The owner "Lauren" was talking about me to my exgirlfriend Courtney . Lauren had no idea that Courtney was my Ex and we still see each other said that i looked like a dude in a dress and i should stop taking estrogen because no way is it working . and she said i hope i go to hell. I just started transformatione into a woman not long ago and i am a male to female transexual trying to learn pole dancing like the other girls do . so after a year on hormones and a boob job i should be working the pole at club 2 05 like my ex is now . Lauren thinks all transgender girls are fakes. i am woman for real i cant help how i look makes ,me cry like now and insecure about people seeing me now i dont leave the house . My Ex girlfriend Courtney can dance way better that Lauren any day. "B***H read more

This review is kind of late but I danced here for about a year. I have heard Lauren (the owner) say some very questionable things about gender/race, and I've even had her tell me how bad she thinks some of her instructors and students are.. like she actually had the audacity to talk crap on her employees/students to another student. It was a major turn off that ultimately had me coming to the studio less and less until a bunch of their teachers who had been there for years quit due to unethical business practice and seeing the behavior that Lauren exhibited. She doesn't understand the difference between confidence and egotistical. Theres a reason so many teachers and students left this studio last year. I would stay far away from this place and give your money to people who deserve it. read more

In my experience, the owners of this studio are unwelcoming to POC, LGBTQ, and bigger dancers. Lauren regularly makes racist comments, including publicly on her instagram, and they have fired a trans girl from their studio for "not fitting their brand". I danced at this studio for almost a year and saw this kind of behavior first hand before finally leaving and honestly can't believe I stayed for as long as I did. Their staff has a high turnover rate because of the treatment of the dancers and them as employees and its sad that a place that claims to be a safe space is not safe at all. read more

I was invited here by someone and I have to say I have NEVER been more happy to have recklessly said yes to something I wouldn't have dreamed of trying years ago. The studio itself is so cute and pretty, bright and white, perfect for selfies! Lots of parking and easy to get to. The staff is wonderful, especially the instructors. They are patient with questions and make you feel so welcome and great about yourself. I struggle with extreme social anxiety and poor body image, these folks really want you to feel beautiful and do well, and they really go the distance to do just that. I haven't felt this confident in YEARS. Even the people in the class are excited to share with each other and I built up enough confidence to go to classes all by myself which I have never done in my life! Thank you Kiska for existing! I look forward to every class. read more

I came here for Delia's Intro to Plastics class and ended up staying for Exotic. I was in Portland for the weekend and tried a few studios. This was the best, hands down. It was all heels, very sexy and, as promised, we learned Koda-style floorwork. The instructor was really organized and attended to every student. Each class had three students, but I think there was room for 5. Delia even stayed late to help me video some of the moves we did. The ambiance of the studio is very sexy, all white, well-lit. The lobby actually has an awesome selection of pole schwag and they are able to order direct from Pleaser. read more

I am so happy to have found this studio! I have been interested in learning pole for a while now, but every time I've gone to take a class at other studios, I have felt unwelcome or out of place. That is not the case with Kiska. From the minute I walked in the doors, I was welcomed by Olivia, the friendly front desk staff member, and instructed where to go and what to do. I got a deal on a week of unlimited beginner classes which I highly recommend. My first class was beginner Russian Exotic with Delia and she was WONDERFUL and so sweet! She really took the time to break down all the moves and grips and was very welcoming. My next 3 classes were with Christa and she is AMAZING! She is fun, energetic, welcoming, informative, knowledgeable, and she goes above and beyond. She stayed after our class to help me get a video of the routine we learned, she edited it with music, and sent it to me the next day! I am so happy with my experience here and I can't wait to come back. read more

Everything about this studio is awesome. Trainers are kind and patient, even with my anxiety. Super fun way to get a workout in and feel in touch with your body. read more

Simply the best in every way - I recommend them to everyone I know. Keep rocking it, ladies! read more

Went to my first intro class tonight and I had an awesome time learning from Christa!! She's such a wonderful teacher and instantly makes you feel comfortable if you're inexperienced and a little nervous like I was going into my first ever pole class. The studio is intimate and clean and very nice to learn and work in - I seriously can't wait to keep learning from the instructors and make Kiska my new fitness-happy place!!! :) They have you do a very feel-good warm up and Christa gave us step by step what to do with each move and reassured us that it takes time to get the basics down. The environment is so welcoming and I'm so excited I found a new and challenging art to take on! read more

I've only taken 2 classes here but I really loved this studio! I took intro to plastic and intro to Russian with evelyn and she was incredibly welcoming, encouraging, and sweet. I had only planned on taking one class but I enjoyed myself so I stayed for a second and was strongly considering a third class in the same day but my legs were about to give out haha. The studio itself is gorgeous and I love the style of this place. The confirmation email has detailed instructions to get into the building, you'll be pretty lost without them so make sure to check your email before class! They have 6 poles, mats are provided, alcohol spray bottles and towels, and let new students borrow shoes for their first class. Next time I'm in Portland, I'll definitely want to come back for more!! read more

Here's the thing: pole dancing does require bodily strength, and that's what deters a lot of people from trying pole dance (aside from the stripper stigma -- which, in my mind, is a non issue, every body is beautiful, etc). While you build your core strength, if you're a beginner like me, Kiska is great. I did ten weeks of general weight training, then ten weeks off, prior to my visit. I can't stay on the pole very long, but even weak little me can hold a position for 1-2 whole seconds! Pole dancing, among other dance forms, requires confidence, and the Kiska instructors work closely with you, even in group classes. I took the class with two women, both of whom do yoga and are way more fit than me, but were initially nervous being on the pole. By the end of the class, they were both really excited and asking the instructor to take some Instagram footage (yes, they've got a good Instagram following). Anyway, the intro series deal is one of the best in the city. Take advantage while you can, seriously. The space is intimate, but you learn a lot about pole by watching the instructor and the students/your friends. read more

Always so excited to take classes here. The instructors really work with you and help you achieve goals in the short term and long term. I always leave feeling stronger and more confident. The Russian exotic classes are definitely my favorite since Lauren is able to incorporate strength and cardio workouts while teaching choreo and pole tricks. So much fun, always! read more

I don't know where to even start. Kiska provides me with such an upscale, clean, safe space to dance. Every single member of their staff is genuine and helpful. The instructors are talented and focus on teaching their students the proper way to get in and out of tricks, using good body mechanics to avoid injury, and making sure ALL students in their class feel heard and cared for. I've made so many amazing connections through Kiska, between staff members and other students. I will not bother going to any other studio in Portland. Kiska is the best and go see for yourself. I started dancing less than a year ago and have progressed at an accelerated rate because of the studio I chose to train at. They even offer varying open pole times, too. Super nice for working on your own stuff or reviewing things from class. 11/10 would recommend Kiska Pole! ALSO THEY BRING IN SOME OF POLES BEST DANCERS TO TEACH WORKSHOPS. We are so lucky!! read more

Kiska is an amazing studio! I have been dancing here for about 6 months and every time I go, everyone has such a positive attitude. If I'm ever struggling with a move, my instructor will watch me and almost always indentify what I'm doing wrong and help correct it. At the beginning of class Christa will ask us if we have anything we specifically want to work on, and even though she has a list of things she wants to teach, she is more than willing to switch it up if we have specific moves we're interested in learning. Besides learning dance moves, Kiska is a safe space where anyone over 18 is welcome. The instructors care about you and encourage you in your accomplishments in the studio and even cheer you on when you tell them about an accomplishment outside of the studio. I can also tell how much the instructors love and respect one another, which really adds to the welcoming environment. read more

Took my first pole class from Christa several weeks ago. She is an awesome teacher and very patient. Can't wait to take my next class.

I bought the Groupon and was excited to meet the teacher and be welcomed. My experience was extremely disappointing. The gal who helped us check in was not personable, seemed unkind, and stand-offish. I had asked for a shoe size of 6 or 6.5 and she gave me a 7. My shoe did not fit properly. We had the instructor D. Intro classes complied everyone from beginner (one class) which was myself to 6 years on and off students. You can't learn anything in 45 mins and D went through a whole dance routine for our intro class. There was no option for me to learn in a safe way and the moves were too advanced. I gave two stars because it was a clean environment. Because into classes had limited time, personality and warmth would have really made me want to sign up for additclasses. But I felt out of place, not supported, nor encouraged in the dance class, I will not be signing up with Kiska. But I will be looking at other dance studios that offer great customer service and a welcoming environment. read more

I love Kiska!! Although I have taken pole classes at other studios, Kiska specializes in the Russian style which is new to me. Although it looks and feels sexy don't be fooled as it is an incredible workout!! The best part about this studio are the ladies who work there. All have different strengths and they compliment each other. They make you feel welcome no matter your age or level. It is obvious they are passionate about what they teach and they want to share their passion with their students. You will leave both exhilarated and empowered with a little extra sass in your strut!! read more

WOW!!! By far the best studio I've been too!! On so many levels!! First and most important to me personally was how welcome they made me feel! I am a bit bigger not that it matters but for other people that might feel insecure have no worries!! I didn't even think about it once! I was visiting from out of state and they gave me all the info I needed for classes and which ones might be best to try for the time I was there. On top of that everyone instructors and other classmates were all so friendly! Instructors were knowledgeable and great at instruction/detail and always encouraging..never once felt less than! I will definitely make this a stop when I come back in the future! Hands downthe best experience overall! 5star + ;) oh btw I am in the process of opening a studio back home and can only hope to have a studio and offer an experience as awesome as Kiska!! I honestly can't think of a single thing bad about it! Great work!! read more

I just had my first class at Kiska and it was an absolutely AMAZING experience! From start to finish, I had a blast. Not only did I get an awesome workout, but I had fun, felt sexy and feel motivated to continue and get healthy! I am 6'1 and curvy...and not once did I feel out of place or that I wasn't welcomed. BODY POSITIVITY FOR THE WIN!!! read more