Frequently Asked Questions
1. I HAVE NEVER DONE POLE OR ANY OF THESE SPORTS BEFORE. WHERE DO I START?
Over the years, we’ve created a system that allows students to accelerate in pole and aerial arts the safest and fastest. If you have no experience, you will need to take our Fundamental Pole L1/L2 class to start your pole journey, or Aerial Silks L1 class to start your aerials journey. The Aerial Hoop, Flexibility, Partner Acrobatics and Handstand classes are all levels and you are welcomed to join them at any time whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced acrobat.
To book class, simply go to the schedule tab.
2. I HAVE PRIOR EXPERIENCE IN POLE OR AERIALS. WHICH CLASS SHOULD I TAKE?
Every studio has different requirements for levels. In order to determine which level of class you should take, you can go to the Classes tab above and click on the sub-category (Pole, Silks, Lyra etc…) that you are interested in. All the level requirements and class curriculums are posted on these pages. If you are still not sure or have any questions, feel free to contact us for proper level assessment.
3. HOW MANY L1 CLASSES SHOULD I TAKE UNTIL I CAN TAKE HIGHER LEVEL CLASS?
If you have little or no experience in Pole or Aerials, you must take our Fundamental Pole L1/L2 class or our Aerial Silks L1 class and stay in these classes until you are approved to take higher level class. Students usually stay in these classes for a few months to a year before moving to higher level class. We take safety of our students very seriously and value a strong foundation.
For all levels classes like Aerial Hoop, Flexibility, Partner Acrobatics, Handstand, you are welcomed to join anytime.
4. MY SKIN HURTS, BURNS OR BRUISES FROM POLE AND AERIALS. WHEN WILL THE PAIN STOP?
If you are brand new to the sport, your skin isn’t used to the pressure and friction of the apparatus. Skin pain and bruises are normal for beginners. The longer and the more consistently you practice, the less bruise and pain you feel. Eventually your bruises will fade away and you won’t feel a thing. It will get better. Have faith and practice patience.
5. WHEN CAN I TAKE THE LYRICAL POLE OR POLE HEELS CLASSES?
All of our dance choreo classes are for L2 and up. In order to join any of these classes, you will need to take the Fundamental Pole L1/L2 class and have our instructor’s approval because they are fast paced to musicality with more advanced floorwork and floor tricks. If you have a lot of previous pole experience, you are welcomed to contact us for level assessment.
6. DO I NEED DANCE OR GYMNASTICS BACKGROUND TO JOIN CLASS?
No background in dance or gymnastics is required to take class. We will teach you everything you need to know to progress. All you need is a positive attitude, excitement and patience to learn new things.
If you are new to any sport, read #1 above. If you have prior experience, read #2 above.
7. I HAVE NO UPPER BODY STRENGTH, WILL THAT BE A PROBLEM?
It is not a problem. Our job is to help you build strength, flexibility and body awareness safely. All you need is faith and patience.
If you are new to the sport or new to our studios, please read #1 or #2 above.
8. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO CLASS?
POLE: In our Fundamental pole L1/L2 classes, you are required to wear short spandex shorts and bra top or tank top that can be rolled up to expose the side of your waist. You will need skin exposed in your armpits, waist, thighs, and kneepits to help grip the pole. Our L2/L3 and L3/L4 classes will require fitted bikini shorts and sport bra to allow for greater skin exposure for safety. The exception is our lyrical pole and pole heels classes where you can wear anything you want for feeling sexy, comfort and sliding on the floor. Bring knee pads if you have them or we can provide them in your first few classes. Long nails need to be covered with tapes
SILK, HOOP/LYRA, FLYING POLE: Students are encouraged to wear fitted long clothing such as tank top and cotton leggings that covers the back of the knees, hips and torso for all Aerials classes. This will help avoiding skin burns caused by friction from the apparatus. Hair needs to be tied up and nails to be trimmed short with no sharp edges growing past the end of the fingertips for aerial Silks class.
FLEXIBILITY, HANDSTAND, PARTNER ACROBATICS: We recommend athletic attire that is stretchable and feels comfortable to move in except Partner Acrobatics class may sometimes need skin contact on the legs.
No jewelry is allowed in ALL classes.
9. IF I SHOW UP LATE, CAN I STILL JOIN THE CLASS?
If you are completely new to the sport or new to our studios, you may not be allowed to join class nor switch to another class nor be refunded your money if you come more than 10 minutes late and miss our warm up. If you are one of our members and you have to be late, please contact us in advance and let us know. Our instructors may allow you in class and request you to warm up on your own for at least 10 minutes before joining class.
Otherwise, do not be late! Arrive 5-10 minutes early before your scheduled class time to find parking, change clothes, sanitize and set up your equipment to start your class on time. This is a safety concern and we ask that you respect both our instructors and your fellow students by showing up on time.
10. DO I NEED TO SIGN UP IN ADVANCE OR CAN I JUST WALK IN CLASS?
Our classes are very limited and fill up at least 1-2 weeks in advance, so you are encouraged to sign up for class as early as possible. All classes are by appointment only and no walk-ins is allowed. If you sign up on the waitlist for class, we will contact you if any student cancels class last minute.
11. HOW DO I BOOK AND PAY FOR CLASS?
You may book and pay with credit card through our Schedule tab or click on “start your journey” on the front page of this website. Or you can follow this link https://www.vagaro.com/lyspolestudio or install the Vagaro app on your phone. Cash is not accepted.
If you schedule a private one on one class or a party class, please contact us directly.
12. MOST CLASSES ARE BOOKED OUT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. HOW DO I GRAB A SPOT IN CLASS?
Our classes are very popular so you will need to book your class at least 1-2 weeks in advance. If class is full, simply add yourself on the waitlist and we will contact you as soon as a spot opens up.
For our members, please book all of your classes throughout the month as soon as your membership renews.
13. IF I BUY A PACKAGE OR MEMBERSHIP, AM I GUARANTEED TO HAVE A SPOT IN CLASS?
No, you won’t be guaranteed to have a spot in class because it is impossible for us to know which class you want to attend, and therefore you will need to reserve your spot in advance just like everyone else. However, for all of our members, we do allow you to book classes within the first 10 days of the following month before your membership is renewed as long as you have available credits and your membership stays active. That way you can always reserve your spot in class in advance and your class credits will be deposited into your bookings as soon as your membership renews. Or simply wait until your membership renews to book class.
14. SHOULD I BRING HEELS TO POLE CLASSES?
Heels are not allowed for students in any class except in our Pole Heels classes. Heels add height and extra weight that makes dancing much harder and more dangerous for yourself and for our instructors and your classmates around you. Street heels are not allowed in our studio. You will only be allowed to wear heels that have ankle straps and proper rubber soles with thick platform that are safer and constructed for pole dancing in our Pole Heels classes and in Open Studio. If you need recommendations on where to buy pole heels, please contact us.
15. CAN MY FRIENDS COME TO WATCH ME IN CLASS?
To respect the privacy of our students, no spectator is allowed in class. Your friends will need to sign up and participate in class, just like everyone else. If your friends or family want to wait for you while you are in class, they can hang out at one of the restaurants and/or coffee shops nearby.
16. WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW PRIOR TO COMING TO CLASS?
No lotion or oils should be applied on your body within 24 hours of your pole class. Sweating will release the lotion or oils back to the skin surface, and you will be unable to safely grip the pole. In case of dry skin, you can use Dew Point (ultra) from polejunkie or directly from Dew Point website.
If your hands get sweaty and/or you need hand grip, you can purchase 2Toms GripShield on Amazon or simply wash your hands with soap and water more often during class. We also provide rosin chalk at our studios.
Please leave your jewelry at home. It can cause damage to our apparatuses and you will be held responsible. It is also a safety hazard if your jewelry gets caught on any aerial equipment.
Bring a pair of socks and knee pads to Fundamental Pole classes and choreo dance classes. You can borrow knee pads from us if you don’t have them. You might want to bring body towels if you sweat a lot in class, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated as we provide safe drinking water at our studios.
Wear appropriate attire to classes.
Please cancel your class and stay home if you are sick or have the symptoms of sickness. Please make sure to contact us asap.
You may wash your hands, and clean up your equipment and the flooring area around your equipment before and after class.
17. HOW DO I FIND THE STUDIO?
Please go to the Directions page on this website to find the locations of both studios. Make sure to read your confirmation email in order to come to the correct location for your class. We usually also send a text or email to our new students to remind them of their class location and what to prepare on the day of class.
18. IS THERE A CHANGING AREA OR SHOWERS?
Both of our studios have bathrooms for changing clothes. However, we have many students and the use is limited. Please come earlier to give enough time for changing, or simply wear comfortable clothing outside your workout clothes. Our San Jose studio has 2 showers but our Santa Clara studio does not have shower.
19. I AM UNDER 18 YEARS OLD. CAN I TAKE CLASS?
Yes you are welcomed to take class at our studios. However, your parent will have to sign online waivers for you and accompany you to your 1st class and meet with your instructor. After your parent meets our instructor, you can join class alone like everyone else.
20. DO YOU ALLOW MALE STUDENTS IN CLASS?
Yes, men are welcomed to join class. We welcome all genders and ages.
21. IS THERE PARKING AT BOTH STUDIOS?
Yes there is plenty of street parking, underground parking, and neighborhood parking at both of our studios.
22. WHAT IS THE CLASS SIZE? DOES EACH STUDENT HAVE THEIR OWN POLE OR APPARATUS?
8-9 people max in our Fundamental Pole L1/L2, Lyrical Pole L2/L3, Pole Heels L2/L3 classes. Each student has their own pole in these classes.
10-12 people max in our Pole Heels L3/L4, Static/Spinning Pole L2/L3, Static/Spinning Pole L3/L4, Flexibility, Partner Acrobatics, Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop classes. Students share the apparatus.
23. WHAT IS THE DIAMETER OF THE POLES? HOW HIGH ARE THE POLES? HOW MANY POLES AND AERIAL RIGGINGS?
We have both 45mm and 40mm stainless steel poles. All the poles are 13ft high and the aerial rigging points are as high as 16-18ft. There are 8-9 poles and 7-8 rigging points at each studio
24. DO YOU HAVE ANY FREE TRIAL CLASS OR PROMOTION FOR FIRST TIMERS?
The studios do not have any free trial class or promotions since the 1st day it opened its doors. Most of our classes get booked out for weeks or months because we offer the highest quality of classes and the most affordable pricing in the Bay Area. Besides, if a few dollars stop you from getting fit and having the most fun in your life, you will most likely not suitable for circus arts anyway, so you’d better look for something else to do.
25. HOW THE REFERRAL PROGRAM WORK?
If you have a membership at our studios and you bring at least 7 friends to the same class, you can take that class for free. And if any of your friend becomes our member, you will get $20 gift card for each of them. Please note: This Referral program does not work for package students or buyers. Please contact us regarding the Referral program.
26. DO INSTRUCTORS OFFER PRIVATES?
Yes we do. Please contact the instructor directly to schedule your private, or contact us and we will put you through to one of our instructors. The rate varies among instructors.
27. DO YOU RENT OUT STAGE POLES?
Yes we do have X-Stage poles for rental. Please contact us for more information.
Be patient with yourself. Your body takes time to learn, adapt and gets stronger. Any fast progress is not sustainable and can lead to serious injuries.