Which Pole Class Should I Take? A Complete A52 Class Guide
So, you’ve decided you want to try pole. Amazing!!!!! Then you open the Aerial Fifty Two schedule and suddenly find yourself staring at a list of classes called Intro to Pole, Mixed Level Pole, Flow State, Climbs & Combos, Pole Conditioning, Inversions, Fierce Flow, and more.
If you’re new to Aerial Fifty Two, the variety can feel a little overwhelming at first. The good news is that you do not need to figure it all out on your own. Our classes are designed to meet you at different stages of your pole journey, whether you are stepping onto the pole for the very first time or you are ready to challenge yourself with something new. Think of this as your A52 roadmap.
Brand New to Pole? Start with Intro to Pole
If you have never taken a pole class before, Intro to Pole is your starting point. This class is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of pole in a fun, supportive environment. You’ll learn basic spins, foundational movements, terminology, technique and how to safely work with the pole.
You do not need dance experience.
You do not need to be strong.
You do not need to be flexible.
And you definitely do not need to know what you’re doing before you walk through the door.
That is what the class is for.
Our Intro to Pole classes are also a great option if you have tried pole somewhere else but want to learn the Aerial Fifty Two approach and get comfortable with our instructors, studio and teaching style.
What if I already have pole experience?
If you have previous pole experience but are new to Aerial Fifty Two, you may not need to start from the very beginning. Our Mixed Level Pole classes are a great option for students who already have some pole experience and want to continue developing their skills. If you are unsure where your experience fits into our levels, this class is taught by a lead instructor who will be able to help point you in the right direction.
I’ve Taken Intro to Pole, What’s Next?
This is probably the question we hear the most. Once you’ve completed a handful of Intro to Pole classes, you have several directions you can take depending on what you want to work on.
Maybe you want to learn tricks.
Maybe you want to get stronger.
Maybe you just want to dance.
Maybe you want to improve your flexibility.
Maybe you have absolutely no idea yet.
That’s okay too.
Your next class does not have to be the hardest class on the schedule. In fact, sometimes the best next step is simply finding the type of movement you enjoy the most.
Want to Learn More Tricks?
Climbs & Combos may be right up your alley. This class focuses on developing your pole vocabulary and learning how individual skills can connect into sequences. It is a great option for students who are ready to move beyond basic spins and start building combinations.
Think less “I learned one trick” and more “Wait, I can actually put all of that together?”
Want to Work Toward Inversions?
If going upside down is one of your pole goals, Aerial Fifty Two offers classes designed to help you develop the strength, technique and body awareness needed for inversion work.
Inversions are not something you need to rush. Your instructor can help you determine when you are ready and what skills you should continue developing first.
And remember, progress in pole is not a race. Your first clean inversion will feel just as exciting whenever it happens.
Want to Get Stronger?
Pole is a skill, but it is also physical. Pole Conditioning gives you an opportunity to focus specifically on the strength and control that support your pole practice. If you find yourself thinking, “I know what I want to do, but my body is not quite cooperating yet,” conditioning can be a great addition to your schedule. It can help you work on the foundational strength required for skills, transitions and control on the pole.
You do not have to wait until you are struggling with a particular skill to try conditioning. It can be part of your regular Aerial Fifty Two training routine.
More Interested in Dancing Than Tricks?
We have you covered there too. Not everyone walks into a pole studio dreaming about their next trick. Some people are drawn to the movement, music, choreography and creative side of pole. If that sounds more like you, explore our flow and choreography-based classes.
Flow classes focus on connecting movement and creating sequences that feel smooth and intentional. Rather than focusing solely on whether you can execute a particular trick, you’ll explore how movements transition into one another. This is a great option if you want to work on musicality, movement quality and making your combinations feel more natural.
If you love music and want to explore the expressive side of movement, Flow State is worth trying. This class brings together pole, floorwork and choreography with a focus on musicality and expression.
You don’t have to consider yourself a dancer to enjoy it. You just need to be willing to move.
Looking for something with a little more attitude? Fierce Flow combines choreography, movement and pole in a way that encourages you to explore your own performance style. It is a great option for students who want to develop confidence in how they move rather than simply checking another trick off their list.
If you love floorwork and movement on the ground, FloorPlay could be your next obsession. You’ll explore floor movement, heel transitions and sensual combinations while staying grounded. It is a completely different way to experience flow and a great reminder that you don’t have to climb to have a challenging and creative class.
Want to Try Something Completely Different?
Intro to Aerials gives you an opportunity to experience aerial movement on the lyra while learning foundational shapes, movements and techniques. In this class you’ll also explore foundational shapes and movements while getting comfortable with the aerial silk hammock.
If you have completed the required introductory classes and your instructor has given you the go-ahead, you can continue into higher-level silk hammock or lyra classes.
And yes, you can be a pole student who also becomes an aerial student. In fact, we highly encourage trying something outside your usual routine.
If you are working toward better lines, mobility or specific flexibility goals, adding a flexibility class to your Aerial Fifty Two routine can help you develop another aspect of your movement practice.
Our Strictly Splits, Flex Appeal, and Flexy Back classes give you an opportunity to focus on mobility and flexibility outside of your regular pole class.
And no, you do not have to already be flexible to take a flexibility class. That’s kind of the point.
Aerial Fifty Two isn’t just about learning tricks. We have classes that allow you to build strength, work on conditioning, move to music, improve flexibility and explore different styles of movement.
If your main goal is fitness, you can build an Aerial Fifty Two schedule around conditioning and movement-based classes like Barre Crawl, Hard Core and Hot Mess.
The best workout is often the one you actually look forward to attending.
What If I Don’t Know What I Want Yet?
Honestly? That’s probably the most fun place to start. You don’t need to walk into Aerial Fifty Two with a five-year pole plan. Try Intro to Pole. Try a flow class when you’re ready. Take a flexibility class. Try out Lyra and silk hammock. Come to a PopUP class or workshop. You might discover that the thing you thought you’d love isn’t actually your thing, while the class you almost didn’t book becomes your new favourite.
That’s part of the A52 experience.
Your pole journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. One of the best things about pole is that there isn’t one correct way to do it. Some students fall in love with tricks. Some become flow fanatics. Some are here for the strength. Some discover aerials. Some love a little bit of everything. And some people come in thinking they are just going to try one class and somehow end up with a favourite instructor, a regular spot in their schedule and a growing list of skills they want to conquer.
Your journey is allowed to change. You might spend a few months focused on building strength and then become obsessed with choreography. You might discover that flexibility is what has been missing from your training. You might decide that Lyra is your new favourite thing.
There is no requirement to pick one lane.
Check out the current schedule, find a class that sounds like you and come see what all the fuss is about.
Stay positive, stay motivated, and we’ll dance with you soon,
Aerial Fifty Two
