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What do you look for in your instructors?
I was having a conversation with someone yesterday and we came across a site where the instructor has little pole experience which sparked a bit of a debate.
My thoughts are at least 1 year of solid pole experience if the instructor has a dance/gymnastic/exercise relate background that is relevant (i.e dance when you were 12 = not relevant but let's say 2 years as a group fitness intructor in something like yoga, pilates, etc = relevant)
Her thoughts were that if someone excelled at pole they could teach as early as 6 months if you are only teaching beginners. My thoughts were day is the beginning so it''s more important to be very knowledgable about the basics as opposed to the advanced moves.
And the conversation went on as such. She had mentioned titles and performances to which I feel I are irrelevant as your typical student is looking to compete or perform – while that is good knowledge to have and beneficial to those who will want to compete – how does a title help your beginners feel successful. her thoughts were that the more successful someone was publicly would create an energy of success.
So we both thought this would make an excellent discussion post on Veena – to hear others thoughts on the matter.
So my questions is Day 1 – you want to learn pole dancing. Who do you go to? Why? What is it about the staff of instructors that brings you in? What makes you say "This is the place/instructor for me?"
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28 Replies
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So I'm going to answer my op and say that because I generally look for instruction when I am competing or performing I choose instructors based on their resume of dancers. I love working with Kelly Yvonne – she doesn't compete – but she knows how to push a dancer to be the best she can at her own style.
I worked with Leigh Ann – who has titles and found that I loved her knowledge of pole and pole moves in relation to body type. She could easily swap something out in a sequence and give you a move to do – if that didn't work she could keep going.
I have taken workshops based off of what the instructors can do and what I want to learn. For example – I loved taking class with Michelle Mynx because she is so spinny on static, Amber because of her ballet background and many, many others because of their experience. As I've gotten older I find that a resume coupled with ability has gotten me in the doors 🙂
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Interesting question! I didn't have much choice of who I went to as we only have one instructor really where Iive (and luckily she's fantastic!). But what I really like about her is that as well as being patient and encouraging, she manages to do moves and routines that are very graceful without being "sexy" dancing. I mean, she can do that if she wants, but I would've felt uncomfortable in a class where they make you wear heels and wriggle around on the floor all the time. Our classes are pretty much fitness based, we only do a little of the dancey stuff, just pirouettes and back arches etc, and I really like that 🙂
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I think for most they have no choice in their instructor and quite honestly, most new students are going to choose price and convenience over any other factor. While I agree wholheartedly that it is very important for beginners to be taught properly from the get go, I do not think that this is even a coinsideration when student first start. I would say that most new students want to know how much money they have to spend before they can go upside down and do cool stuff.
NOW I have very different things that I look for. If every single one of your instructors is 20 something and look like they don't know a thing about proper nutrition I am probably going to pass your studio up. I am looking for years of experience, probably 3 or over, and experience from several instructors. I don't really care if you perform/compete/etc. I also look for those that are still actively "in the game". If I mention an allegra or a fonji and you have absolutely no clue as to what I am talking about then you are not current.
After I step through the door starts another whole new interview process and this one is a little harder for me to nail down. There are things I am willing to overlook and things I will not. Anything taught in a way that I feel is unsafe or if I am not given any sort of modification is a blackish mark. Depending on how far you take it or how pissed off you get if I do not do something your way darkens or lightens the mark. If you are constantly imjured or pissed off at the world, black marks (I understand bad days/weeks and the occasional injury). I am also getting to the point where I like progressional classes and I really like instructors spending time on strength exercises and proper cool downs/stretches. Above all else though is a comfortable feeling in the class, and this is 100% based on the instructor.
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I am lucky enough to have both ends of the spectrum.
I have learned from pole prodigys who began teaching at as early as 6 months, but only beginners. My instructor was a 4'7" 20-ish tiny little blond who could do many advanced moves.
Pros of this:
-She was for all intents and purposes, a beginner. Six months? You can't even have a baby in six months. This was very motivational for me. "I CAN BE THAT GOOD IN SIX MONTHS, IT'S NOT JUST A FELIX CANE THING."
-She made class fun. We would go around the room during warm-up and introduce ourselves while doing stretches, why we decided to come for a class, or name one thing we learned and one goal during cooldown. Really made it feel like a community rather than a class.Cons of this:
-SO. MUCH. MISINFORMATION. I don't think this was because of her skill as an instructor, or even had anything to do with her being an instructor. I think this was just a personality quirk. But it made things confusing because of what she taught me…advanced moves didn't really make sense when I switched instructors.My current instructor is the best I can ask for! She is older than I am (but I think DD is the only person who isn't, let's be honest here LOL) with 10 years of experience. But, that allows me to appreciate the following:
-She is happy if we prove her wrong (YOU HAVE TO USE YOUR BUTTCHEEK FOR ICARUS AND YOU KNOW IT, EMBER!)
-She puts up with all of my emotional drama. I don't care what anyone says, pole is 60% mental and 40% physical for me. I have to be in the mood to pole, and do a certain trick, and then the mood to try tricks I don't even think I can do. You're more likely to get a move if you REALLY REALLY REALLY want it, and aren't crapping your pants over moves that you could care less for.
-Even if she can't teach a move a certain way, she will let us get into it "our" way as long as it's safe. For instance, superman. I think inverted thigh hold is ugly. And that whole, "LOOK MA'! My pelvis is on display for the whole world!" half-second of thigh rest. Ugh. I hate it. So I prefer inverted pike to superman. It's safe and an accepted for of superman. As long as I'm not going to hurt myself doing it, that's cool. Some instructors and studios will only teach you ONE way, and if you can't do it that ONE way, you are not allowed to advance.
-She can usually teach a move more than one way. For instance, learning icarus we tried both side climb and from superman. I like variations. Different variations click for different people. It took me two hours of trying to allegra from flatline for me to figure out that it just wasn't going to happen. Then I watched Veena's video on jasmine (?)/half-jade to allegra and was like someone parted the heavens and handed me allegra on a golden pole engraved platter. Nailed it. Different variations click for different people sometimes, and I think it is important for a teacher to understand and be able to act on that
-She does not say, "no." I told her I wanted to learn Rainbow Marchenko and she was like, "are you serious, you're insane." And then proceeded to teach me it 🙂 Insane in a good way, insane like, "you're a beast". She has a very bubbly, fun personality.
-She is a wizard. If someone says, "I want to learn this thing I saw on SV," and then they try to explain it to her, she'll be like, "let me show you what I think you mean." And then she does it. Without even seeing the move. So far this has happened without fail, I'm pretty sure she's a mind reader.
-Oh, there isn't a move she can't do. When anyone says "I want to learn X" and she says, "I don't know if I can do that, but I will try" she does it. Just, automatically. "What? Superman to allegra? Uh…alright." No big deal, just whipping out moves like they're cards or pennies or something. I have yet to see her fail at a move.
-And she makes mistakes! It's a rarity, but I have seen it happen. I feel like such a burden when I have to sit there and apply six layers of dry hands to make sure I don't fall on my face. And she hardly ever slips. But the times that she does, I am reminded that no matter how amazing I get, I will always make mistakes or have pole mishaps, and that's a comforting thing in it's own way.
– It's not all about the money. If I come into class 15 minutes late (I have to leave work and drive 45 minutes to get to the studio, I don't think I have EVER been on time for anything but a private) then class does not stop just for me to get scolded for being late, my money ripped from my hand, and then I am told that because I am late there is an extra charge/I cannot take the class. And I know studios who do this. Yes, pole is a business, but do NOT try to hustle me or I will not be going back to your studio, and I will recommend others not do it either. Nope, when I show up on time at my ten to fifteen minutes late, I come in the middle of stretching/warm up (I am already warmed up from work, so no big deal for me) and I pay at the end of class. As long as I pay. And I like that.
-Spotting. Some instructors just kinda, "watch what I do." Nope. My instructor has been kicked in the face/shin/everywhere and just continues to try to help us,I'm sure there are other smaller things that she does that I definitely appreciate, but those are the main ones that I would look at if I ever had to switch instructors.
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Oh, and I left out–I don't really care about a dance or gymastics or pilates or yoga backround. Infact, I prefer them without. If they have flow and movement and can make a routine and DANCE without a background, then it's inspiration for me to know that I didn't have to be raised with it or put more money into classes outside of pole to fit my definition of "great". 🙂 Hope that helps.
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This may not be important to everyone, but it is for me. I have to feel like I could be friends with the instructor. I'm not talking about being best friends, or even becoming friends outside of class at all, but I have to at least feel like I could have a casual conversation with her about something other than pole, and it wouldn't be awkward. I understand pole is their business, but if I'm going to spend a few hours a week with someone, I have to feel comfortable with them, and getting to know each other as people helps with that.
I like being able to walk into class, and she knows my name, asks me about my day, talks about the weather and my holiday plans… etc etc. It sounds so simple, but I have met instructors that I could just not relate to on a personal level, or who were standoffish. I'm not blaming them, it's a two way street. I just don't think we clicked well in terms of personality.
I suffer from some social anxiety, and pole often leaves me feeling pretty vulnerable and self conscious. So I need to feel like I'm among friends.
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I'm glad the OP posted this cause as a soon-to-be teacher, all this is really insightful
As for me, I am with portableninja on this.
Me and my teacher just seemed to click from day one. She's bubbly, funny, patient and is learning just like me. We also share the same insane passion and ironically the same birthday. We're very much alike in some ways but totally different in styles and it just works beautifully. We learn off each other and she never acts like she's better then me. I don't feel like i'm paying for her attention or friendship. She just wants to share her passion with people. I hope to be just like her. -
Personality is a really big deal for me. I feel that if an instructor cannot relate to you at a human level, and they are unapproachable it will make me extremely uncomfortable in class. I like an instructor that can believe and accept my limitations (I know that I do not have a good memory, and I’m not the most flexible person in the world). At the same time I like to be challenged. Someone who can identify where I could push myself harder and communicate that to me in a positive, and motivating way is amazing!
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I basically pretty much look for technique. At this point, I have spent enough time on the pole exploring for myself since I haven't been going to classes, and what I look for is straight up technique and strength and conditioning know-how. While I love to dance, I don't go to pole class solely for that, because so much of it I feel I can teach myself through youtube.
If I feel like I know more than an instructor about proper placement and alignment on the pole and on the floor, I won't go to that class again. And this kind of know-how is often completely independent of performance experience or competition awards (though not exclusive by any means). I find that people with extensive weight training, Pilates, yoga, gymnastic, aerial, and/or technical dance experience tend to have the know-how I am looking for. It's not necessary, and I will try most classes at least once, but those are the indicators I look for when there are choices available.
I know I can learn something from anyone. Sometimes, it's what not to do. And thats the beauty of pole!
After having a technical knowledge, the next thing I really appreciate is continuing education. In pole and any other knowledge bases.
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@portableninga, Little Engine and Tara
OMG! Personality is the hardest thing to find. I am a very shy person who suffers from social anxiety which is why I like teaching pole classes because when I'm in a room full of students I feel like I can really open up. Some of my greatest friends have been met through pole class. I really think to teach safely you have to have a relationship with your students – every BODY is different and I feel like I learn more and more about teaching just through listening and asking questions.
@Corby – I haven't run into a situation where an instructor didn't have good technique but I've only trained with pro's for the most part and the studio I used to teach at – I'd do beginner classes there and the teacher was really amazing. I don't know what I would do if I walked in and someone couldn't get me from A to B. Even if I am waling away with HOW to condition a move – I've never seen bad technique- that would be frustrating!
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Oh! I can't wait to respond to this, but I don't have time right now. Tomorrow….
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While I have never had a teacher that I train with make any sort of egregious safety with technique errors, I have definitely heard of it from other people. Plus I have been working/researching/self-educating as much as I can with flexibility training, Pilates, and aerial. All of this translates to pole fairly easily with some minor changes for the specific apparatus.
Sometimes I see really questionable flexibility and strength training techniques being taught as if they are the gospel truth. Usually it seems like it is an experience thing (teaching without knowing what works technically). IE just because a person can Iron X, it doesn't mean that they know why they can Iron X, or what muscles to use, or train another person for a progression into an Iron X who has a completely different body type and strength, for example. In many ways I think I see it in aerial training more than pole, but that could totally be because I do more aerial these days.
For me, I just don't worry about personality for a teacher. I worry about personality in my training partners.
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For me, the most important quality I am looking for in an instructor is whether she can teach the style I'm after or has flexibility in her style. And by that I mean, what moves is she going to be strong in teaching? Is this going to be a sexy pole dance with chair class, or a burlesque class, or a fitness class? Is she going to focus enough on elements I can translate to what I call a figure-skating-esque style (what I'm after!).
While I do keep cost in mind, I would rather save up for good classes and get a package deal then take a class that will make me feel like I'm wasting my money. But that's just me still in savings mode after yet another financial issue has come up.
@Chem how does someone look like they know or don't know about nutrition, lol? 🙂
One other important part of the equation is having heard recommendations. Hotelchick mentioned a pole studio in our area and I am considering it b/c she brought it up and had good things to say. I am still considering Veena lessons because so many people have nice things to say ( outside of just hawking them as sometimes occurs b/c we love Veena so much 😉 , I hear about a lot of instances when someone nailed a particular trick b/c of the Veena explanation. Spontaneous testimonials are very important!
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I'm coming from the side of a studio owner. When I'm looking at instructors, 1. They need to be an active student, and have learned not only the moves, but the break down of a move. 2, To beable to adjust/modify to accomadate a student, offer acceptable alternatives. 3. PERSONALITY!! is a MUST! They must beable to leave their personal stuff out of the class room! Must beable to enthusiasticly engage the class. I have an apprentice program, this enables me to see if they are instructor quality. Just because someone is a beautiful poler, and can execute moves flawlessly, does not mean that they can teach! Not everyone has that ability. So I monitor them and have them co-teach/assist after a period of observation. There is more to instructing than being able to teach a move. They must know how to properly spot, to not allow a student to work to much on any particular move to prevent overuse injury. Also be able to explain POC to the students, understanding the muscles involved. I hire from my student base only, that way I am assured they are teaching it the way I have set up the program. I have always used "Veena's" method because in my opinion it is the best out there to safely teach/break things down( I do subscribe to Veena's lesson on a yearly bassis, it is a WISE investment for myself and my business!). We are more Fitness based, but will teach some basics with heels so they may incorporate it into their own style. This is what this area wants. My instructors have ongoing training, they have to practice their moves and improve their teaching. I provide this free of charge as it is essential to keep them in touch with the basic foundation of pole. Once an apprentice has meet my criteria (not all do), they are offered a teaching position, and are teamed up with myself or another more experienced instructor until I feel they are ready to take on a class alone. I invest allot in my instructors because they are representing my facility and my reputation in the community, and to hopefully assure the quality of the programs we teach!
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Fascinating discussion, and it's so interesting to read the perspectives from students, teachers, and studio owners.
I never had a classroom setting to start out with…for many of us long-time polers (Charley, Chem…I've 'known' you since the SF forum days!) we had a unique beginning that it's interesting to even ponder the situation from a student perspective. I think that, in general, students can't know what to look for, all they know is they want to POLE, but they will feel the difference between a teacher really caring about them and a teacher that is only in it for other reasons, whatever those may be. Hopefully the caring teacher is also knowledgable!
unless someone has a background in other types of fitness, they should have at least a year of pole under their belt in most circumstances. I feel like teachers need to find out who they are as dancers, and there is so much to learn, that it just takes TIME before you even get to the point where you think 'I can teach this to rooms full of students'.
Comps and titles mean nothing to me as far as teaching. As has been stated, one doesn't = the other. I want to see the instructors keep learning and love what they do.
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