Pole for the Soul

I love to dance and always have a lot of fun during the workshops. Krisha is a phenomenal instructor!

I LOVE this studio. I have been going for about 4 – 5 months. I am a very insecure quiet person so just signing up was a huge deal for me. In my mind I was expecting the other girls to be catty or just not like me. I was amazed that all the dancers are unique, funny, interesting, welcoming, and supportive of each other. We talk and joke about our weeks, and cheer each other one when we get a new pole move. What a great group of women. Pole dancing has changed me. After I left the first class and I walked out with a huge smile on my face feeling like there is nothing I could not do. It’s wonderful to explore and allow yourself to move in a way that as women, we are often taught to restrain. It is non-​judgmental, lowly lit, positive, and so very therapeutic. Letting go and realizing how much power and beauty you have is life-​altering. I think every single woman should try pole dancing. I am definitely not a dancer, I have never danced in my life, and I don’t care how «good» or «bad» I am because it’s not about that. It’s about yourself. So empowering.
My teacher is Jessica and she is the best dancer I have ever seen. Forget youtube, clubs, whatever. She was born to pole dance. It’s ridiculous how talented she is. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her do the same move twice. She is amazing and I hope one day I’m a percentage of how great she is. She’s one of the most caring and kind people I’ve met.
Thank you to all the teachers for all you do. It’s more than you know. I love coming here and will continue to take class and recommend your studio.

I have been wanting to take the ‘Beginner’s Class to Pole Dance and Sensual Movement’ for about three years now. I suffered a shoulder injury back in 2011 that made my left arm useless for almost 2 years. FINALLY it has healed up and I was able to enroll for the 5 week class!
My mom was a dancer and I became particularly interested in pole dance from a friend who had her own pole set up in her home. I have always loved dancing and was excited to pursue this as a way to expand my dancing abilities, find something I love to do that will get me moving, and to help me come out of my shell a bit. I can be a little shy, become clumsy when I know people are watching me, and suffer from a bit of stage fright unless I have a little liquid courage to accompany me. I wanted to get over that.
On to my review:
Luckily for me I have many mutual friends of the owner for Pole for the Soul and we were able to connect through facebook a few years ago. We were able to talk about my dancing goals and she made recommendations for me. She was kind, courteous, and very helpful. She even recommended which instructor I should take a class with.
A few days before my classes began I was sent an email that reminded me of the time of my class, a link to a map where the studio is located (Google Maps), and a list of things to bring/​not to bring to class. It was all very helpful and I had this email bookmarked in anticipation for about 3 – 4 days. haha!
I also went shopping for clothes to wear at class. The email and the website make it very clear what sort of clothing should be worn. I ended up getting some basic active-​wear shorts and a tank top. Simple.
On my first day of class I arrived at the studio SUPER DUPER early. Like, almost an hour early. It takes more than one bus for me to get to Ballard and I wanted to make sure I wasn’t late.
I quickly realized that it doesn’t take long to get to the studio at all since it is located on a major street in Ballard. It only takes me about 30 – 40 minutes to get there after having to take 3 buses! Luckily, both my instructor and the owner of the studio were there already and I got to hang out with them until everyone else arrived.
They were incredibly welcoming and friendly. I didn’t feel awkward or unwelcome at all while I waited.
The studio is small, but I like that. It has a very warm and intimate feeling to it. There are 6 poles: One is set up on a stage and is a portable pole, 2 are poles with a 200 lb. weight limit, and 3 poles are fully mounted to the floor and ceiling meaning that they do not have a weight limit to use them.
This was incredibly important to me as I am not a tiny person. I weigh around 220 lbs and have been hesitant to take up pole dancing in the past, because I kept running into studios with weight limits.
Rest assured, thicker gals! Pole for the Soul has poles with no weight limit and I believe they are the only studio in Seattle with that feature!
I have 5 people in my class (including myself). Once class began, the lights were dimmed and sexy music was turned on.
Our instructor spent a little time on the first day explaining the flow of the class, the progression on how we learn tricks, and that — most importantly — this studio focuses on the dance aspect of things and really tries to help empower women. The goal is to help you feel sexy.
She encouraged everyone to move at their own pace and was always ready to help anyone who was having trouble with a move, etc.
Classes consist of yoga stretches, pilates, sexy floor moves, wall moves, and pole work. I want to emphasize that the classes are NOT a pole fitness class, although you will still get a work out (at least I did). The class focuses on movement and getting in touch with your sexy side. Yes, you will learn pole tricks too, but that is not the complete focus. I learned two pole tricks on my first day and realized that I barely have the strength to keep my legs in what’s called the ‘X’ position!
One of the biggest selling points for me was when we were told that we could bring in a song to dance to our second week! Music is what gets me going and I already have so many songs I wanted to pole dance to that I felt like a kid in a candy store!
I start my third week next Tuesday. I already have some bruises (which is to be expected from spinning, etc.) and am sore in my shoulders and arms.
Since I do not have my own pole (yet) I try to focus on strength and flexibility exercises at home.
Pole dancing is NOT easy. It takes work, dedication, and a desire to truly dance. I love that Pole for the Soul incorporates sensual movement into the pole dance class. It really helps me overcome my inhibitions and combine the pole tricks with sexy moves that can actually be turned into a performance. Anyone can turn tricks, but can you actually dance to them? — PFTS will help you accomplish this.
Also, my husband has been THRILLED by the floor and wall moves I’ve demonstrated for him from class! :)

So let’s have some real talk. The realest of the real. I’m going to ask you what kind of woman you are, because it matters.
Are you a girly girl or a werkin’ girl? Bare with me, I’ll get to the point in a second.
If you’re a girly girl who likes feathers boas, cat ears and glitter, this is the studio for you. The walls are awash with the feminine mystique and you can do your ‘Show Girls’ scene in a safe, encouraging environment with excellent teachers that hammer out your inner diva to a polished choreo sheen. Pole for the Soul has phenomenal staff and the owners are amazing.
Now, if you’re a werkin’ girl like me… you know exactly what you are. You’re not there to be pretty. You’re there to test your limits before you hit the weight rack Monday morning or kettlebells or whatever the hell you do. You want something different, difficult and extremely rewarding. Pole for the Soul has that too. I have Melody and I thought I could handle her class since I came from a martial arts background and pole danced before.
Long story short, Mel handed my ass to me and I loved it.
She’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. You have an issue with moves? She’ll work you through it inch by inch. You’re not feeling the pole that night? She’ll talk about cats. She can do choreo if you want, but her encouragement for strength and self improvisation is what I love the most. There is no ‘Cirque du Soleil’ pressure and you honestly want to be better because she is what you aim to be.
She isn’t a professional dancer, but a working woman like most women. After years of practice, she does aerial. I find that inspiring most of all. Badassery through practice. Simple as that. I’m a size 10 in a sea of size 2s and we all sweat under Mel’s guidance just the same.
Pretentiousness is not a good fellow within the studios walls, so give PS a shot.
You’ll be hooked. I know I am.

When i started pole dancing i thought it would only be for one level. I am now entering level 5! I absolutely love it! It is not easy but Jessica does a great job of coaching me and helping me get better. The atmosphere is amazing and i have made some great friends. Highly recommend Pole for the Soul!

I love this place! It was a sweet and intimate place to feel beautiful! Not only do you get a killer work out but the environment the instructors create is a very enjoyable and supportive group. The only downside is how far it is and the price but other then that I suggest coming here for all your pole dancing needs.

This perfect for a bachelorette party idea! We went with about 9 girls ($ 35 each) so perfect for every ones budget and I think every one had fun. Our instructor was super fun, and took her craft very seriously.
When going I recommend wearing lulus, easy to roll up and move and. Also don wear and hand cream before, you’ll reget it later.
It was great cause everyone got plenty of time on the poles and learned the basics. Def, felt sore the next day for all the streching.
Highly recommend for girls night out.

Really strange policy in this studio. I’m not a beginner, so I’ve contacted an owner to ask about any drop-​in/​trial class and she told me that I need to take private class so they can tell me my level and suggest me the right group. Man, 75 $ just for trial class. Way too much! You’d better do some drop-​ins for new students that are coming from another studios. So I didn’t even get a chance to try classes in this Pole Studio :(So far I tried Divine and PoleFittness and didn’t like them. Instructors are ordinary women. They are not inspiring, classes are boring, etc.

LOVE this place. LOVE the instructors. LOVE pole dancing!
It started with a Groupon for a workshop and now I’m in level 3 classes and I can’t get enough! What a fantastic way to exercise! Dance, express yourself, feel strong and confident, laugh, spin, climb, slink your way to a better body and self image.
My body is so strong since I started here. My core/​abs are getting more chiseled and my upper body strength continues to increase with every class. I also love that these classes increase flexibility and agility. Pole dancing really works your whole body!
Krisha is an amazing dancer and instructor and she runs this business with heart and grace. Paige is also a great teacher. I love all the girls who go here and I love that we’re all different body types and ages and express ourselves in unique ways that are beautiful.
This place isn’t a gym it’s a sanctuary!

I love this so much. I have become addicted! I am so glad my friend talked me into taking this class!
I hate working out, it’s torture for me. But this is it. I WANT to work out so I can get to the more advanced moves. BUt that being said, you can totally take a few levels of dancing from this studio without being super ripped. It gives me confidence and a sensuality I didn’t know I could have. The teachers are all super nice, and Krisha (the owner) is very talented and kind.
If you don’t think you could ever do this in your whole life, then you need to sign up! You can do it!

I cannot, for the life of me, remember where I had heard about Pole for the Soul. It might’ve been via Craigslist, but don’t quote me on that. It was over 3 years ago, gimme a break — my brain doesn’t retain as much as it used to!
In any case, I am so thankful I did! Krisha is a GENIUS. She not only made us feel very comfortable, but she was also our personal cheerleader — which is great when you feel awkward and un-​sexy in front of a group of women… or you can’t walk in 4 inch heels — but hey, if your instructor as well as your peers are cheering you on, you can damn well bet that you’ll feel like a model walking the runway by the time you leave your first couple of classes!
That being said, I learned some awesome tricks and also built up some strength — I also have a whole new huge ass respect for those that do work the pole for a living cuz that shit ain’t easy!
So if you’re a female looking for a new way to workout that doesn’t include a sweaty gym, might I suggest Krisha’s classes — you will be stronger and more confident that ever!
Also, the new studio is AWESOME! Go check it out!

I had heard about Pole for the Soul, and when I saw the Living Social deal come up, I decided to give it a try.
My experience started with signing up for the class on the website. The link to get to the 90-​minute workshop was easy to find, and brought me to a schedule where I was easily able to register and enter my voucher. The class showed up on my schedule so that I could confirm my enrollment had worked.
Then, I had a schedule change. Throughout the registration process, I had several warnings that I needed to give two weeks notice to make changes, so I made sure to log in and make the change before then. I had some trouble figuring out how to do that, so I called, and they went ahead and canceled my enrollment for that class.
It was a busy summer, so it took me about 5 months to reschedule. When I did, all I had to do was sign up for the class I was interested in, as the system still had the information from my previous cancellation, so I was already credited for the workshop.
There was a helpful email with information about what to wear and what to bring, and how to find it, and pretty much anything you need to know. They also sent a reminder with information about a major bridge closure that would affect travel. I thought it didn’t apply to me, as I wouldn’t have to cross the bridge. As it turned out, the other highways were all backed up. I was really worried, as I knew they didn’t allow late arrivals. I left 30 minutes for a 20 minute drive, and was still 5 minutes late, but it turned out that they hadn’t started the warmups, so I was still able to get in.
The class itself was great too! We started with some really basic moving warmups, then moved on to learn a routine, step-​by-​step, from the ground up, literally. I couldn’t believe that in such a short time, I went from knowing nothing, to being able to twirl around on the pole as a part of a comprehensive routine. The instruction was easy to follow, engaging, and staged extremely well. Not at all intimidating! The studio itself was intimate, private, and very clean.
I would definitely recommend Pole for the Soul to anyone interested in pole dancing, or even just trying a new workout. I even had slightly sore muscles the next day!

I went here after buying a deal on Living Social with two of my co-​workers. I had already done another workshop at one of the competing spots so unfortunately I already had some expectations…
I was surprised at how tiny the place was and a little annoyed that we had to bring our own towel or yoga mat… but turns out that they have yoga mats to lend people. They also sell water for $ 1 so bring your own water bottles if you decide to sign up for a class.
Anyway, we had nine women in the workshop today and it just felt so crowded when we were warming up… I couldn’t even stretch out my legs even if I wanted to.
They had a total of six poles but one of them was near the wall so that was the instructor’s pole. Our instructor’s name was Jessica and she was really enthusiastic about pole dancing which was pretty awesome. She was also SUPER encouraging which was nice too. She kept complimenting the whole class saying that we were doing it PERFECTLY. It was nice to hear and she didn’t call anyone out either… maybe we were that good.
Overall, it was an enjoyable time and I’m glad I did it with other friends because it was a fun experiment. It was definitely nice to learn to be sensual and work a pole that usually has a negative connotation.

The workshop I attended was a 90 minute introductory session via Livingsocial. Warning: There are a lot of percentages and numbers in this review.
Let me preface this by saying the only reason I did this is because I was looking for a fun way to switch up my workout as I had heard from various friends that this is such a great workout. Of course, they went to a different studio. Therefore, much of my distain came from doing floor exercises for the majority of the class and only about 15 minutes of pole time. AND when you did get pole time about 50% of it was watching others on the pole. So, I suppose that’s about 7ish minutes on the pole total.
The teacher was so annoying. From the beginning, her EXTREME chattiness (and I am CHAT-​TY!) and irrelevant small talk caused my excitement to diminish about 5 minutes in and soon I began watching the clock. If she would have stopped talking for about 75% of the session, the class would have been way more tolerant and perhaps we could have had more pole time. She also used the word «diva» so many times that I think I developed a conditioned cringe reaction to the word. On a positive note, this was her last time teaching, so maybe other teachers are better?
The website gives the impression that 1. You will get your own pole and 2. This will be a great workout. This workshop provided neither and wasted an hour and a half of my Saturday morning when I could have been at yoga.
**Upgraded to 4 stars due to the owners fab customer service. I stand by my first 2 star review but customer service goes a long way in my Unilocal book. Will try the options the owner suggested.

There was a Unilocal deal on this that I decided to get on. The facility itself was small. In order to get to the entrance you have to walk through an alley so it wouldn’t be easy to find while driving. Our instructor seemed very passionate at what she was doing so it made the class more fun. Overall a great experience!

I first went to Pole for the Soul workshop via Living Social and loved it. I’m currently enrolled in the 5 week beginner workshop and am still loving it!
I had surgery a few years ago that messed with my core and since have been looking for workouts that will help tone and get movement back through my midsection and hips. The idea of pole dancing was waaaay out of my comfort zone and I was surprised to see a) what a great core workout this is and b) how much FUN it is!
I love the soul ful aspect of this place too. It’s great to be in a dance studio with a supportive group of women rocking out. Thanks for helping me get my groove back, Amy and Krisha!

Four of my friends and I signed up for Pole for the Soul using a half-​off deal we found on Unilocal.The instructor was awesome and made everybody feel comfortable. She was also really funny :)
The class we took was the 90-​minute pole dancing workshop. It was a crash course for pole dancing and a great introduction to the art. We learned a floor routine coupled with a routine on the pole (with spinning!). From «stripper walks» to «butt circles,» this was one of the most interesting and fun classes I’ve ever taken and it was a great way to bond with my girlfriends :)

I took advantage of the LivingSocial deal and am now in level 3. I love pole dancing! I don’t go for the work out value, but to let go, have fun and be comfortable in my own skin. As my pole dancing vocabulary is getting bigger, I am faced with more challenging moves which keeps me coming back.
The usual class starts with about 30 minutes of warm up which is basically floor work. Then there’s review of what you learned previously — at first I got annoyed because it cut into the time to learn new stuff but I’m learning that it is easy to forget certain moves because you have to be precise with your foot and hand placements. Eventually you learn a new move (transition, spin, floor and/​or wall work) and you get time to practice. Sometimes there’s time leftover in class to do a little free style.
I started off level 1 and 2 in classes. If you have more than 4, you take turns with the other students on the pole. Now that I’m taking private classes (less students in class) I have a lot more time on the pole. However, I am learning that you can spend TOO much time on the pole since your dominant arm WILL be sore.
Prices are a little high per class, but I really enjoy the classes. All the teachers I’ve had have been supportive in unleashing the inner diva in me ;)

Updated 1÷9÷14
The «apology» comment left by the business owner keeps getting updated in an attempt to either 1) make me remove my review, or 2) try to make themselves look better and better.
This review is simply because I was not satisfied with the class I took at the time I took it.
I’m sure they have updated their class procedures since the time I attended classes, HOWEVER, I WILL NOT BE BULLIED INTO REMOVING MY REVIEW.
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I signed up for this with some girlfriends thinking i would get a great work out from this. I just ended up feeling awkward and wanting my money back.
The class session I took wasn’t even taught by the official teacher of the school (due to a medical issue). The student teacher we had seemed qualified enough but her guidance seemed too hippy-​dippy for me to want to listen.
This should be advertised as a «sensual movement» class. I really didn’t want to spend my hour trying to feel sexy and touching myself in a room full of strangers. I just wanted to learn pole tricks and build up some muscle tone.
Plus, unless you have a pole at home, you’ll have to pay to practice at the studio (which i never did). Then you come to class the next week trying to remember everything from the previous lesson.
I also feel that the class «levels» go too slowly for my liking. Near the end of the course we were shown what we could learn in level 2 and I felt I should already know those moves by now.
I could see how this class would be fun for a bachelorette party or a one off thing to do, but I just wasn’t happy w/​my experience

Amongst a fit of giggles, a gaggle of girlfriends and myself purchased a Living Social deal for a quick and dirty 90 minute workshop. Although it wasn’t quite the workout I was hoping for, it was definitely worth what we paid. If it had been the regular price however, I might not have been so inclined. Why? 10 girls, 5 poles, you do the math. We spent every 5 – 10 minutes waiting our turn which didn’t give us enough practice as I would have liked.
The Ballard studio is located down a tiny walkway and opens up into a dimly lit room with poles and a hardwood floor. We were advised to wear shorts as bare legs are better for ‘sticking’ to the pole. The instructor had been dancing for a couple of years and we did some sensual yoga poses to loosen and warm up. Learned a floor routine first and man, I felt silly but it’s all about confidence!
The pole routine was the most entertaining part and the instructor emphasized the differences pointing your toe or the way you adjust your body does for the overall effect. (i.e. sensual, not gross). Your hamstrings do end up aching at the end (imagine just doing a wall sit for a long time) and when you first spin, your thighs go «OW OW OW OW» as it burns across the metal. It all comes with practice I suppose! The instructor gave us a performance at the end that incorporated more advanced moves and woah, I don’t know if I could flip upside down or hang on with one leg even after a 6 week class. If I could, I’d be in Cirque du Soleil.
Overall, a fun class to do with friends but seeing as how I’ll never own a pole, not sure how practical it is. The mood was light hearted, fun and very welcoming though. Glad I at least tried it! Even got a ‘cheat sheet’ to bring home.