Why there are no rules in your pole dancing journey

There are no rules when it comes to your pole dancing journey.

It’s actually one of my absolute favourite things about pole, how you are in classes and how you express yourself during them is uniquely yours. Everyone’s journey is different and at Altitude we celebrate any way that might look.

There are no expectations, only that we hope you are having fun getting stronger and more confident.

Before I get too far into my “there are no rules” statement, I do want to point out there are some rules. Don’t take that literally - I am not encouraging you to YOLO your way through your pole classes like a cat with 9 lives. Safety should be your top priority. Trying to avoid things like talking over your instructor when they’re teaching is always preferred.

My point is - there are no rules when it comes to the expression of pole dancing.

There’s no right or wrong style of pole.

All styles are valid and none are better or more “right” than others. From athletic to contemporary and everything in between - we love and celebrate every version.

If all you want to do is pirouette and slide around in socks, flow classes sound like your jam! You don’t have to always be looking for that next big trick. Whatever style floats your boat, we’re here for it.

There is no right or wrong way to show up for class.

You might have had a really long day at work and need some pole time to unwind, if you end up feeling too exhausted to give it your all, hey at least you made it right? 

If you’ve just downed a load of caffeine and have the energy of a pack of toddlers ready to take on the world, we’re here for that, too! Let’s go!

There is no right or wrong way to dance.

This one is especially important for all those choreo classes out there. Flow classes don’t have to be expressive or even flowy, heels classes don’t have to be sexy or even in heels (sometimes the choreo might need them, though 😉). 

We’re just glad you’re giving it a go! Whatever way you feel like dancing in that moment, it’s always valid.

I’d also like to point out not everyone feels ready to dance in a certain style, that confidence often comes with experience! So show some aroha (love) and be patient with yourself when learning, you’ll get to where you want to go.

There is no right or wrong way to perform.

Want to jump on stage dressed as a creepy clown to freak out your audience? Awesome, I’d definitely cheer for that! Prefer to strap on sky high heels and slink and slide across the stage? I’m here for that, too! Ready to wow us with strength, combos or tricks? Yes, please - show us what you got!

Pole dancing, at its core, is creative. So unless you’re at a competition with set rules on the dos and don’ts for points reasons… your options really are endless. Whatever creation you want to bring to life is the creation we want to see!

There are no expectations to how fast you move through the levels.

We all progress at our own pace, and that’s totally okay! Some people might fly through, while others may need more time to nail the core moves before leveling up – and both are completely valid.

Progress isn’t a race, and you’re never “behind.”

Every step, every class, every bit of time spent building your strength and confidence is part of the journey, and that journey is what makes your progress so meaningful. You’ll get where you’re going, and we’ll be right there cheering you on!

At the end of the day, pole dancing is a personal journey. Whether you’re here to embrace your oozy, sexy side, push your physical limits, or just have some fun in a supportive space - how you express yourself is entirely up to you.

Pole is for everyone, and every expression is welcome at Altitude.

You don’t need to fit into any mold to belong. Just come as you are, because that’s what makes our hapori (community) and classes so vibrant and real.

So, whether you’re confident strutting in heels, swinging around barefoot, sliding around in socks, or just trying to keep up with that speedy choreo - just know you’re in the right place. Keep moving, keep feeling, and most importantly, keep being unapologetically you.

Because there are no rules in this journey.