What to wear and what not to wear to pole class and why it matters.
This is not new subject matter. In fact, there are hundreds if not thousands of blogs written about what to wear and what not to wear to a pole class. This article is being written solely for Scarlet Studio students to help alleviate worry and concern about attire during class.
Scarlet Studio encourages our students to wear what makes them feel the most comfortable while allowing them to perform the movements and tricks they are interested in performing. That being said, there are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing what to wear to pole class as a new student.
Tip #1: Expose your skin
You need skin in the game. More specifically you need your inner thighs to be exposed if you want to 'sit' on the pole. If you wear shorts that cover the inner thigh you will not be able to 'sit' on the pole.
As a brand new student to pole - bathing suit bottoms work perfectly! They are durable, they stay put and, if you can wear them on a beach in front of strangers you can wear them in a class setting with 4 others pole students.
Pole attire can be pricey and can become quite the addiction! We know, we have a closet full of fun Pole Wear! As a new student though, we suggest taking at least 4 pole classes before deciding if your relationship with pole is a fling or the real thing. Until that decision is made, toss on those bathing suit bottoms and come to class!
Tip #2: Lose the Lotion
This is a tough one because we all need to take care of our skin and lotion helps do that. Here is the skinny on skin and pole dancing:
If you have too much moisture (oil) on your skin you will have no grip.
If your skin is too dry, you will have no grip.
Cool huh? No, not so much! I can tell you from years of experience there is no one solution that works for everyone when it comes to skin. I can also tell you from years of experience that trial and error is the best way to figure out what works best for you and your skin. Here are a few habits this seasoned pole dancer has learned:
Avoid lotions and creams with oils (shea butter, coconut oil etc)
Use water based lotions (aloe & glycerin)
Exfoliate
Drink Water (lots of it)
Scarlet Studio does not focus heavily on tricks with our new students however when we do teach trick basics you will want to give it your best shot. We suggest the following routine before your first pole class:
Take a shower the night before your pole class
Dry off and immediately put a water based lotion on your skin
Do not shower in the next morning
Before class, wash your hands with a soap that does not have moisturizer in it
Finding the right skin products that work for you and your pole practice will take a bit of trial and error but in the meantime these tips should help increase your successes in your first few pole classes.
Tip #3: Layer it up
Yes it is true you need to expose your skin in order to perform tricks but you do not need to come to class half naked! Scarlet Studio is a personal movement and dance based studio first and a trick based studio second. This means that sometimes wearing leggings, leg warmers and sweats is helpful and other times having skin exposed is more ideal. Also, wearing layers will help keep muscles warm and skin moist (which we need in order to perform tricks)
Layers are the best way to go. Clothes that allow you to move freely and comfortably are ideal. Clothes that are easy to put on and take off are also helpful.
Tip #4: Strip off the Accessories
Remember that Pole Dance is a physical activity. You will be moving around, using your hands, flipping your hair and pointing your toes. You do not want jewelry getting in the way of this menagerie of movement.
Rings will cause calluses and potentially pinch your skin
Rings have the potential to damage the poles
Long necklaces can get caught on hands, fingers, or face and break
Bracelets can get in the way and potentially hurt you or break
We suggest either leaving the accessories at home or have a safe place to put them while you attend class.
Tip #5 - Protect Your Feet
As a newbie to pole your feet may not be on your radar. I am here to tell you that you will be using your feet more than you realize and you will want to protect them according to your comfort level.
If you have never pivoted on the balls of your bare feet on a dance floor, you may not be aware that it sucks. If you have a dance background, you know. We encourage new students to bring a pair of socks to your first few classes. You may not wear them the entire time but it is better to have them and not need them then not have them and want them.
Final Tips & Tricks
Functionality is the name of the game when it comes to dressing for Pole.
Clothes that are easy on/easy off, that allow you to move freely and do not cost you a ton of money are your best bet. If you are brand new to pole do not go out and spend a ton of money on items you have no idea if you need or not. Take at least 4 classes before investing in your Pole Journey.
Correct Content is important for a new Pole Student.
As a brand new student you will want to join the right class.
Scarlet Studio offers a Pole Teaser Class - this class is perfect for students that are curious about pole but are not sure they want to commit to our 4 week Virgin Program. Link to this class is below
Managing Expectations will help new students feel comfortable.
Be kind to yourself before, during and after your first few classes! No one expects that you will be able to perform everything you are shown. Pole takes time and dedication to learn, give yourself the space to do both.