Your first pole class!

So I hear you have signed up to your first pole class?

LOVE this for you already, well done!

This can be the beginning of a very exciting journey.

Are you confused about what to expect, and - most importantly - what to bring to the class? No problemo, Project Pole has got you! Let’s pack your pole bag together!

What do I wear to a pole class?

The trickiest question! As pole dancers, we use our skin to grip our apparatus. Clothes generally don’t stick to the pole - they slide, and this is the last thing we want!

So:

• No leggings
• No track pants

Instead, go for:

• Shorts (that you can roll up and expose your thighs)
• Sports bras or crop tops
• Swimsuits (perfect beginner option)
  

Yes, it might feel a bit revealing at first. And yes, it will hurt… just nowhere near as bad as having a man flu, so there is always a silver lining! And yup, this is why we wear teeny-weeny clothes! More skin = more grip!

As you progress, you might fall in love with proper pole wear. Swimsuits, sports bras, and shorts do the same trick, and you can do amazing things wearing them. But there is something magical about pole sets that hold all the bits in the right places! It does boost your confidence and adds 100 points to your karma.

We have had a nosey and asked the Project Pole co-founders what they wear now. Here is what Sin and BlueXO shared:

Sin loves this amazing Rolling Spider Bodysuit  “This is my go to set when I want to feel HOT and am fishing for compliments.”

BlueXO is a huge fan of bodysuits and this Rolling Fishnet Bodysuit is one of his many favourites for not just poling but also competing and for an occasional party because why not?

What do I bring to a pole class?

Now that you’re dressed, let’s talk essentials.

Pole grip:

As we mentioned above, we use our skin to hold on (for dear life) to the pole. Sometimes our skin needs help to provide a secure grip - and this is where pole grips come in.

There are lots of different products available, and they all work differently depending on your skin type, the pole, and  factors such as weather, humidity, and temperature.

Generally:

Sticky grips (great for dry skin)

Powder/drying grips (great for sweaty hands)

One of the most popular choices globally (and here in New Zealand) is Monkey Hands Grip, known for its different formulas depending on your skin type.

Beginner tip! You don’t need to stress too much about grip right away. Try a few options over time and see what works for your skin, your studio, and your environment.

Blue XO is using Dancing Dust Make Me Dusty because it gives him just the right level of dryness without being too chalky (plus it has glitter and you can’t ruin a trick with too much glitter!), but when he needs to show that advanced trick to his students “just one more time” he resorts to MonkeyHands Gel Grip - Sticky

Sin likes MonkeyHands Gel Grip - Gluey and uses it on her body: “I have dry skin and this grip is my life saver for helping me nail tricks up the pole”.

Kneepads (especially for pole flow):

If you are going to a pole flow class, you will definitely want to grab a pair of kneepads like these virtually invisible ones from Project Pole.

Trust us, your knees will thank you later!

Pole Cloth:

When using grip products, it’s important to leave the pole clean and tidy for the next student. Giving a pole a good wipe throughout the class will also ensure that there is no product build up and your metal friend will keep you safe. Most studios will have pole cloths for students to use and share, but if you want to bring your own, check these luxurious, silky smooth pole cloths.

Hot tips:

• NO body lotion the night before class! While lotion is great for your skin, it also makes it slippery and reduces the grip, so leave that as a treat after the class, not before!
• Avoid shaving your legs the night before class. Freshly shaved legs might feel amazing, but they can be extra slippery on the pole!
  

Water bottle (a must):

Definitely grab some water or a sports drink with you - pole is fun but also challenging!

Have fun!

The Pole community is incredible. We support each other and constantly inspire one another. You’ll make friends to train, perform, and celebrate wins with, all while building your confidence along the way.

We’re so excited to have you with us. Welcome to the Project Pole family, and we’re always here if you need anything.

Love,

Your Project Pole team

P.S. What's in our pole bag?

If you want to know what Sin and BlueXO have in their pole bags, check out this post.