FAQs

Q: What do I need to wear in class?

A: You should wear short shorts and a tank top. Sports Bras are recommended for protection and support. We need to have a lot of skin exposed, as you need to stick to the pole. Fabric will slide right off the pole, giving you no grip. (* For men, shirts must stay at all times when you are at the premises. There is no exception.) If you do not own a pair of shorts, don’t worry. We have a great selection of short at the reception for purchase.

Q: Do I have to wear heels in class?

A: Most of the classes offered at Studio Botan do no require heels. Especially for those of you with no pole dance experience, we advice not to wear heels. Heels look great but make it harder initially. You will work your way up to adding the weight of the heels to your workout. Street shoes are not allowed beyond reception area, you will be allowed to wear only indoor pole heels, as they are safer and appropriate for this workout. Regular high heels are not allowed.

Q: I’m a beginner, never taken a class. Which class should I take?

A: Definitely start from Pole 101. Pole 101 is for everyone who has never taken a pole class before to those who are still discovering pole dancing. We will properly warn you up before getting on a pole followed by how to walk around the pole gracefully, learn few tricks, and end up a simply choreography put together with the moves and techniques you learn in the class.

Q: Do I need any dance background?

A: No you don’t. You will learn everything you need to know at our classes. Start in the beginner classes on the schedule (Pole 101), and slowly work your way up when you feel ready to take more advance classes. You can also take Dancers Stretch and Core to improve your flexibility and core strength and we also offer choreography-based classes to help you learn fluidity in your moves.

Q: Am I too big to pole dance?

A: Pole Dance is for women and men of all shapes and sizes. (Yes, we are open for men at our studio.) You will definitely trim down as you go, and will see more body definition. Pole dance is a whole body workout. You get muscle toning and strength along with cardio vascular exercise, all combined into an extremely fun hour of workout. However, the maximum weight limit per individual is 250 lbs, as determined by the equipment manufacturer. If you are greater than 220 lbs and less than 250 lbs, please notify our staff for special instructions.

Q: I have no upper body strength. Can I still take a class?

A: It is not a problem. Our job is to get you stronger quickly. We will teach you everything you need to know on how to become stronger in your upper body, core and all over body fitness.

Q: Is there a changing room and a shower in the studio?

A: There is a changing area by the studio, though we do not have lockers with locks for your personal belongings. We have cubicles in the studio where you can keep an eye on your belongings while you take a class. There are NO showers on premises.

Q: If I show up to class late, can I still participate?

A: You are required to show up 5-15 min ahead of class (15 mins ahead of class for the first timers and 5 mins ahead of class for others), as we will not be able to let you in late. Be here early enough to change and be ready to start class on time.

Q: What else should I know before taking a class?

A: You should NOT wear ANY lotion on your hands and legs the day of class. Sweating will release the lotion back to the surface, and you will be sliding off the pole. Your pole partners will not be happy, as they will be sliding as well. So absolutely no lotion. Leave your jewelry at home. It will be in the way, and it is not safe to leave it unattended.

Q: I’m not a beginner, but definitely not intermediate. What class is good for me?

A: At Studio Botan we recommend you to progress to Pole Choreography class once you get used to Pole 101 before going up to Intermediate Pole. We want you to feel comfortable climbing up the pole and do inversions before going up to Pole Choreography class. You can also take Pole Fit and Dancers Stretch and Core to improve necessary flexibility and core strength before advancing to Intermediate Pole.

Q: I still have more questions. Where can I contact?

A: If you still have a question, please do not hesitate to contact us either by phone or e-mailing. You can reach us at 415.830.1007 and/or sayaha@botan.co