Some Frequently Asked Questions: *First Class Prep*

I'm new to this, which class should I take first?

-Start with the Passage to Pole weekly series class or if you’re not ready to commit to a series, try out the 1.5 hour intro workshop: Prelude to Pole.

What should I wear to my first pole class?!

-A comfy top and yoga pants or shorts are perfect! No need for shoes, everyone starts out barefoot. (heels are optional in later class levels)

-When you decide to start wearing shoes, we request that you do not wear heels that are worn outside. We are happy to provide you with a list of our favorite places to get pole dancing heels and what types work best!

-As you progress through the levels you get to incorporate fun accessories and different types of clothing! We love the fluff and sparkles, that’s for sure!

Is there nudity in class?

-No.

-Some more advanced classes require the use of skin against the pole for additional hold but most students wear short shorts and cropped tops when they reach that level.

I need to miss a class, what do I do?

-You are allowed one make-up class per series which turns into an additional Drop-In class. For the make-up class, we require it to be completed within the weeks of the purchased series. You can can use it anytime after the completion of week 3 in any drop-in class (Pole Perfecting | Pilates | Silks | Extension | Ignition) or you are more then welcome to make-up in another Passage series if there is space.

Where are you located?

-We have two studio locations: one in San Francisco and another in Novato. Our San Francisco location is at 2791 Bush St, right next to Smith Clock Co. in the green building. Our Novato location is 1553 S Novato Blvd Ste E between the Taekwondo and Thai restaurant - look for the black doors with our logo on it.

What if I am late to class?

-It is disruptive to class when students are late. Please plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in. If you are running behind, please sneak in quietly. Students are not allowed to participate if they are more then 10 mins late. Email the studio to let us know and we can email you all the make-up class info.

Do I need to bring a yoga mat to class?

-We do have mats for students use, but we allow anyone to bring in their own mat as well. Studio mats are cleaned daily and there is also cleaner available for anyone to wipe down a mat before/after use.

Do I need to be in shape to pole dance?

-No, the best part about pole dancing is all types of women+ can do it. We teach a progression at Entangle & Sway that prepares your body, class by class, to perform the tricks.

Are there any windows? Can people watch us while we are pole dancing?

-There are no windows, no one can see in! Even though this is a fantastic form of fitness, it can still be intimate at times and we want everyone to feel extra comfortable. The space is strategically lit as well, so no one has to worry about how they look! We do not allow any watching - only active participants will be allowed.

Will I actually get a workout from this class?

-Yes, definitely! Each class starts with a full body warm-up specially formatted to sculpt and tone. You’ll continue that workout with lots of dancing to follow it up! You will certainly feel it the following day(s)! Pole dance fitness is one of the most fun ways to start getting in shape.

What kinds of women+ take pole dancing?

-All types!! We get all different people of size, shape and age, as well as every profession you can think of. From artists, lawyers, mothers, students and so many others. Everyone was born to pole dance!

Do you allow men to take classes at the studio?

-The listed Intro Workshops/Series are intended for Women and Gender Non-Conforming Students, (this includes the LGBTQ community - any person who feels they are a woman or wants to dive into their feminine-self including gay and gender-questioning students) We do allow others to take personalized private lessons and/or private series - email for more details!

Do you have an age requirement to take classes?

-18 and older are welcome to attend.

I have already taken pole dance classes before; do I need to take the introductory classes?

-We teach progressively at E&S, so we prefer all our students start with the intro series. Don’t worry! In the intro classes you learn a great routine to expand on, and it’s great for dancers of any level.

-We strongly suggest taking Passage to Pole prior to enrolling in a Pole Connection/Pole Elevation series. Although if you have significant experience, please contact the studio and let us know what types of tricks you know and what your experience is and we can tell you what class will be best for you! We may request for you to come to a ‘Pole Perfecting’ class so we can work with you a little and assess what level is right for you.

-There are also various drop-in style classes that are open to all levels.

* Don’t wear any lotions the day of your class. It will cause you to slide off the poles, and it often leaves the pole slippery for other students that will use it after.

* If you need to miss a class for some reason, please email the studio for your make-up suggestions. You are allowed one make-up class per series, but strongly suggest not missing any days of your intro series. We require any make-up class to be made up within the weeks of your series.

* Please avoid wearing jewelry to class. Watches, rings, and bracelets will scratch the pole and earrings and necklaces may get caught.

* We don’t allow street shoes in the dance space. There are plenty of places for you to store your shoes and belongings.

* Nervous?! Many women+ are nervous their first time going to pole fitness classes, but we can assure you that there is nothing to be nervous for. You will have so much fun! (Yes, we said fun! Fun fitness!!) We work with each student individually, at their level, to make everyone’s experience comfortable and enlightening.

* We suggest bringing water to your classes, but we also try to have bottled water available for purchase.

* Doors open about 10 minutes prior to class... please arrive a few minutes early to get settled in.

What is my next step after the Prelude to Pole workshop?

You should move on to the "Passage to Pole" weekly series!

Then what's next?!

Once you "graduate" from the Passage to Pole series you will continue onto the Pole Connection 5 week series (Level 1: Anticipate). You can also attend drop-In classes! You can begin Pole Elevation series if you've have completed at least one Pole Connection level and have instructor approval.

What is Pole Connection vs. Pole Elevation?

We teach new tricks in our 5 week Series classes. They are set up progressively, so each week you learn a new trick, building on what you learned before. Our static pole series are set up in two different ways; Pole Elevation (climbs, inverts, and handstands) and Pole Connection (spins, transitions, and floorwork) In each class we teach you how to dance the tricks so you can easily incorporate them into your freestyle dance. Each series comes with one drop-in class to use during your 5 week series. All of our Pole Elevation/Pole Connection series are 90-105mins long. The Connection/Elevation series are $215.

What are the Drop-In Classes about?

We have Drop-In packages for the Pole Perfecting - Play - Choreo - Flow - Ignition - Extension - Method - Silks - Foundation - Yoga - Pilates classes.

The Pole Perfecting class starts with a mat warm-up, then time to work on your trick/dance progression with the instructor, and finished with dancing! The Pole Play class is an emersion of freestyle dance - Individual & group guided and often themed. Pole Flow is freestyle exercise based class with instructor feedback. A chance to explore the dance and different types of music while expanding your freestyle. No new tricks are taught in these classes. The Pole Choreo class is a fun opportunity to sequence all the killer moves you've been learning in new and fun routines each week. Freedom Pole is a chance to get on the poles without focused instruction; a great option for anyone who is self motivated!

Pole Ignition is our pole conditioning class. Killer workout in an hour! Get bendy in our flexibility & balance class, Pole Extension. (try our Ignition/Extension Power Hour!) Pole Pilates class to focus and build that core strength. Pole Yoga connects your mind and body for a relaxing flow! Pole Ignition/Extension/Pilates/Yoga are open to all levels, no experience required. For the those ready to start freestyling, we have Pole Method where we dance, dance and then dance some more! Learn a short (sometimes themed) routine in Quick Choreo. The Pole Foundation class is for those inverting/climbing students to solidify their basics. And Pole Silks which is a combination of silks and pole!

*Sign-ups for drop-in classes are weekly.

I love to Pole Dance! How often can I come?

You can come as often as you would like! We even have various Drop-In Packages for those students enrolled in a Connection/Elevation series! Poling everyday can cause body exhaustion, so you should definitely give your body a rest at least a couple of days a week.

New to E&S but not to pole?

We teach progressively at E&S, so we prefer all our students start with the Passage to Pole series. Don’t worry! In the intro classes you learn a great routine to expand on, and it’s great for dancers of any level.

We strongly suggest taking Passage to Pole prior to enrolling in a Pole Connection/Pole Elevation series. Although if you have significant experience, please contact the studio and let us know what types of tricks you know and what your experience is and we can tell you what class will be best for you! We may request for you to come to a ‘Pole Perfecting’ class so we can work with you a little and assess what level is right for you.

There are also various drop-in style classes that are open to all levels.