Pole
​Pole dance is a form of performing art which combines dance and acrobatics centered on a vertical pole. This art form has recently gained popularity as a form of fitness and mainstream entertainment, practised by many enthusiasts in gyms and in dedicated dance studios. A wide range of amateur and professional competitions are held in many countries around the world.
Pole dance is a form of dance that can be used as both an aerobic and anaerobic workout that builds strength, flexibility and endurance. Exercising with the pole increases core and general body strength while toning the body as a whole. A typical pole class begins with a full body warm up and dance-based moves, then gradually works its way up to the spins, climbs and inversions.
Although pole dancing is fun, it is still a serious athletic endeavor that should not be taken lightly. In addition to the bruises, pole dancers can experience injuries or pain if using improper technique or incorrect training methods. Some people don't learn from certified instructors and instead try to figure it out with an uninspected home pole and a YouTube instructional, which is a recipe for disaster. This caution isn’t meant to scare away hopefuls, but rather to encourage everyone to experience progressive training with knowledgeable teachers.
​
Students attending pole workshops should wear a short-sleeved or sleeveless top and shorts that expose the first few inches above the knee. Students may dance in bare feet or heels with an ankle strap. Please remove all metal hand jewelry prior to handling the pole.
_edited.jpg)
Aerial
Aerial dance is a unique fitness exercise and an artistic form of self-expression. It is an exciting new genre for the dancer who wishes to expand their range. Aerial dance incorporates the use of hanging equipment, also called aerial apparatuses. Aerial silks (tissu, ribbon), aerial hoop (lyra, cerceau), and aerial hammock (sling) are a few of the more popular apparatuses. It is a rewarding art form that builds a high degree of strength, power, flexibility, courage, and grace.
Aerial dance shares a fundamental movement vocabulary with circus arts, where high-flying acrobatic feats are used to amaze audiences. Cirque du Soleil popularized the concept of aerial arts as a dance form and theatrical expression rather than a purely gymnastic movement art. It has continued to evolve and is receiving national recognition as a fitness program. It is an exciting time for this new aerial style, because it is gaining popularity yet it continues to explode with new developments. Aerial dance training used to be limited to Olympic level gymnasts and circus performers, but now it is being offered to the public as a dance and fitness program.
​
​
Aerial students should wear long sleeves and full or capri length pants to prevent fabric burn and excess bruising. All body jewelry must be removed for aerial dance, including hand jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Proper attire without zippers, velcro, or grommets will be required in order to handle the studio's fabric.