Whether you are new to pole dancing, or a seasoned pole dancer, there will come a time when you ask yourself, should I go with regular classes or privates? Regular classes are definitely cheaper, but are there times when your pole dancing dollar gives better value when spent on privates? As a pole dancing instructor this is a question I often get asked by students. Should I book regular classes or privates or a combination of both? The answer depends on what you want to get out of your classes.

Firstly, lets look at what you can expect from a regular class. For those who have never taken a pole dancing class before you’ll start with a warm up doing some conditioning, then you will progress onto tricks/combo’s, and then a routine. Regular classes are based on group fitness with everyone working on the same tricks/combo’s together. This is great for those who like to work out with others, working on the same moves.

Depending on the studio you attend will depend on how much one on one time you have with your instructor (some studio’s only allow 5 minutes per one hour class).   We like to teach a move and then help each student individually, giving each student as much one on one-time possible.

One on one time helps you as a student in many ways, and I believe this is crucial to your development and safety.   Often putting a hand/leg in a slightly different position can mean the difference between achieving the move and not achieving it. This is where the one on one time is paramount to helping you progress. Also, a move done in the wrong position can lead to possible injury.

In a class environment you get the camaraderie, as well as the energy of your class, and who could forget the friendships of your class mates. But you also share the time of your instructor with your class mates.   The group classes structure is based on the class, and can’t be personalized at an individual level.

Private lessons on the other hand are completely focused on you. Private lessons can have up to 3 ladies, but I find the majority of private lessons I teach are one on one.   Over my 7 years of teaching classes and privates I’ve seen some incredible progress in privates, and for this reason teaching privates give me a lot of satisfaction as a pole dancing instructor.

Private lessons are definitely more pricey, costing around 3 times that of a regular class, and I believe you should be see an even greater level of progress. I see some of my students making more progress in 1 private lesson, than they have over weeks of classes, especially with those moves that they have struggled with.

When is a private lesson the right choice for you? Here are some examples:

• If you are brand new to pole, and a little nervous or intimidated about starting.
• If you have been pole dancing for some time and want to fast track your tricks.
• If you are a regular pole dancer, but find there are certain moves that you struggle with.
• Or you want some help to create something special (your own routine, surprise your significant other, or compete in a Pole Dancing competition).

A great instructor will assess a few things before your private. What is your current fitness level? What you’d like to achieve? What your motivation is? Do you have any fears or limitations that could be holding you back? And of course any injuries you may have. I like to cover these questions with all my private students, including finding out what their wish list is.

Your instructor should then tailor the private lesson to you, including tricks, combo’s and/or a routine (if that’s what you want to work on).

Another thing I also like to focus on is mindset. Often when it comes to pole there are moves that scare the hell out of us, and we naturally go into self preservation mode. I like to help my ladies push through any of these limitations, but only at a rate that you feel comfortable with.

To sum it up, pole dancing classes are definitely a cheaper option for those who are budget conscious. Privates are perfect for those who are looking for a particular result in any area (fitness or mindset), or may have limitations in terms of schedule/lifestyle. At the end of the day, whether you choose classes or privates, this is your time, and I urge you to do what is you right for you.

Peta xx