This place is THE spot for pole. It's so personal and such a pretty studio. I love how private the experience feels. Cush, the instructor is amazing and makes you feel so comfortable. The owner is also so kind and was very quick to help me figure out which class was right for me. As someone who can be shy, I feel like I can be myself here. I'm so excited to continue my pole journey at Pole Garage. Highly recommend! read more

This studio is the most supportive, fun and friendly place I have encounter in such a long time! Drea the OWNER, my God! such a supportive, loving firecracker! SHE IS AWESOME! she made me feel super welcome the whole time and helped me get more comfortable with my skin. I started the 6 week beginner classes and WOOOW! is so much fun! The amount of support and cheers you receive makes your heart all happy and warm! I was terrified of taking a "sexy class" because I am NOT a sexy human, and my body confidence is not.. let's say nice.. but I got out of there with super high energies thinking that this sport might be a life long hobby for me! read more

Amazing find! SO MUCH FUN!!! Thoroughly enjoyed the Intro class! Can't wait to return for more! Thank you for the awesome lesson! read more

Dude, I freaking love this place. So far, I've only done the beginner session but in less than 6 weeks my confidence has sky rocketed, my arms have never looked more toned, and I seriously believe I have found a life long hobby! Angela is a great teacher: patient, helpful,and encouraging. I'm totally jazzed to be starting the intermediate session in the next few weeks and continue to learn. If you are on the hunt for a workout that's challenging and fun then the pole garage is the way to go!!! read more

Here's my declaration to the world that I, Jaime L., the girl who Fights for the User, took a pole class. Although people may not be so shocked to hear that, considering Janney B. so thoughtfully complimented my skills back from our visit to Power Exchange so many years ago. It'd have been nice to know what I was taught on Saturday, rather than just spinning around like a jackass before wandering off to the dungeon. Our instructor Amanda is an incredibly talented pole dancer, and a great teacher as well. People need to learn to stop being so ambitious and just get the basics down, though. That's how you get hurt. Stick to what she shows you. The beginning of class were a series of stretches that were, of course, designed to make ourselves feel "sexy," so that we would have a bit less inhibitions when it came time to actually pole. This is fine. But me sprawling out on the floor waxing the hardwood with my boobs while I awkwardly try to compensate for not having any upper arm strength...that is not sexy to me. My foreplay is not sticking my butt up and giving the come hither eyes, it's turning to my boyfriend and saying, "hey I'm not too tired, you wanna do it?" Plus I'm 28 and the group were all in their early-to-mid 20's, so also I felt old. Of course when it came time to actually pole I felt more comfortable because I am a dancer, not a floor artist. Which was really fun, and more of a reminder of how little arm strength I have. Seriously people, don't get into a fight with a stripper. She has the strength, she will punch your lights out. Also, expect to come out with bruises on your knees. It's expensive. It's worth it. I suggest it. Just do it. read more

I am writing a review for the LOVE OF MY LIFE. When I first entered the doors of The Pole Garage in June 2012, the room was filled with sweaty girls in booty shorts and bras. I freaked out, as I was in my yoga pants and t-shirt, and said to the owner, "Um... I don't think this is for me." Drea, who has turned out to be a great inspiration of mine, slammed the door and said, "You are exactly where you need to be!" She then let out this crazy laugh that continues to kill me every time I hear it. I swear, she could do stand-up comedy while hanging aerial. Within a few short weeks, I traded my yoga pants for booty shorts, and have never looked back. This place has been my legit saving grace for the past year. I have met some of my dearest friends behind those doors. We have laughed, cried, huffed, and puffed together, but more than that, there is a community of empowered women to partake of in that studio. It's special. I've been to other studios that don't offer the same fellowship. TPG is an excellent place for single, married, straight, gay, young, old, and women of all styles and backgrounds to come together and celebrate all that is wonderful in this life. If it weren't for Drea and TPG, I wouldn't be 20 pounds lighter. Yep, I lost 20 pounds doing pole dancing. Pretty awesome draw back to doing something that's so fun and feels so great. I highly recommend you give it a "whirl"! If you feel it's too expensive, then you are the perfect person who needs it. Honestly. I paid for pole classes using student loan money. And I have NO regrets. I promise you won't either. read more

I'm an accountant by profession which is, to say the lease, less than exciting. After starting my career, I found myself looking for something more fulfilling than spending the better part of a day finding out where a two cent discrepancy came from -_-. I looked into everything from learning to play the drums to picking up a new language, but nothing seemed to make me feel any better about myself. A friend of mine found and booked The Pole Garage for a bachelorette party. She said she had a ton of fun and found herself sorer after that class than she had been in years. I myself had never taken a dance class a day in my life, but I always toyed with the idea of enrolling in some kind of dance class. Unfortunately, not wanting to be the only 26 -year old in a class of 16-year olds limited the kind of dance class I could participate in. So, I enrolled in a Pole Teaser class with the owner and instructor, Drea. The studio has a nice homey feel with 5 poles and dimmer switches (which I love because it makes you feel less like a dork when you gyrate in the dark). Drea promotes a friendly and inviting attitude and environment. It may not be too important to many, but I found it eased my nerves and apprehensions knowing everyone was a beginner and felt as unsure as I did. Drea is awesome; she has such an infectious upbeat attitude and is so encouraging to everyone. I enrolled in the beginner 6-week session soon after with Mary as the instructor and she is just as wonderful as Drea is. She super sweet and really takes the time to explain the tricks to you. She always is sure to visit each person during the class so that everyone progresses together. The curriculum is a fast progression with beginners learning to invert themselves by the 4th week. This shouldn't deter or intimidate anyone at all; Mary and Drea are both excellent teachers. They also teach dance moves so you aren't just jumping from one trick to another without any flair. At the end of each class, everyone is given a song to dance to so you can just freestyle it. I absolutely love it. I feel so much more confident than I used to and the girls I've encountered in the class are the best. So here's the rundown: 1. One beginner sessions runs for 6-weeks, with class held once a week. 2. You can make up any missed classes on Monday or Saturday up to 4 missed classes. 3. If you'd like to split the payment, call them up. Otherwise you have to pay in one lump sum when you do it online. 4. For any questions at all, you can email them. They're really good at responding back and fast. read more

1) Taking pole dance classes is probably one of the best decisions I've made in my life. 2) Going to the POLE GARAGE is probably one of the best decisions I've made in my life. Several months ago around April, I saw a famous YouTube video of a girl pole dancing.. The way she moved and danced was so beautiful and amazing I HAD to look for a class to take. So I looked up some reviews on Yelp and came across Pole Garage. I did my research and tried to figure out if it was all older people that attended or if they were around my age (I'm currently 20 years old, at the time I was 19) After a while I decided to just e-mail them and ask myself. My e-mail simply asked what the age group was because I was a bit nervous to sign up; Drea (the owner) ended up responding to me and she said that girls around my age attend the class too! So I went ahead and purchased the pole teaser (an intro class). When I was on my way to the intro class I was soo nervous because I didn't know what to expect! I wasn't sure if the girls would be snobby, sweet, rude, idk! So at the intro class I met Drea because she teaches the pole teaser. And honestly, Drea is SOOO sweet. She's hot too! And she's kinda goofy which makes you feel even more welcoming! There is no need to feel nervous or shy around her, she is seriously awesome! Drea and the Pole Garage crew are seriously amazing. Yes, they are a bit on the pricy side, BUT they are VERY flexible with payments; if you are unable to pay all at once, all you have to do is tell them the dates you can pay and how much. They are really the best! I had to take a break from the studio because school was starting and I had to focus... But believe me, I cannot WAIT until the day I'm able to come back again! Seriously too much fun over there! At the very LEAST, try the POLE TEASER! You will not regret it. read more

Drea is amazing. her energy is contagious and she's really flexible in terms of what you want to work on (tricks, dance) and because she has a dance background, she focuses a lot of dance and tricks. it's basically the perfect combination for someone who wants to spend less time working on getting to know their sensual side but wants to just get down and boogie and spin and fly. Most of her students are hardcore loyal to her, which speaks a lot to her studio. read more

When 2 years ago I was choosing a pole studio to try, I thought this one pays money to people in order to get all 5 stars reviews (I thought there is no way to satisfy everybody). But I still decided to try. And here we go, 5 stars review! It's my absolutely favorite place in LA! Why do I love it? 1. The atmosphere there is comfortable for everyone. Many girls are willing to help to others. Nobody judges you if you're not being good enough/flexible/strong and it helps in making progress. 2. Drea and other instructors just do their job well. 3. I like how the schedule of classes works. I like that they have not only progressive classes, but also variety of specialized classes and regular 1 hour of pole work where instructor helps you with what you want. I will really miss this freedom of choice while traveling! read more

So, upon reading this, Drea might be re-reading some compliments I sent her in an e-mail, but what can I say? She can't be the only one who gets feedback about how awesome I think she is. Everyone should know! What a fabulous and inspiring woman. You can't help but love being around her. She has this energy that just radiates and transcends to everyone she meets. Being a new-comer/first timer, I didn't know what to expect. I was intimidated to even sign up(especially since I had a friend back out), but after hearing such great reviews, I decided to grow a pair and went by myself. It was the best decision I could've ever made! Right when I walked through the door, she introduced herself and gave me a hug and I was welcomed into an intimate, clean studio with about 10 others girls taking her "Teaser" course. The "Teaser" will kick your butt and abs... just in the warm-up alone! I definitely had a sore tummy and buns for a couple days after the class. Following the warm-up she went into the pole spins and tricks you would eventually learn how to do. It's nice because you get a lot of one on one time with the instructor and her team where they walk you through the technicalities of each trick. Everything about this place is awesome. I think overall, it's a great place to feel sexy, get a good work-out, and make some friends. Most importantly though, it was a place to feel empowered; and what woman couldn't use a little more empowerment in her life? I just signed up for her 6 week beginner course starting in a couple of weeks! read more

If you're thinking about trying pole - YOU MUST CHECK OUT THIS STUDIO!!! I've been going to the pole garage for over a year now and I have to say pole dancing has become my favorite hobby because of Drea and her amazing workouts! I can't wait to go to class each week and sometimes try and hit her Saturday morning class because I just can't get enough! I was at a different studio before the pole garage and you'd learn the same tricks but on your right and left hands each week - for the price you're paying - I'd like to learn a little bit more than the same trick on the left hand. Also, the classes are pretty small, so there's not 5 girls per pole! The curriculum is pretty steady so you'll get the bang for your buck in terms of progression! I've seen girls that have just started going upside down already! This place is great if you want to learn new tricks that you won't see everywhere else. Here, its encouraged to go outside the box and try new things with different variations - you can play with it and create moves that work with your body without getting the evil eye. What's also cool about this studio is that its run by Drea and her husband David, so if you have to skip a class, schedule a makeup or if you're traveling for part of your session, you can discuss payment options or scheduling with them directly so there's never a mix up. And you'll also find, you can't beat their prices! JUST TRY IT! read more

Came here to try out the pole teaser class and have now signed up for the full beginners session!!! Drea is such a fabulous, bubbly teacher who knows what she is doing. She goes slowly through all the moves and helps you feel comfortable in your skin. Initially i felt super awkward, but by the end of the class I was strutting around the pole feeling very confident. It's a great workout and the environment is very positive and motivating. Super excited to start the beginners class on Sunday! read more

Working with a bunch of engineers by day can absolutely make you lose your mojo. So, I attended the Pole Teaser class several months ago and now I am hooked! I quickly signed up for their beginner's class with Mary G (6 weeks session). Her warm-ups are killers and she's incredibly supportive in class. She breaks down each move and spins, which makes it doable for a girl like me with no dance background. I am now in her intermediate class and I am loving it! The tricks and spins are already getting harder but you'll be surprised with what your body can do!! The owner, Drea, came in to teach one of our classes and Wow! She is incredible! She's got great energy and her enthusiasm is infectious! It's a fun and safe environment for women who are looking to find their mojo or to take a break from the outside world. If you're planning a bachelorette party or you just want to find your inner-sex kitten, this is the place for you! Great instructors, great studio. You will not be disappointed! read more

I've been going to the Pole Garage for a few months now as a recommendation from a friend and it's been great! I took the teaser class and was hooked!! The more classes you take, the more everyone grows as a family, and the more you surprise yourself with your abilities!! It's a relaxed and supportive environment that is just spectacular after spending the entire day sitting behind a computer; a great place to release the stress of the day! I started taking Pole in order to loosen up and to build my confidence. Sometimes I may struggle or get discouraged, but the gorgeous and wonderful instructors, and other classmates, are there to help me through! The class, the atmosphere, the people...they've done WONDERS for me and it's only been a few short months!! read more

There are no words in the English language to describe how wonderfully awesome, amazing, supportive, sweet, talented, sexy, adorable, friendly, and gifted the owner (Drea) is. Okay, so I just tried to with these 10 words but see, even these words -- which in most cases with pole teachers and studio owners, would be more of a hyperbole than truth -- don't quite capture how FANTASTIC (okay, so maybe capital letters help a bit more) Drea is. Little secret? One of the reasons my hubby and I are moving to Santa Monica from San Francisco? So that I can live at this beautiful pole studio. I first visited this studio over a year ago while I was down in Santa Monica for a bridal shower. I can't live without pole (sadly, even for a weekend), so I looked up a nearby pole studio in the area and came upon this yelp page with these consistently fabulous reviews. I went to the website and was floored by how gorgeous Drea is (okay, so she's even more fabulously looking and hot in person but here's the thing - she is SO sweet that you can't possibly hate her for having abs of steel :P You just can't. I don't think there is anyone on this planet who knows and not loves Drea, and if I do ever meet such a person, I suspect they would be the type to kill puppies and throw kittens into raging rivers. Because you can't be human and not love Drea. Okay, so I guess I am starting to sound a bit like a fanatic here so I'll stop. :P). Drea's classes are absolutely amazing. Her warmup -- as others have said -- is a killer (her abs series! ouch! but ouch in a good way) but they will make you super strong and really warm you up for the pole. She is superbly gifted at breaking things down (like crazy spin combinations or drops from the pole that make me barf a little in my mouth from fear) so that what seemed impossible is actually hey, not so bad. Especially not so bad with such a supportive teacher by your side. Not only is she an excellent spotter, she is THE best cheerleader you will ever have. I always feel like I can do anything in her class because frankly, she believes you can and that makes you want to try harder. After that first class with Drea, I have been down to Santa Monica more than a dozen times JUST SO THAT I COULD TAKE CLASSES WITH DREA. Sure, I told my husband otherwise, but Drea knows the truth :) People often say that like attracts like, and that is certainly the case for the Pole Garage. Because she is so sweet, supportive, non-competitive, and amazing, Drea seems to attract students who are just as wonderful, and in a city that can be so competitive and catty, the Pole Garage is a wonderful bubble shielded from all of that ugliness. This is quite possibly the best pole studio in the world. Okay, you might call that a hyperbole but hey, I'm sure if you came by and took a class, it'll only take that one class to get you to agree. read more

I just got home from taking the pole teaser class with Cat. It was so much fun. For reference.... I'm probably the least flexible person that I know, have no rhythm, and am scared of heights. However, it has always been a dream of mine to be flexible and dance like a sexy goddess. Im very glad that I tried this class. I was able to do most of the moves. I liked that everyone was a beginner like myself so it was nice to not feel left out. I definitely wanted to sign up for their beginners classes but they do them on days that I work if th ey ever change the dates of the beginners class to Wednesdays or Saturdays I would sign up in a heartbeat. read more

I can't tell you how much I love Drea. I've actually been to two private events at the Pole Garage now; one for a bachelorette and then another on Friday that I scheduled for a friend's 30th. Every girl that attended had a total blast. Even the ones who were a bit apprehensive going in. Drea really knows how to keep it light and fun and pull out your playful feminine streak. And she's hot hot hot! Five stars all the way baby. read more

Where to begin? The pole garage is my pole home and I love, love, love it there! A few years ago my friend (and now instructor) Kelli invited me to attend a pole party she was hosting. At the time I was planning my wedding and was not ready to fully commit. Fast forward to a few months after marriage...I believe it was August of 2010 that I finally signed up for my beginner session with instructor and owner Drea. Her positivity, goofiness and energy are contagious! She is inspirational and she cracks me up just about every class with her sense of humor. However, when it come to learning about pole she takes that VERY seriously and thank goodness for that! I have been to other studios where the attention to students in training lacks and that can result in injury. That is never the case at TPG. Drea, as well as all her instructors on staff, do a phenomenal job of teaching, spotting and pushing you to do better next time. Since I first started at TPG, I have progressed all the way to advanced level classes. Sounds amazing, right? But I haven't even mentioned the best part! The friends that I have made through TPG are the most amazing women! The "monday night crew" are so much more than my class mates. They are my besties and pole sisters! I can't imagine life with out them now due to the bond we have created in classes. In the mix of the last 3 years that I have been studying at TPG, I had to leave classes for 9 long months, because I was pregnant with my first baby. I was BEYOND bummed to have to stop taking classes and finally have made my grand return this March in 2013. I was so nervous to return to class and wasn't sure how good I'd be anymore. I can not express how much appreciation I feel for the girls at TPG for welcoming me back and being SO supportive as I slowly re-condition my body to pole work. Just when you thought I've written enough, I also have to give a shout out to David, who is Drea's husband and co-owner at TPG. Nicest guy ever! He does an amazing job with correspondence whenever I have a question regarding my classes at TPG. I ask a lot of silly questions and I'm very thankful for his patience and quick responses! I hope this review was helpful and that I have convinced you that TPG is the studio for you, like it is for me. I promise that you will not be disappointed. This place is the BEST! Come fly with us!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Let me just tell you that Drea is in a league of her own when it comes to the pole dancing business! If you have had bad experiences (like me!) at other pole studios (no warm up, felt like the studio wasn't clean, teachers weren't friendly or knowledgeable), then you have to go to The Pole Garage. Your mind will forever be changed about pole dancing. Drea has a lot of pride in her business and it shows. It is by far one of the most challenging workouts (kinda like gymnastics and ballet all in one package and then paired with six inch heels). The major perk is the crazy amount of positive support that you get from Drea, her instructors and the fellow students. I can honestly say that I would recommend TPG to any of my girlfriends who are looking for a new workout, bachelorette party or just want to have fun learning something new! Trust me, you will never get bored with it. read more

Drea has been my pole teacher for 5 years. I followed her from sfactor, a studio I really enjoyed... but once Drea was gone, the fun was gone. Now I haul myself from Burbank to Santa Monica, and I'm not the only one making long treks to attend her classes. Drea is a beautiful dancer and a wonderful teacher, and she's really increased my pole ability in a short amount of time. At 42, I'm in better shape than I was in my 20's. My abs are HARD. The pole is no joke! I also love that the studio has one spinning pole. That has been a new adventure, and I find it to be a total blast. In fact, the entire class feels less like exercise and more like "hangin' with the girls". We laugh a lot, sweat a lot, and spin a lot. I am never going to a gym again! read more

A girlfriend of mine recently planned a bachelorette party in Santa Monica for the weekend...and pole dancing was on the list! She arranged for us (8 girls) to have a private session with Drea. it was a bit hard to find the studio, but once we found it, we were pleasantly surprised. Drea is full of HUGE energy...with wild hair and a ROCKEN BODY! Her studio is not intimidating one bit. Thank Goodness. Our class was geared towards movements we can actually take home to our significant others with a few pole moves. I loved the floor moves we learned and the wall dancing. And LOVED the chair/lap dance. Can t wait to go get a new chair for the house that will be great to surprise "him" one day after work! once i shook off my extreme bachelorette party hangover a bit from the night before and got all the giggles out...it was an epic class! wish i lived closer to Santa monica because would go to Drea all the time! searching for a studio similar in San Diego....however will be VERY hard to live up to Drea! OH and...Drea did a freestyle pole routine for us that made all of our jaws drop! totally amazing! read more

If you like pole you'll love this pole dance studio. I've been taking class from Drea for the past year. I'm a transplant from another studio. Her class is fun and focuses on strength training. Drea always keeps it fun but is also good a technique and breaking things down for you. If you haven't tried pole workouts, you definitely should and you should start at the Pole Garage. read more

I was referred to The Pole Garage by a USPDF Champion pole dancer (Natasha Wang) in late 2010, and I cannot say enough AMAZING things about it!!! Drea has set up an incredible studio for pole dancers to safely learn how to progress into the world of aerial pole dancing. There are intro classes for prospective new students, called Pole Teasers, that are held once a month or so (depends on the month), and they're only $35 (sign up online). Since I didn't know anyone at the studio, I went in alone and found that it was not only a beautiful place, but also a welcoming environment. Drea was really warm and open in the intro class, taking care to introduce herself and learn everyone's names and why they were there, while also telling everyone about her own journey to pole. After the intro, I signed up right away (before I left!), and began classes soon thereafter. Drea has her curriculum set up to focus on really conditioning everyone properly before letting them go into inversions. I started in the beginner class, which was 6 weeks long, then progressed into intermediate, advanced, etc. I've been at the advanced level for about a year and a half now. Each class begins with a warm up that involves stretching and various kinds of what can be called calisthenics - planks, intense leg lift exercises, and a disgusting amount of sit ups. This is not a gentle warm up. Some of the instructors will focus more on flow and feeling the music, but you'll still get your butt kicked. The warm up is usually about 30 minutes, and then you'll move on to the instruction portion (about 50 minutes), where the teacher will show you different moves and help spot you, and you'll be able to try things you've already learned as well, both with a spotter and on your own, if you're able. The last 10 minutes of class or so is set aside for a freestyle dance, where everyone dances (usually in two groups) to whatever music is selected. There are themes each week, but my class rarely seems to do them - however, costuming and song choices are encouraged! Some things I love about the studio: ~They really, really, really want you to be conditioned properly to prevent injury, so they are very careful to a) bust your ass in warm up and b) stagger the curriculum so that you won't be pushed too soon. ~Drea is a stickler for proper form - she's very clinical in how she breaks down each trick, so she finds the safest and best way to teach it. She pays attention to what is being engaged in each trick, what angle is necessary, etc, and passes that along to her students. ~The instructors are usually really capable and welcoming. Since most of the classes are session classes, you tend to stick with the same group of girls for a while, but as you progress and move up, you'll meet more people. ~The studio is beautiful - hardwood floors (real hardwood, not laminate!) that are well-kept and mood lighting, with a great sound system. Even during the day, they keep the lighting a bit moody, which I love - it helps me forget about what's going on outside of the room and focus on the tricks, the dance, etc. They also turn the lights lower for the freestyle, which I LOVE - other studios I've been to leave the lights up, which is really weird. The location is hard to find without clear directions, and parking can be tight between classes (there are a limited number of spaces in the lot, which is up a ramp off of the alley, but you can also park on Olympic). Prices are a little higher than some of the other studios, but I keep coming back for the instruction and ambiance/environment. Drea is wonderful about extending courtesies to her students, and she's great about trying to bring in tricks you'd like to learn - all you have to do is ask! Each teacher has a different vibe, too - some are more earthy and relaxed, others are more energetic, and they all have different styles, which is great - you can go to a make up class and learn something totally new, or get a different perspective on something from another instructor, which I love. Overall, I think this is an amazing place to pole dance - it's wonderful for those gals just starting out, but also great for more advanced polers! :-) read more

Every time I walk into class at the Pole Garage, I'm immediately greeted with a warm smile and welcome from Drea, the owner. The studio both in looks and feel matches her; it's a beautiful environment with a welcome atmosphere. It's a place where I come to forget everything else, and bond with fellow students over pole dancing. This is a place of positive energy with no attitude. During the time I've taken classes at The Pole Garage, my pole dancing has taken off exponentially. Drea can break down even the simplest dance moves into the lowest level of detail and show you the pitfalls. She will take her time reviewing every trick and movement until you are finally able to learn it. There are many tricks that seemed impossible for me to do, but through her breakdown, spotting, and patience I've been able to master. I would recommend the Pole Garage to students of every level, from the beginner who just wants to have a fun few hours to the experienced performer. We are constantly learning the latest dance movements so there is always fresh material for everyone. It's also a great workout from start to finish. Drea's 30+ minute warm-up will tone your body and prevent pole injuries. The warm-up movement has sculpted my body in ways that other workouts haven't managed to do. And, every day is a new set and sequence so you will never get bored. read more

I can't express enough how fun, safe, liberating and enjoyable the Pole Garage is! Just three weeks into my beginner session, I've never felt sexier and my friends have even commented on a noticeable change in me! My friend and I tried out a teaser class with Pole Garage owner, Drea, and we both signed up for the beginner 6 week session immediately after. Drea creates the most safe and welcoming environment in which to potentially step out of your comfort zone and make sexy FUN. She is so warm and open, and a genuinely kind, enthusiastic, and loving person. Drea is someone you can trust and would want to be friends with, and she makes a potentially nerve-wracking and uncomfortable environment so easy to step into and let go! That initial class was full of so much laughter, positive affirmation, and FUN, that I couldn't help but want to keep coming back - and this is the same experience that Ive had with all of the teachers at The Pole Garage. I actually never write Yelp reviews, but my experience at this studio and the safe environment Drea has created in which to unleash your inner sexpot (-and get strong and fit!-) inspired me so much that I wanted other women to be able to have this same gift. To boot, Drea runs The Pole Garage with her husband, David, and although David seems to work more behind the scenes, it's obvious how in love these two are and how great a partnership they've created to run a business together - phone calls and emails receive an immediate and warm response, and Drea often talks in class about putting together routines for her husband. :) Also, the way the classes are set up - that there is a progression and you build on what you've learned in each class - makes even a complete novice to dance feel comfortable with the moves. Really, I cannot recommend this studio highly enough for women to come in to feel comfortable, safe, and have a blast getting sassy and sexy. 5 stars, for sure. read more

This is a great place to learn pole dancing. Drea and Autumn are amazing teachers and awesome dancers. You do a lot of stretching and strength training in the classes. They teach the pole tricks in a way that is easy to learn. They also teach you how to be comfortable and confident with yourself. It is a positive learning environment. They have classes for all levels. I highly recommend. read more

I consider myself so lucky as a scared first time student at S-Factor to take a class with Andrea. Truly, she is the person who made my experience and caused me to follow her over to her studio, the Pole Garage. I've referred a number of people to the studio and without exception, once they finally get in they see how truly transformative the pole garage is. It's like exercise, therapy, dress up all in one and I consider it to be a staple in my life I wouldn't give up. And what an amazing group of women you get to be around--both the students and Drea's teachers Autumn and Nicole..... This is the best gift you will ever give yourself. Also, important to note that I've tried classes at several other local pole studios and because of Drea's dance background she is very conscientious about proper warmup and conditioning... so the girls at the Pole Garage don't tend to get injured as much as other places do.... Try it!!! read more

I love Drea! Her class is exciting, challenging and full of laughter. I leave exhausting and exhilarated. Her studio is full of fun friendly, supportive girls, all taking a cue from Drea who lives life as one big excited hug. I recently got back into pole dancing, and now I'm re-hooked. I was afraid that pole dance was sort of turning too trendy -- at my former studios a lot of girls did it just to say they did -- sort of like when an actor will throw one improv class on their resume. At Drea's, I am truly working to condition, tone and improve my body and dancing. I get the sense that everyone there loves pole dance as a beautiful form of expression and a challenging new horizon in acrobats and dance. I am doing tricks with Drea that I never thought possible for my body size and shape (which has dwindled through the help of The Pole Garage.) I can't say that it's only the exercise which has shaved down my body but the tricks also inspire me to make better food choices, 'cause, let's face it, if you're trying to get your ass over your head, it's much easier if it's ten pounds lighter! In short, check out the pole garage! It's the best. read more

I began dancing with Drea at TPG in November 2009 after a friend tried to get me to go for over 2 years. Finally, I reluctantly went. I was shocked at what I experienced that day and have not looked back since. Drea is an absolute inspiration to me and every student at TPG. She is positive and exudes an incredible energy and passion for pole dancing that is down right beautiful. A self proclaimed 'tom boy' and college softball player, I never imagined myself pole dancing, let alone becoming OBSESSED with it. It has changed my life, my confidence and unleashed my feminine energy like no other. But pole dancing aside...the best part of this experience is Drea and the diverse, amazing group of women who have become a part of her studio. It is a supportive, nurturing, non-judgemental environment where you can truly let go and be yourself. I highly recommend TPG to every woman and believe it has something to offer all of us. I am a pole dancer for life thanks to Drea and TPG! read more

No joke, best place ever. Not a big fan of working out but thought I would give it a try. I am totally obsessed. All the instructors and everyone who walks through the door are absolute gems. I can't wait to continue my pole skills here and I highly recommend to anyone who is interested!! Love ya Pole Garage! read more

My pole home. Gosh, I love this place! Monday nights have become my saving grace of the week. I look forward to it every week. Its not only a dance studio but its a place to bond with women who are there for the same reasons. Its like a (drama-free) sorority. I love my Monday girls and Drea aka Sarge. The warm up is murderous...in a really good way. TPG is my drug of choice. read more

I have known Andrea (co-owner of The Pole Garage) for several years now. I was so happy when she decided to open up her own studio because she is a fantastic teacher! She embodies what many pole dancers want to achieve...grace and beauty in the dance, while mastering difficult tricks with ease. It's the combination of sisterhood, warmth and athleticism that makes TPG a fantastic place for all women. Some studios teach incredible tricks and I respect them for that, but they often lack the "sisterhood" component. The Pole Garage is perfect for the woman who wants to increase her pole prowess and de-stress in a soothing spa-like studio. Thank you, Drea for just being awesome! Your passion for teaching aerial pole is truly experienced each time your students are with you. read more

We recently had a pole party for my best friend's bachelorette and cannot rave enough about Drea and the Pole Garage!! This was my first time pole dancing and Drea does a fantastic job breaking down the moves and being patient with explaining them piece by piece, adjusting each of us personally as we went through. She was focused, attentive, and so very welcoming of our group! We all had SUCH a total blast. The studio was clean and had great lighting. She made us all feel empowered and sexy! I wish I lived closer - I would attend classes regularly!! GREAT option for a fun and creative bachelorette party! My friend had such a fantastic time and now is talking about going back for classes:) DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE!:) read more

Yesterday was my first encounter with the pole. And let me tell you---it's an awesome work out! My arms and abs are sore and I'm loving every minute of it. I'm a big fan of strippers, especially those that put in the time and effort to perform aerial moves and sexy floor work and naturally I thought, "I should try that out too!" So I signed up for the teaser and walked through that door by myself, feeling absolutely terrified but trying to be as brave as possible. Drea was so awesome about trying to get us to all warm up to each other and really takes the time to make you feel comfortable the moment you enter the room. After doing floor exercises, we got on the pole and I've officially fallen in love with a work-out routine. Finally! I don't have too much dance experience but that doesn't even matter. If you're wiling to put yourself out there, you'll end up doing a great job with a room full of ladies clapping and supporting you through every session. Hopefully I'll be able to take Drea's 6 Week Beginner Session in April! read more

Pole dancing has been my main form of exercise for over 5 years - it was fun, but I had seemed to have reached a plateau, then I began working with Drea at the Pole Garage. She keeps things fresh and challenging week to week. I credit her for my new figure. I look and feel better now than I did 10 years ago. Class begins with a warm up to build core strength and increase flexibility. Drea and her instructors make sure that we do not plateau by changing things up in class. Thanks to TPG, I have challenged muscles that I didn't know I had. For those wondering, yes, we do flip upside down and have some holds where there is a lot of core strength involved, but it fun - and do not worry, an instructor is there to spot you. Safety is stressed in the class. Additionally, the class is not just about pole trick after pole trick, it is about how to move and be in touch with yourself. The camaraderie in the class is a huge perk. You meet many amazing women and everyone is very supportive. Think of the class as having a personal trainer and a therapist in one. If you have had a rough day, you can let that show through in your dance, if you are on top of the world, likewise show it through your dance. This is an amazing place where I am encouraged to be myself and let my emotions show through my dance. I leave class feeling great. I highly recommend the Pole Garage. read more

I have been at the pole garage for the last year. Drea is likely the most wonderful and inspiring person I have ever met. She has encouraged me through some pretty amazing tricks, spins, and flights. Thanks so much to the ladies at the pole garage for helping me find my self confidence! read more

I recently visited Santa Monica and had the pleasure of taking a mixed levels class at The Pole Garage. I was a bit skeptical because I've taken mixed level classes at many studios before that tended to cater to beginners which left me standing around most of the time. This class was very different. The instructor (Jo) did a great job catering to all levels and she even spent time with each student working on their individual tricks. And, the students were so friendly that I felt like it was my home studio. I'll definitely be back! read more

The Pole Garage has the most inviting, secure, safe and supportive environment! I've been pole dancing for a year and love that Drea takes great pride in her "baby" and always works to bring in new warm ups and tricks to keep the classes exciting and challenging! All of the instructors at the Pole Garage are AMAZING women!!! Each instructor brings their own flair which helps when learning different techniques and they are wonderful about exploring the world of pole and introducing you to different styles of dance. The classes are small and boutique style to offer a supportive environment in which women can empower each other. All of the classes are with the same women each week, which has created a bond and everyone helps and cheers for one another. Drea also takes great precaution for safety- which makes me feel secure when attempting a new trick! Since I started Pole, I have never felt sexier or more strong and fit. I can't say enough good things about this studio!! The energy, vibe and workout are not to be missed! LOVE THIS PLACE! read more