Berkeley Pole + Dance

Join us for Pole + Dance’s Pole Level 1 Teacher Training on Saturday & Sunday, November 2 & 3 with Amelia () & Karina ()! This two day training includes 14 hours of instruction over two days, from 10am-5pm each day.

Our Pole Foundations Teacher Training covers a detailed breakdown of our Pole Foundations curriculum including how to effectively teach climbing, inversion preparation, spins, body waves, pole sits, and floorwork. We’ll also go in depth on how to plan and lead an effective warm up, discover who you are as an instructor, best practices for teaching, how to build community, and what we expect of our Pole + Dance Studios instructors.

• Participants should be confident climbing to the top of the pole, performing a pole sit, and be familiar with basic pole spins and movements.

See the Pole + Dance App under Workshops + Intensives + Series for more details and booking!

Join for this upcoming pop up to focus in on a classic pole move: Ballerina. We'll talk about entries, exits, and ballerina variations for helping students to develop their personal style on this classic pole move.

Friday, March 17 at 6:20pm

Prerequisites:
- 3 Pole Foundations classes

Two heel pop-ups with Amy B coming up on March 10!

- Hard Heels Style Tricks (L2+) at 6:20pm
- Intro to Heels Edgework (Beg/Int) with at 7:40pm

Hard Heels Style Tricks (L2+)
This class focuses on the hard style of heels, what we call Force Technique. We’ll learn how to harness the momentum and explosive force your body can create with the pole and the floor to perform exciting, jaw dropping heels tricks. We’ll crack the code of how to safely build these elements from the ground up to add a new level of freedom and power to your dance.

This workshop will explore: 💜 Throws 💜 Drop Splits 💜 Triple Spin (Directional Changes) 💜 Arabesque Get Ups (Pop Ups) After learning the basics for each Force element, we’ll build them into fierce and fun choreography with some of the hottest ballistic transitions that will leave your audience’s jaw on the floor. Knee pads and closed toe boots are required for this work.

Intro to Heels Edgework (Beg/Int)
In this Introduction to Edgework class, we'll learn fundamental conditioning exercises and techniques to strengthen the edges of the platform heel. We'll incorporate 3 Edgework-centric movements into a short choreography playing with creative ways to flex and create supported shapes through the ankle.

In this limited time backbending class, you’ll learn how to find more fluidity, breathe and softening in back bending and side twisting poses. Each class will begin with core and glute-focused conditioning, and shoulder and upper back strength training to prepare the body for deep stretching.

Through mobility drills, we will use strength in one part of the body to soften antagonistic muscles in the other to increase range of motion and engage proper muscle groups to deepen your back flexibility safely.

Sundays at 12:40pm from March 5 through April 30.

Did you know Feb is Black History Month? Pole has a long way to go toward inclusivity for Black dancers. One way to support them is by sharing their work. Here are some Black polers that we're in awe of.

- A pole powerhouse, Dalijah is the founder of Black Girls Pole. It's an org that hosts events, retreats, and webinars, and an online community just for Black polers. Dalijah hosts a podcast, Black Girl Fit Files, and maintains The Black List - Black-owned pole and aerial studios!

- Roz is a living legend. She specializes in teaching workshops for polers of all body types and abilities, including plus-size polers. You may have seen her featured by FitBit and The New York Times, or guest teaching at our studios!

- If you're an Oakland poler, you may remember Toni.Since she moved to NY, we've been watching her pole journey with awe, joy and pride. You can still dance with her - she has online tutorials and classes. We miss you, Toni!

- Bay Area star Kimmy was one of our first instructors at SFP+D. This pole champ and joyful human is the co-owner of Pole Presentational, a regional pole comp. If you've met Kimmy, you know how amazing her energy is!

- Kirstin is the former owner of what is now Berkeley P+D. A national competitor and incredible dancer, she left the Bay for the Sierra foothills, and we're still following her aerial adventures from afar! We're grateful for Kirstin's hard work building the pole community in BK over the years!
angsty.flow - We love our incredible instructor Autumn. She takes great care of new polers in Pole Foundations. In performances outside the studio, she gets crowds roaring with her expressive, sexy style. Don't sleep on her heels class, A.S.S.: Autumn's Sensual Sequences!
glows - Berkeley babe Roz is always up the pole making incredible shapes. We love her bright energy in BKP+D, helping our L2 students learn to fly. We're so excited to watch her continue to grow as an instructor and a dancer!

Who did we miss? There are so many incredible Black polers! Tag them in the comments and tell us why you follow them, so we can, too!

Not ready to commit to a pair of heels yet? You're in luck! We now have heel rentals at all our studios in a wide variety of sizes! Come take class and try them out!

✨🔥Have you seen the fire lineup for our Oakland PSO Showcase? Come see them show off their incredible talents and hard work before hitting the PSO stage.

Sun, Feb 26, 2023 at 6:00pm at Oakland Pole + Dance

Purchase your tickets through Eventbrite. We offer two price points for tickets: a standard $25 ticket rate and a needs-based $10 ticket rate. Proof is not needed to purchase a needs-based ticket.

In this limited time class, students will learn the elements for getting deeper into all kinds of splits. This class is appropriate for anyone looking to access their splits on and off aerial apparatuses. Each class will begin with a core-focused warmup, working to get the hip flexors and glutes activated as well as doing some soft tissue prep to loosen up the muscles and prepare the body for deep leg stretching.

We will work through conditioning exercises focusing on core, hips, quads, hamstrings and glutes. Exercises will also focus on proper alignment to safely deepen the range of motion and length.

Saturdays at 10:00am, March 4 through April 29.

***Note that this flexibility class is not appropriate for people who are recovering from spinal surgery, and is not a replacement for injuries that require physical therapy.***

Expand your flips in this class! We'll learn how to use lever grip and handspring entries to move through on-the-pole flips. We'll work through dynamic movement conditioning to prepare the body for going upside down and then work 4 flips variations.

Friday, February 24 at 6:20pm

Prerequisites:
- students must be able to confidently hold a handspring for 5 seconds in any grip

Have you ever wanted to build your own at-home training practice but weren't sure where to get started? If so, this workshop is for you!

In this 90 minute workshop, we'll talk about how to build a warmup that works for your body, how to target and activate the specific muscle groups needed to reach your goals, and how to train in a way geared towards reaching your movement goals *and* keeps your body safe.

At the end of the workshop, each attendee will have built a one-month training plan for their unique and specific goals.

Saturday, February 18 @ 5:30pm

It wouldn't be called a crush if it didn't hurt! Got a broken heart during the season of love? Haven't been showing enough love for yourself lately? Or maybe you just have sad girl vibes? There's nothing sexier than letting it all out on the dance floor.

In this beginner's level class we're gonna throw out the conditioning aspect of Pole Foundations and focus on spins and floorwork so we can cry through a sexy sad choreo. Get those feels out and look good while doing it.

Tuesday, Feb 14 @ 8:25PM

Prerequisites
• None

Recommended Attire
• S*xy lingerie
• Heels encouraged but not required

This one is especially for our *morning* lovers! Starting 2/9 through 3/2, Sahra will be teaching Pole L1.5 on Thursdays at 8:00AM.

This class is perfect is you're curious about moving up to Pole L2 but want to ease into it. Or maybe you're already in Pole L2 but you know how important it is to keep refining the basics. This class is for you! In this class, students will begin to learn common Pole L2 tricks and skills such as jasmine, genie, figurehead, and apprentice. You’ll stay mostly upright and descend into all inversions. You’ll also continue working on pole sits and laybacks, forearm climbs and basic grounded movement.

This Friday night, join Sahra for drippin wet. All are welcome but especially q***r and trans cuties to the front for this one! This freestyle class will focus on finding and embracing your unique sensuality.
We will use prompts, music, lighting, and partner work to facilitate a deep dive into what makes YOU feel embodied as a mover. We will find inspiration in the way water flows, drips, and freezes.
Some partner work may be done in this class. consent around partner work is taken very seriously. There will be time to get to know your partner and discuss what types of contact you're okay with and what you are not okay with. you can always opt out of partner work.
Friday, February 3 @ 7:00PM
Prerequisites: • The only prerequisites for this class are a desire to move and some experience with pole (at least 3 Pole Foundations classes) • This class is beginner-friendly and suitable for all ages and abilities.
Recommended Attire: • Please wear whatever you feel comfortable moving in • Layers that include sweatpants, socks, and kneepads are recommended

Want all the likes on social media? Come join Fifi in her (L2+) on Friday, January 20th at 6:20pm.

Saw a move on the innernet and want to try it out? Bring it to class and let's workshop it together! We'll kick class off by sharing photos/videos of what you'd like to work on. You'll be led through a full-body warm-up, and then work on figuring it out together!

This class is great for students who:
• were inspired by something they've seen on social media
• have combos they want to clean up
• want to workshop moves for routines/performances/competitions
• have a pole photoshoot coming up and want to work on poses/angles
• want to get better at "learning how to learn" to train solo during open studio/studio access
• want a collaborative jam experience with fellow community members!

Prerequisites:
• must be a current L2 student or higher

Friday, January 20th
6:20pm (L2+) with Fifi
Sign up with our P+D app.

Join Sahra in their ever-inclusive T**s Out! (QT centered space!) on Friday, January 13th at 7pm.

In this freedance-based class we will explore the question: "What would your movement look like in an explicitly q***r and trans affirming space where you are free to just... be?"

Bring layers so that you have the option to remove them if you have the desire. That could look like wearing a t-shirt with no bra, a mesh or lace shirt/bra, lingerie, or fully bare. Explore where you feel most comfortable! You do NOT need to be topless to participate.

This class will be structured around free dance prompts and prioritize rest and breath. We will smile, laugh, and lean into movement that feels organic for our unique bodies.

Friday, January 13th
7pm T**s Out! (QT centered space!) with Sahra
Sign up with our P+D app.

A reminder that our class times have changed! Going forward our afternoon classes will start at 4:25pm and class times will be 70 minutes long. Please make sure to check the new class times as you get ready to come to our studio for the new year.

We’ve also updated our late arrival policy. Please make sure you’re IN class before the 10 minute mark. If you are not on the floor before the 10 minutes are up, you will not be able to join the class as you’ve missed the warm up.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at [email protected]

Did you know we have an app? Download our Pole + Dance app onto your phone from either the Apple store or Google Play. Make sure to go to your settings and set your phone up for our notifications so you'll be one of the first to get alerts about a spot opening up if you’re on our waitlist!

Questions, feel free to message us in the comments below, DM us, or email us at [email protected].

Have you signed up for PSO’s Golden Gate pole competition yet? We have our 8 Week Pole Competition Series running at both San Francisco with Allison and Oakland with Angel. Allison’s series will run Mondays at 4:40pm from January 9th to February 27th. Angel’s series will run Saturdays at 3pm from January 7th to February 25th.

This 8 week performance series is designed for anyone signed up for PSO's Golden Gate competition in Feb 2022, or anyone else who wants to work on putting together a full routine for a performance or competition generally.

Each week we'll focus on a different aspect of your routine and will spend time refining your movement and character. You'll get to perform for one another each week in order to get used to dancing in front of other people.

• Saturdays, runs from January 7th to February 25th
3pm 8 Weeks Pole Competition Series with Angel in Oakland

• Mondays, runs from January 9th to February 27th
4:40pm 8 Weeks Pole Competition Series with Allison in San Francisco

Sign up with our P+D app.

Start the new year right with back to back classes with our Boss Daddy, Amy B! Join Amy on Friday, January 6th for two fun classes: Hard Heels Style Tricks (L2+) and Intro to Heels Edgework (Beg/Int)!

Saturday, January 7th
• 6:20pm Hard Heels Style Tricks (L2+)
• 7:40pm Intro to Heels Edgework (Beg/Int)

Sign up with our P+D app.

I said: Brrr! It’s getting cold in here! 🥶 There must be some Toros in the atmosphere!

Stay warm this winter with our beanies and sweatpants in a multitude of colors! Shop in store or our website!

I said: oh e oh e oh!
Ice ice ice

Give the gift that keeps on giving - gift cards! Treat your pole friend by buying a gift card from our studio! They can use it on classes or merchandise in our retail shop. Purchase them in our online shop! www.poleanddancestudios.com

Sharing is caring! Starting on Friday, December 23rd, you can bring a new friend to Pole Foundations for FREE with Luiza at 5pm.

In this *Bring a Friend For Free* edition of Pole Foundations, we'll cover all the intro to pole basics but with the comfort factor of sharing a pole with your friend! We'll review climbing, inversion prep, 2 or so spins and floor work that we'll string together to create about 30 seconds of choreography!

It's the same Foundations class you know and love, now with your friends to support you!

💜 Only you need to sign up for this class; your friend does not need to sign up.

Friday, starting December 23rd
5pm *Bring a Friend for FREE!* Pole Foundations with Luiza

Sign up with our P+D app.

Please welcome our Pole + Dance Community Facilitator in Berkeley- Miyuki! 🎉🎉🎉

Miyuki will be at the studio for YOU! Yes YOU! Loved your class and you want to rave about it? Miyuki’s all ears! Our Pole + Dance Community Facilitators are here to be walking feedback boxes. Have thoughts or suggestions for classes or the studio space? Reach out to Miyuki!

We’re so excited to have Miyuki in this position to help us grow!

Bendy babe and incredible coach Elizabeth will be in our studio to teach 5 classes on Sunday, December 18th.

Make sure to sign up with our P+D app.

Sunday December 18th
10am Pole L4 (Int/Adv)
11:15am Handspring Clinic (Int/Adv)
12:30pm Pole Tricks Clinic (L2+)
1:45pm Handstands + Inversions
3pm Spin Pole Combos

Join us for a holiday party in Berkeley on Friday, December 16th at 7pm! Jam out with the community and enjoy some treats.

Feel free to come dressed ready to jam or in your festive party attire! Bring a wrapped gift ($15 max value) to play an optional white elephant and be entered into our raffle to win a class pack. White elephant will begin at 8pm.

There will also be a donation box for toys that will be given to A Better Way. Bring an unwrapped, new toy (any age is appropriate) if you'd like to contribute.

This is a free event!!

https://www.abetterwayinc.net/

Friday, December 16th
7-9pm Holiday Party + Jam

Our new choreography class program started last week at the Intermediate/Advanced level - and there are more changes coming in the new year! You answered our survey, and we listened. We’ve got a brand new class for brand new dancers, Choreography + Heels Foundations, as well as unique Beginner level choreo classes with your favorite instructors. Start getting excited now - you’ll see these classes in January!

You’ve got more pole-curious friends, we’ve got more Bring A Friend Pole Foundations classes! Join both Miyuki and Ray in the coming days: 12/17 and 12/26.

Do you have a friend you adore? Have you been trying to get them to come to class but they're feeling intimidated? If so, this 2-for-1 class is for y'all! In this *Bring a Friend For Free* edition of Pole Foundations, we'll cover all the intro to pole basics but with the comfort factor of sharing a pole with your friend! We'll review climbing, inversion prep, 2 or so spins and floor work that we'll string together to create about 30 seconds of choreography! It's the same Foundations class you know and love, now with your friends to support you! 💜 Only you need to sign up for this class; your friend does not need to sign up.

Pole Foundations *Bring a Friend For Free*
Saturday, December 17th at 4:15pm with Miyuki
Monday, December 26th at 5:30pm with Ray

Sign up with our P+D app.

Are you so ready to get into these newly revamped choreography classes!? Our in/adv instructors are giving you even more of what you love - their own unique style. Slow it down in Fifi Flow every Sunday at 12:30pm.

Fifi Flow is an intermediate-level choreography class perfect for students who want to explore slow and intentional movement, enjoy the process of transitioning between tricks, but also want the space to explore the fluidity of their own style!

Fifi’s classes are great for students who want freedom to connect to the music, and for those who want to explore freedancing/freestyle.

Fifi doesn’t count music and encourages her students to move when the music tells them. Her choreographies are typically slow, stay close to the ground (hello low flow/floorwork!), and feature the occasional heel clack!

Most of Fifi’s choreographies require knee pads, but socks are encouraged!

Our intermediate and advanced choreo classes show off the unique magic of each instructor. You’ll learn longer choreography that features complex, stylized movement specific to that instructor - no two instructors will teach the same! These classes are for confident heels dancers who are hungry for new or advanced variations of familiar skills. Expect to have your stamina challenged and your skill set expanded!

Students who sign up for this class should feel comfortable with
• a pole sit
• pirouettes
• basic shoulder rolls
• able to hold a half-bracket/forearm hold for 5 seconds
• able to fully press onto the toe box and hold balance

Sundays
12:30pm Fifi’s Flow (Int)
Sign up with our P+D app.

Maybe you’ve heard that our choreo class program is getting a revamp, to give our instructors the ability to dig even deeper into their own unique style. In that case, may we have your ass-tention! Autumn’s beg/int heels choreo class will now be (A.S.S.): Autumn's Sensual Sequences every Tuesday night at 6pm.

(A.S.S.): Autumn's Sensual Sequences is an intermediate class for students who crave extra focus and feedback on technique to build their own strong, unique, and consistent dance aesthetic. Autumn's classes are good for students who want to execute frequented heels movements, but still want the spaciousness to explore their own style, expression, and tempo.

Autumn doesn't count music and encourages her students to listen, follow their own rhythm, and develop their own musicality. Her guided sequences are to specific songs which alternate between fast and slow. Slow choreos are generally slinky and dabble in edge work while the fast choreos stay close to the ground but may flirt with tricksy elements!

All of Autumn's classes require socks and kneepads, and while Heels are highly encouraged, most of Autumn's sequences can be modified for sock wearers.

Our intermediate and advanced choreo classes show off the unique magic of each instructor. You’ll learn longer choreography that features complex, stylized movement specific to that instructor - no two instructors will teach the same! These classes are for confident heels dancers who are hungry for new or advanced variations of familiar skills. Expect to have your stamina challenged and your skill set expanded!

Students who sign up for this class should be comfortable with
• a pole sit
• pirouettes
• basic shoulder rolls
• holding a half-bracket/forearm hold for 5 seconds
• pressing onto the toe box & holding balance

Tuesdays
6pm (A.S.S.): Autumn's Sensual Sequences (Int)
Sign up with our P+D app.

Surely you heard that our choreography classes are getting even better, starting this week! Our in/adv instructors will give you more of what you love - their own unique style. We’re bringing back the classics with Yoko’s Old School Style every Monday starting January 2nd at 4:45pm.

Sink into gooey and sexy technique in this intermediate/advanced slow flow choreography class where we will focus on musicality, stage presence, leg twirling, floor tricks, heels banging, shoulder rolls, and waves.

Our intermediate and advanced choreo classes show off the unique magic of each instructor. You’ll learn longer choreography that features complex, stylized movement specific to that instructor - no two instructors will teach the same! These classes are for confident heels dancers who are hungry for new or advanced variations of familiar skills. Expect to have your stamina challenged and your skill set expanded!

Students who sign up for this class should feel comfortable with
• a pole sit
• pirouettes
• basic shoulder rolls
• able to hold a half-bracket/forearm hold for 5 seconds
• able to fully press onto the toe box and hold balance

Mondays, starting January 2nd
4:45pm Yoko’s Old School Style (Int/Adv)
Sign up with our P+D app.