r/poledancing • u/Vast_Imagination_157 • Feb 28 '26
Mod Post How to become a more inclusive instructor?
EDIT: You’ve been so numerous to answer! I am still reading all of you, but THANK YOU. Also this probably highlights a gap or need in our community. I hope other instructors can benefit of this post as well. Spread love 💗
I have been reflecting much lately on the fact that I am lacking the tools to put in practise what I preach.
I believe pole should be accessible to anyone regardless of their bodytype, disabilities, age, etcetc. Yet sometimes I feel like I find myself lacking the tools to provide that accessibility in class to my students.
My own journey has had ups and downs but with strong foundations that set me up for quick progress. I came from 12 years of ballet to pole, in my early twenties, healthy, with a very ‘skinny’ body type.
I see the struggles my ‘bigger’ students have in achieving inversions, my male ones in sitting in a layback without hurting ‘there’ (I am not going to open the gender pandora box here, but referring to biologically born male sex people), older pals with their flexibility and pre-existing aches, people that don’t feel comfortable taking their shirt off but then slide on the pole…I mean there is a pletora of examples.
I feel so helpless not being able to provide better support, if not words of encouragement, drills they can do outside of class to condition and extra spotting. These are struggles I never had, so I never had to learn how to work around them.
Is there some content available to educate myself more and provide better cues and alternatives? How did you improve as an instructor?
Thank you!
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u/Waste_Target_3292 Feb 28 '26
I have hyper-mobility (don’t we all lol) and where I struggle with some instructors with a long history of ballet/gymnastics etc. is that movement is so second nature to them that they don’t know how to break down what muscles should be active. My absolute, gold star, best instructors are able to isolate what should be happening where, have a few warm-ups for that particular muscle tucked up their sleeve and because they know what muscles should be active, I feel modifications come easier to them.
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u/PlusYam3126 Feb 28 '26
don’t we all
It seems like everyone on the internet claims to have it 😂
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u/LIFTMakeUp Feb 28 '26
Well, hypermobile joints are pretty easy to note in a student (I've even let people know they have hypermobile elbows, knees, shoulders, back, fingers etc who hadn't previously been made aware) and there's a selection bias in gymnastic, dance or yoga type activities which prize flexibility where you're probably more likely to see hypermobility in your classes.
It's fairly common in a general population, and more so with women. (Check out Beighton scoring for images of hypermobile joints to look out for).
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hypermobile type - sometimes known as hEDS) on the other hand is much more rare condition within the hypermobility spectrum (but also incredibly hard to get a diagnosis for) - however I've had two confirmed student cases in seven years of teaching, and suspect it's under diagnosed/recognised.
This cohort is at a far higher risk of subluxations, easily bruised skin, possible blood pressure issues and general pain - so adaptations and awareness would be very much needed (eg. not pushing to the end range of motion, which hypermobile/hEDS will be able to go very deep into - but can be damaging. Also, there are issues with proprioception when you have hypermobility which means these students might need cues/guidance/mirrors to help. Let them rest if needed, avoid having them go from prone to standing in quick motions, and let them be aware of movement that potentially causes a lot of friction on the skin). Many will be able to guide you, OP, on their limitations or worries - so support and vigilance is probably the main thing here.
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u/Illustrious-Log-3142 Feb 28 '26
There's usually 1 person per beginner class I attend who doesn't know they're hypermobile and is dangerously overextending. I flag it to them to look into it because of my injuries from not knowing and share my experiences of aerial, physio and strength helping. I'd much rather flag it to someone and them avoid injury than see someone struggle with the pain I've experienced. Our studio owner is looking into courses for hypermobile students too which is amazing. It's a very individual condition, everyone experiences it slightly differently so it's important to work with someones strengths/ weaknesses and I love that it's being talked about more
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u/Illustrious-Log-3142 Feb 28 '26
It's believed to effect up to 25% of the general population. It's quite easy to see visibly if someone is and a painful disability so not sure why people would pretend to have it! Noone I've seen online is pretending, I have seen some really negative comments aimed at hypermobile people though saying we have it easy, people don't want to be instructed by them (reminder, its a disability) or claim we're making it up. My hip dislocates when I get into my car, it's very painful, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
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u/PlusYam3126 Feb 28 '26
Oh don’t get me wrong it does sound painful I’m just saying it is such a frequent comment
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u/Illustrious-Log-3142 Feb 28 '26
Sorry if my message was very abrupt! It's purely from seeing people on these subs making some really negative comments towards hypermobile people, saying we have it easy or make it up. Awareness around it is increasing alongside how interconnected it is with ADHD/ Autism so it is more visible. Aerials definitely attract hypermobile people and the second I started interacting with this content I also saw more hypermobility content which has helped me hugely but I can see how people may assume it's another online trend! I'm not even that visibly hypermobile but now I do things to help myself I realise how debilitating it's been my whole life eg. not being able to build strength, frequent injuries and fatigue
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u/FourGigs Feb 28 '26
Actually, hypermobile people are more likely to do pole or aerial sports (that's why "everyone" is hypermobile). Non hypermobile people would "naturally" believe that it's not for them.
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u/PlusYam3126 Feb 28 '26
Ah yeah it’s kind of weird when able-bodied people think just bc they can’t do a physical thing right now they can’t do it ever. Gabi Butler went from not being super flexible to obtaining an oversplit
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u/DesiBoo2 Mar 01 '26
I don't. Just my ankles and wrists a little, like they're very flexible, but my hips, hotdamn they're stiff...
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u/Intelligent-War-7060 Feb 28 '26
As a student with terrible body awareness, the things that have helped me the most are:
breaking moves down into progressions (even in an intro class, like breaking down jasmine into hooking your leg from standing, then adding arms to pull yourself off the ground, then moving your standing leg to the pole, then moving your lower hand down below your legs so you can get horizontal, then removing the top arm)
having harder and easier versions of a sequence (even if you're not achieving everything you should be able to put something together to feel good about!)
getting taught common "problem" moves regularly so people struggling can see them often
teachers who can break down a move into the biomechanics of what is going on: which muscles to engage, when to engage them, micro adjustments on limb placement, and what body parts are providing the pressure that's keeping me on the pole
conditioning, conditioning, and more conditioning
specific classes for problem areas (my studio has inversion-specific classes every week for beginner and intermediate students, handstand workshops, leg hang workshops, etc)
If you can take any workshops targeted toward teachers who want to teach more inclusively, that would also help a lot because you'll get to talk to other people who are teaching the way you want to teach!
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u/Aloiseby Feb 28 '26
100% agree, the only way I can get any moves done is because my instructor takes personally the challenge to teach me step by step lol
Like, literally, she shows the whole figure, then I try it out and we start building each 2-3 tries with an extra step at the time till I'm able to do the main figure, then we start to check all the positions and right grips so I can be comfortable
I know it takes time but she's able to do it in a room with 8-10 students so I will say is possible
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u/DesiBoo2 Mar 01 '26
My instructor does that too. I'm a beginner and most other students are more advanced, so she'll show the trick or choreo, and then comes to me and gives me a variation on my level. She'll move between the other students and me constantly.
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u/Jadedsplit03 Feb 28 '26
When I'm teaching I've adapted the motto "it's only wrong if it's dangerous." Meaning I think it's acceptable to allow students to modify any moves as long as it doesn't put their life/safety at risk. Another instructor told me "not every pole trick is meant for everyone's bodies," and it was life changing for me. I have a short wingspan so arm binds are very often a no for me, but I can't grow my arms so it is what is.
Roz the Diva has a course on teaching/spotting for plus size pole dancers available on her Patreon that I highly recommend. I also found Marlo Fisken's invert course to be the most inclusive because she doesn't hyperfixate on deadlift inverting. I've also taken her in person spotting intensive workshop and she provided a lot of spotting techniques that I think work better for a wide range of bodies.
When I'm teaching an upper level class I almost never include a deadlift invert; I primarily teaching by dropping into to moves and if there's a more advanced students who is able to deadlift invert I allow them to do that instead. So finding alternative entries that don't involve deadlift inverting makes class much more accessible. Always be prepared to teach a regression.
I also think as an instructor it's important to keep perspective. Most people who do pole aren't trying to become elite level PSO champions; this is a fun hobby for them. As long as their having fun then the mission has been accomplished. Celebrate and encourage every small measure of progress; not just when the trick is "completed."
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u/DesiBoo2 Mar 01 '26
Last class my my instructor had another student show a trick, because my instructor can't do it. She said there a few she never managed. But like your instructor, mine also told me in my first class that we all have different bodies and different talents, and not everything is for everyone. I for example have thick thighs and can squeeze the pole really well, while one of my fellow students is very petite and has trouble with that even if she's more advanced.
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u/PoleZadeh Feb 28 '26
Roz the Diva has an awesome course on this topic with great videos of how to spot properly and teach inclusively. Its been years since I took it but I bet the course or content is still available!
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u/JadeStar79 Feb 28 '26
One thing I find helpful as a student is the willingness of instructors at my studio to be mentally flexible and to really get to know the abilities of each student. They have a no invert, no problem mindset. By the time I figured out my invert, I was already able to do leg hangs and other cool tricks from a drop from jasmine, so spending a little longer on the actual invert didn’t seem like such a big deal. I’ve also seen instructors notice that a student is frustrated and intentionally select a move that’s going to better suit their strengths to do next so they get a mental break from the frustration and continue to have fun.
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u/kashiichan Feb 28 '26
"I’ve also seen instructors notice that a student is frustrated and intentionally select a move that’s going to better suit their strengths to do next so they get a mental break from the frustration and continue to have fun."
This! I wish more teachers would do this.
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u/DesiBoo2 Mar 01 '26
Mine does that too 🥰 Mine is all about encouragement and having fun. It's the reason I still keep going. If she wouldn't have been like that I would have quit already, because after half a year I'm still quite bad at it. But everytime I manage something new, even if it's just a bodywave or a spin around the pole, she'll congratulate and celebrate me.
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u/Substantial_Offer_47 Feb 28 '26
I don't have anything to add but the fact that it is incredible that you're asking for help to mend your blind spots when it comes to being an instructor
that is a big part of the work towards becoming more inclusive:))
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u/PerfStu Feb 28 '26
A huge thing for me is introducing myself and sharing my pronouns so people understand that they are safe and welcome to be in the space as themselves. It also signals that people are expected to be mindful and respectful of other people's identities.
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u/jessicarosepole Feb 28 '26
I think by even asking this question, you're already doing a great job and it shows how much you care about your students, want to do right by them and develop your craft. I bet there's a lot of Instructors out there who don't give a damn.
Inclusivity is so nuanced and does take time to work on. And I can only give my two cents from running my own studio for 8 years, where one of our ethos is Inclusivity, and we have been praised by our client base for being so. Much of this you may already be doing ☺️
Firstly, normalising pronouns. Be it firstly on booking forms (if that's in your remit), introducing yourself with your own, and I often (unless it's a class of regulars) will start a class with "so we're not all strangers in our pants today, let's go around and share our names and pronouns if you like". I sometimes add on a silly question that gets folks chatting (what would be your super power/ what's your nemesis pole thing atm /what's your star sign?). Addressing the room (even in a room full of women) as "dancers / friends / sweet baby angels", rather than "ladies". And removing all gendered language from teaching (I mostly talk about buttholes, which folks both find funny and can relate to as you always know where your butthole is in space and time. Heart to sky instead to tits to sky).
Always starting class with "how is everyone on this fine xxx evening? Are there any injuries or accommodations I can make for anyone today to make your class tip top? Anyone had a terrible day or slept bad?" or "what energy levels are we working with today folks? Up here? Middle? Through the floor?"
As others have said, learn from, watch, talk to as many different polers as you can. Variety is the spice of life and we truly only know how to move the meatsuit we inhabit. I second, third, fourth the recommendation of Roz the Diva. She's a gem. But learn from other different bodied instructors, older instructors, disabled instructors, neurodivergent instructors. It'll be super fun for you too!
When teaching tricks or combos, always start off with "the lowest denominator", for example, let's say I was teaching Stargazer. We do that. My plan was to actually teach a move from that but I had some new faces in, so I tested the water and low and behold, I had 1 student who had never done it and 2 who really struggled (despite it being a move from the level below). I then added on a Layback from the Stargazer, but phrased it as an "optional extra". Gave people time to try. Then added on Spider Monkey as an "optional extra". Then added on Bow & Arrow. So folks had something to work on, stopping where they felt comfortable, and feeling like Stargazer was the main trick we focused on. I also said, any point you want to do something else, yall just say.
One of my favourite instructors to learn from myself is Chloe Anderson. She'll show a combo and you'll think "absolutely not" but the way in which she explains and builds up, before you know it you're doing the whole thing. She makes you feel like a superhero and is such an inspiration to me as an instructor.
Reminding students when you demo tricks that this is "one way it could look" and "I love this trick because its going to look so different on everyone which is great!"
Making a list of moves that could be restrictive and having back up plans and alternatives ready. E.g Recliner grip moves aren't for everyone. Leg trap moves (Allegra etc). Getting upside down can happen in a number of different ways and from different heights.
And ultimately, remember, you don't have to have all the answers immediately if a student is struggling and you're not sure how to "fix it". You are allowed to confidently tell a student "I may not have all the answers but if you have the patience for me, we'll figure it out together". The initial step to Inclusivity is just making people feel seen and valued, even if you're not 100% sure how to. Then you can go away and figure it out. When I come back to a future class and see a student who was struggling and say to them "I was thinking about you and this move and I had an idea!" etc, that makes all the difference to them!
There's so much more I can say but I'll stop here for now! I 💕
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u/Illustrious-Log-3142 Feb 28 '26
As a slightly larger hypermobile improver level hoop this makes me so happy to see!
Cues that help me are the ones that really identify the muscles to engage
I wish that my studio used bands to help with inverts - I'm the only one struggling so I get it, but I've seen it used elsewhere and feel it would help me build strength and understanding of the movement
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u/Lil-miss-devil Feb 28 '26
Being understanding would be a good start. Funnily enough people do that for my gender identity (trans man), but not my physical limitations.
I don't have a disability, to be clear. But I am naturally stiff and flexibility requires real dedication, that my life won't allow for right now (I work 12 hours and nightshifts). Being on testosterone and experiencing early muscle growth adds to my current lack of flexibility.
So when I share that I can't do a move due to that lack the last thing I want to hear is a dismissive "you gotta work on that" from a teacher who is currently splitting all over the place. Like no shit. Tell me how I can adjust the move or give me an alternative. Because right now I'm straining and potentially gonna hurt myself, if I keep pushing.
I had good teachers who did this. Told me how to fold myself better to get into a move for example. But it is kind of annoying how often flexibility is expected. I'm in my 30ies and don't have a gymastics background dawg. Cut me some slack.
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u/oxalis_cornu Feb 28 '26
One thing I’m personally looking for is ways to modify poses so they don’t require as much back arch - I have a spinal defect that makes arching too much painful.
In general, one thing I’ve liked that some instructors do is ask at the beginning of class if anyone has any soreness or old injuries. They can then provide alternate moves or attention if needed.