Hey and welcome 😀
I was 100% self taught for the first 13-14 months that I’ve poled. Self-teaching is quite possible if you have the determination to stick with it and practice regularly, even when you feel stuck. It’s important not to go faster than your body can handle, though, or you can injure yourself. Listen to your body, take your time, but practice often. That’s my 2 cents, anyway. 🙂
In the past couple months I’ve finally started taking a couple of studio classes. I think they’re very worth it, even if you can only go once in a while. Studio instructors will help polish up the things you learn on your own, and will almost certainly teach things you just never came across on your own. It’s a great way to enrich your repertoire. You’ll learn a lot poling with others, seeing their different dance styles, and trading tips with them. It’s also really energizing to practice in a group and I always end up pushing myself harder in the studio than at home without realizing it.
Whatever route you choose, enjoy your new pole and welcome to the obsession!