
FAQs
What should I know before taking my first class?
Please arrive 5 minutes early. The door is locked for security purposes. Please knock and we will open the door for you. For a pole class, you should not wear any lotion or oils on your hands and legs. Sweating will release the lotion back to the surface of your skin, and you could slide off the pole! You also need to have a lot of skin exposed in order to stick to a pole, so for pole classes, we recommend wearing shorts and a sports bra. It may feel weird to wear so little clothing at first but fabric will slide off the pole and many tricks are much harder and more dangerous when you’re covered up. You can purchase shorts, sports bras, and grip aid in the studio. For aerial and flexibility classes, we recommend leggings and a fitted tank top.
How do I sign up for a class?
Students must sign up online through our Mindbody scheduler before coming to the studio. This is to ensure that you’ve signed the liability waiver and read our Terms & Conditions. Click on the ‘Schedule’ page above or create a Mindbody account to sign up by clicking here.
I’m new/experienced to pole/aerial arts. Which class should I take?
What is your class cancellation policy?
How do I get to the studio?
Do I need a dance background?
Do I need to be in shape to pole dance?
What should I wear to class? Should I wear heels?
For pole dance classes, you should wear shorts (something like a boy shorts cut), a tank top and a sports bra (if you have boobs). It may feel weird to wear so little clothing at first but you need to have a lot of skin exposed in order to stick to the pole. Fabric will slide off the pole. You can purchase shorts, sports bras, and grip aid in the studio as well.
Heels are not recommended for Foundations level or tricks focused classes. You should bring heels and kneepads for choreography classes only. We do not sell heels in the studio but we do have kneepads to borrow for $5 per pair for rental. If you want to buy heels, we recommend Pleasers Heels or Glitter Heels in a 7-8 inch heel height.
For aerial and flexibility classes, you should wear leggings and a fitted tank top.
How does the waitlist work?
Tell me about your referral program?
Yes! We offer a referral program through Perkville. By creating an account on Perkville at https://www.perkville.com/biz/8870/earning/, you can earn points for checking in to class on social media, attending classes, referring friends, and posting your videos from class. Points can then be redeemed for studio swag, classes and more!
Is there a changing area? Showers?
We have a private bathroom that you can use to change at the studio. Showers are not available on site.
Is there parking for my car or bike?
Yes! There are bike racks just outside of the studio. Students may not bring bikes inside the studio.
There is an abundance of street parking on on Grand Avenue and surrounding streets however it can be very busy during weekends and when the weather is nice. Two blocks from the studio there is a public parking lot located on the corner of Grand Avenue and Euclid Avenue at 500 Grand Avenue with a $10 flat fee parking.
Please make sure to remove all valuables from your car if you choose to drive to the studio
How do I sign someone else up for a class?
After you click on the ‘Sign Up’ button for the class, you’ll see a screen that defaults to ‘Make Reservation For Myself’. In order to pay for someone else, check the radio button for ‘Make Reservation For Someone Else’. From there, enter the full name of the person you are trying to pay for, and check the box next to ‘Pay for this other client’. After you click ‘Make a single reservation’, you’ll be taken to a payment screen to pay for that person.
Do you limit class sizes?
During COVID-19 and social distancing our class sizes are: for drop-in pole dance classes and series the maximum is 7 students and one person per pole. Flexibility classes are limited to 4-6 students depending on the class type. Aerial classes are limited to 3 students, one person per apparatus.
I left something at the studio? How can I come get it?
You may come into the studio to look for your lost items at any time during normal scheduled class times. They are kept in a box labelled ‘Lost and Found’ but we are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
What are the different membership options?
We offer 4 different types of membership options, including:
Unlimited Monthly Membership (1month $500 and no fob | 3 month $410/mo | 6+ months $360/mo)
This membership is for anyone who takes 3+ classes per week and wants to save money on a per class basis. The unlimited membership includes access to all of our classes, including pole, flexibility, lyra, silks and dance classes. You’ll also receive full access to the studio including the ability to reserve the private pole room for up to one hour per day. To reserve the private pole room, book using the ‘Appointments’ tab.
CityWide Membership (SF & OAK Unlimited Membership) (1 month $550 and no keys | 3 month $460/mo | 6+ months $410/mo)
Unlimited classes and studio access to SF & OAK studios.
12 Class Limited Membership ($300/mo with a 3 month minimum commitment)
The 12 class membership gets you 12 classes per month. The 12 class limited membership includes access to all of our classes, including pole, flexibility, lyra, silks and dance classes.
Studio Access Membership ($150/mo with a 6 month minimum commitment)
The open studio access membership gets you full access to the studio with a key fob, giving you flexibility in your training schedule. In order to book the Studio Access Membership, you must complete a 15 minute safety overview. E-mail info@oaklandpoleanddance.com to book your safety overview session.
*You must email us to cancel your membership as they are on an autopay schedule
I'm a visiting instructor interested in the short term residency program. How do I apply?
Do you have any new student specials?
Yes! For first time students, we offer a 3 class package at a 25% off for $80. These 3 classes expire after one month from date of purchase. Please click here to set up your Mindbody account and to sign up for your first class: https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=759106&stype=-98
How do the 5-week series work?
Our 5-week series are small, performance oriented series where students attend one class per week for 5 weeks. In class, students will develop choreography to music and develop unique and interesting combinations. After 5 weeks, the choreography will be perfected and ready to be performed on the stage. Every 4 months, Oakland Pole and Dance hosts a student showcase where series groups show off their perfected and polished routines that they have built. Note that there are no make up sessions for the series but if you do miss a week, you will be given the choreography to practice during in-studio time. All series performers also have the opportunity to attend dress rehearsal for further polishing.
I'm from out of town and I'd like to drop in for open pole time. How does that work?
Simply sign up on Mindbody and select the “Open Studio” class slot that works best for you.
Can I use my membership package for someone else?
Do you have a late policy?
Yes! We enforce a strict 5 minute late policy. This means that any student who arrives more than 5 minutes after class starts will not be allowed to take class. Your class will not be refunded and you will also not be allowed to reuse your class credit. This is to ensure safety and fairness for all students.
Do I have to share a pole/lyra/silk?
During Covid 19, we limit students to one person per pole and one student per apparatus. Flex classes will be limited to 8 per class.
Can my friend/partner/etc. stay and watch?
We don’t allow observers at the studio to ensure that all of our students feel comfortable while taking class. There are several coffee shops right around the studio that they can go to while you’re in class. We are located right accross from Lake Merritt where there is plenty of space to relax outside near the lake.
Do you allow dogs or children at the studio?
No children are allowed at the studio.
We allow students 16+ in classes but a parent or legal guardian must physically accompany them to class for their first visit to sign the liability waiver.