Interested in becoming a pole dance instructor? This guide will walk you through the steps to becoming a certified and successful instructor in the world of pole dancing.
Congratulations on aspiring to become a Pole Dance Instructor!
As a Pole Dance Instructor, you have the incredible privilege of being able to meet hundreds of people and build great relationships while teaching an art that is both fun and therapeutic.
It’s not only a profession that can bring you joy, but it also offers the chance for others to learn something new and challenge themselves in ways they’ve never imagined before.
Being part of such a fantastic industry is worth celebrating, so congratulations again on making this decision!
Becoming a pole dancing instructor can be an exciting, rewarding career, with many benefits and perks like flexible working hours and the chance to create strong personal relationships with your clients.
You get to explore your creativity and help others discover their own. It also allows you to work independently in an industry that is constantly evolving.
However, like any profession, there are downsides too; such as extended work hours due to trying to accommodate all of your clients’ needs, having to deal with challenging personalities from time to time, and the constant need for self-improvement and staying ahead of trends in the industry.
If you are considering becoming an instructor or starting a pole dance business, doing plenty of research beforehand will ensure you have an informed decision when taking this step into a new career path!
Top 3 Pros of Being a Pole Dance Instructor
First, let’s discuss the benefits of being a Pole Dance Instructor.
1. A Job that Keeps you Fit
Having a job that keeps you fit and healthy is an incredible way to stay motivated and in shape.
As a Pole dancing instructor, you get to transform your work into play, as working out using the pole every day helps maintain physical fitness while also being incredibly fun.
Being part of this industry requires extra time spent at the gym, studio, or even at home honing your skills so that they can be passed on to others.
It’s a great job for anyone who loves staying active and looking after their physical health!
2. Meet Hundreds of Wonderful Students
Meeting the hundreds of wonderful pole students over your career as a pole dance instructor has been an absolute privilege and joy!
From various backgrounds, cultures, shapes, and sizes, you have been able to build an incredibly diverse social circle, and every single one of them will always remember you for the amazing guidance you gave them.
It’s so rewarding to watch them grow and progress with their passion for pole dancing as they go on to do incredible things!
3. Part of a Forward-Thinking Industry
Being a part of the forward-thinking pole fitness industry is an inspiring and empowering experience.
Its PR, campaigning, and innovative marketing have raised its profile as a potential new Olympic sport, and it wouldn’t have been possible without passionate people who are dedicated to achieving recognition for pole dancers around the world.
Pole dancing classes are also very non-judgemental, welcoming places to be, you can be yourself in a way you might not normally feel at a regular gym.
What sets this industry apart is that there’s no hint of the usual competition or judgment you’d expect from other fitness-related activities which just goes to show how far it’s come as a forward-thinking industry!
Top 3 Cons of Being a Pole Dance Instructor
Now let’s take a look at some of the drawbacks of being a Pole Dance Instructor.
1. Busy Lifestyle to Maintain
Maintaining a busy lifestyle as a pole dance instructor can be quite overwhelming.
You have to stay on top of your fitness game, create new tricks and routines, come up with lesson plans, personal development goals, and playlists, and take care of the boring stuff like money management, insurance paperwork, and other administrative tasks.
On top of that, many instructors are also working in other jobs or teaching other classes outside their pole dance work.
It’s a lot to manage but if you plan carefully and prioritize your tasks based on importance/urgency you’ll be able to stay on track.
2. Risk of Over-Training
It’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with your job. If you’re exercising every day as part of your responsibilities, it is possible to overexert yourself and sustain an injury.
Injuries can seriously derail your progress and if you’re an instructor, they could even mean financial losses that are either long-term or permanent.
Over-training can occur when you do similar movements repeatedly without giving your muscles a chance to rest and recover.
As a pole dance instructor, it’s common to have to show various moves to your students multiple times during a lesson.
3. Having a Job vs. Having a Hobby
When you turn something you love into work, the joy often gets taken away.
That’s no different for Pole dance instructors, when it starts to become more of a job, it can start to feel like a burden.
Even so, there are days when all you want to do is take a break but if people have already paid for your class, taking that step back isn’t an option.
It’s ok to take breaks though otherwise, being a professional instructor will start to take its toll over time!
Training & Qualifications Needed to be a Pole Dance Instructor
If you’re interested in becoming a pole dance instructor, there are some training and qualifications that you’ll need to have.
To be eligible for instructor roles, you should have a professional-level level of pole dancing proficiency, which usually requires at least two years of consistent practice.
Additionally, depending on the studio or organization, they may also require certifications such as those from Pole Fitness Federation (PFF) or the United States Pole Dance Federation (USPDF).
Taking courses and workshops to hone your teaching skills is also recommended, as well as acquiring CPR/First Aid certifications if needed.
This section will go over the training, experience, certifications, and qualifications available for aspiring Pole Dance Instructors. Technically, you don’t need any certification to teach pole dancing to others. There’s no regulatory body overseeing this activity.
Still, having a fitness certification or a specialist pole fitness qualification could help bolster your credibility with potential students.
1. Know How to Pole Dance
If you want to become a Pole Dance Instructor, you need to know how to pole dance and be able to teach others.
You don’t have to be perfect but should practice it as much as possible and improve your fitness so that you can confidently lead classes.
You also need different skills than performers such as good communication and teaching ability.
Many famous performers teach one-off workshops, so if that interests you, look into attending some of these classes to further build your skillset.
With dedication and practice, you’ll soon become an expert in teaching pole dancing!
2. Develop Interpersonal Learning Abilities
Teaching and skills require a certain approach when dealing with people.
Explaining something is one thing, demonstrating is another but truly helping someone grow and progress in their journey is the sign of an excellent teacher.
Adults learn differently, and there are research-based academic models that describe these different learning styles.
Pole dancing might be a unique way of teaching since it combines a bit of theory with lots of motivation and encouragement.
Being a good Pole Dance Instructor requires just as much dedication and practice as becoming a good pole dancer.
It’s not enough to just know the moves and be able to perform them, you have to have a passion for teaching and be willing to put in the extra work of constantly improving your instruction skills if you want to become truly great at it.
It is essential that instructors remain engaged and focused on their students, even when they are struggling or unenthusiastic about the material being taught.
When it comes down to it, teaching isn’t so much about mastering physical skills as it is about providing a learning environment that encourages everyone involved instructor included to progress towards success.
3. Pole Dance Instructor Training Courses
For professional, industry-recognized training and certifications, you have several options available. Just keep in mind that you might need to travel to take part in them!
- KT Coates’ Internationally Recognised Instructor Training:
KT Coates’ internationally recognized instructor training is the go-to for anyone looking to increase their knowledge and expertise in pole fitness.
With over 20 years of experience and being one of the industry’s original pioneers, you can trust KT to give you the best education possible.
Her company offers courses, qualifications, and certifications that have been recognized around the world by organizations like REPS, Skills Active, ACE, PDC, Australia Fitness, and many others.
Although the only downside is that these courses are held in Australia, traveling far distances to access this excellent training makes it even more rewarding once you get there!
- POLEPEOPLE Pole Dance Instructor Training:
If you’re looking to become a qualified Pole Dance Instructor, then POLEPEOPLE’s 2-day courses are the perfect place to start!
Based in London and certified by SkillsActive – the Official British Health and Fitness Certifying Organisation, they have been providing instructor qualifications for over 10 years.
They offer a welcoming and friendly atmosphere with experienced teachers so you can be sure that your learning experience is going to be top-notch!
- XPERT Fitness Professional Training
XPERT Fitness Professional Training courses are a great way for fitness enthusiasts to gain accredited qualifications and expand their knowledge.
Courses are held in Europe, have different levels available, and are accredited by the world’s top certifying organizations such as ACE, AFAA, REPSUK, REPSSA, REPS NZ, Fitness Australia, Active IQ, and CIMSPA.
Plus they even offer an impressive range of accredited Aerial-based courses including Hoop, Silks, Hammock, and Flexibility Flow – all backed by endorsements from PDC and the Pole Safe Federation.
So why not join XPERT Fitness professional training today and become an all-out aerial instructor?
- Spin City Aerial Fitness Instructor Training
Spin City Aerial Fitness Instructor Training is perfect for those who have a background in pole fitness, fitness instruction, dance, pilates, or yoga – no matter how experienced or inexperienced you may be!
Courses are certified and keep you up to date on the latest developments within the industry. They offer a range of courses at different levels that will help you become an excellent instructor.
With Spin City Aerial Fitness Instructor Training, you can take your career to the next level!
How to Start Your Pole Dancing Business
As a newly certified Pole Dance Instructor, it’s likely that you’re looking to start spreading the word about your teaching services.
Depending on where you live, there may be some official guidelines or regulations to keep in mind. Before taking any of this advice as gospel, make sure to check with your local governing bodies first!
1. Finding Suitable Premises
Finding suitable premises for your dance academy can be a daunting task, but luckily there are ways to make it less overwhelming.
Look for a local dance studio or gym whose space you can rent, this is much less admin-heavy than leasing your own studio, which comes with added responsibilities such as taking care of maintenance and upkeep.
Do thorough research to ensure the place you choose meets all safety regulations and offers enough dancing space for your programs.
Make sure there are also appropriate changing and restroom facilities, as well as ample parking space.
2. Purchasing Equipment
When it comes to purchasing equipment as a Pole Dance Instructor, there are a few things to consider.
Will freestanding poles or floor-ceiling poles be better for your premises? What about any other necessary items like crash mats, yoga mats, and resistance bands?
These investments could easily add up quickly when starting out, so it’s important to make sure you are getting the best goods that fit your budget and will last you through many classes and performances.
3. Promoting Yourself as a Pole Dance Instructor
As a Pole Dance Instructor, it is important to market your services so you can get students and customers.
There are several marketing approaches that you can take advantage of, such as printed fliers and posters, social media, getting your own website, word of mouth, and Google advertising.
It takes time and effort to make sure you stand out from the competition, having prior knowledge in this area or having a marketing budget will help you to create a successful campaign.
4. Decide Upon Your Business Model
Deciding upon your business model is a very important step when it comes to teaching pole dancing.
You have to figure out what format of classes you will be offering, if there will be any pre-determined ‘ability levels’ and how you are going to define these levels, and whether you want to teach a set course or offer drop-in sessions.
It’s also important for you to decide on the format of your classes, will they be workshop-style or course-style? Or maybe something else entirely? That’s up to you!
Taking the time to consider all of these factors at the beginning is key in helping ensure there’ll be no surprises down the road.
5. Building Rapport with Your Students
Building a rapport with your students as a pole dance instructor is key to success.
It’s important to get to know your students on a personal level, not just show up each week and teach them without getting to know their individual goals and aspirations.
Take the extra step of creating a personalized pole dancing development plan for each of your students so you can track their progress over time.
Make sure to take notes during lessons so you don’t forget what move they are working on currently.
Taking the extra effort and going that little bit further will make sure you build an outstanding reputation around the community and word-of-mouth referrals will help your business grow!
6. Preparing your Pole Dancing Lessons
Getting ready for your Pole Dancing Lessons can be a lot of fun! Here are some things to consider when planning out your lessons:
- Planning a suitable warm-up
- Strength-building techniques
- Flexibility techniques
- Tricks and Spins to cover
- Routines and combinations
- Music, great songs, and playlists for pole dancing
- Incorporating other gear, such as aerial hoops or yoga blocks
- Planning a suitable cool-down
As you can tell, being a Pole Dance Instructor requires you to be a master multitasker! Before your class starts, it’s important to think about some key details:
- Who’s showing up for the class?
- What is their experience level?
- Have they already paid for it?
7. Building a Creative Pole Dancing Business
There are lots of creative ideas to get your pole dancing business up and running, such as decorating your studio with unique artwork or hosting showcases and taster sessions to lure new customers.
For a more adventurous approach, why not organize a retreat for your students or give out certificates when they hit their milestones?
And don’t forget about the power of blogging, use it to document the achievements of both yourself and your students!
Conclusion
I hope you have some exciting plans for expanding your pole dancing business!
The pole dancing industry is relatively new, so there are plenty of chances for your business to be one-of-a-kind and stand out from the rest.
With creative branding and exceptional service, you will find success!
