Why should I choose Hudson Valley Pole Arts to guide me on my aerial journey?
First and foremost: we care about aerial safety and student evolution.
Our poles are Platinum Stages brand, 45 mm, stainless steel, and uncoated; each pole can be set to spin mode. Most reputable studios around the globe use and TRUST this brand of pole to keep their aerialists safe.
Hudson Valley Pole Arts is the only Hudson Valley studio to feature teachers certified by nationally-recognized ACE-AFAA pole fitness programs.
And we don’t stop there: the teacher’s journey is never done. We make it a priority to learn the hippest transitions and newest tricks, to continue training under the best pole dancers in the world, to better take you through all levels in your aerial journey. We know we’re only as good as our students, and we want YOU to be the best gymnast, dancer, and/or heeled-mynx you can be. Whatever your dance or fitness goals, we can take you there!
What do I wear to class?
All classes require LEG skin unless otherwise noted. Friction between your skin and the pole is what will help you stick to the pole. Please wear/bring a pair of shorts, and don’t apply lotion beforehand.
Please remove any metal jewelry from hands and wrists, as they could result in injury and possible destruction of equipment. This includes rings, bracelets, and watches.
We dance barefoot unless otherwise specified in the class description.
Schedule Changes/Cancellations
Hudson Valley Pole reserves the right to cancel a scheduled class 3 hours prior to start time, in the event of inclement weather or instructor emergencies. You will be notified by email of the cancellation if you are enrolled in the class, and have entered your correct email address into Mindbody! Class credit goes back into your account for use at a future date. If your class was cancelled and you would like a full refund back onto your card, you must contact hvpolearts@gmail.com.
Class cancellations will also be reflected on our schedule and social media.
Substitute teachers may be applied to class at any point prior to class start time.
On the rare occasion class attendance is low (2 or less students), the teacher reserves the right to implement an Open Studio in place of the regularly-scheduled class, OR refund/credit the class back onto the participants’ account.
Occasionally, we will offer “pop-up” specialty classes or workshops that are not covered by class packages. Drop-in rates may differ for these sessions and are based on length of the class and max capacity determined by the instructor.
Our class offerings differ from season to season. Please check our MindBody schedule for the most up-to-date lineup.
“I don’t think I’m strong enough. Please talk me into this.”
We don’t need your full history and why you think you can’t do this. We won’t hold your hand through signing up for ONE pole fitness class. If you want a pep talk, call your therapist because that ain’t our job! (sorry, not sorry)
Just know that you ARE strong enough. No matter where you are in your fitness journey, you are simply ENOUGH to come to a pole class and put in work like the badass that you are.
Are you gonna be amazing at it? Probably not right away; and you shouldn’t expect that. But what you should expect are significant strides in physical strength within the first 3 classes. Hard things don’t get easier- you just get better. And by better, we mean STRONGER. And you’ll hardly notice how much work you’re putting in because pole is just so. much. FUN.
ALL ages, sizes, and fitness levels are loved and welcome.
Since this isn’t a ‘real’ fitness class, can I be late?
Nope. No. Definitely not. Students CANNOT be late.
Safety is of utmost importance to us! Just because our apparatus is vertical, doesn’t mean it’s any less intense than yoga, cycling, gymnastics, or martial arts. Our classes are LEGITIMATE fitness classes, and we begin every session with a full-body warm-up. Because of this, arriving late is a liability to the studio as you are not adequately warm. It is also disruptive and unfair to the rest of the class.
If you are late by 8 minutes or more, you will not be admitted and your reservation will be cancelled.
We take our late policy VERY seriously, so do plan ahead if you’re traveling from another city and/or this is your first time visiting us.
Do class packages expire?
Yes, nothing is forever. Just like every other yoga and movement studio, our class packages expire. Most expire after 3 months, but do note the expiration at time of checkout. Generally speaking, the larger the package, the more time allotted before expiration.
Buying a “new student special” or holiday deal? Those packages are severely-discounted, with the stipulation that you have a small window to use them. Note the expiration dates!
We do not extend or suspend packages without a doctor’s note or valid reason, especially as a small business in the age of COVID. Being “really busy” or going on vacation are not valid reasons. Note the expiration and plan accordingly, or if you’re unsure, use the “drop-in” option for the single class rate.
Can I cancel last minute?
Not really. You must cancel 8 hours prior to class start time to be refunded the class. Once that window closes, it’s considered a late cancellation. As our numbers are restricted per COVID county regulations, every spot is valuable, especially in an at-capacity Newbies class. You can cancel via Mindbody in the exact same way in which you signed up.
When in doubt about your ability to make it, don’t sign up until you know for sure!
Can I sign my friends into class so we can come in as a group?
So sorry for any inconvenience, but every participant needs to make their own Mindbody account and register for class themselves. The Mindbody software ensures that all students can access and sign the liability waiver prior to arrival, in addition to securely storing credit card information so no-shows can be charged for the class. Do you want to be responsible for the one friend in your group who flakes on everything last-minute? We don’t think you need to carry that burden!
What is your age policy?
Anyone under the age of 18 must have the release form signed by a parent or guardian with us at the studio.
I’ve been taking classes at a different studio. Can I take your advanced classes?
Every studio has different levels and different teaching methods. Because of this, we ask that no matter your background and experience, you begin with Intro to Pole or Newbie classes. We build our static spin and invert foundation in these classes, so if you have not had experience in these classes, you will probably not be ready for our intermediate and advanced curriculum. When in doubt, please refer to the class pre-requisites or email hvpolearts@gmail.com
Do I need to pre-register?
While it’s not mandatory, it is suggested, as class space is limited. Walk-ins are welcome if space permits. Register here.
Can I register my entire birthday/bachelorette party for a regularly-scheduled class?
We don’t recommend jumping in on regular classes in a large group. We cater to the individuals in our newbies classes, who’ve been coming somewhat frequently, and so they tend to be slightly more challenging and faster-moving than intro classes.
Private parties are modified for the group coming in, and focus on the fun aspect more than the fitness aspect. Please email us for private party and group lesson rates: hvpolearts@gmail.com
Are men allowed in class?
Men are welcome to participate in any of our classes! We love our pole dancing dudes!
Note: regardless of gender, we reserve the right to remove/refuse any person or group that distracts from class productivity or behaves inappropriately at any point during, before, or after class.
What level is right for me as a beginner?
Intro to Pole and Newbies are both good starting points for your Hudson Valley Pole journey. If you want to take it a little slower, Intro to Pole is your BEST bet option, as we focus on building strength through basic two-handed static spins and low pole conditioning.
Do I get my own pole in class?
Probably. Usually we cap our classes according to the level: higher level classes are capped at smaller numbers because the movements are more complicated, and require more one-on-one guidance and spotting.
If you’re bringing a friend, or feel okay to share your pole, by all means, share away. REGARDLESS, we have isopropyl alcohol spray bottles and rags for every pole.
“Can plus-size dancers pole too?”
We accept all body types! That being said, for your own safety, we recommend ALL ladies consult with their physician before starting new exercise regimens. You can certainly be fit at ANY size, but 75 minutes of pole dancing is challenging for all fitness levels. On average 1 class will burn around 500 calories! We partake in about 15 minutes of conditioning to warm up before moving on to the pole, and we continue moving through the entire class, so just check in with your doc to make sure your body is ready to WERK!
Do you offer silks and lyra (aerial hoop)?
We love ALL aerial art forms! But we specialize strictly in pole dance arts/fitness.
We do occasionally offer collaborative aerial workshops with the amazing ladies of Hudson Valley Circus Arts! We encourage all lovers of pole to cross-train on other aerial apparatuses, as there is a bit of cross-over amongst the basic techniques.
What is pole art and is it stripping?
While the 2 aren’t mutually exclusive, you certainly don’t HAVE to dance erotically. At HVPA, we offer a variety of styles to pick and choose from. YOU decide how sexy or lyrical or bootylicious you make each movement. This is YOUR safe space. We will give you the strength to empower YOURSELF, whatever that means to you.
Pole art is empowerment through dance, gymnastics, and fitness.
Information about our Privacy Policy!
We are strongly committed to protecting your privacy and providing a safe experience for all of our clients while offering the highest quality experience to them. Information about our clients gathered from paying booked services from us as strictly confidential and not visible to us.
Other personal information about the client is also confidential and will only be used to make sure the client gets a customised serviced fitted their needs and will not be shared with any third party.
All personal data retained by Hudson Valley Pole Arts in our customer database Mind Body Online is kept confidential. They will not be sold to third parties. The staff in Hudson Valley Pole Arts keep the client information confidential even after employment is terminated.
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