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Pole studio parties and alcohol
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MariYabe, I have never done groupons or any of that. My classes are the main source of revenue for my studio. My classes stay at the very least at the minimum numbers required. My summers don’t fluctuate as much as the gyms do. Since I focus more on the students and the quality of the program, I don’t need to depend on parties. I have a “Fit N Fun” class for drop ins that I developed which has been a HUGE success. those classes I usually get long term students from because they want to move into a level class.
I was told by one person that her boss (studio owner, I don’t know where or what studio), stated she didn’t tell her insurance when they asked if there would be alcohol allowed that she does it, she told the instructor they’ll never know. Don’t know if that’s a true statement, but it sure could cause more difficulty and higher insurance premiums for those of us that are compliant!). 🙂
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I must say.. I think alcohol and sports just can’t be combined in any situation.
If you are working out, you just don’t drink.
Where I live there are a few dance clubs who have a pole and in holidays when our gym is closed my friend and I go ‘practice’ there. But when we do we don’t drink alcohol.. I just think that isn’t safe.. -
I have been to a studio that the owner recommended bringing alcohol to CLASS!! I have not been back since and I wish there was a way that she could be turned in because it sooo unsafe!!
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When i started at a studio the owner made us sign a waiver saying we would not come to class under the influence of drugs or alcohol. First offense would result in your membership being permanently revoked. We’d go for margaritas after class on Friday night. But booze in the studio was a no go!
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As a side note, that waiver is amusing. How many people take cough medicine or allergy medicine or any med that makes them drowsy or hyped (Red Bull anyone?) and go to class. I would think she did that as a cya move as I don’t think she could enforce it.
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I’m out lol. Whatever helps you sleep at night..People are going to do what they are going to do. What works for some might not work for others. I pole under the influence of pot all the time. Mostly because it is at night and i have a prescription. I have other problems that I take pot for and it helps me sleep. It works for me and I don’t really care what anyone has to say about that! So yes, people do all kinds of things under the influence of meds and drugs. I don’t go to a studio or even out of my house under the influence and studio owners and instructors should be careful and professional and not let anyone under the influence participate. What I do at my house is my business and just because someone doesn’t agree with it doesn’t mean it is wrong for me. all the times i have gotten hurt has been alcohol. Pot actually helps me mostly. I can dance better usually lol and stretch better. To each their own!!
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There is drinking in my classes as well (I’m not sure what my studio’s policy is on drinking at parties, however). They don’t provide any alcohol but it is encouraged to bring your own. I don’t think people are getting crazy drunk or anything but I would prefer if there was no drinking. I understand that it gives some people more confidence… and yes, pole class is a fun time hanging out with the girls… but when we are learning inverts and other difficult moves that require coordination and strength, it just doesn’t make any sense! I wouldn’t drink while I am doing kickboxing or yoga, so why during pole?
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But I also would not expect you to have a bachelorette party doing yoga or kick boxbg either. THIS is where the majority of drinking is happening…..at PARTIES.
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I personally don’t think food or alcohol belong in a pole studio. It’s just gross. Having dealt with cleaning up food after parties and the rank smell from old rotting meals – it’s just not the place for it. I know most studios allow some alcohol after the party but I just don’t see the point. There are establishments for that – a pole studio is a dance/fitness facility not an eatery. I don’t understand the desire to have a full on party at a pole studio. Someone has to clean that mess up and often those types of parties go over on their time and complain when you charge them.
Here’s how I handle it – I tell the prospective client that they should look into booking a shorter party for less money and consider finding a close restaurant or bar to continue with the evenings shenanigans. I explain that food and drinks create a mess and a distraction from learning and may take away from the experience. They are allowed “show up time” “class time” and “picture time” everything else should be done outside of the building. Most people are okay with this honestly. Those who insist on drinking aren’t probably going to be regular clients anyway. Even at home parties I’ve never had anyone get upset about the food and drink policy. I ask to keep food OFF and AWAY from the pole so as not create a mess or an unsafe situation for anyone.
As with anything there ARE exceptions but in general someone has give me some good reasons as to why they need to bring food into a dance studio and pay a clean up fee – I mean if I had a studio that’s how I would do it.
I have performed pole before after a glass of wine and certainly felt the fuzzy effects and this coming from a wino – a glass should do little for me. If I as an experienced pole dancer can “feel” it – I know that even a wee bit for new comers is enough to confuse.
I’ll also add parties I have done where drinking was allowed “after” the party meant that people were still drinking DURING the party. It’s very difficult for an instructor to baby sit 20 people and make sure none of them have had a drink. Then it generally ends up with yelling at people to stop climbing, stop trying to invert, stop flinging themselves, etc.
I’ve just never had a good experience with parties, poles and alcohol. The last time I drank and poles I tore open my incision, the pole fell over and I had a hell of a hangover the next day.
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Thanks for you input Charley! I have been in business for 3.5 years now, and it’s just been recently and just a few ladies that are wanting alcohol. I am very clear about my policy prior to them even booking. I’ve just been running in to it from women from or around the Twin city area (about 3.5 hours from here). Some go to a studio that allows it. I just politely decline to book them and suggest they book with that studio. I am busy enough with classes and long term students, and am fortunate enough that my business does not need to depend on parties to make it. 🙂
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