A more accurate rating would be 3.5 stars.
I found this place through Groupon and I have generally positive feelings about it.
Pros: The studio itself is gorgeous. Sexily candlelit with crystals glistening in every corner, it's very zen. There are no mirrors, which is good if you're self conscious. The pole classes are basically half Pilates and half pole. The Pilates half is very well run, and there's an emphasis on being "in" your body and out of your head so you can connect to your own sensuality. It has a meditative quality to it which is unique and lovely. It differs from your traditional pole dancing studio in a lot of ways- there's a lot of New Age elements and other classes centered around soul searchy meditatey things, which is wonderful if you're inclined toward that kind of thing. They have a slowly growing boutique in the front with (somewhat overpriced) CDs, crystals, supplements, sage, and artwork for sale, along with some clothing. I happen to like the New Age approach, but it's definitely not for everyone.
Cons: This is a relatively new business, and it shows. They've made a lot of changes in scheduling and such over the couple of months I've been here. It seems to still be in flux as they drop and add new classes and tweak the website. They stopped using the Mind Body service for scheduling, which makes it more difficult to cancel/reschedule classes. They push a membership package which is 150 a month for unlimited pole classes, but it doesn't include any of the other classes or workshops (meditation, sensual awakening, hula hoop, etc.) Pole is only offered on Mondays and Wednesday nights, so if neither of those times work for you, tough tits and the membership is not a good investment.
I also have similar concerns as I do about the Cirque School I previously reviewed. The pole classes are not structured by level, so the skill level in the class varies wildly from person to person. They take an "individualized" approach, which I find really doesn't work as well as having a class with people who are more or less at the same skill level. It's better in concept than in practice. As a perfectionist and a beginner who's hard on herself, it can be intimidating and discouraging. In my first class, which was also the first pole class I'd ever taken, the other two girls were experienced aerialists. Great.
Also- the lack of mirrors does make it harder to observe and correct your form, even though it's freeing in other ways. There are no crash mats, so it's a little disorienting and scary when you're in the dark with no mirrors and can't see what you're doing. I actually really injured a tendon in my leg during a class here, pushing myself too hard to keep up with the more advanced polers. I feel, personally, a little unsafe during the pole portion.
I would say give this place a shot, but I wouldn't recommend taking your very first pole class here, especially if you're nervous. Once this place finds its footing, and I'm hoping more time and clarity of business concept will reflect in the structure of its pole classes, my opinion might change. read more