fly Together Fitness because I was circling and looking for parking!
Ask questions.
Not sure where the towels and alcohol spray are? Is it okay to record video during class? Need a spot doing a trick? Ask! I’ve visited over twenty studios, and each time, I’ve found that instructors and students alike are happy to help the new kid in class.
Go with the flow.
Visiting a new pole studio is kind of like being a guest in someone’s home. Maybe your studio at home has a vigorous warm up, and the studio you are visiting is more of a “warm yourself up” kind of place. Maybe you’re used to having your own pole, but you find out during your vacation pole visit that pole sharing is the norm. As long as you’re safe, do your best and roll with it. After all, it’s just a visit. When in Rome, yanno?
Commemorate the visit.
Take a picture or a video, as long as it’s allowe!. Buy a tank top or a sticker if you can! Make it an entry in your Ultimate Pole Goal Notebook! Do something to preserve the memory of the visit. You’ll be glad you did.
Have fun!
You don’t have to come home from vacation with a new trick in hand. Just have a good time and enjoy yourself. You’re on vacation!
Sometimes even the best laid plans go awry. I arrived 45 minutes early for my class at Onyx, only still to walk in late because I was waiting in the wrong spot! Still, I’ve never regretted visiting a new studio while on vacation because I always experience something new. Pack your Pole Bag with everything you need for the weekend and say hello to the local pole studio wherever you're going!