A good pole dance instructor can make all the difference in the world, but how can you tell who is good? Here are a few pointers to help you choose.

Pole Dance Experience

It sounds obvious, but a good pole dance instructor needs to know a lot about pole. You want to be cautious with anyone who doesn’t know a lot of moves or has only started learning recently, themselves. While these teachers may be fine for the most beginner level, you will want to be sure they know their limits and don’t start training students beyond that point.

Good instructors will be comfortable with several spins and inverts, will know a wide variety of transitions, warm ups, and cool downs, and will be able to do moves on both right and left sides. They should be comfortable doing a series of inverts, gracefully and smoothly entering and exiting out of each move.

Fitness and Safety Background

Pole dance is an aerial art and can be dangerous if done improperly, so an understanding of movement and how the body works is essential in a pole dance instructor. Good instructors will emphasize safety, beginning with proper posture and shoulder position, and will teach inverts starting from the floor. They will incorporate stretching, core conditioning, and cool-downs into each class.

Good instructors will encourage you to progress at your own pace, and will emphasize learning slowly and thoroughly over racing to acquire new moves. Good instructors will know which grips are best for different strength levels and what the warning signs are of overuse or injury. They will also teach you how to clean your pole and use it safely.

Good pole dance teachers often have training or experience in forms of movement other than pole, such as different styles of dance, gymnastics, figure skating, aerial arts, pilates, or yoga. They may have degrees in physical education. The specifics may vary, but good pole instructors understand anatomy and movement, and if they have first aid training, all the better.

A word of caution for dancers taking pole dancing classes online (and for anyone working out on the pole at home): The best course in the world cannot teach you safely if you don’t follow the instructions or listen to your body. It is your responsibility, especially when you are learning to pole dance online or from DVDs, to be aware of your own safety. Go slowly, ask questions of other pole dancers when you get confused, and get a spotter when you start trying inverted moves.

Understanding of Equipment and Accessories

You want a pole dance instructor who can help guide you when you are ready for a pole of your own, and who can answer questions on everything from grip aids to crash mats to platform boots. When they don’t know something off the top of their head, they should be involved enough in the pole dance community to know where to go for more information.

Teaching Style and Environment

Teaching is an art, in and of itself. Just because someone can do something, doesn’t mean they can teach it. So, when you are looking for a pole dance teacher, you want someone who knows how to break moves down into their component steps. You want someone who knows people learn in different ways, and who therefore can explain moves in different ways.

You want an encouraging, supportive environment. Good teachers will never put you or any other student down. They should always maintain control of their classroom, and ensure that the students are supportive and respectful of one another. Good teachers will see to it that you get ample time on the pole and enough personal attention to progress when you are stuck.

Good instructors will also ensure a clean environment and enforce a “no moisturizers before class” rule, possibly even keeping students from using the pole if they have recently applied lotion. They will clean their poles regularly and teach you to do the same.

Certifications

Pole dance is in its infancy and many of the best teachers in the world have never been certified. So, while I think certification can be a great thing, I don’t think it should replace your estimation of the instructor in the other areas mentioned here. However, a few pole dance certification programs are now available and, if your teacher meets the other requirements listed here, I think certification is a good thing.

Your Personal Comfort Level

Every pole dance teacher has their own unique style, and you need to find the one that meshes best with you. Some teachers have a very acrobatic approach, while others like a sexier style. See if you can attend an open house night or take a single class before signing up for a whole session, in order to see if their teaching style is a good fit for you.

If you have any questions or concerns about the class, a good instructor will take the time to sit down and talk with you. The best instructors will make you feel safe in their classes, emotionally and physically.

You may also want information on pole dancing classes, online pole dancing lessons, and where to get a pole of your own.