The Importance of Technique: Building a Strong Foundation in Pole
With over 20 years’ experience in the pole industry, we believe pole dancing is more than just learning cool tricks or inversions—it’s about growing stronger, safer, and more confident, one step at a time. For some students, especially those coming from other studios or hearing cautionary tales about injuries, the difference in our approach couldn’t be clearer. We’ve built our entire reputation on technique, and it’s what keeps our community thriving.
PA students: Loving the Technique-Focused Approach: Evelyn's Story
One of our students, Evelyn, summed it up perfectly in her Google review: she tried multiple trial classes elsewhere before finally choosing Pole Athletica—why? Because she quickly discovered how much we break down each skill to ensure you’re safe, supported, and truly learning the moves. In her own words, “They break down each technique so you do everything correctly (this is especially good if you want to avoid injury or if you want to look good doing pole), rather than showing and just rushing expecting you to do it.” Evelyn loved that we take the time to answer every question, uphold a super-clean environment, and teach proper fundamentals rather than just rushing you through "tricks."
After two terms with us, she updated her review to share how pole is boosting her self-esteem and helping her reconnect with her body in ways she never thought possible. Evelyn speaks about seeing real, tangible progress—physically and emotionally—and how this experience even supports deeper self-love and healing. She also points out how our instructors go the extra mile to make students feel safe and comfortable every step of the way. For Evelyn, discovering that she could achieve moves she once thought impossible has been a huge confidence booster.
The Dangers of Rushing (and Why Technique Matters)
We’ve heard stories—from our student’s previous experiences, word of mouth and online reviews—about polers who’ve experienced injuries after jumping straight into advanced skills without proper warm-ups or progressions. Straining a muscle or tearing a tendon isn’t just painful; it can set you back in your overall pole journey for months—sometimes years—and take a serious hit on your confidence, too.
That’s why we believe technique should never be optional. Proper alignment, correct grip, and controlled movement form the bedrock of every class at Pole Athletica. By teaching you how to engage the right muscles, we’re setting you up for long-term success while reducing injury risk and boosting your sense of security in each new skill you learn. It also means you’ll have the strength and know-how to nail a move consistently—once, twice, even three times—because you aren’t just hoping for the best; you’re relying on solid technique, conditioning and muscle memory.
It’s Not a Race; It’s a Journey
One of our guiding philosophies is that pole dancing, like any meaningful endeavour, is a personal journey. We all come into the studio with different backgrounds—some might have previous fitness, dance, or gymnastics experience, while others are starting from scratch. That’s why comparing your progress to someone else’s (or feeling pressured to rush) doesn’t do anyone any favours.
With our PoleFit program spanning Levels 1 through 8, each student can advance at their own pace, mastering a set of core skills before moving on to the next challenge. These core skills provide clear guidelines on what needs to be achieved—on both sides! —to feel fully prepared for more difficult moves. There’s also no pressure to zip through each level; many of our students enjoy repeating levels until they feel they’ve truly nailed everything. If you’re ever unsure about your progress or whether you’re ready to move up, our instructors are there to guide you, and our admin team (who are also instructors) is always checking in to make sure you’re on track.
To help you build the necessary core and upper-body strength gradually, we also complement our PoleFit program with specialized strength and conditioning classes. By the time you’re ready for that advanced invert, you’ll have both the confidence and the muscles to pull it off safely.
How to Spot a Technique-First Studio
If you’re currently searching for a pole studio (or have friends who are), here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
1. Check the Website: Does the studio explain its programs or skill progressions up front? For instance, we list our core skills for each PoleFit level on our website, so students know exactly what’s expected before moving up.
2. Ask About Progressions: Do they have a clear pathway from beginner to advanced? We offer eight PoleFit levels, whereas another studio might have only four. Make sure you’ll have the time and space to master the basics.
3. Visit and Try a Class: A hands-on experience can reveal whether instructors prioritize warm-ups, proper alignment, and detailed instruction. You’ll also get a feel for the overall vibe.
4. Read Reviews: If you see consistent praise for a studio’s focus on safety and technique, that’s a strong indicator they know how to guide students responsibly.
5. Trust Your Gut: If you feel rushed or uncertain during a trial class—or the teaching style just doesn’t sit right—listen to that instinct. Learning pole should be fun and empowering, not a gamble with your safety.
Our PoleFit Program: A Safer, Stronger Way to Learn
At Pole Athletica, every class—from Level 1 to Level 8—builds upon the last. We won’t encourage you to go upside down until you have the necessary core stability and form. That might mean practicing inverts later than in some other studios, but we’re okay with that—because it means you can progress with confidence and look amazing while doing it.
Another bonus of focusing on technique is the aesthetic result: we want you to achieve each skill and make it look beautiful. Our students are often told they look as though they’ve had classical dance training, thanks to the clean lines and elegant extensions they develop. And if you’re looking to supplement your pole training, our strength and conditioning classes boost endurance, upper-body power, and overall fitness—so you keep growing in a way that’s challenging, sustainable, and visually stunning.
Our Expert Instructors
Another key difference at Pole Athletica lies in our highly trained, carefully chosen teaching team. While many pole instructors get certified over a weekend, our new PoleFit Instructor recruits undergo an initial 12-week induction training—and that’s after they’ve spent at least a year mastering our PoleFit program as students themselves. Plus, our programs are always evolving, so we regularly hold in-house training sessions to keep our instructors up to date. Many come from strong backgrounds in ballet, contemporary dance, figure skating, Pilates, or yoga, giving them a deep understanding of body mechanics and alignment. We hand-pick each instructor not just for their skill on the pole, but also for the welcoming, encouraging energy they bring to every class—ensuring your pole journey is both fun and educational from day one.
Ready to Learn More?
Curious about what Pole Athletica’s technique-first approach can do for you? Read more about our PoleFit programs and discover how building a strong foundation now pays off in the long run. We’re here to help you unlock your potential—safely, confidently, and at your own pace.
At Pole Athletica, learning the fundamentals in a safe and progressive manner whilst having fun is our promise to every student who steps through the door!